October 2013
Published by the Region of Waterloo
Thumbs up for Rapid Transit ION, the Region’s rapid transit service, achieved a major milestone on July 10 when Regional Council voted in favour of joining the Metrolinx Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) contract with Bombardier, significantly improving the Region’s cost-savings while ensuring the best quality vehicle for Waterloo Region.
Introducing OneList Waterloo Region PAGE 2
More than 1,350 residents were welcomed at a community event hosted by the Region of Waterloo on July 13. Visitors stepped onto a mock-up of the LRV and had their picture taken in the driver’s seat. The event also featured a new Grand River Transit bus and information on transit-related initiatives shaping the future of Waterloo Region. The Region’s partnership with Metrolinx and Bombardier demonstrates that delivering a high quality transit service while ensuring value for local taxpayers continues to be the guiding principle for delivering rapid transit to Waterloo Region residents.
INSIDE
Representatives of all levels of government join Bombardier and Metrolinx to celebrate Council’s decision to purchase 14 LRT vehicles for ION LRT service. The $92.4 million LRV contract includes the purchase of 14 vehicles, tools and equipment as well as contingencies. The Region also has the option to purchase an additional 14 vehicles in the future.
ION light rail transit vehicles will include doors on both sides, 56 fixed seats and will be able to hold over 200 passengers. For all the latest ION news, visit www. regionofwaterloo.ca/rapidtransit.
Canada Learning Bond PAGE 2
GRT is connecting you PAGE 3
Shaping the future of our community Change is afoot. The Region of Waterloo is implementing a number of transportation, planning and economic initiatives that are fundamentally shaping the future of our community. These actions represent a coordinated and integrated approach to managing a growing population and ensuring the Region’s continued prosperity. Here are some of the highlights:
ION
ION, the Region’s rapid transit service, will connect the urban centres of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. It will not only address the Region’s future transportation needs, but also shape our community’s future. ION will help protect the environment, prevent urban sprawl, create attractive, livable, vibrant urban spaces in our central transit corridor, move people and reduce road requirements.
Grand River Transit (GRT)
GRT is working towards a greater coordination and integration of transportation services to get riders to the places they need to go and to support projected future growth. New GRT routes are being designed and current routes are being redesigned into a grid system to better intersect,
compliment and flow with ION – supporting a liveable, walkable community. GRT is also working to strengthen its existing service with the addition of more iXpress routes, with limited stops, real time next bus arrival times, and service every 10 minutes during rush hour.
development with residential, office and shopping components. The Transit Hub is intended to provide convenient amenities for travellers, while supporting the continued redevelopment of nearby properties.
Travelwise
The Region has developed a strategy that will help shape how our community is planned and built around the ION corridor. The Region and City staff are currently developing an implementation plan for the CBS that will help us identify priorities and strategies for moving ahead.
Travelwise is a program available to employers across the Region. Travelwise encourages residents and commuters to walk, cycle, carpool, or take transit more often by promoting and hosting services that match carpool partners, provide bulk discounts for Grand River Transit passes, and help pay for rides home from work in cases of emergency or sickness.
King/Victoria Transit Hub
The Region of Waterloo is planning for the construction of a transit hub at the corner of King and Victoria Streets in downtown Kitchener that will connect pedestrians, cyclists, GRT buses, GO and VIA trains, intercity buses, taxis, and cars with light rail transit. Construction is not expected for several years, but design concepts have been developed and new zoning is in place to permit a high-density landmark
Change the way you think about garbage PAGE 3
Community Building Strategy (CBS)
Regional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP)
The RTMP defines how our transportation system will grow and change in the coming decades. It will help shape policies and decisions to help the Region offer more travel choices to residents, and make sure our future transportation system is affordable and environmentally sustainable. In order to meet the targets set in the RTMP, the Region created a plan called Walk Cycle Waterloo Region to make it easier for residents and visitors to choose active transportation.
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
Tips for taking care of our air in Waterloo Region PAGE 4
Region supports low income families by promoting programs to change their children’s future The Region has teamed up with local banks and Service Canada to change the way low income families are accessing financial investments. The Canada Learning Bond is a federal program providing up to $2,000 per eligible child for postsecondary education. Last year, there were approximately 26,000 children in Waterloo Region who were eligible for the Canada Learning Bond. Unfortunately, this bond was reaching only one in five of these children, including only seven per cent of those on social assistance.
New Exhibit at the Waterloo Region Museum!
In May 2013 the Region hosted two Canada Learning Bond sessions to increase the number of children accessing the program by signing up more than 70 new children and providing valuable information to more than 163 families. “Through the Canada Learning Bond, families are able to positively change the course of their children’s lives and help them take a step out of poverty,” said David Dirks of the Region of Waterloo. For more information on the Canada Learning Bond, go to www.smartsaver.org.
Oct. 1 to Jan. 5, 2014 Explore and learn about the incredible wonder of trees through this interactive exhibit. A collaborative project of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.
Region prepares to meet changing affordable housing needs The Region of Waterloo is developing a new Community Action Plan for Housing People with Low to Moderate Incomes. The updated Plan will build on the successes the Region and its community partners have achieved with the existing plan by identifying current housing needs and barriers for households with low to moderate incomes, addressing changing housing needs in our growing community and helping us comply with new housing legislative requirements. The Region has already completed All Roads Lead to Home: the Homelessness to Housing Stability
Strategy for Waterloo Region, to address issues around homelessness. The development of the updated Housing Action Plan is occurring over five phases, with an emphasis on community consultation and engagement. For more information on the Plan and upcoming public consultation dates that are scheduled for this fall, please visit the website at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ housingplan.
Finding Early Learning and Child Care just got easier. Introducing OneList Waterloo Region The Region of Waterloo is pleased to offer OneList, an online centralized registry and waitlist that simplifies the process of applying for early learning and child care (ELCC). One List provides: • the ability to research different ELCC programs and the type of care offered; • maps of locations of ELCC programs close to your home or work; • the option to apply to any number of school board operated or licenced ELCC programs for multiple children at once; • information about fee subsidies and special needs resources; • access to change your application anywhere, anytime; and, • a highly secure website that ensures your privacy.
Get on OneList today! www.OneListWaterlooRegion.ca
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Grand River Transit is connecting you to what matters This fall, Grand River Transit (GRT) introduced the new 202 iXpress route which runs along University Avenue connecting The Boardwalk and Conestoga Mall. GRT riders are enjoying free trips on the 202 iXpress every Friday through to the end of December 2013. The 202 operates seven days a week with 15 minute service during the weekday rush hour and midday periods, and 30 minute service during off-peak hours. Other routes have also seen improvements including the 201 iXpress, Route 13, Route 9 and Route 35. These improvements include extended service on the 201 iXpress from the Columbia/ Phillip Street intersection to Conestoga Mall, the redesign of Route 13 Laurelwood to provide twoway service, extended evening service and the
Change the way you think about garbage It’s time to change the way we think about garbage. What we throw away is only garbage if we waste it. Recyclables can be made into new products. Green bin organics can be recycled into compost, and used to feed the soil of our local farms. But everything that goes into our landfill is wasted. A new Waste Management Master Plan study is in progress. Staff are looking at different ways to manage our waste, and ways to recover more of the resources in our garbage. Residents will always play a critical role in choosing to sort into the blue box and green bin instead of garbage. Instead of looking at your garbage as a waste, change your perspective and make the choice to recycle, and feed the green bin. Feed the soil, not the landfill!
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Did you know? Residents now have an additional choice to help them green bin. Line your green bin with a homemade paper liner, paper bags, or a certified compostable liner bag (it must have one of the certified compostable logos below).
addition of Sunday service on the Route 35, and increased service on the midday Route 9 Lakeshore between the University of Waterloo and Parkside Drive at Cedarbrae Avenue from 30 minutes to 15 minutes to improve schedule reliability and reduce over-crowding. Overall, these changes represent approximately 48,000 hours of added service for our riders! GRT is also working towards the implementation of a Smart Card system which will change how riders pay for public transit in the region. This new electronic transit fare system will allow users to swipe one card to pay their fare whether they ride by bus or light rail. The Smart Card offers a more consistent, seamless and integrated fare system for transit across Waterloo Region helping to connect you to what matters. Visit www.grt.ca for details.
American Airlines Vacations now available from YKF One online booking tool for your flight, hotel and car rental! Imagine completing your travel arrangements in just a few clicks, using a single website. As a worldrenowned leader in the vacation travel industry, American Airlines Vacations is devoted to making your next trip easy and enjoyable. AAvacations. com is your one-stop shop to book all of your travel needs from the Region of Waterloo International Airport for your next getaway. You can now view options based on your personal preferences, and customize the best package for your individual needs. As an added bonus, AAdvantageÂŽ members earn bonus miles each time they book a trip online at AAVacations.com and complete travel. For more information, visit www.aavacations.com.
COUNCIL CONTACTS REGIONAL CHAIR Ken Seiling kseiling@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4585 (R) COUNCILLORS CAMBRIDGE Jane Brewer jbrewer@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3402 (R) 519-653-3315 (H) Doug Craig dcraig@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3404 (R) 519-740-4517 Ext. 4215 (W) Claudette Millar cmillar@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3408 (R) 519-621-7202 (H) KITCHENER Tom Galloway tgalloway@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3401 (R) 519-578-2112 (H) Jean Haalboom jhaalboom@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3406 (R) 519-748-1508 (H) Geoff Lorentz glorentz@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3413 (R) 519-741-1494 (H) Jim Wideman jwideman@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3409 (R) 519-576-5150 (H) Carl Zehr czehr@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3403 (R) 519-741-2300 (W) NORTH DUMFRIES Rob Deutschmann rdeutschmann@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3407 (R) 519-621-0340 (W) WATERLOO Brenda Halloran bhalloran@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3400 (R) 519-747-8700 (W) Jane Mitchell jmitchell@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3411 (R) 519-886-9626 (H) Sean Strickland sstrickland@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3414 (R) 519-503-0613 (C)
Taking care of our air in Waterloo Region – Tips for everyone Smog and poor air quality can occur year round. Most of the air pollution that we live with on a day-to-day basis is created by transportation and industry, through the production of vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. Major residential sources of air pollution include personal vehicles and home energy use. Other residential sources of air pollution include lawn equipment, wood burning, and consumer products. People with heart or lung problems, older adults, and children are at increased heath risk when smog and air pollution levels are high. Health risks may also be increased for healthy people, particularly those who work and exercise outdoors. Waterloo Region residents can take personal actions on smog days and throughout the year to reduce their contribution to local smog and air pollution by: • • • •
Reducing your vehicle use by walking, cycling, using public transit, or carpooling. Driving cleaner by keeping your car tuned, keeping tires inflated, driving speed limits and never idling more than 10 seconds. Reducing home energy use by adjusting the thermo stat, turning off lights and appliances. Choosing more efficient appliances – The EnerGuide labels rate the energy efficiency of appliances. The lower the number or consumption rating, the less energy the appliance uses. You can also replace an old oil or gas furnace with a
Region provides grant for innovative solar house
WELLESLEY Ross Kelterborn rkelterborn@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3410 (R) 519-699-4611 (W) WILMOT Les Armstrong lesarmstrong@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3412 (R) 226-748-8971(C) WOOLWICH Todd Cowan tcowan@regionofwaterloo.ca 519-575-4404 Ext. 3405 (R) 519-669-0591 (H) General Fax for Council 519-575-4048 TTY: 519-575-4608 W-work R-region H-home C-cell
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high efficiency model. Reducing wood burning – If you burn wood, choose low emission equipment that is EPA certified or CSA approved and burn only clean, dry, well-seasoned wood. Consider switching to a natural gas fireplace, which has much lower emissions than the most efficient wood stoves. Reducing use of gas-powered lawn equipment – Consider the use of a push lawn mower, a rake or electric-powered equipment instead. Using air friendly consumer products – Limit the use of aerosol sprays, oil-based paints, pesticides and solvents.
If you are considering a recreational outdoor fire, remember to check your local by-laws and be considerate of your neighbours. Never burn when a smog advisory or a fire ban is in effect and burn only clean, dry, well-seasoned wood. Never burn garbage, plastics, treated wood, particle board, plywood, or glossy magazines (they release toxic chemicals into the air). For more information on the health effects of wood smoke, go to: http://bit.ly/1e61JfT To learn more about air quality, its effects on health, what you can do to reduce your risk, and how you can contribute to improving our air quality, go to www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ph and click on Air Quality.
Are you customer service focused? Why not become a GRT bus driver?
Being a Grand River Transit (GRT) bus operator is about safe driving and customer service. GRT is looking for bus operators who are customer service focused and enjoy interacting with the public. The Region’s Community Environmental Fund provided a sustainability grant to rare Charitable Research Reserve to help with their North House project. The recently completed building involved re-constructing an award winning pre-fabricated solar house which was designed by University of Waterloo architecture and engineering students. Nestled in the quaint Blair Village Heritage District, North House demonstrates a green housing model that makes sustainable living attractive and rewarding. The combination of passive and active solar design, integrated energy production, customized components and mobile interactive technologies, produces a modern high performance home that sets a new standard for solar design in Canada’s northern climate. Tours are available: see www.raresites.org or call Katherine at 519-650-9336 ext. 124.
GRT has expanded the criteria for applicants interested in a career as a GRT Bus Operator. In addition to accepting applications from individuals with a Class BZ and CZ license, the Region is now accepting applications from drivers with a Class G license who are eligible to obtain a BZ license. The Region will cover the cost of upgrading from a Class G to a Class BZ license for qualified applicants who meet requirements.
www.regionofwaterloo.ca
We will be hiring bus operators this fall. Visit the Careers section of our websites at www.regionofwateroo.ca or www.grt.ca for details coming soon.