Growing Our Local and Regional Economy

"Around the world, it has become clear to me that cities are increasingly playing a leadership role in the economic development efforts for their communities. That's why the development of Make it Kitchener 2.0 was a priority during this past term of Council to ensure we continue to lead in this regard.  Together with the other local Mayors and the Regional Chair, I am committed to ensure that we continue to have a diverse and thriving local economy with opportunities for all."

Growing the economy have been a focus for City Council.  We have been committed at working collaboratively with a wide-range of partners to ensure we continue to lead and be resilient as a community.

Over the past four years, we have:

• Adopted and began to implement the Make It Kitchener 2.0 Economic Development strategy, a new $110 million fund to create jobs and grow our local economy.
• Partnered with University of Waterloo to approve a new Health Innovation Arena in Downtown Kitchener that will help grow UW Velocity and support up to 125 companies and 800+ employees.
• Announced a new partnership with Conestoga College with a commitment upto $15 million to fund a new Creative Industries campus in Downtown Kitchener.
• Opened our new film, music and creative media office, headed up by Bob Egan, former member of one of Canada’s beloved bands – Blue Rodeo.
• Undertaken a vision update for Downtown Kitchener including master plans for our Innovation District (former Bramm Street lands) and the Civic District (in progress).
• Built out the 44 Gaukel incubator, accelerator and co-working space.
• Begun to conduct a city-owned property review to see how city’s land assets could be used to help advance strategic goals ranging from affordable housing to job creation