Waterloo Region is currently facing a serious challenge with new building projects.
A problem with water capacity in the Mannheim Service Area has resulted in a temporary halt on all approvals for new developments while officials seek a solution.
This delay comes at a time when the province is trying to address a housing shortage and aims to increase home construction, even as the region works towards reaching a population of one million by 2050.
How did the municipality find itself in this situation?
Waterloo MPP, Catherine Fife appeared on The Mike Farwell Show to share some insights.
She pointed out that the Ford government has enacted laws aimed at reducing red tape, which have included easing environmental regulations related to water usage.
“We’ve known that it’s dangerous, and we’ve been voting against pieces of legislation like (Bill) 23 and 185. But, at the same time, the region even admitted that they were not aware of the aggressive action that the Ford government had taken, haphazardly, giving permits to companies to take our water.”
Fife noted that these permits were often issued without proper consultation or consideration for future water needs. In some cases, she mentioned that permits have been transferred between companies without any public review.
She explained part of the issue lies in how drinking water is sourced in the region.
“We know that in Waterloo Region we have limited water because 80 per cent of our water comes from groundwater. So, we are an outlier in the province of Ontario. And, the government, to date, has thought that red tape is going to get in the way of housing. What we’ve learned here now in Waterloo is that protecting our water is not red tape.”
Fife also criticized the province for not effectively supporting local municipalities.
“The province has not provided the appropriate infrastructure funding. They have not provided critical expertise because they have taken their eye off the ball as far as water conservation goes, as well.”
However, Fife acknowledged that local officials aren’t completely blameless either.
“The region has already admitted that they made a mistake; they did not consider in-fill population growth impact on the water. I think many of us were surprised by that.”
Fife added, “This doesn’t absolve anybody of blame, but it shouldn’t be about pointing fingers either because we need a solution.”
The Ministry of Infrastructure sent an email statement to 570 News Radio stating:
“Through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, the Ontario government has invested over $31 million in Waterloo Region to support critical water infrastructure projects. This funding will strengthen water systems and improve services for residents across the Region, including City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo, and Township of Wilmot while helping enable construction of over 14,000 new homes.
Local municipalities are responsible for planning operation and delivery of regional infrastructure. They are responsible for provision municipal infrastructure including but not limited to water and wastewater services roads transit transportation corridors facilities ensuring infrastructure planning aligns with projected growth development.”
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