Help us create a sustainable Waterloo!

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback about creating a sustainable service delivery framework for our assets (i.e., facilities, roads, parks, trails and water service infrastructure). Watching our infrastructure fall into complete disrepair or leaving the decision to the next generation is not prudent and will impact our quality of life. There will be tough choices ahead and your valued input will assist us in future planning and decision-making.

Background

Throughout 2019, we asked residents to provide their input on Waterloo's infrastructure services and funding levels through an engagement/consultation campaign that included surveys as well as open houses. On Nov. 18, 2019, staff presented council with a report outlining the results of the public engagement and next steps. Three key findings of the public engagement campaign included:

• overall satisfaction with the current performance of city assets is high;
• investment in green infrastructure assets is considered important; and
• increasing infrastructure funding is important.

The financial implications related to these key insights will be addressed through the 2020 to 2022 budget (operating and capital) process and the long term financial plan which will be released to council and the public on Dec. 9, 2019. The 2020 to 2022 budget will include increased infrastructure reinvestment proposed to be funded through tax increases above inflation, through a portion of Waterloo North Hydro dividend revenue being directed to the capital infrastructure reinvestment reserve fund and a proposed increase to preventative maintenance activities.

Learn more

To learn more about the current state of our asset inventory view the 2018 asset management report cards we've prepared for transportation, our facilities, water distribution, stormwater and sanitary/sewer, parking and city fleet assets.