APRIL 2026 PROJECT UPDATE

The High-Performance Development Standards (HPDS) will launch in September 2026 as a voluntary, opt-in pilot program designed to support learning, collaboration, and real-world application.

HPDS Pilot Program

The HPDS Pilot Program is open to all developers in Waterloo Region. A short expression of interest process will inform the selection of the cohort to ensure a mix of development types and geographic locations. Pilot participants will follow the HPDS process; however, achievement of performance targets will not be mandatory, and no penalties will apply. The pilot is intended to support exploration, learning, and refinement as high‑performance expectations continue to evolve.

This approach reflects feedback received through four years of community and industry engagement (2021–2025), balancing a shared interest in advancing building performance with the need for flexibility and practical implementation.

Benefits for Participants

The HPDS Pilot Program recognizes and supports developers who are already committed to delivering high‑quality buildings that prioritize occupant comfort, long‑term affordability, and community benefit.

Participation offers a low‑risk opportunity to advance and help shape high‑performance development practices as codes, standards, and market expectations continue to evolve.

This support helps clarify costs, improve building performance, reduce uncertainty, harmonize processes across our regional municipalities, and strengthen market differentiation.

Next Steps

Spring to Summer 2026:

• Finalize and publish the HPDS and Pilot Program details on EngageWR

• Communicate with industry representatives, developers, and community partners

• Release of Expression of Interest

September 2026+:

• Program launch

• Collaborate with developers for specific development applications

• Monitoring, reporting, and recognition

Did you know that buildings are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in Waterloo Region?

The High-Performance Development Standards (HPDS) are a set of standards planned for new development applications in the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich. The HPDS embeds the energy transition and climate resilience into the planning approvals process.

This approach, crafted in partnership with WR Community Energy and the HPDS Municipal Working Group, underscores our commitment to enhancing the energy efficiency of future buildings, aligning with the Region’s ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050.

WR Community Energy
WR Community Energy (WRCE) is a collaborative initiative between the Region of Waterloo, its urban municipalities and locally-owned utilities created to lead the implementation of Waterloo Region’s Community Energy Investment Strategy (CEIS) and to steward the energy transition in our community. One of the priorities for the CEIS is to develop the High-Performance Development Standards (HPDS). More information can be found at WR Community Energy.

Making this change together

We want to ensure that the HPDS aligns with the varying interests of the communities, is relevant to the region, and supports a transformative shift. WR Community Energy is taking the necessary steps to ensure that this is a community-informed, streamlined process. During the development of the HPDS, WR Community Energy will engage the community and interested stakeholders to gather input and make necessary adjustments to support a well-informed approach.

Discussion Draft

The Discussion Draft of the HPDS (December 2024) is available for review (under the "Discussion Draft" tab on the right-hand side).

The HPDS Working Group is monitoring the provincial work on Bill 17, Bill 60, and upcoming regulations to determine appropriate next steps. Engagement is still a priority for the HPDS and will resume with all interest groups (community and industry) once next steps are identified. Updates will be posted here.

Engagement

Thank you to those that provided feedback at committee meetings, presentations, community sessions, industry workshops, etc. We appreciate all of the feedback received and will consider them in preparation of Draft 2 of the HPDS.

For any questions, please reach out to Natasha at ning@wrcommunityenergy.ca