Region of Waterloo advocates for growing community at 2023 AMO conference

August 01, 2025

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Chair and Councillors advanced strategic social and economic priorities with the Government of Ontario this week at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference.  

Over four days, the Regional delegation met with cabinet ministers, government officials and opposition leaders to discuss the future growth, wellbeing, and prosperity of Waterloo Region.

“We engaged in critical conversations for our municipality, community partners and the 650,000 residents we serve,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “We are known provincially as a trusted partner and look forward to continued dialogue with the Ontario Government on creating a world-class community where everyone can thrive.” 

Conversations focused on advocating for key community priorities:  

  • Two-way, all-day GO train service and expanded GO bus service across the region; 
  • The King Victoria Transit Hub to connect LRT, GRT, GO and VIA rail, pedestrians and cyclists; 
  • The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, a roadmap for strategies, resources and timelines to end chronic homelessness, created in community, by community and for community; 
  • Alternate Destination Clinics and further supports for those experiencing mental health and addiction challenges; 
  • Tools to help local business compete globally, including talent attraction, retention and reskilling; 
  • Addressing community safety and wellbeing, including intimate partner violence and road safety; 
  • Investments and workforce needs for local child care, mental health and housing providers; 
  • Strategies to tackle paramedic offload delays at local emergency departments; and 
  • The proposed new community hospital and future of health care. 

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s (AMO) annual conference took place August 20-23, 2023 in London, Ontario.  

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