Region of Waterloo moves forward with development of schools, childcare and faith buildings

A undated file photo of a construction site.

The Region of Waterloo will be moving forward with some new builds despite an ongoing development pause.

Development was put on hold while the region considered how to tackle a looming water capacity shortage in the Mannheim Service Area. Many builders in the area have been vocal about the decision, with some claiming it has made the region unattractive for future growth opportunities.

However, the region has decided to allow some projects to move forward, namely schools, childcare centres and religious institutions.

Regional officials said the move comes after representatives for local municipalities said the water use for these projects had already been accounted for in the existing water demand, which was calculated using the current population numbers.

“A more extensive list of the types of development that can proceed in the near term is underway while the Region also charts a path forward for development that requires new water supply,” the region said in a progress update on Thursday.