Waterloo Region – Regional Chair Karen Redman and Regional Councillors are meeting with provincial cabinet ministers and officials at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference this week to advance Waterloo Region's priorities for key infrastructure, transportation, and economic growth. 

Waterloo Region is advocating for provincial support for housing-enabling infrastructure, including funding for critical water capital projects, continued investment in major transportation priorities such as ION Stage 2 and Breslau GO service, and support for aviation, aerospace and defence opportunities at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) that will attract investment and create jobs. 

“This is a pivotal moment for Waterloo Region,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “As our community continues to grow, we must make the investments needed to support residents, businesses and future opportunities. We're advocating for projects that will help build a stronger, more connected and more prosperous region.” 

On Sunday, Chair Redman co-chaired the annual joint meeting of the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO) and Ontario's Big City Mayors (OBCM) alongside Marianne Meed Ward, bringing municipal leaders together to discuss shared issues facing communities across Ontario. The meeting included discussions with the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Parliamentary Secretary Jennifer McKelvie on pressing municipal issues, housing supply and the future of Canada's National Housing Strategy. 

During the AMO Conference, Chair Redman and Regional Councillors are meeting with provincial ministers and officials, including the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Through these and other meetings throughout the conference, the Region is advancing key priorities including critical housing-enabling infrastructure, expanded transit investments, community safety and well-being initiatives, intimate partner and gender-based violence prevention, enhanced mental health and addictions supports, and economic development opportunities. 

“Addressing the challenges facing our communities requires collaboration across all levels of government,” said Chair Redman. “We appreciate the opportunity to bring Waterloo Region's priorities directly to provincial decision-makers and look forward to continuing these conversations to secure the support needed for our residents, businesses and growing communities.” 

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