The launch of ION service in Waterloo Region was a notable accomplishment from last year.
Regional Chair Karen Redman said it was not a small feat, “that was 20 years of planning and it’s one of only four successfully running LRT systems in Canada, we are really proud of that.”
She said moving forward they continue to invest in projects to improve the region’s transportation network including a ten year investment to create 580 km of active transportation infrastructure, and the persistence to bring two-way all-day GO train service to the region.
Redman also noted some challenges that the region faced last year and still faces this year.
“As we look to the future, we are full of excitement and optimism. But we are also profoundly aware that some of our citizens could be left behind.”
She said they are continuing to work on initives to deal with the affordable housing and opioid crisis.
“The opioid crisis is an ongoing, complex issue that we need all partners to join with us on,” she said. Back in October, the region made a move to open a Consumption and Treatment Services Site on Duke Street in Kitchener. Since it was opened, staff at the clinic have reversed dozens of overdoses and connected hundreds of people with health services.
In terms of the affordable housing crisis, Redman noted a recent move by council that saw the approval of a $247 million plan to help create 600 new affordable housing units.
The state of the region address also focused on some continuing environmental efforts in the region.
“We are working with municipal partners and organizations like Sustainable Waterloo Region and Green Solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.”
Redman said they are also working hard to divert waste from out landfills with the continued investment recycling and organic waste programs. So far we have achieved a 65 per cent diversion rate in 2019, which is the highest in the region’s history and one of the best in Ontario.
