State of the Region
State of the Region 2025Being “1 Million Ready” means building a community where everyone can thrive. Where everyone feels welcome. To get there, we need big ideas and strategic vision. The decisions we make now give us a runway to be the community we want to be. That was the message Regional Chair Karen Redman delivered at this year’s State of the Region on September 23, 2025. Community leaders gathered for this special event at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, where the Chair updated the community on the Region's progress in areas like child care, transit, health care, and airport services. She also looked ahead at plans for the future and how the Region is working on transformational projects that will help achieve sustainable growth for generations to come. These transformational projects include the Kitchener Central Transit Hub, a mega-site for good paying jobs, a rural transit strategy, Breslau GO surrounded by land for affordable housing, the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, expanded child care access, Ion Phase II, and a new hospital. This year’s State of the Region included a panel discussion with special guests Kim Decker, CEO of YWCA Cambridge, Jeff MacIntyre, President of Grand Valley Construction Association, and Erin Appleby, VP, Operational Excellence, Quality & Safety of NAVBLUE. They shared success stories and discussed what Waterloo Region needs to continue growing together. How will we navigate our challenges and find opportunities together? Hear what Chair Redman and panelists said in this full video recording.
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| State of the Region 2024 |
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On May 24, 2024, Regional Chair Karen Redman, held the State of the Region with the theme "1 Million Ready.” The event looked at how our community is on the cusp of an exciting future. It featured a panel discussion with:
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| State of the Region 2022 |
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On April 29, 2022, Regional Chair Karen Redman welcomed Chris Albinson, Clarence Cachagee and Dr. Suzanne Kearns for a series of engaging conversations. These community leaders spoke about what connects them and their work to the Region of Waterloo. |
| State of the Region 2021 |
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On February 26, 2021, Regional Chair Karen Redman outlined Council’s vision for our community at a virtual fireside chat, moderated by Nicole Lampa. Regional investments were the focus and how they impact the lives of all people in Waterloo Region and make us more resilient in a post COVID-19 world. Attendees also had a chance to network with Regional Councillors and explore important topics such as equity, business supports and affordable housing. |
| State of the Region 2020 |
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On January 28, 2020, Regional Chair Karen Redman delivered the first ever State of the Region address. Chair Redman’s remarks highlighted the many things we have to celebrate in Waterloo Region as well as the challenges we must overcome. "We are a community that has a long track record of working together to make change happen," she said. "We have a way of finding collective, innovative solutions — made in Waterloo Region solutions." Chair Redman focused on themes of connection, future-focus and resilience throughout her remarks. “The story of Waterloo Region is about connecting communities, carving our own path towards the future, and always remaining resilient. In all that we do, we are looking upstream, building bridges for our citizens, our neighbourhoods, our communities. For our residents here and now and for those who will come next.” |
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