Your Region Pod

In May, Regional Council approved a Corporate Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases our organization emits. This plan is part of a larger community strategy called TransformWR, and the goal is to cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. On this episode of Your Region Pod we look at the challenges we face in reducing the local effects of climate change and the important role municipalities play in reducing harmful emissions. We hear from Dr. Sarah Burch, a professor at the University of Waterloo and the Executive Director of the Waterloo Climate Institute. Tova Davidson joins us as well, she is the Executive Director at Sustainable Waterloo Region, an organization that helps businesses see the cost benefits of environmental sustainability. Meaghan Eastwood, Manager of Planning and Sustainability at the Region of Waterloo and a member of Climate Action Waterloo Region, shares a few examples of what the Region is doing to reduce emissions. Visit the Region's 2024 yearbook to learn more. Check out our newsletter, Around the Region,  for more news and stories about how we are addressing climate change. And... if you haven't already, listen to our Meet the Pollinators episode to learn about out how some of the smallest creatures have a big role to play in keeping life on this planet healthy.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

Okay, so you may not enjoy the company of bees, but they're vital for plant reproduction and biodiversity. Without bees and other pollinating species, a significant portion of our global food supply would be in jeopardy. On the latest episode of Your Region Pod we take a look at the top three pollinators in Waterloo Region (you may be surprised!), what our community partners are doing to help them get where they need to go, and how you can as well.   Vicki Wojcik, the Executive Director for Pollinator Partnership Canada joins us to help us identify who these pollinators are. Spoiler: It's not just bees. Dr. Jennifer Leat from Waterloo Region Nature talks about the pollinator roadside program.Brydon Rayner, the Region's expert on forestry and horticulture shares his insights on ideal habitats for pollinators.Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region  for news and stories on how The Region is becoming one of the best places to live in Canada.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

What does it mean to belong? On this episode of Your Region Pod, we look at how belonging benefits the whole community. The idea for this episode came out of a symposium called “Forward Together: Activating Change, Amplifying Belonging." The event, hosted by the Immigration Partnership, Children and Youth Planning Table, and the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, brought together community members and organizations who work with individuals and groups who are often excluded and face barriers to opportunities that many of us take for granted. We speak with some of the participants, and learn what the Region is doing to help through the Upstream fund.Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region  for news and stories on how The Region is becoming one of the best places to live in Canada.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | FacebookSend us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

The Region of Waterloo museums are making sure our littlest citizens are given a sense of belonging from a very young age. February marks the one year anniversary of the opening of the Discovery Space, a play-based learning environment at Schneider Haus where children can unleash their creativity. The space is complete with soundscapes that encourage focus and relaxation. Sam and Sherry take a visit to the space to get creative and learn more about the benefits it has for children.The Discovery Space is located in the Schneider Haus museum on 466 Queen St South, in Kitchener. You can find out more about the Discovery Space here:https://regionofwaterloomuseums.ca/en/visit/discovery-space.aspxBe sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region  for news and stories on how The Region is becoming one of the best places to live in Canada.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

Did you know that The Region has a digestive system? There are 13 of them, and they work a lot like our bodies. Not only do they clean the water that gets discharged into the river (the equivalent of 3,600 backyard pools A DAY), but they recover nutrients and use them in a more beneficial way. Sherry and Sam recently took a tour behind the scenes with Dominika Celmer-Repin, a senior engineer in Water Services and we learned a lot, including the strangest things they've ever found in the collection system. There's a reason they educate residents on what not to flush!You can find out more about The Region Water and Waste program here: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/water-and-wastewater.aspxBe sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region  for news and stories on how The Region is becoming one of the best places to live in Canada.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!

In this episode of Your Region Pod, we take on the Zero-Waste Challenge. Every October, residents of Waterloo Region to try to fit their single-use waste into a mason jar for 7, 14, or 30 days. We decided to take the 7 day challenge, and found that changing our habits wasn't easy. Listen to find out how we did, and to get some tips on how to reduce your contribution to the landfill.  Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region  for news and stories on how The Region is becoming one of the best places to live in Canada.Check the links from our contributors to find out more.Reep Green Solutions; Reep Green Solutions – Reep Green Solutions is an environmental charity that helps people live sustainably.GreenHouse: https://www.instagram.com/ucgreenhouse/Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre: https://www.instagram.com/wisc_uw/United College: https://www.instagram.com/unitedcollegeuw/University of Waterloo Sustainability Office: https://www.instagram.com/uwsustainable/You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!

On this episode of Your Region Pod, we are looking at Community Safety Zones. What are they, why are they needed, and how are they enforced? The reality is that more kids than ever are being driven to school because parents no longer feel safe letting their kids walk, or ride their bikes. This has everything to do with the number of cars, and high rates of speed. In a sense, more cars have begotten more cars. In response to this, The Region is creating Community Safety Zones in areas with higher pedestrian volumes. To help guide us through the program we invited Valerie Smith, Director of Road Safety and Safe Mobility Programs at Parachute Canada. Leslie Maxwell from Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region. We also bring back Doug Spooner, the Interim Commissioner for Transportation Services here at The Region of Waterloo. We hope you enjoy the episode, and we'd love to know what you think. You can find us on our socials below.Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo | Kitchener, Ontario | Instagram photos and videos FB: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region on our website.Send us an email!

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. Check out our monthly newsletter Making Decisions The Matter on our website to learn more about these decisions and others that impact our community.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!

It's been a busy Summer - and in case you missed it - in this episode we recap the decisions made at Regional Council: General Contractor to create 136-unit affordable housing in Cambridge Bike lanes coming to Benton and Frederick Streets New paramedic station coming to Cambridge Cart-based waste collection for downtown businesses Region of Waterloo investing $225,000 in local festivals and events Region of Waterloo pledges funds to support e-sports event  Region to receive $18M in infrastructure funds Council endorses rail link from Cambridge to Guelph  Region to review its Taxi By-lawCheck 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 SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!

Have you ever been sitting on the bus, or ION, and wondered what goes into your daily commute? Who are the people who get you to your destination, and what has to happen to get you there on time?  In this episode of #YourRegionPod, ride along with Sherry and Sam as they take you behind the scenes of public transit. We'll meet the people who make it happen, and hear their stories. Like what made September 5, 2023 so unforgettable, and how it could happen again. Tune in to find out!Get Your Region Pod anywhere you stream your podcasts. Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!

In Part 2 of our series on chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region, we explore the three main causes of homelessness through two voices - criminologist Dr. Erin Dej from Wilfrid Laurier, and Marjorie, an advocate who's lived through it, and now helps those who are struggling. This episode is a helpful reminder that in order to prevent and end chronic homelessness, we must look beyond the individual and relational factors to the bigger issues that we can all have a role in addressing. Get Your Region Pod anywhere you stream your podcasts. Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!

It's been a busy June - and in case you missed it - in this episode we recap the decisions made at Regional Council: Fischer-Hallman/Bearinger Road improvements start in July Victoria Street design alternative will improve cycling facilities Council creating more efficiencies in housing development process Council supports six entrepreneurial initiatives  Council supports 16 stewardship and sustainability projects Council supports 10 major arts and culture organizations  Council calls on province for funding to address substance use and harms Independent consultant to review Council remuneration, with public input  Region requesting inclusion in federal wastewater surveillance programCheck 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 SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us a Text Message.

Chronic homelessness is growing across The Region, and it has reached a crisis point for many communities across the country. In Waterloo Region, it is estimated to have increased at a rate of 28 percent, year-over-year since 2020. Why is this happening? And what are we doing about it? Your Region Pod  is working on a series that explores the history behind long term homelessness, the causes, and the plan to end it. What does it mean for our community, and what will it take to achieve this goal?We will hear from the people who have experienced homelessness, the academics who study it, and the key players who are working to address the crisis here in The Region. Our first episode, The State of Chronic Homelessness in The Region. How did we get here?  will try to provide some context on how we got here.  Get Your Region Pod anywhere you stream your podcasts. Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us a Text Message.

Among the decisions made at Regional Council this month:Council approves Plan to End Chronic Homelessness Region creates opportunities for culturally responsive child care Grand River Transit reinstates late night transit service for students Yearbook shares progress on community prioritiesCouncil approves contractor for Bleams Road improvements Region extends lower speed on Swan Street in North DumfriesRegion to hire project manager to work on MobilityPLUS scheduling upgrades Region to consider truck ban in downtown Ayr due to community concernsCheck 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 SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

The Neuron Mobility program is back for users in Waterloo Region who rely on it – and it's benefiting the rest of the community too.  In this episode of Your Region Pod, we explore the success of the e-scooter and e-bike sharing program, and how the Region is working with its partners to connect greener ways of getting around. Riders can download Neuron's mobile app from the App Store or Google Play and get set up to ride in a matter of minutes. The app can also be used to locate available vehicles. For more information on the program, visit www.rideneuron.com/canada. For rules for riding and how-to-ride information, visit scootsafe.com and select Waterloo Region. Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

Among the decisions made at Regional Council this month:Action on affordable housingProperty tax changes to help support affordable rental unitsRegion's drinking water scores high in provincial safety standardsRegion to study drug use and overdoseCheck 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 SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

Starting this month, the Region of Waterloo will no longer collect recyclables through the blue box program. These changes are happening behind the scenes, so you likely won't notice, but you may be wondering why. In this episode we answer this question and examine the benefits. We also look into the emerging concept of holding producers responsible for the lifecycle of the packaging they sell, and how we can recycle more responsibly. We talk to a local business and people on the street about the waste they generate. All of this comes from a need to divert waste from the landfill, and ensure sustainable growth for our community. You can find out more about the changes to the blue box program in our newsletter, Around the Region.  Subscribe to the newsletter so you don't miss an edition.  Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

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; andRehabilitation 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 SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts 

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 SpotifyiTunes: 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 | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn YouTube: Region of Waterloo Council - YouTube

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 SpotifyiTunes: 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 | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn YouTube: Region of Waterloo Council - YouTube

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 SpotifyiTunes: 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 | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn 

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 growthThe 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 CambridgeRegional 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 CambridgeRegional 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 SpotifyiTunes: 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 | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn YouTube: Region of Waterloo Council - YouTube

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. She is a former airplane and helicopter pilot and is internationally recognized within the aviation industry. https://uwaterloo.ca/sustainable-aeronautics/profiles/suzanne-kearns https://wwfc.ca/ Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Google: Your Region Pod on GoogleAmazon: Your Region Pod on AmazonWe want to hear from you! X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo | Kitchener, Ontario | Instagram p

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 yearsVoyago 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 schoolsIn 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 galleriesThe 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 SpotifyiTunes: 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 | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn YouTube: Region of Waterloo Council - YouTube

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 Or subscribe and download from wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts:Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Amazon: Your Region Pod Podcast on Amazon Music Podcast Addict: Your Region Pod • Podcast AddictPodchaser: Your Region Pod - Government Podcast | PodchaserWe 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) Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo | Kitchener, Ontario | Instagram photos and videos FB: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn