‘Very well positioned’ Waterloo mayor delivers State-of-the-City

That was Mayor Dorothy McCabe’s main message as she delivered the 2026 State of the City address on Thursday to a packed UW Field House.

Her speech focused on the future and the city’s ability to remain innovative and resilient amid an ever-changing and often chaotic global political and economic climate.

“Waterloo is very well positioned because of our unique economic ecosystem, and we’re working with partners, and we have opportunities ahead of us. So, despite what’s going on globally, I still remain very optimistic for the future of Waterloo,” said McCabe while speaking to 570 NewsRadio.

The mayor took a few moments to tout the partnerships the city has forged that are allowing it to move the community forward. She said one project is particularly exciting and she can’t wait to see it progress this year.

“One of the main focuses of my time in office has been the affordable and obtainable housing development at 2025 University Ave . It’s Canada’s largest housing development. It will break ground this spring, so we’re really looking forward to that.”

Once completed the BuildNow Waterloo Region project will host 1,000 units. With ground being broken this year, residents are expected to start moving in next year.

Mayor McCabe also spoke about the $540,000 city investment in its partnership with the Accelerator Centre to launch a new med-tech development program.

But the mayor didn’t shy away from the fact that the city will face challenges this coming year.

“One of the things I continue to raise at the region and in the city is the need, on an ongoing basis, for us to really think of our water consumption and what conservation projects and programs need to be put in place because every drop of water is precious.”

McCabe was asked about recent comments by Ian McLean, chair of the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board, who said he thinks it’s time for the mayor to sit down with himself, Police Chief Mark Crowell and other stakeholders and really find a way to end the unsanctioned street parties in the University district.

“I welcome the opportunity to continue talking to Chair McLean and Chief Crowell and the head of our own municipal enforcement agency,” said McCabe. “Police and our bylaw have been trying for 10 or 12 years, ever since this unsanctioned street gathering started, we’ve been trying to end it. So, I welcome any additional ideas and strategies to do so.”

October 2026 is the municipal election, meaning new faces could be around the council horseshoe just as the city is ramping up budget talks. McCabe said councillors’ focus will continue to be on the matters in front of them, but the election process provides them a chance to speak directly with community members.

“In September staff will start our strategic planning process. So, that a really important opportunity for residents to let their voices heard. But of course, going door-to-door and knocking on doors in an election is also a great opportunity for council, future council and myself to hear what is really on the mind of residents.”

Ontario’s municipal election date is October 26, 2026.

Rotary Waterloo hosted the State of City. Proceeds from the sold-out event, over $24,000, went to Waterloo Wayside Centre , with an additional $5,000 to Rotary’s Community Grant Fund.