‘The Waterloo way:’ Tariffs, housing main focus for Waterloo’s State of the City

It was a look to the past, present, and future for the City of Waterloo, with Mayor Dorothy McCabe giving her annual State of the City address.

It’s the third address for the Waterloo mayor, now well into her second full year in office, and having enough time to get a good grasp of the key topics and issues facing the city.

Her address focused on a few key areas, including housing, healthcare, a local push, as well as the ongoing difficulties facing international economies and their impact on the city.

“You know what I’m talking about; the three T’s: Tariffs. trade, and you know who I’m talking about,” said McCabe. “Here’s the thing, crisis creates opportunity. Governments, businesses, non-profits, and academia from across our region are coming together to understand the impacts of the global issues and to find ways to protect our economy and to support our communities.”

She mentioned that even though the city has been battling through uncertain times when it comes to those economic uncertainties, she has still seen a sense of optimism through businesses and the local community.

“A couple of companies told us they’ve never been busier because orders are coming in from people seeking new suppliers. It’s not all doom and gloom, but we need to keep our eye on it, and we will keep our eye on it, we’ll keep talking to the business community. I think if we continue to pull together, we’re going to get through this.”

“Now more than ever, you have the opportunity to step forward for Waterloo and for Canada. Support local. Buy local. Get involved. Be active in your neighbourhood and in your city,” said Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “In Waterloo, we’re not waiting for the future. We are building it together. That is the Waterloo way.”

McCabe also took the time to address the city’s increasing need for housing, with Waterloo working to match the pace of growth that it’s seen, growing by 28 per cent between 2015 and 2024. She said many projects are on the way, including new developments coming to University Avenue East.

She did state that further progress could be made on the issue of housing and overall affordability if there were a more open line of communication centred around the three levels of Canadian government.

“I will emphasize that if the province and the federal governments want to change how development is funded, municipalities and developers must be at the table as equal participants and partners.”

570 NewsRadio had the chance to speak with McCabe on why she feels the city remains a key area throughout the region, saying how it will always be a perfect place to call home.

Interview clip with Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe on city’s key pulls for future residents.

McCabe said that, with city council more than two years into its mandate, there still remains plenty that she and other city councilors are looking to accomplish moving forward.

“Team Waterloo, Team Waterloo Region, Team Ontario, and Team Canada, and we are ready.”