Region envisions ’15-minute neighbourhood’ in future growth plan

The region is in the process of gathering feedback throughout the month as it works on the Official Plan to guide growth over the next 30 years.

By 2051, 923,000 people are expected to call Waterloo Region home — that's population growth of around 50 per cent.

Jobs are also expected to reach 470,000 — an increase of almost 50 per cent.

“We have a significant question as to how do we accommodate that growth,” said Rod Regier, the commissioner of planning, development, and legislative services while on the Mike Farwell Show on CityNews 570 on Tuesday. 

“At the same time, make sure that we build a thriving region, which is inclusive, delivers the kind of quality of life we aspire to, has the economic vitality that we need, and also helps us to achieve greater sustainability.”

The region is aiming to achieve “15-minute neighbourhoods” through intensification, including in township areas.

“It's a neighbourhood in which an individual can walk or cycle from where you live to where you work or shop, where you have professional services like doctors' offices in 15 minutes,” said Regier.

He said the region wants to overcome the challenge of existing large subdivisions that require cars and make it difficult for transit ridership to be added.

“If you design communities like new neighbourhoods in our greenfield areas and intensify some of the existing neighbourhoods, then it's much easier for people to get around, without getting into that car,” said Reiger.

He recognized the importance of protecting the countryside line and groundwater supply by using available land.

“The region has a tremendous amount of land already available inside of the urban area, already designated for developing. I think you'd probably be shocked at how much land that is. We have 6,800 acres,” said Reiger.

The region is considering three growth scenarios, which include options for where to put different densities of housing, and how much land to use.

You can find an interactive tour to the scenarios here.

Regier said the region is also looking to address critical “missing middle” housing, which is medium-density housing large enough for families while being “reasonable, affordable.”

“Frankly, ground-related housing now is extremely expensive … That's where we're hoping to see a lot more medium-density housing that's convenient, provide good access to transit services, and is convenient for shopping and employment,” he said.

Virtual and in-person public meetings are scheduled throughout the month, including on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

A final vote goes in mid-August.