Waterloo Region is facing some tough times when it comes to development.
A water capacity issue in the Mannheim Service Area has led to a halt on approving any new developments while the region seeks a solution.
This pause happens as the province grapples with a housing shortage and aims to promote more home construction, all while the region plans for a population of one million by 2050.
How did things get to this point?
Waterloo MPP, Catherine Fife appeared on The Mike Farwell Show and shared some insights into why this is happening.
She mentioned that the Ford government has implemented laws aimed at reducing red tape, which have resulted in weakening environmental regulations, particularly those 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 pointed out that often these permits were issued without proper consultation or consideration for future water needs. She stated that in some instances, permits have been allowed to transfer between companies without further public scrutiny.
A significant part of the issue lies in how drinking water is sourced in the region, according to Fife.
“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.”
Additonally, Fife stated that municipalities haven’t received adequate support from the province.
“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 also noted that local authorities aren’t entirely innocent here either.
“The region has already admitted that they made a mistake; they did not consider infill population growth impact on the water. I think many of us were surprised by that.”
Additonally she said “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 Waterloo and Township Wilmot while helping enable construction over 14 thousand new homes.”
“Local municipalities are responsible for planning operation and delivery regional infrastructure. They are responsible for providing municipal infrastructure including but not limited to water wastewater services roads transit transportation corridors facilities ensuring infrastructure planning aligns projected growth development.”
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