ICYMI: The Latest From Council, Nov 22nd

Not everyone has 3 hours to watch Regional of Waterloo Council sessions. So twice a month Chevon will bring you the highlights and help you stay up to date on the decisions that matter to your community.  On Nov 22nd, 2023 Council approved the following initiatives: BusPlus services renewed for two more yearsVoyago has been given the green light for a two-year contract extension to continue providing GRT BusPlus service. Not aware of BusPlus? Picture this: smaller vehicles navigating new routes and areas with lighter ridership. Eight new hybrid and electric buses Council approved the acquisition of eight brand-new hybrid and electric buses from Nova Bus Inc. Grand River Transit is on a green journey, and has been shifting gears since 2020 when the Region began shifting to zero-emission vehicles.Lower speed limits for schoolsIn 2022, the Region tested lower speed limits from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and found they did result in lower speeds. To help improve road safety for students and all road users, the new permanent speed limits will apply school zones all day, every day.Council advocates for speedier cases in court Council will contact the Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General to shine a spotlight on the shortage of judges and how it’s impacting local residents.   Region of Waterloo adopts refreshed Vision, Mission and Values statements The Region of Waterloo is rolling out  our updated Vision, Mission, and Core Values. These statements were refreshed as part of Growing with care, the Region’s new Strategic Plan.More support for local public art galleriesThe Region of Waterloo is offering more support for our local art galleries through grant programs.  Local art galleries will now be able to access Regional arts and culture funding to support their operating budgets. Find out more about Your Region Pod at our website: Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts We want to hear from you! X: Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) / X (twitter.com) Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo | Kitchener, Ontario | Instagram photos and videos FB: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | FacebookLinkedin: Region of Waterloo | LinkedIn YouTube: Region of Waterloo Council - YouTubeSend us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook