Time stamps included in this post refer to the corresponding moments in the linked meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nibly2FwYeI

The Region of Waterloo's Administration and Finance Committee met on February 10, 2026, and passed two notable motions. The first directs staff to develop a corporate facility strategic plan — an effort to assess what buildings the region owns, how they are used, and what they will cost going forward.

The second is a formal request to the province asking it to preserve local control over the election of the regional chair. Both motions carried. The facility plan could cost between $300,000 and $500,000, span more than one year, and will overlap with two budget cycles. The democracy motion drew a split in debate, with some councillors voicing reluctance, though it ultimately passed.

Why It Matters:

Two spending and governance decisions were made that could affect taxpayers and local democratic accountability. The facility plan will consume staff time and consultant dollars before any capital decisions are made — but proponents argue it could prevent far costlier mistakes later. The democracy motion puts Waterloo Region on record defending the principle that residents, not Queen's Park, should ultimately determine regional leadership.

Waterloo Region's Administration and Finance Committee met the morning of February 10, 2026, moving through a relatively brief agenda. The meeting touched on road salt supply, a major transit hub contract, and the cost of lobbyist registry software before landing on two substantive motions — one about how the region manages its buildings and one about who gets to pick the person running the regional table. Both passed. The tone was collegial but occasionally tense, particularly on the democracy motion, where some councillors expressed concern about the political optics of publicly challenging the province.

Councillor McCabe pulled the salt tender from the consent agenda to ask whether the region had secured adequate supply amid reported provincial shortages, and whether area municipalities — including the City of Waterloo — were included in the procurement.

Staff confirmed adequate supply was on hand but could not answer the full question in the room. Chief Financial Officer Steffler later confirmed that all local municipalities do participate in the tender.

The contract was led by the City of Guelph on behalf of the Grand River Cooperative Procurement Group (GRCPG), covering 17 agencies. The dollar figure in the agenda reflects the region's portion only, not the full group total. The contract runs September 2025 to September 2026.

Councillor Craig pulled a contract award to PCL Construction for pre-construction services. Staff confirmed it is for the Kitchener Central Transit Terminal Hub (KCTTH) — the region's planned facility to consolidate transit operations under one roof.

Staff noted that coordination with Metrolinx is ongoing and described the partnership as working well, given that Metrolinx is handling corridor work while the region manages off-corridor construction.

Councillor Hunick asked whether the lobbyist registry software fee changes based on how many lobbyists sign up. Staff confirmed the $9,250 annual fee is fixed under a three-year contract. Councillor Hunick noted the region has approximately 700,000 residents but only 85 registered lobbyists.

Vote Result: Carried

Moved by: Councillor Gowing
Seconded by: Councillor James

Individual recorded votes were not provided in the transcript for this item.

Councillor Gowing introduced a motion directing staff to explore a corporate facility strategic plan.

The stated purpose is practical: the region owns aging facilities, faces space pressure, and has competing capital priorities, but lacks a single consolidated picture of what it owns, how those assets are being used, and what they cost.

Councillor Gowing framed the motion as fact-gathering, not spending approval.

The scope covers four areas:

Staff responded that the work would need to go beyond the motion's original scope. While the motion focuses on the supply side — what the region owns — staff said a demand-side analysis would also be required to understand future space needs, including accommodation strategy, hybrid work policy (the region currently operates a three-day in-office work week), collaborative workspace design, and employee wellness.

Staff estimated the cost at $300,000 to $500,000 (rough estimate) and a timeline of 6 to 12 months, requiring a consultant. Councillor Gowing noted the work would likely span two budget years.

Councillors asked how this plan differs from the existing Asset Management Plan (AMP). Staff clarified that the AMP tracks building condition and maintenance schedules. The facility strategic plan would layer on how space is being used and what space will be needed going forward — analysis the AMP does not currently include.

Regional Chair Redmond said the work would ideally feed into the 2027 budget process, given that 2026 is an election year. Staff confirmed the next step, if the motion passed, would be a report back to council defining scope, options, resource needs, and a proposed budget.

Councillors Fox and Noak spoke in favour.

Councillors Salonen and Hunick sought clarification on scope and whether it could be done more cheaply through an expansion of the AMP.

Staff said the two plans are distinct and not interchangeable.

Vote Result: Carried

Moved by: Councillor Gowing

Seconded by: Councillor James

Councillor Roanovich (online) noted as absent from the recorded portion of the vote per the chair. Individual named votes were not fully recorded in the transcript.

Councillor Craig brought forward a motion asking the Region of Waterloo to formally request that the Province of Ontario affirm and support continued local determination of who serves as regional chair — whether by direct election or appointment by regional council.

Craig linked the motion to what he described as a broader pattern of provincial interference in local affairs, citing speed camera policy, bike lanes, conservation area consolidation, potential school board changes, and a 2018 decision by the province to reduce Toronto wards and eliminate the direct election of regional chairs in York and Peel regions.

Craig emphasized the motion was not directed at current Regional Chair Redmond and that he had not consulted with her before bringing it forward.

The motion, as amended, formally requests the province affirm and support either the continued direct election of regional chair by voters, or appointment by regional council — keeping the decision within the region in either case.

Debate was mixed. Councillors Hunick and James voiced support. Councillor James cited broader democratic concerns:

Councillors Liot and Fox said they would not support the motion. Both praised Chair Redmond personally but argued the motion was premature given no provincial action had been announced, and that internal appointment after council formation is common practice and not undemocratic.

Councillors Salonen and Shance said they were conflicted — not opposed to the principle but uncertain about the timing or effectiveness of the approach.

Councillor Noak expressed concern about the unpredictable mood of the provincial government.

Chair Harris stated he would support the motion and referenced the transition in Niagara Region, noting that even appointed chairs there were first elected by the public before being selected by colleagues.

Councillor Salonen proposed an amendment to broaden the motion's language — from requesting the province affirm direct election by voters only, to affirming continued local determination whether by voters or by regional council. Councillor Shantz seconded the amendment. It passed by unanimous consent.

Vote Result: Carried (Unanimous Consent)

Proposed by: Councillor Salonen
Seconded by: Councillor Shantz

Result: Carried

Individual named votes were not fully read into the transcript. Councillors Liot and Fox indicated opposition during debate. Councillors Craig, Hunick, James, Gowing, Shantz, Noak, and Chair Harris signalled support.

If carried at full council, the motion will be sent to: the Premier of Ontario; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Minister of Finance; and all Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) representing Waterloo Region.

The committee voted to enter a closed session to receive advice on labour and employee relations, specifically job descriptions and union negotiations. Moved by Councillor Gowing, seconded by Councillor Rodriguez. Carried.

The meeting then adjourned.

UPCOMING KEY DATES

Source:

This analysis is based on the February 10, 2026 Administration and Finance Committee meeting and supporting documents. All quotes, timestamps, and figures are drawn directly from official meeting transcripts.