Waterloo’s youngest-ever mayor James Bauer dies at 95

A man rooted in the City of Waterloo’s history has died.

James Bauer, known as the city’s youngest-ever mayor, died at age 95 on Jan. 23. Bauer was only 31 years old when he became mayor of Waterloo in 1960, serving until 1965.

A release from the City of Waterloo boasts his time in office as a time when the municipality “underwent a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity.”

This includes the development of Waterloo Square, which opened in 1961. The city notes, “At the time, the development was deemed as one of the most courageous and ambitious ever undertaken by any North American municipality.”

Bauer also worked at Bauer’s Limited until 1971, was Chairman of the Grand River Conservation Authority, and served in various roles with the Canadian Water Resources Association.

Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe notes she had the opportunity to meet Bauer.

“In particular, he talked about major changes that occurred in uptown” says McCabe. “I asked if he had advice and he said: ‘Always think about the people.’ That’s advice that stands the test of time. We can all be grateful for the lasting impact he made on our city. On behalf of my council colleagues, I offer my sincere condolences to James’ family and friends.”

In a 1963 speech, former mayor Bauer is quoted saying, “There are those, who as a solution to Waterloo’s problems, would propose that we stop the growth of the city…this city must be led not by visionaries, but by men of vision.”

More on Bauer’s life and impact can be read here.