Chair Redman delivers State of the Region, preparing for one million residents by 2050

The State of the Region address was held Tuesday morning at the Region of Waterloo Ken Seiling Museum.

Regional Chair Karen Redman recognized how unique the Region of Waterloo is to start her address.

“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, she said. “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.”

Redman outlined how the region is preparing for one million residents by 2050. That was the theme of Redman’s speech. She also touched on how we need to embrace economic development.

“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.”

Land will be provided to Savic Homes for a mixed-income housing project on Highland Road West in Kitchener which will add 208 homes, 64 of which will be affordable.

The address outlined the need for more affordable housing in the region.

“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,” she said. “We must continue to make investments in reliable services that people can depend on.”

“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,” added Redman.

Despite the mention of economic growth opportunities for the region, there was no mention of the current land assembly process that is underway in Wilmot Township. 770 acres of prime farmland is being targeted for economic development in the region. Farmland owners were told that if they did not accept an offer for their land, they would be expropriated instead.

She reflected on the benefits of what the ION light rail has brought to the region since it’s inception in 2019. “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,” she added.

It was also announced that Pivot Airlines will be relocating their base of operations to the Region of Waterloo International Airport as of June 1.

“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,” she outlined.

The speech was followed by special guest Don Iveson 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.

A panel discussion took place shortly after that included 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 University of Waterloo.

The discussion was about what is needed to make a community a place where people want to live and work.