Available Buildings & Land

Join one of Canada's most innovative communities!

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is located in Waterloo Region, in southwestern Ontario, Canada - just 45 minutes west of the Greater Toronto Area. Known as “Canada’s Silicon Valley”, the Region boasts the second largest number of start-ups in North America.Poised for continued growth, the Region's young, affluent population is expected to reach 923,000 by 2051.

"As Canada's largest provider of private charter jets Chartright is continuously looking for new markets and infrastructure to support growth. The Region of Waterloo International Airport offers world-class facilities and services and is located in the heart of a thriving business community. Capability and market make this airport a unique combination."

Adam Keller - President, Chartright Air Group

Why Waterloo Region?

The Region of Waterloo International Airport is 45 minutes west of the Greater Toronto Area, located alongside Canada's Highway 401. Four million people - 10 per cent of Canada’s population - live within a one-hour drive of YKF.Waterloo Region is part of a broader economic region in southern Ontario call the “Greater Golden Horseshoe”which is home to 11 million people.

With its young, fast-growing, affluent population, the Region of Waterloo is the ideal place to grow your business:

  • One of the largest and fastest growing regions in Ontario. Waterloo Region’s population surpassed 700,000 in 2024.The region has the eleventhlargest population in Canada and sixthlargest in Ontario.
  • From 2021 to 2024, the region’s population grew by 15%.This exceeds both provincial (9%) and national (8%) growth rates.
  • The median age is 34.8, lower than both the provincial (39.6) and national (40.3)median age.
  • In 2021, 55% of the Region's residents aged 15 years or overhad a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree.
  • In the last census, median total pre-tax income of households in Waterloo Region was $92,000, higher than Ontario ($91,000) and Canada ($84,000).

Sources:LightcastDatarun 2024.3, 2021 Census,SC 17-10-0155-01,SC 17-10-0152-01

Real GDP in Waterloo Region climbed from $27b to $37b from 2016 to 2021, representing 35% growth and exceeding the provincial and national growth rates for the same period.

From Google to Toyota, COM DEV to OpenText, the Region was built on innovation. It hasstrong technology and manufacturing bases, and is a global leader in many sectors, including:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Automotive, Connected and Autonomous
  • Business and Financial Services
  • Food Processing
  • Industry 4.0
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Quantum and Nanotechnology
  • Security

For more information about Waterloo Region's economy please visit Waterloo EDC.

There are over 150 globally renowned research centres located in Waterloo Region, including:

Waterloo Region is the second largest innovation super cluster in North America. We have an established community support system that helps new technology companies start, grow and succeed.

Waterloo Region is hometo a thriving aerospace cluster. Collectively there are over 85 aerospace businesses based in our community that employ more than 3,200 residents. Companies include:

Waterloo Region is home to some of the finest academic institutions in the world.Many rank among the top 100 global institutions. Eight universities and colleges are within commuting distance, and together they offer 22 aerospace-related programs. Academic institutions located in and around Waterloo Region include:

YKF is also home to the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), one of Canada’s largest professional flight schools. WWFC offer accredited academic programs and early entry programs with airlines to develop and hire new pilots.

Shovel ready land available

The airport has 20.2 acres of fully-serviced land available for development. Located minutes from Highway 401, thisspace is ideal for aviation-related businesses. Lots provide secure airside access, many with excellent roadside visibility.

  • 20.2 acres available with secure access to a Code D Taxiway (B-757)

  • Suitable for larger aviation-related operations
  • Fully-serviced with water, sanitary and electricity

  • Zoned to permit aviation-related businesses requiring airside access

View our map.

Additional opportunities available

The Region of Waterloo International Airport also has commercial office space, garage facilities and over two hundred of acres of unserviced land available for development.