On a crisp morning in Waterloo Region, the sun began to peek over the horizon as the BestWR table – a group of mayors, CEOs, founders and civic leaders – boarded a bus. Their destination? Detroit, a city undergoing its own remarkable transformation, much like Waterloo Region. As the wheels turned along this three-hour journey, anticipation filled the air and visions for the future took shape.

According to the Province’s Growth Plan, Waterloo Region has its sights set on accommodating a population of one million by 2051, but it’s striving for something much greater than numerical growth. Already ranked among the top 20 tech hubs in North America, Waterloo Region’s ecosystem of startups, world-class post-secondary institutions, and pioneering companies are setting the stage for substantial growth and global recognition.

In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan and his team shared insights from that city’s $1.5 billion downtown innovation district and Waterloo Region’s leaders found inspiration for their own endeavours. During the bus trip, there were plenty of discussions about proactive strategies and collaborative efforts to address some of the opportunities and challenges that will come with the region’s significant growth.

What does Waterloo Region’s innovation district look like? How do we realize this vision? The answer is a holistic approach encompassing six key pillars, each essential for building a vibrant and livable community that supports innovation, prosperity, and well-being for all residents.

• Tech Hub of North America: Waterloo Region is creating an environment for startups to thrive, bringing in the best talent, and getting everyone to work together. We want to keep this momentum going and cement our spot as a global leader in tech. One of the key drivers of our innovation district is the Toronto-Waterloo tech corridor. By leveraging this critical link, we can continue to tap into a wealth of resources and expertise, amplifying the impact of our initiatives and attracting top talent and investment from around the world.
• Academic Excellence: World-class post-secondary institutions – the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier University, and McMaster University – are the backbone of innovation in Waterloo Region. They’re driving research and getting students ready to take on the world. As the region grows, these institutions will play a significant role in driving innovation and economic growth.
• Global Leading Companies: Big-name companies like Axonify, OpenText, D2L and Magnet Forensics are like anchors in our community, driving innovation and providing jobs. They’re here because Waterloo Region is buzzing with talent and ideas, and we’ll keep cheering them on.
• Investment in Infrastructure: With significant growth on the horizon, we need to make sure our infrastructure can keep up. We’re talking about building tens of thousands of new homes to make sure everyone has a place to live, and investing in healthcare and a new innovation hospital to take care of our growing population.
• Transportation and Urban Development: We need to put more money into public transit, like Stage 2 ION, to make it easier to get around. Investment in transit and urban development, including a new transit hub, will ensure the region remains accessible and connected.
• World-Class Placemaking: We want Waterloo Region to be a community where people love to live and work. We need to create public spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration to promote a culture of innovation that permeates every aspect of life in Waterloo Region. By making our region vibrant and welcoming, we’re attracting talent and investment, and building a place where everyone feels like they belong. We want to make Waterloo Region the go-to spot for people in their 20s to set down roots and chase their dreams.

Waterloo Region’s journey toward innovation doesn’t stop there. By continuing to encourage partnerships between manufacturing and technology sectors, the region can create a fertile ground for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. The Toyota plants in Cambridge, for instance, exemplify the convergence of advanced manufacturing and technological innovation, particularly as the automaker plans for an electric vehicle (EV) facility.

With a shared vision and alignment of goals, Waterloo Region has the potential to become an even more prominent global leader in innovation and economic growth. By doubling down on our strengths and promoting a culture of collaboration and creativity, we can shape a brighter future for generations to come. We can build the Waterloo Region of tomorrow – one innovation at a time.