Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry reflects on 2020 during virtual State of the City

August 01, 2025

City of Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry presented a virtual 2020 State of the City yesterday afternoon to mark the final Council meeting of the year. The State of the City address, which is an annual opportunity to inform the public about the city’s progress, was originally scheduled as an in-person event earlier this year but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s theme “A Year in Review” focuses on an unprecedented year given the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City’s approach has been to ensure a coordinated, informed and flexible response to the evolving needs of the situation. During this time, the City has also continued to provide essential services, innovate where needed, and keep key projects moving ahead – all while keeping cost-containment and financial sustainability at the forefront. 

In the video, Mayor McGarry reflects on the challenges and successes over the last year, notes key projects, and highlights how the community has come together in the face of the pandemic. She points to the resiliency of local businesses, and expresses gratitude for front-line and essential workers.

“Each and every one of you are doing your part to keep healthy, to support local, to keep the economy going – adapting to new technology during the restrictions, working and living amidst challenging and ever-changing circumstances,” Mayor McGarry said.

In 2021, the Mayor noted the City will continue to focus on emergency and pandemic preparedness, community wellbeing and safety, and supporting our local businesses. The revised strategic plan will further define and guide City Council's priorities.

“There is hope on the horizon….and our City has many advantages,” Mayor McGarry said. “Our growing population and high employment rate have put in a good position moving forward through this difficult period. Cambridge is a beautiful, historic riverfront city… it’s a place where families want to live and work.”

Following the Mayor’s presentation, staff presented a Year in Review report further detailing corporate accomplishments and initiatives over the last year. The Mayor’s video and further information can be found at www.cambridge.ca/yearinreview. 

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Backgrounder

2020 Pandemic Response and Accomplishments

The City of Cambridge’s pandemic experience and response has been captured in the attached 2020 pandemic timeline. These significant experiences have greatly impacted everyday life and employees, partners and the community have come together to respond to emergency orders and limit the spread of the virus in our community.

Pandemic measures include:

  • City Hall, municipal facilities and outdoor recreational amenities closures and safe re-openings in accordance with public health directives.
  • Safety protocols and guidelines introduced at all City facilities
  • Dedicated pandemic response teams, in coordination with the Regional Control Response Group, and enhanced communication to community and employees
  • Virtual Council meetings, recreation programs, and community events
  • Economic Response Plan - relief and support for residents and local businesses, cost containment
  • Expanded by-law team and redeployment of staff to essential services
  • Second wave of COVID-19 planning and response

In addition to a comprehensive pandemic response, the City also took a proactive approach to ensuring high quality services and programs could be delivered to the community, and to keep key projects moving ahead.

Highlights are outlined under our strategic goals of People, Place and Prosperity.

PEOPLE

  • Consultation and engagement to update our Strategic Plan Cambridge Connected, and completion of our first ever community-wide satisfaction survey
  • New Newcomer Outreach Program
  • Welcome Cambridge - a virtual Information Fair and Service Map for newcomers in Cambridge
  • Partnership with community members to approve the Cambridge Neighbourhood Table initiative
  • Approval of the lease of two city owned surplus lots for the Region of Waterloo to use for affordable housing
  • New learning management system and wellness resources for staff
  • Conducted Ward 7 By-election during COVID-19 with numerous safety precautions and curbside voting
  • World Council on City Data (WCCD) Platinum certifications for 2018 and 2019

PLACE

  • Cambridge Recreation Complex - site preparation and began a feasibility study to investigate opportunities to share amenities and facilities with the school board and library
  • Land has been acquired and the design work started for the twelve field soccer facility on Fountain Street
  • Historic City Hall restoration project
  • Community discussions regarding the Waterloo Region Climate Action Strategy
  • Seven electric vehicles for building inspectors deployed into service
  • Witmer Park improvements including a shade pavilion and a multi-use court
  • New pedestrian bridge on the Mill Run Trail in Hespeler and new footbridge at the Living Levee Trail at Mill Race Park
  • A new Farmers Market online platform for pre-order and safer pick up
  • Launch of #Recfromhome - free resources to stay active and engaged from home; and #WOWSocial – senior reassurance and wellness calls
  • Safe in-person programming was offered when possible – pools, splashpads, sports fields, arenas, recreation centres, senior centres, Centre for the Arts and summer camps
  • Virtual and Socially-Distanced Celebrations – Celebration of the Arts, Canada, Whimsical Wednesday, Old Post Office light show, Winter Illumination and Online Cambridge Christmas Market
  • COVID-19 time capsule archives project to preserve this moment in history from a Cambridge perspective.

PROSPERITY

  • Core Areas Transformation Fund (CATF) framework approval
  • Bike Your City: Cycling Master Plan approved and implementing Transportation Master Plan
  • Infrastructure and transportation improvements - 29 milestones completed (design, initiation, completion, engagement) 
  • On-line engagement on various infrastructure projects/studies
  • 2020 CATT Award of Excellence in the ‘Organization’ category - Centre for Advancement of Trenchless Technologies
  • Local business support through pandemic, including Economic Response Plan, ongoing direct business outreach and business support resource page containing information on Provincial and Federal programs including calls for supplies and retooling
  • An expedited process for local businesses to expand patios and create more outdoor space was also put in place
  • Nine filming projects in 2020
  • City Council approval of a new Asset Management Plan
  • Provincial approval of a proposed redevelopment of the SmartCentres (Hespeler/Pinebush) site for a 73-acre mixed-use community

https://www.cambridge.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=ddc29f6e-8458-4400-bfb1-92a7bf6aafa1.

 

Primary Media Contact

Susanne Hiller
Director of Corporate Communications
City of Cambridge
hillers@cambridge.ca