‘It’s an extremely serious issue:’ Developers press Region of Waterloo on water issues

Could a water capacity issue have a downstream effect on Waterloo Region’s future growth? CTV’s Jeff Pickel reports.

On Tuesday at Waterloo Regional Council, a number of local developers pressed council and staff on the water capacity issue.

In December, the region revealed there is a water capacity issue within the Mannheim service area, including parts of Kitchener, Waterloo, Woolwich Township and Wilmot Township. Although the region said there are no concerns for current residents, future development needs to be carefully considered to ensure the water supply can keep up with the growth of the area.

Earlier this month, the region’s acting CAO, Mathieu Goetzke, said the region’s available supply would be exceeded if all current residential applications were approved.

Joseph Puopolo, the co-CEO of Polocorp and Urban initiatives, said local developers are being left in limbo, unsure if they are able to move ahead with major projects.

“The general feeling is it’s an extremely serious issue, and I think, clarity of communication is really mission critical,” said Puopolo. “We need to have clear delineation and timing as to what the problem is and the solution, what are the short-term solution, medium term and long-term solution?”

Puopolo along with 16 other local developers formed an action group Build Urban. The group is asking the Region of Waterloo to create a Water Capacity Task Force to address the water issue.

“There’s some real fear and worry that developments and money will go elsewhere, whether it be private development or investments coming in from outside of the region from different levels of government,” said Puopolo.

According to the group, clear information and communication from the region is the priority.

“Our biggest concern and worry is, is a lack of clarity, the fear of the unknown will lead to unintended consequences,” said Puopolo.