UrbanWaterloo
12-07-2010, 02:52 PM
Waterloo City Politics 2010-2014
City of Waterloo Councillor Section (http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=539)
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/election/WaterlooCityCentre.png
Mayor: Brenda Halloran
Ward 1: Scott Witmer
Ward 2: Karen Scian
Ward 3: Angela Vieth
Ward 4: Diane Freeman
Ward 5: Mark Whaley
Ward 6: Jeff Henry
Ward 7: Melissa Durrell
Inaugural Meeting: December 6, 2010
Link (http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=2795)
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Politics/Waterloo%20City%20Politics/City%20of%20Waterloo%202010-2014%20Inaugural%20Council%20Meeting.jpg
Inaugural Address by Mayor Halloran
Welcome to the inauguration of the new Waterloo city council. It’s wonderful to see so many of you here tonight to support us as we embark on this journey.
This year’s election saw a dramatic rise in voter turnout in this community, which I believe speaks to the passion you have for this city. That passion is shared by everyone who sits on council, as well as our dedicated city employees and volunteers. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in the election process, including all the candidates who ran for positions and our two outgoing councillors.
As I look around this horseshoe, I’m greeted by many familiar faces as well as some new ones. Together, we’re dedicated to working for you … the residents of Waterloo. Each councillor brings something different to the table. Collectively, we will use our experience, fresh ideas and collaborative spirit to successfully propel this great city forward for the next four years, and beyond.
Waterloo has evolved significantly throughout its 153-year history; from a small village inhabited by Pennsylvanian settlers, to a city with about 124,000 residents; from an economy based on manufacturing and insurance, to high tech and innovation. From here, the future is certainly bright. That doesn’t mean we’re without challenges though. And we will face all our issues head on, with openness and transparency.
I’d like to begin by addressing the election ballot questions in regards to continuing water fluoridation and exploring the advantages and disadvantages of a merger with Kitchener. In both cases, you – the residents – voted no. Council supports your decisions. The region stopped putting fluoride in your water as of Nov. 29. And as for the amalgamation question, we will not pursue any discussions about a possible merger. What we will do is continue to work with our neighbouring municipalities to provide a high level of efficient service for all of our residents. We have already embarked on more than 40 joint-service projects with Kitchener, and will continue to leverage this valuable relationship.
During the election, fiscal responsibility was a topic that often surfaced at the debates. The fact that you re-elected the majority of council tells us you have confidence in the decisions we’ve made. Approving the 2011 budget is one of the first items on this council’s agenda, and we’re aiming to set the tax rate at no higher than 1.89 per cent. Not only that, but we’re also going to open the proverbial books to a citizen-led finance review committee for the upcoming three-year budget. This new committee will have the opportunity to do a line-by-line review of our budget to see exactly where your tax dollars are being spent.
What this committee will uncover is money being wisely allocated towards fostering a vibrant community in which people want to live, work and play. In the past few years, we have had the honour of being named the most Intelligent Community in the world, opened the Waterloo Public Square – a popular gathering place in the uptown core, built a new fire station on the east side of the city to enhance that service, and so much more. At the same time, we’ve contributed to our reserve funds and continued to pay down the RIM Park debt. Although that debt was created many years ago when the city was under different leadership, it has left a lasting mark in the form of a lesson, one that has taught us the importance of making prudent and responsible financial decisions. On the horizon are a number of exciting projects, including an accessible playground for Waterloo Park and a skateboard park. Stay tuned!
The environment is another priority for Waterloo. We are an environment-first community, a motto we promote and live by. This year we updated our Environmental Strategy, which guides our corporate decision-making and steers us towards greater levels of environmental sustainability. We’re proud of this strategy because it allows us to build upon the work that’s already been done, while encouraging us to be proactive. Over the next council term, we will also work towards establishing an Office of Environmental Sustainability to facilitate the strategy’s implementation as well as to oversee and co-ordinate our environmental projects and initiatives.
You will be hearing much more about this and all our other projects as we move forward. We constantly strive to improve our communication with you. One of the items on our agenda is to upgrade our website so that it’s more user-friendly. But we also encourage you to contact us … dialogue is key to community building, and is about much more than us informing you! It’s also about listening, learning, consulting, collaborating and empowering … important components of our new Public Involvement Guidelines.
Collaboration is a chief consideration in our communication, as well as our everyday operations. In fact, when reflecting upon the city’s recent successes, the power of collaboration is a recurring theme. Such projects as the John M. Harper District Branch Library and Stork Family YMCA wouldn’t have been possible without collaboration. In that case, the city joined forces with the library, the YMCA and the University of Waterloo to create a facility that will enrich the lives of everyone in this community. That facility is scheduled to open to the public in the fall of 2011, making recreation and library services more accessible for our west-side residents.
Construction is booming throughout Waterloo, especially in our core. Cranes, bulldozers and other heavy equipment are common sights in the uptown. They’re particularly hard to miss near the intersection of Erb and Caroline streets, where the BarrelYards complex on the site of the former Canbar factory and the Balsillie Centre of Excellence are being built. Then, there’s the Perimeter Institute, which is expanding to improve the learning environments for many leading physicists and researchers in training. And across the street, Knox Presbyterian Church is constructing a new building. This is just a handful of examples of the development and construction that’s underway; these projects speak to Waterloo’s success. It’s a place where people want to put down roots and build businesses. It’s a place that attracts talent from around the world to live, to work and to study.
Our success can’t simply be measured by our economy or construction though. It’s about more than that.
Where would we be without our vibrant arts and cultural scene? In addition to our high-tech economy and our universities and college, Waterloo is also home to an award-winning clay and glass gallery, a hopping community arts centre at the Button Factory and a new local-history museum at Conestoga Mall.
Success can also be measured by the relationships that we build. I’ve touched upon some of our key partnerships already, and there are many more. Waterloo isn’t the enviable city it is because of one person or one company. Its high level of success is a testament to the collaborative nature that exists here. This includes working with our dynamic student population to spread the message that Waterloo belongs to everyone who lives here – both long-term residents and those who are new to the area. Students bring enthusiasm and ideas to this community, and contribute to our economic vitality. Together, we are accomplishing great things.
Finally, success is about spirit … and that’s something that’s abundant in Waterloo. Think back to the fall of 2009. The community was beginning to embrace the new Waterloo Public Square. In fact, it was becoming a hub of activity thanks to the diverse programming there, with everything from ballroom dancing to live music. Budget constraints had prevented us from installing a skating rink to entertain the winter crowds though. Well, a group of four community leaders wasn’t about to let that happen. They worked tirelessly to raise the money needed to install the rink, and it was a busy destination all winter, giving us opportunities for recreation, fun and fellowship.
In closing, I’d like to thank the voters who put their faith in this council to guide the city during the next four years. Our job will be difficult at times, but it’s a responsibility that we all take very seriously, one that we will embrace each day, rising to any challenges we face and celebrating our milestones along the way. With city staff, we will continue to steer Waterloo on its long journey of success. I can’t wait to see where it will take us.
City of Waterloo Councillor Section (http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=539)
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/election/WaterlooCityCentre.png
Mayor: Brenda Halloran
Ward 1: Scott Witmer
Ward 2: Karen Scian
Ward 3: Angela Vieth
Ward 4: Diane Freeman
Ward 5: Mark Whaley
Ward 6: Jeff Henry
Ward 7: Melissa Durrell
Inaugural Meeting: December 6, 2010
Link (http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=2795)
http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Politics/Waterloo%20City%20Politics/City%20of%20Waterloo%202010-2014%20Inaugural%20Council%20Meeting.jpg
Inaugural Address by Mayor Halloran
Welcome to the inauguration of the new Waterloo city council. It’s wonderful to see so many of you here tonight to support us as we embark on this journey.
This year’s election saw a dramatic rise in voter turnout in this community, which I believe speaks to the passion you have for this city. That passion is shared by everyone who sits on council, as well as our dedicated city employees and volunteers. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in the election process, including all the candidates who ran for positions and our two outgoing councillors.
As I look around this horseshoe, I’m greeted by many familiar faces as well as some new ones. Together, we’re dedicated to working for you … the residents of Waterloo. Each councillor brings something different to the table. Collectively, we will use our experience, fresh ideas and collaborative spirit to successfully propel this great city forward for the next four years, and beyond.
Waterloo has evolved significantly throughout its 153-year history; from a small village inhabited by Pennsylvanian settlers, to a city with about 124,000 residents; from an economy based on manufacturing and insurance, to high tech and innovation. From here, the future is certainly bright. That doesn’t mean we’re without challenges though. And we will face all our issues head on, with openness and transparency.
I’d like to begin by addressing the election ballot questions in regards to continuing water fluoridation and exploring the advantages and disadvantages of a merger with Kitchener. In both cases, you – the residents – voted no. Council supports your decisions. The region stopped putting fluoride in your water as of Nov. 29. And as for the amalgamation question, we will not pursue any discussions about a possible merger. What we will do is continue to work with our neighbouring municipalities to provide a high level of efficient service for all of our residents. We have already embarked on more than 40 joint-service projects with Kitchener, and will continue to leverage this valuable relationship.
During the election, fiscal responsibility was a topic that often surfaced at the debates. The fact that you re-elected the majority of council tells us you have confidence in the decisions we’ve made. Approving the 2011 budget is one of the first items on this council’s agenda, and we’re aiming to set the tax rate at no higher than 1.89 per cent. Not only that, but we’re also going to open the proverbial books to a citizen-led finance review committee for the upcoming three-year budget. This new committee will have the opportunity to do a line-by-line review of our budget to see exactly where your tax dollars are being spent.
What this committee will uncover is money being wisely allocated towards fostering a vibrant community in which people want to live, work and play. In the past few years, we have had the honour of being named the most Intelligent Community in the world, opened the Waterloo Public Square – a popular gathering place in the uptown core, built a new fire station on the east side of the city to enhance that service, and so much more. At the same time, we’ve contributed to our reserve funds and continued to pay down the RIM Park debt. Although that debt was created many years ago when the city was under different leadership, it has left a lasting mark in the form of a lesson, one that has taught us the importance of making prudent and responsible financial decisions. On the horizon are a number of exciting projects, including an accessible playground for Waterloo Park and a skateboard park. Stay tuned!
The environment is another priority for Waterloo. We are an environment-first community, a motto we promote and live by. This year we updated our Environmental Strategy, which guides our corporate decision-making and steers us towards greater levels of environmental sustainability. We’re proud of this strategy because it allows us to build upon the work that’s already been done, while encouraging us to be proactive. Over the next council term, we will also work towards establishing an Office of Environmental Sustainability to facilitate the strategy’s implementation as well as to oversee and co-ordinate our environmental projects and initiatives.
You will be hearing much more about this and all our other projects as we move forward. We constantly strive to improve our communication with you. One of the items on our agenda is to upgrade our website so that it’s more user-friendly. But we also encourage you to contact us … dialogue is key to community building, and is about much more than us informing you! It’s also about listening, learning, consulting, collaborating and empowering … important components of our new Public Involvement Guidelines.
Collaboration is a chief consideration in our communication, as well as our everyday operations. In fact, when reflecting upon the city’s recent successes, the power of collaboration is a recurring theme. Such projects as the John M. Harper District Branch Library and Stork Family YMCA wouldn’t have been possible without collaboration. In that case, the city joined forces with the library, the YMCA and the University of Waterloo to create a facility that will enrich the lives of everyone in this community. That facility is scheduled to open to the public in the fall of 2011, making recreation and library services more accessible for our west-side residents.
Construction is booming throughout Waterloo, especially in our core. Cranes, bulldozers and other heavy equipment are common sights in the uptown. They’re particularly hard to miss near the intersection of Erb and Caroline streets, where the BarrelYards complex on the site of the former Canbar factory and the Balsillie Centre of Excellence are being built. Then, there’s the Perimeter Institute, which is expanding to improve the learning environments for many leading physicists and researchers in training. And across the street, Knox Presbyterian Church is constructing a new building. This is just a handful of examples of the development and construction that’s underway; these projects speak to Waterloo’s success. It’s a place where people want to put down roots and build businesses. It’s a place that attracts talent from around the world to live, to work and to study.
Our success can’t simply be measured by our economy or construction though. It’s about more than that.
Where would we be without our vibrant arts and cultural scene? In addition to our high-tech economy and our universities and college, Waterloo is also home to an award-winning clay and glass gallery, a hopping community arts centre at the Button Factory and a new local-history museum at Conestoga Mall.
Success can also be measured by the relationships that we build. I’ve touched upon some of our key partnerships already, and there are many more. Waterloo isn’t the enviable city it is because of one person or one company. Its high level of success is a testament to the collaborative nature that exists here. This includes working with our dynamic student population to spread the message that Waterloo belongs to everyone who lives here – both long-term residents and those who are new to the area. Students bring enthusiasm and ideas to this community, and contribute to our economic vitality. Together, we are accomplishing great things.
Finally, success is about spirit … and that’s something that’s abundant in Waterloo. Think back to the fall of 2009. The community was beginning to embrace the new Waterloo Public Square. In fact, it was becoming a hub of activity thanks to the diverse programming there, with everything from ballroom dancing to live music. Budget constraints had prevented us from installing a skating rink to entertain the winter crowds though. Well, a group of four community leaders wasn’t about to let that happen. They worked tirelessly to raise the money needed to install the rink, and it was a busy destination all winter, giving us opportunities for recreation, fun and fellowship.
In closing, I’d like to thank the voters who put their faith in this council to guide the city during the next four years. Our job will be difficult at times, but it’s a responsibility that we all take very seriously, one that we will embrace each day, rising to any challenges we face and celebrating our milestones along the way. With city staff, we will continue to steer Waterloo on its long journey of success. I can’t wait to see where it will take us.