NEWS RELEASE
REGION OF WATERLOO
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Detailed on-site technical analysis will soon begin in Wilmot, as the Region of Waterloo’s initiative to assemble shovel-ready land to secure a generational investment progresses. The Region has now successfully purchased nearly one third (1/3) of the 770-acre site.
This represents a significant milestone in enabling the creation of a shovel-ready site for future investment from a major employer. The Region continues to work closely with landowners to negotiate fair and equitable agreements for the purchase of land. As some agreements are now finalized, on-site investigations will begin, including further technical analysis and environmental work, to complement previous due diligence.
“This land assembly effort is a transformational initiative for the economic future of our region and is essential as we grow to one-million residents,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “Assembling shovel-ready land is about securing thousands of new jobs in our community and bringing billions of dollars to our local economy. We are seeing this type of investment across the province and the positive impact it can make on the lives of residents.”
Over the last several years, Waterloo Region has lost potential investment opportunities from major employers because we did not have shovel-ready land for development that would be attractive to a large-scale employer.
Responding to the needs of global and local businesses looking to locate or expand in Waterloo Region, this future shovel-ready site will offer new, well-paying jobs and spin-off investments and jobs in related fields such as construction, logistics, supply chain management and others.
Site selection processes are intensive and thorough. Some of the specific characteristics about this area that make it uniquely suited for this initiative include:
- The ability to assemble a large, contiguous area
- Adjacent arterial transportation (highway 7/8)
- Next to existing hydro infrastructure
- Nearby existing infrastructure for water/wastewater
- Not located on the Regional Recharge Zone, which protects Waterloo Region’s drinking water
- Consistent grading considerations throughout the area
- Close proximity to Waterloo Region’s skilled workforce, post-secondary education institutions and tech sector
The Region of Waterloo continues to engage directly in conversation with landowners. As negotiations are on-going, details regarding the negotiations, including the specific lands within the site, remain confidential. This is common practice during real-estate negotiations.
“I want to recognize that this initiative deeply impacts different people in different ways,” added Chair Redman. “The Region of Waterloo has a long history of balancing the protection of natural resources with needed investments to support growth and quality of life for residents. That vital commitment continues.”
More information about the initiative, including FAQs are available here: Land Assembly in Wilmot - Region of Waterloo.
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