Waterloo Metro Quarter - Central Precinct

I support the project

Dear Assessment Team,

Please find attached Counterpoint Community Services Inc.’s formal and public integrated submission as comments on the Waterloo Metro Quarter applications currently on exhibition. Our comments cover all four related development applications and the concept amendment:

• Northern Precinct – SSD 79307758
• Central Precinct – SSD 79307746
• Second Amending Concept – SSD 79307765
• Basement Modification 3 – SSD 10438 Mod 3

We welcome the ambition for a well-connected, transit-oriented precinct. However, we raise equity, governance, and technical concerns that must be addressed to ensure genuine community benefit—particularly for the public housing tenants living directly adjacent to the site. Please review our attached comments for your consideration and response.
Best regards,

Mike

Michael M Shreenan
CEO Counterpoint

I object to the proposed modification. I support the redevelopment scheme broadly. The continual erosion of all commercial floor area from such projects is short sighted and will only further entrench disadvantage. Residents need places to work. This is Waterloo, not a dormitory suburb. It happened at Central Park and at the Bays, do not do it again here.

REDWatch's submission is attached and it raises objections to aspects of the project.

I strongly object to the co-living proposal. This is not the type of accommodation that families of essential workers or those workers themselves need. They need their own private accommodation. This is a boarding house style proposal, one that can be easily converted into student accommodation. This is not acceptable.

ALSO, affordable housing needs to be in perpetuity. This is an investment in the future population.
With affordable housing, children have a greater chance of a continuing education where learning is achievable.
With affordable housing, there is reduced stress on families trying to survive as a unit.

All this will ensure there is less demands on the government in years to come.
Invest now.

What is also concerning is that some reports appear to have been made with no actual concept of the reality of living in this area and the changes happening.
The question needs to be asked…..who cares?

I implore you, change the co-living into affordable housing in perpetuity. It is whats desperately needed now.

Regards,
Margaret

Margaret Whalen