Matt Rodrigues
Regional Council · Region of Waterloo
Back to candidatesWater Supply (Regional)
The Region of Waterloo's long-term water supply is under growing pressure. Water capacity in the Mannheim Service Area serving Kitchener, Waterloo, and parts of Cambridge, Wilmot, and Woolwich, is limited in supporting new development approvals. While additional supplies were found for easing immediate needs, what long term approach should the Region take? (rank from highest to lowest in importance)ranked from highest to lowest importance
- Accelerate exploration of alternative water sources (wells, treated wastewater reuse, inter-municipal supply)
- Pursue a Lake Erie pipeline connection with provincial and federal cost-sharing
- Prioritize immediate investment in water conservation programs and demand management
- Commission an independent technical review of all options before committing to major new infrastructure
- Approve developments now and resolve water supply constraints in the future
Describe your position on how the Region should resolve this issue and what timeline is realistic.candidate's own words
In simple terms, the Mannheim Water Capacity constraint was brought about by delayed infrastructure renewal and expansion. We need to complete our Water Supply Strategy as soon as possible (ideally 2027) to be our road map for projects in our community. We also need to establish a public-facing dashboard with relevant system demand and usage figures and development tracking to provide greater transparency and build back trust.