Strategy
In alignment with the Region of Waterloo's Strategic Plan, Regional Council is committed to preparing land for development that supports future investment in our community. Preparing land for development, or making it “shovel-ready”, means preparing a property that is ready for a business or developer to build on. This typically includes completing environmental work, bringing utilities infrastructure to the site (such as hydro, water, wastewater pipes, etc.), grading the property, preparing possible transit upgrades and early urban planning for the site.
The goal is to have land available for priority uses, such as new business or industrial parks (known as employment lands). Without appropriate shovel-ready lands, businesses looking to invest will continue to choose other communities, which will have significant, long-term impacts on Waterloo Region’s future.
How do shovel-ready lands benefit our community?
Waterloo Region will benefit in many ways from this type of generational investment, including:
- Thousands of new, well-paying jobs and subsequent jobs in related fields such as construction, logistics, supply chain management and others
- Billions of dollars in investment through the future development of the site
- Economic stability and further prosperity that can sustain the community
- Training opportunities for students through partnerships with post-secondary institutions
- Maintaining our current manufacturing jobs base in Waterloo Region by stimulating new, large-scale investment
- Securing an anchor large-scale employer for Waterloo Region, and a dedicated partner committed to further investment in the community
What makes certain lands a good fit for these projects?
There are certain elements that make a property a good candidate for future uses. When it comes to employment lands, some of the factors that make a property appealing have to do with business operating details, such as:
- Close proximity to major roadways and highways and other infrastructure for ease of shipping, business operations and travel.
- Ability to access to nearby services for water and power.
- Close proximity to growing communities with skilled workers in their field or industry.
- Close proximity to Colleges and Universities for partnerships, training opportunities and hiring recent graduates.
- Close proximity to other businesses that might support their operation through related supply services, logistics or transportation.
- Lands are able to be ready for the building of a new facility within a short timeline, usually 6-8 months.
Other criteria for a site selection may also be focused on the quality of life for their future workforce, such as:
- Good neighbourhoods and schools for their employees to live in.
- Public transportation to make it easier for employees to commute.
- Nearby shops, restaurants and entertainment options for employees and their families.
- Availability of wraparound supports, such as access to daycare and family physicians.
What consultation was done to prepare this strategy?
Consultation with hundreds of members of the local and global business community was conducted to understand the needs and gaps of locating and growing a business in Waterloo Region. Analysis of recent site selection requests for proposals highlighted the need for shovel-ready land, particularly large land parcels.
These conversations, along with expertise from partners such as Waterloo Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Chambers of Commerce, and industry leading site selection firms helped to identify the priority areas for this strategy.
Learn more about projects underway to support land development for jobs.
