As part of the Region of Waterloo's strategic plan for 2007-2010 an Environmental Sustainability Strategy has been developed. This strategy will enable the Region to enhance and protect the environment by "embracing environmental considerations in all its decisions." A key principle in this strategy is the need to ensure all plans and operations strive to achieve the optimal balance between the environment, the financial capacity of the Region and the needs of the community both economic and societal which will better enable current and future generations to achieve a high quality of life. For more information on the strategy and progress updates please click here.

Interested in finding out how you can reduce your impact on the environment?

To participate in one of our waste reduction programs, to find out more about our composting programs, to learn about our environmental management system or find out how we deal with methane gas, please visit the Waste Management section.

Protecting the environment is high on the list of priorities for Water Services. Check out what we are doing to protect our water resources now and for the future, as well as the Sewer Use Bylaw and Spills Response Protocol. Follow the links to learn more about your water supply.

The Environmental Planning function involves evaluating the impact of proposed development and public infrastructure projects on the natural environment, carrying out ecological field studies, and developing environmental policy. Environmental Stewardship functions include the planning and management of the Regional forest tracts, technical support for the administration of the Tree By-law, support for the community groups developing and maintaining the Kissing Bridge Trailway, and providing advice on environmental stewardship to landowners and other agencies.

For further information please contact:

Chris Gosselin, Manager, Environmental Planning 519-575-4501, gchris@region .waterloo.on.ca or
Albert Hovingh, Environmental and Stewardship Planner, at 519-575-4533, halbert@region.waterloo.on.ca

The Region places a high value on protecting significant natural areas. Some initiatives related to the natural environment are:

Environmentally Sensitive Policy Areas: An ESPA is a natural area that is designated in the Regional Official Policies Plan. Some proposed activities or development within or near to an ESPA require approval by the Region. For a list of ESPA's please contact: Andrea Banks at bandrea@region.waterloo.on.ca

Ecological and Environmental Advisory Committee: EEAC is a committee of volunteers with environmental expertise who advise the Region in the review of development applications relating to ESPA's and other matters of environmental interest.

Native Vascular Plants: This listing of native vascular plants considered to be regionally significant was prepared by a panel of local experts and adopted by Regional Council in 1999.

Native Species: This list of trees and shrubs native to the Region can serve as a useful guide to landowners and plant nurseries.

Regional Agreement Forests: The Region owns and manages ten forests where activities such as hiking are permitted.

The Region adopted a new Tree By-law in June of 2008. It is designed to enhance the overall health of our woodlands, improve the quality of timber harvested and in time increase the revenues of woodland owners. Contact Andrea Banks at 519-575-4533; bandrea@region.waterloo.on.ca for a brochure.