2024 State of the Region prepares for one million residents
Waterloo Region – This morning, the Region of Waterloo hosted the 2024 State of the Region at the Region of Waterloo Ken Seiling Museum.
As part of the address, Chair Redman announced that Pivot Airlines will relocate their base of operations to The Region of Waterloo International Airport as of June 1. She also announced the Region will provide land to Savic Homes for a mixed-income housing project on Highland Road West in Kitchener, adding 208 homes, 64 of which will be affordable. Both announcements are examples of needed investments in one of North America’s fastest-growing communities.
This year’s theme, 1 Million Ready, explores how the work to prepare Waterloo Region for one million residents by 2050 must start now.
“We stand on the cusp of significant growth and change, with our community poised to become home to one million people before we know it,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “This journey excites me because we have the opportunity to shape the change that lies ahead.”
Following the State of the Region address, Chair Redman welcomed special guest Don Iveson, principal at Civic Good, who shared thoughts on the power of the metropolitan mindset, with an emphasis on the critical need to work together to advance key priorities and create greater outcomes for current and future residents.
Jeff Neven, CEO of Indwell, Darshpreet Singh Bhatti, CEO of Green Line LRT in Calgary, and Leia Minaker, director of the Future Cities Institute at the University of Waterloo, participated in a panel discussion with Chair Redman. They discussed what is needed to make a community a place where people want to live and work and what’s needed to ensure there’s room for everyone.
“I think I can safely speak for all elected officials here when I say that we know the choices ahead will be tough, they are necessary, and we are committed to finding solutions that benefit us all,” continued Chair Redman. “I am proud to serve this Region and look forward to making it stronger than ever in the coming decades, fulfilling our promise of a prosperous, thriving Waterloo Region for all.”
Transcript of the State of the Region Address / May 28, 2024
Welcome!
What a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday morning, being here with all of you.
I see many familiar faces in this audience – folks who I consider partners in the work to make Waterloo Region a better place. Thank you, friends, for being here. And for your personal commitment to community building.
I don’t know if your family is like mine but we have several self-described ‘bird nerds’…so whether is it a finch at the at the backyard bird feeder or turkeys patrolling the urban neighbour hood we all get excited. But these pale in comparison to walking the trails in Waterloo region on a weekend and sighting an eagle.
Recently I was reflecting on the time we spotted an eagle at Huron Natural Area. I felt lifted as I watched it fly. These majestic birds have soared above our community for generations, embodying strength and vision.
The Indigenous peoples of this land teach us that the eagle represents leadership, looking far ahead with keen eyes to spot both threats and opportunities.
As we reflect on the State of the Region today, let's embrace the eagle's perspective and consider what lies on our horizon.
We stand on the cusp of significant growth and change, with our community poised to become home to one million people before we know it. This journey excites me because we have the opportunity to shape the change that lies ahead. Together, we can create a future that benefits everyone.
Does the year 2050 seem distant to you? I don’t blame you for feeling that way.
It's worth noting that 2050 is now closer in time than the 1990s.
Over the span of the last five decades, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation—from communicating via phones mounted on walls to carrying an entire universe of information in our pockets.
The pace of change in our world is accelerating, and our community is evolving in tandem. While change can appear intimidating, it also presents an opportunity for profound transformation.
Let me take you back to a June morning, almost five years ago now.
In 2019, under a bright sun at Fairway Station, we cut a long blue ribbon to launch ION light rail. This was a decision where leaders looked 10, 20, even 30 years into the future.
We had the foresight to understand what light rail could do for our entire Region.
Today, that vision has led to transformative change for residents and businesses alike. That first phase of ION has resulted in nearly $5-billion in development along the line.
So, what does this mean for the people of the Region?
It means easier commutes, more accessible services, more housing options, and a stronger sense of community. With easier commutes, parents can drop their children off at daycare without worrying about being late for work, allowing them to start their day with peace of mind.
You know…on the morning we launched ION, many remarked that something felt different. We felt like we had come of age, showcasing innovation, collaboration and the forward thinking needed to propel us into the future. It’s what we can achieve when multiple levels of government invest in our community – together.
ION is a symbol of how big thinking and collaboration can profoundly impact our lives.
There is no doubt our community has diverse needs…
…and I hear them from people across Waterloo Region at community events and even while standing in line at the grocery store. I love being out in the community, meeting people, and hearing about what’s important to them.
There is a great love for the place they call home.
I often hear - and agree - that we have an urgent need for more affordable housing.
… as well as the need to create the conditions for economic growth and further opportunities for all.
.. and we must continue to make investments in reliable services that people can depend on.
As your Regional Chair, I am keenly aware that these priorities require our attention.
Like the eagle, our job is to keep one eye on today and another on what is coming over the horizon. Here in Waterloo Region, we do not wait for the future to come to us. We chase it and grasp it. Today, we are building a home that is future-ready and one-million ready.
I would like to share a short video that showcases Waterloo Region in all its glory and highlights our vibrant community —a community that more and more people want to call home.
[End of video touches on the question: what brought you to Waterloo Region]
So, what brought you here? Each of you could give a different answer.
For me, first and foremost, it’s the people. It's the unique blend of urban and rural, the celebration of diverse cultures, and the way we care for one another.
I don’t know too many places where you can hop on your bike in the middle of a city and find yourself on a scenic trail in the country ten minutes later. …and I don’t know where else you can find a place that so enthusiastically celebrates both Oktoberfest and Diwali.
Our task as leaders is to keep us united and harness the incredible work happening across the region to shape a future where all of us can thrive.
One year ago, we listened to thousands of residents who shared their thoughts, passion, and ideas.
We heard what matters most, and what we want to leave for the next generation. The result was the Region’s new Strategic Plan, "Growing with Care."
This plan, built with your help, is our blueprint for the future. It features an eagle on the cover, reminding us to look ahead to the horizon and balance the present with what is to come.
We are preparing every corner of Waterloo Region for good growth. We invested in our regional airport because we saw its potential, ….and now it is the fastest-growing airport in the country, with new services from Air Canada and Waterloo Region is home to a thriving aerospace sector.
I am thrilled to announce today more great news for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. We are moving ahead with a new partnership…Pivot Airlines will relocate their base of operations to our airport in just a few days on June 1.
This move underscores the economic vitality surrounding YKF and highlights the availability of experienced local maintenance personnel. We envision YKF not only as a transportation hub connecting residents and visitors to important moments but also as a dynamic center of economic activity. The partnership with Pivot Airlines exemplifies this vision in action……contributing to job creation and further economic development in our region.
When we invest in economic opportunities, we are investing in families, future education, and furthering our quality of life. Quality of life often starts at home. Building more homes is critical as we grow.
I’m proud to share that Regional Council is moving ahead with an exciting partnership with Savic Homes on an innovative mixed-income housing project at Highland Road West in Kitchener. This is part of our Building Better Futures initiative and will result in 208 homes for individuals and families, 64 of which will be affordable homes. The creation of new affordable housing means that more people in our community will have a place to call home…where they can set down roots and live a good life.
It offers stability, allowing families to plan for the future and see themselves in our collective future. It means everyone can become active participants in our community. I am incredibly excited to share that this development will feature public art spaces as well as critically needed high-quality, affordable childcare spaces for 80-90 children.
For individuals and families utilizing these new units, it could mean no longer having to confront the difficult choice between paying rent or buying groceries. Parents will rest easier knowing their children have a safe place to come home to. Seniors can afford to age in place within the community they have always known. Young professionals can live close to their workplaces, reducing commute times and increasing quality of life.
Affordable housing is the foundation upon which we can build a healthier, more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
These are not just buildings; they are investments in our community's well-being and future prosperity. Just like ION isn’t just trains, it’s new housing and development. And the airport isn’t just runways and planes, it’s connecting us with the world and spurring economic growth.
My colleagues on Regional Council and I recognize the challenges ahead and emphasize the importance of collaboration at all levels for success.
Our history of being successful trailblazers guides us as we shape our future, knowing that our community continues to evolve.
Together, and with strong leadership from regional government, we will continue to address critical areas such as the health of the Grand River, affordable housing, paramedic services, waste management, and public transit.
Our progress is a testament to collaboration, and we must continue to build together to ensure we are One Million Ready.
The strong spirit of our community will guide us through growth and change. I think I can safely speak for all elected officials here when I say that we know the choices ahead will be tough, they are necessary, and we are committed to finding solutions that benefit us all.
I am proud to serve this region and look forward to making it stronger than ever in the coming decades, fulfilling our promise of a prosperous, thriving Waterloo Region for all.
Thank you.
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