FAQs

The High-Performance Development Standards, hereinafter referred to as the “HPDS”, is the new design standard that will apply to development applications submitted in the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and the (ideally) Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich.  

Buildings are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the Region and the HPDS demonstrates a commitment to improving the energy performance of new buildings. The HPDS will further allow the Region to progress towards the target of reducing 80% of GHG emissions by 2050 (TransformWR).

The HPDS aligns with existing policies and directions in Official Plans, Sustainability Checklists, and Urban Design Guidelines. The HPDS will also include new policies and support the Region’s efforts towards the energy transition that is centred around market, policy, and infrastructure integration. It will ensure that sustainable and energy related standards are all in one convenient location to support widespread adoption.   

Yes, other municipalities in Ontario have a High-Performance Development Standard (or equivalent) that prioritize sustainability and resiliency in new buildings. The below table represents other standards implemented:  

We are planning to have a first draft of the HPDS completed by Fall 2024, a second draft by Spring of 2025, and the final HPDS (ready for implementation) by Spring 2026. During the draft periods, we will continue to engage the community and interested stakeholders and make necessary adjustments to support a well-informed approach. We understand that this is something that will change the way development happens in the community and we want to take the necessary steps to ensure that this is a streamlined process.  

Applications submitted after the in-effect date (which will be after Spring 2026) must comply with the mandatory Tier 1 requirements that are applicable to the specific application types and land uses prescribed. The HPDS requirements will “increase” every few years and the subsequent tier will become mandatory to support the shift towards Net Zero (like Toronto Green Standards).  

Reducing GHG emissions and committing to more sustainable practices is a priority across the Region. In support of this, the HPDS are expected to be completed within a period of three years. Although some municipalities may be able to act quicker, we are innovating in a few key ways including developing one of the first harmonized standards in Ontario. This means that the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and (ideally) the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich will have the same standards.  

Engaging with various municipalities, stakeholders, residents, and community members, and developing the first real set of rural HPDS prolongs the process because it takes time to properly engage stakeholders. We are also exploring innovative engagement approaches with our Local Distribution Companies (LDCs)(electric and gas utilities). 

We want to ensure that the HPDS aligns with the varying interests of the communities, is relevant to the Region, and supports a transformative shift. Simply adopting a HPDS program implemented in another area of Ontario would not be suitable because their metrics would have been designed to support that specific area and include feedback from their engaged stakeholders, and not the Region of Waterloo. HPDS is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach and must be localized to each area. 

We recognize the ongoing efforts to create housing affordability and understand the need to build more homes faster. The HPDS are not designed to make homes less affordable but rather encourage cost-savings long-term. The initial startup costs to build Net Zero will be greater compared to a conventional home. However, the cost savings are evident. 

The HPDS will not necessarily replace other in-effect policies. The HPDS is intended to support and streamline the objectives directed at sustainability and resilience and will serve as a design standard with both voluntary and mandatory requirements.  

Potential tools and opportunities are currently being explored to support this transition process within the industry and municipalities

The next edition of the harmonized Ontario Building Code (OBC) was filed in April 2024 but will not come into effect until January 1, 2025. WRCE has been following these changes closely to understand the impact to the HPDS process. The current vision is to align the HPDS with the OBC where possible and applicable.

Training will be provided to all municipal staff to ensure consistency and compliance. Development industry training will also be integrated into the implementation strategy. We will be working with our LDC partners (electric and gas utilities) to support monitoring and tracking. Specific dates will be provided later in the process.