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Planning, Housing and Community Services is responsible for a number of functions related to growth management, strategy development, transportation planning, information and research, cultural development, environmental stewardship and administering delegated responsibilities from the Province including a number of housing and development approval functions. Also, the department is responsible for 10 Regional Forest tracts, the heritage and cultural programs of two museum complexes, a township rural library service and housing. The Commissioner also acts as the General Manager for the Waterloo Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation.
Rob HORNE, Commissioner of Planning, Housing & Community Services
HOUSING DIVISION
Housing in Waterloo Region is a key element of community health and economic vitality. The Housing Division's mandate is made up of a wide range of housing-related responsibilities, including:
- administering community housing owned by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and managed through Waterloo Region Housing;
- overseeing the activities of non-profit and co-operative housing in Waterloo Region as the area's service manager;
- creating new affordable housing through the Region's Affordable Housing Strategy;
- maintaining and collaborating to deliver a variety of housing incentive policies and programs;
- co-operating and co-ordinating with other key stakeholders, including housing providers, special-purpose groups, area municipalities, the private sector and senior levels of government; and
- conducting housing research and collaboratively developing strategic directions to maintain and improve the vitality of the Region's housing.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Graham VINCENT, Director of Transportation Planning
The division is responsible for transportation demand management initiatives and the identification of solutions to transportation needs in the context of economic, social, environmental, land use and technical developments. It includes the development of policies, facilities, services and processes that enhance sustainable accessibility. Specific projects encompass transit planning for Grand River Transit, cycling and pedestrian facilitation planning, route planning through environmental assessment studies, identification of transportation impact and requirements of development applications and the Transportation Demand Management Program. The division is also responsible for updating the Transportation Master Plan.
COMMUNITY PLANNING
Kevin EBY, Director of Community Planning
The Community Planning Division assists Area Municipalities and land owners by providing review and approval services in processing development applications and local official plans. They ensure conformity of development applications to Regional and Provincial policies, regulations and legislation. This section is also responsible for amendments, review and assessment of the Regional Official Policies Plan and administration of the Regional Development Charge By-Law.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Lucille BISH, Director, Community Services
The division delivers responsive and innovative planning data, mapping, research and library services to businesses, agencies, staff and residents of the region. It comprises the Planning Information Section and the Waterloo Regional Library.
The Planning Information Section maintains planning-related databases, and produces digital base maps, populationforecasts and statistical products. Staff provides customized mapping, aerial photography, population and property-based information on a cost-recovery basis.
Cultural and heritage planning involves the operation of two museum complexes at Joseph Schneider Haus and Doon Heritage Crossroads. The museums provide a variety of services through the interpretation of historic buildings and artifacts, special events and exhibits. The division operates the Regional Curatorial Centre where additional artifacts associated with the history of the area are collected, stored, conserved, researched and interpreted.
The Waterloo Regional Library serves the information and literacy needs of the rural community through ten branch libraries and the administrative headquarters. An extensive collection of print, audio, video and computerized materials is available in each branch. Special events and library programs, with special emphasis on children’s activities, are provided throughout the year. Public access to the Internet is available in each branch. Branch hours and catalogue listings are available at the Waterloo Regional Library's website, www.rwl.library.on.ca.
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