Regional council voted to adopt a plan that includes 121,000 housing units that support a range of housing during a special meeting Thursday night.
The adopted amendment includes the development of 15-minute neighbourhoods in all cities and townships across Waterloo Region, in addition to protecting natural resources and economic development.
“We feel this approach to growth is ambitious, achievable, and responsible,” explained Rod Regier, the region’s Commissioner of Planning, Development & Legislative Services. “It achieves our established community building objectives, prioritizes intensification, builds on a strong employment base, and importantly delivers on housing, as it promotes diverse range-and-mix of housing that will improve both choice and affordability.”
The decision comes after a two-year process to review the Region’s Official Plan (ROP), which accounts for projected population and job growth.
According to the release, the Region of Waterloo’s population is forecasted to grow to 923,000 people by 2051.
The next stage of review will focus further on policies on the natural, agricultural and water systems, in addition to the transportation system and plan implementation.
The full amendment can be viewed on the region’s Engage page.
