2025 Progress for Homes for All

Growing Affordable Housing

Growing Affordable Housing

Communities thrive when everyone has a place to call home. With wise investment and hard work, we are helping build and preserve the affordable housing our community needs.

Recent Progress

1,036 new affordable housing units are in development, of which 142 are supportive homes.

Total number of affordable homes in development by partner type

This chart shows the number of affordable housing units that are in development as of July 2025. 648 through Waterloo Region Housing, 163 through community partners, 158 through region owned lands, 67 through other means such as rent assistance.

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Key Facts

We work in creative ways to grow and preserve affordable housing.

Did you know?

Do you wonder what a Waterloo Region Housing Revitalization looks like? Use the slider below to see how 82 Wilson will be transformed.

82 Wilson Before Construction:  82 Wilson before construction. 82 Wilson After Construction: This image is a rendering of 82 Wilson after construction. The building is larger with more floors.

Supporting Housing Stability

Supporting Housing Stability

When housing costs are high, a job loss, an illness, or an unexpected expense can all lead to housing insecurity. We are working with the community to help people maintain stable homes, and also find solutions to the homelessness crisis through the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and a variety of programs that help people maintain their homes.

Recent Progress

Since January, the Region of Waterloo has supported 97 people experiencing chronic homelessness to access housing through our Prioritized Access to Housing Support program (PATHS). Halfway through 2025, we are projected to support more people into housing than we have in the past two years.

Total number of people housed through the Region’s Housing Support Programs

Did you know?

Housing Services provides interventions that address housing all across the continuum of need. We know that the journey to permanent housing is not always linear, and our community is made up of households with many unique needs. Each type of housing is important to ensure that everyone has a home. The housing continuum as shown below illustrates a number of differing housing types and needs, and how three of our strategic initiatives intersect with that continuum.

This is an image of the Housing Continuum from homeless, to emergency shelters, to supportive housing, to community housing, to affordable rental housing, to affordable home ownership, to market rental housing, to market home ownership.

Key Facts

Did you know we offer support that helps people stay in their homes and prevent homelessness?

Supporting Economic Growth

Supporting Economic Growth

We are investing in economic opportunity for all. Through innovative solutions and long-term planning, the Region of Waterloo is strengthening our economy for the future, building strong local industries and good jobs for people across Waterloo Region.

Recent Progress

Key Facts

A recent economic impact study confirms that the Region of Waterloo International Airport is a vital economic engine for Waterloo Region and beyond. Prepared by InterVISTAS, the study examined the economic impact generated by the airport’s operations and associated activities in 2023. Key findings of the report show that YKFs total 2023 annual operations generated:

World’s Fastest Business Jet Completes Inaugural Flight

In May, YKF welcomed the first flight of the Bombardier Global 8000, the world’s fastest civil aircraft. YKF provides the necessary infrastructure and unique support for the final stages of aircraft production, where Bombardier can conduct last-minute testing, maintenance flights, and certification activities.

Supporting People Living with Dementia to Remain at Home

Supporting People Living with Dementia to Remain at Home

As part of our Seniors’ Services, we offer programs that support people living with dementia to remain in their homes longer. These programs are part of the Community Alzheimer Program and offer meaningful social and recreational opportunities. They also provide a regular break and support for care partners so they can to continue to care for their loved one with dementia in their home.

Recent Progress

Our Community Alzheimer's Programs are funded by Ontario Health, with different supports and sites across Waterloo Region. In June of 2025, 202 people living with dementia participated these programs.

Total Number of People Served by the Community Alzheimer Programs: April 2024-Jun 2025

Key Facts

While many care partners report the positive aspects of providing care, care partners of all ages and types (spouses, children, friends, neighbours) too frequently experience challenges, including financial hardship, burnout, depression and isolation.

Young Onset Dementia Association (YODA), Region of Waterloo