News roundup: August 24, 2026
Transit-oriented development, pathway improvements, and transit construction costs
Here's the latest in walking, biking, and transit news from the last week for Waterloo Region.
What's happening
- HESPELER RD PLAN: The City of Cambridge is bringing a final draft of the Hespeler Road Secondary Plan to a decision by Cambridge City Council on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30pm. Interested members of the public can register to speak at the meeting. The plan will shape much of the land use changes around the extension of ION light rail to Cambridge. (EngageWR)
- MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: Elections for city, township, region, and school boards will be on October 26. Consider using your time or money to support the candidates who you would like to see represent you!
Walking, biking, and streets
- Waterloo is planning to update parts of the WaterLoop trail with a realignment, trail connections, and new pavement. Construction is planned for next year. (EngageWR)
- City of Cambridge: New speed cushions to enhance safety on Saginaw Parkway
- The Record: Petition against sidewalk installation presented to Wellesley council. The sidewalk installation would be part of a street reconstruction project in St. Clements set to begin in 2027.
- EngageWR: University Avenue Multi Use Path: The City of Waterloo is working with the Region of Waterloo to install a multi-use path along the south side of University Avenue East.
Transit
- GRT’s fall schedule starts Monday, Sept. 7 (Grand River Transit)
The shape of our cities
- Region of Waterloo: Affordable homes coming to Cambridge through new Co-operative Housing
- The Record: Green Party MPP tours controversial development site. Opponents of a proposed industrial development on 100 acres of Woolwich farmland saw their cause boosted last week by Ontario Green Party deputy leader Aislinn Clancy.
- The Record: Home builders’ association notes challenges to development in the region. Nobody wants an industrial site in their backyard. That is why proposed land changes north of Bridge Street have local residents concerned about what the owner will do with the land if it gets industrial zoning.
- The Transit Brief: Transit-oriented development has been surprisingly successful in Canada.
- The Record: Province won't rule out dual mayor, regional chair role. If a sitting mayor is also appointed regional chair, they would have unprecedented “strong” powers.
- CityNews: Motion opposing joint mayor, regional chair role comes to council this week
Elsewhere
- Northbound (YouTube): Toronto FINALLY Got a Pedestrian Street.
- Toronto Star: Opinion | Doug Ford used to rage against government waste. Now he’s behind Ontario’s biggest spending scandal
- Toronto Star: Opinion | Yet another Toronto transit project is billions over budget. We keep avoiding the real problem
- CP24: The TTC says its new Scarborough Busway is on track to open Sept. 30, more than six months earlier than originally projected
- Collingwood Today: Let’s GO: Collingwood Council will ask Metrolinx to study Collingwood link.
