Increased drone traffic in Waterloo Region for flight path testing

Waterloo Region – Residents in Waterloo Region may notice increased drone traffic in October due to testing of drone flight paths in local air space.

The testing is being completed by AirMatrix, a Canadian company who specializes in designing air space routes for autonomous aircrafts, or drones. AirMatrix aims to enable cities to take control of their skies, while accelerating the commercialization for drone use cases. The testing will be happening over a few Regional and Kitchener roads.

In the future, the air space routes being tested could be used by drones for purposes ranging from improving telecommunications to delivering pharmaceuticals or mail/small parcels.

Testing  partners include Transport Canada, other industry partners, and the Region of Waterloo.  The work will allow AirMatrix to start building infrastructure to support safe drone usage, while also contributing to regulatory development.

The first round of testing begins today, with two additional testing periods scheduled for later in the month.

During the testing, operators will remain in line of sight with the drones. All drone operators have been certified and flights are being conducted under appropriate regulations with all necessary approvals - no disruptions to the public are expected.

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For more information, please contact:

Laura Philippe, Communications Coordinator, Office of Regional Economic Development, Region of Waterloo, 226-753-0626 or lphilippe@regionofwaterloo.ca