Your Region Pod – Details, episodes & analysis

With a growing waitlist for housing, it's never been more critical to build affordable homes in our community. This summer, the first-ever Housing Summit was hosted in Waterloo Region with the purpose of creating home grown solutions for accessible housing, and we decided to cover the event for Your Region Pod. 

At the Summit, local government connected with housing providers, developers, community leaders, and visionaries. Participants showed up to exchange ideas on how to plan, fund, and build affordable homes. They also took the opportunity to explore some pretty innovative solutions to help get shovels in the ground.

On this episode, we hear from the participants and learn what is possible. It was a fascinating day. We hope that our coverage of this event provides some insight on the complexities of the issue, and more about the solutions that are being explored. 

You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

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It's been a busy Summer - and in case you missed it - in this episode we recap the decisions made at Regional Council:

1.  General Contractor to create 136-unit affordable housing in Cambridge
2.  Bike lanes coming to Benton and Frederick Streets
3.  New paramedic station coming to Cambridge
4.  Cart-based waste collection for downtown businesses
5.  Region of Waterloo investing $225,000 in local festivals and events
6.  Region of Waterloo pledges funds to support e-sports event 
7.  Region to receive $18M in infrastructure funds
8.  Council endorses rail link from Cambridge to Guelph 
9.  Region to review its Taxi By-law

Check out our monthly newsletter Making Decisions The Matter on our website to learn more about these decisions and others that impact our community.

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

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Among the decisions made at Regional Council this month:

• Extension to River Road;
• Using Regional land and buildings to develop child care spaces;
• Additional funding for arts and culture; and
• Rehabilitation design for historic bridge.

Check out the podcast to learn more about these decisions and others that impact our community.

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

Send us an email!

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Music has the power to take us back to a time, or place, in our lives that makes us feel good.  At the Region of Waterloo’s Community Alzheimer Program (CAP), it is a powerful tool for people living with dementia.  In this episode, we meet program participants, their families, and learn how the power of song is enhancing lives. 

We will also meet two of the people leading this service.  At the heart of the program is music therapist, Chris Riccomini who has worked for the Region for the past 15 years. We will also meet Bethany Galbraith, a Family Support Coordinator for CAP.  Chris and Beth bring a level of dedication, and inspiration, to this program that cannot be understated, and deserves to be shared.

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

We want to hear from you! 

• X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) 
• Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo | Kitchener, Ontario | Instagram photos and videos 
• FB: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook
• Linkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn 
• YouTube: Region of Waterloo Council - YouTube

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Not everyone has 3 hours to watch Regional of Waterloo Council sessions. So twice a month Chevon brings you the highlights to help you stay up to date on the decisions that matter to your community. On Jan 24th, 2024 Council approved the following initiatives:

New hybrid buses will give residents affordable, climate-friendly transit Regional Council is investing $43.2 million in 36 new hybrid buses to grow and modernize Grand River Transit’s fleet. The buses will be ordered now and delivered in early 2025.  These buses will help GRT expand service in response to record ridership, as well as replace older vehicles. All new GRT buses are either hybrid or electric, instead of diesel.   

Region will explore more sites for affordable housing projects More Region-owned sites will be considered for affordable housing projects, including parking lots, vacant properties, and redeveloped buildings. Regional Council has directed staff to report back on possible locations and project concepts, including potential partners.

New transit station for Conestoga College Regional Council has approved plans to build a new Grand River Transit station at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus in Kitchener. The new bus platforms and heated shelters will improve the customer experience for Conestoga students, staff and the neighbouring community. The project is set to finish at the end of 2026.   

Moving forward with upgrades for Doon Heritage Village Doon Heritage Village is moving forward with major site upgrades that will increase accessibility and ensure year-round programming for residents. These upgrades mean heat in the buildings can switch from carbon-emitting oil and propane fuels to modern electric heat.  Doon Heritage Village is an open-air museum located at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and shows life in the early 1900s. 

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

We want to hear from you! 

• X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) 
• Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo | Kitchener, Ontario | Instagram photos and videos 
• FB: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Faceboo

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What happens when there is an emergency in the Region? A storm, blizzard, or flood can have a huge impact on our community. Enter the Emergency Management Office or EMO. The EMO is responsible for maintaining the Regional Emergency Response Plan and coordinating the community response to emergencies. That means that the EMO has to plan - and drill - for any number of scenarios. Blizzards, floods, fires, and power outages are among the top ten.

However, what are some of the other scenarios we could face? We decided to have a bit of fun... What if an object fell from space (or landed?) in the Region. How would we respond?  It seems far-fetched (because it is), but objects do occasionally fall out of orbit. 

In this episode we find out how you can develop the muscle memory to make sure you are prepared for an emergency. You can also visit www.AlertWR.ca to learn more about these programs to help prepare you and your family for an emergency.

In this episode we’re joined by:

Eric Choi, Aerospace Engineer
An aerospace engineer by training, Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering, from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from York University. Eric has worked on a number of space projects including QEYSSat (Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite), the Meteorological (MET) payload on the Phoenix Mars Lander, the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station, the RADARSAT‑1 Earth-observation satellite, and the MOPITT (Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere) payload on the Terra satellite. Eric is also an award winning Science Fiction Author, and you can learn more about his work at https://www.aerospacewriter.ca/

Lauren Hebert, Emergency Management Advisor is a member of the Emergency Management team at the Region of Waterloo as an Emergency Management Advisor & Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC). 

Ryan Maeck is also a key member of the Emergency Management team at the Region of Waterloo as an Emergency Management Advisor & Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC). The EMO is responsible for preparing the Regional Government to respond to, and recover from large community emergencies.

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

We want to hear from you! 

• X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) 
• Instagram:

Send us an email!

Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

Not everyone has 3 hours to watch Regional of Waterloo Council sessions. So once a month Chevon will bring you the highlights and help you stay up to date on the decisions that matter to your community.

On Dec 13th, 2023 Council approved the following initiatives:

Approved 2024 Plan and Budget makes critical investments to meet growth

The Region of Waterloo is investing $2.1 billion in 2024 to maintain and expand vital services necessary for the community to grow to a million people in the coming years. The total 2024 operating and capital budget for Regional services, including costs for Waterloo Region Police Services, is $2.1 billion, which represents a tax rate impact of 6.9%. This amounts to an annual increase of $165 for an average property, or $13.76 per month. Learn more about the coming year’s key investments in the Region’s budget book.

Council approves south terminal location for ION in Cambridge

Regional Council has approved the Ainslie Street Grand River Transit terminal as the south terminal location for Stage 2 ION in Cambridge. The decision was based on many criteria, including access to existing and prospective employment areas, efficiency of travel using the LRT and bus network such as trip time and number of transfers, and cost. Stage 2 ION will support alternative options to cars, helps build community and supports the construction of housing in areas that are close to jobs, services and amenities.

Capital grant supports more affordable homes in Cambridge

Regional Council approved $1.96 million in funding to Community Living Cambridge to support the creation of 20 affordable homes for adults with developmental disabilities. The units at 160-162 Hespeler Road will be in a congregate setting with full-time supports and services, rented at a cost of $538 per month. The grant was awarded through a request for proposal process and funded through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI). The Regional Affordable Housing RFP is an important tool that provides an opportunity for the community to identify solutions in response to housing needs.

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

We want to hear from you! 

• X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) 
• Instagram:

Send us an email!

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Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

For many of us here in The Region of Waterloo, YKF is a convenient place to fly in and out of. In fact, the airport has become so popular that the number of passengers flying out of YKF is projected to reach 1 million in the coming years.

However, YKF is more than a convenient travel hub, it is an engine for innovation, it connects our local economy to the global economy, and it creates jobs.  In this episode, we explore the advantages that YKF brings to the Region, and we’ll even look at the potential for the airport to help address climate change.

Joining us on this episode:

• Rod Regier, Commissioner, Planning, Development & Legislative Services, Region of Waterloo
  Rod is responsible for planning the future growth of our community and creating strategies to support our continued prosperity. This includes the operation of the Region of Waterloo International Airport, the Region's museums and libraries and the management of Regional Forests, as well as oversight of the Regional Official Plan.
  https://www.waterlooairport.ca/
  @regierr 
   
• Scott Gray, CEO of Avidrone
  Since 2007, AVIDRONE Aerospace has been maturing and developing some of the world’s best UAV technologies. AVIDRONE was founded on over 20 years of National and World Championship winning experience, combined with thousands of commercial flight operation missions, and a veteran team of highly motivated innovators in high-tech automation excellence.
  https://www.avidroneaerospace.com/2018/01/15/avidrone-cicer-one/
   
• Dr. Suzanne Kearns, University of Waterloo
  Dr. Kearns is an aviation academic with a focus on education and improving pilot performance. Her research explores how to optimize the next generation of aviation professionals (NGAP) by analyzing processes to attract people to the field of aviation.  An accomplished educator both in the classroom and through electronic courseware, she has taught thousands of aviation professionals worldwide.
   https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainable-aeronautics/profiles/suzanne-kearns https://wwfc.ca/
  
  

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

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Not everyone has 3 hours to watch Regional of Waterloo Council sessions. So twice a month Chevon will bring you the highlights and help you stay up to date on the decisions that matter to your community. 

On Nov 22nd, 2023 Council approved the following initiatives:

BusPlus services renewed for two more years
Voyago has been given the green light for a two-year contract extension to continue providing GRT BusPlus service. Not aware of BusPlus? Picture this: smaller vehicles navigating new routes and areas with lighter ridership.

Eight new hybrid and electric buses
Council approved the acquisition of eight brand-new hybrid and electric buses from Nova Bus Inc. Grand River Transit is on a green journey, and has been shifting gears since 2020 when the Region began shifting to zero-emission vehicles.

Lower speed limits for schools
In 2022, the Region tested lower speed limits from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and found they did result in lower speeds. To help improve road safety for students and all road users, the new permanent speed limits will apply school zones all day, every day.

Council advocates for speedier cases in court
Council will contact the Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General to shine a spotlight on the shortage of judges and how it’s impacting local residents. 
 
Region of Waterloo adopts refreshed Vision, Mission and Values statements
The Region of Waterloo is rolling out  our updated Vision, Mission, and Core Values. These statements were refreshed as part of Growing with care, the Region’s new Strategic Plan.

More support for local public art galleries
The Region of Waterloo is offering more support for our local art galleries through grant programs.  Local art galleries will now be able to access Regional arts and culture funding to support their operating budgets.

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 
• Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on Spotify
• iTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

We want to hear from you! 

• X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) 
• Instagram:

Send us an email!

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It probably comes as no surprise that bottled water is one of the fastest rising beverage sectors in the world. But how does it compare to the stuff coming out of our taps here in the region? Can you taste the difference? In this episode we sit down with Water Sommelier, Christina Li who sheds some light on the difference between the bottled water, and the water from your tap.

Which led us to wonder... where does our tap water come from here at the Region and how is it managed?

To answer those questions we had a chat with Mari MacNeil, the Director of Water and Wastewater Services, and Dan Meagher,  a Supervisor for the Source Water Protection Program at the Region of Waterloo.

We also sat down with Dr Mark Servos. Dr. Servos is a professor and Canada research chair in water quality protection. His research group works closely with the Region of Waterloo to explore a variety of issues related to predicting and managing the risk of human activities on our aquatic ecosystems.

In the end, we find out that where our water comes from here at The Region, and how we manage this essential resource isn't as dry a topic as we think. *Pun intended.

Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: 

• Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com 

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We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast, and what other topics you would like us to cover. You can reach us at this email or through one of our social media links below.

• X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) 
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