Council in Summer Mode, but important decisions still happen.

July's council meeting dealt with a lot of routine business. A few developments were approved including a 120 unit retirement home on Ira Needles and University, across from the new mall that is going in across the street. The developers are those who build the Water Park apartments on Erb and Willow, so this should be a first class development. We are so fortunate in Waterloo to be able to attract the best.

Also moving forward are more commercial buildings geared towards the high tech sector in the Conestoga Highway and Northfield area. Council also approved the engineering for the installation of the water, sewer and other infrastructure needed for UW's North West Campus. It will support the development of academic, and research and technology facilities over the next 40 years.

Lastly, and what gets the most attention, is that By-law is actively moving forward with new tools to better enforce of our by-laws.

The latest is for graffiti removal. Under the old process, owners had up to 14 days to remove graffiti before any remedial action could be taken. Now the city will be able to remove it within days if required. This is especially important when it is gang related. Also added a provision whereby the perpetrators can be fined instead of being charged with a criminal offense. This gives the police more flexibility in being able to deal with the perpetrators, especially when youth are involved.

As a sailor, I have participated in a number of races at the Conestoga Sailing club, including the regional Wellington Cup, which our club won, and the Canadian Wayfarer Nationals, which were hosted by our club. Who would have thought that one could sail competitively here in Waterloo Region!