Re-elect Dorothy McCabe · Mayor of WaterlooVote October 26, 2026

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Dorothy McCabe · Priorities for Waterloo

A stronger Waterloo.
For the years ahead.

More affordable homes. Greater local opportunity. Neighbourhoods where people can thrive.

Dorothy’s priorities for a second term build on Waterloo’s strengths and focus on the decisions that shape everyday life — where we live, how we work, and the community we share.

Progress during Dorothy’s first term

Big wins.
A stronger Waterloo.

More homes. A site for our first hospital. Big steps forward during Dorothy’s first term.

Housing · Work has begun

Canada’s largest affordable housing project breaks ground.

The City donated 25 acres of land at 2025 University Avenue East. More than 1,000 homes are planned, with places to rent and buy. BUILD NOW calls it Canada’s largest affordable housing project.

Work on the first 85 affordable rental homes began in June 2026. This is a big step toward more homes that people can afford.

How the City helped: Donating land and working with Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and BUILD NOW to make these homes possible.

Video by @seeyourhousenow · Watch the original ↗

Healthcare · A major win for Waterloo

Waterloo chosen for its first hospital.

Waterloo was chosen as the home of the region’s new hospital in July 2024. The site is on University of Waterloo land. It is a major step toward our city’s first hospital.

Ontario added $10 million in 2025 to help plan the hospital. Dorothy has led the City’s push for the funding needed to build it.

Dorothy’s role: Speaking up for Waterloo’s healthcare needs and working with hospital, university and provincial leaders to move the project forward.

Video by CTV News · Watch the original ↗

Housing & everyday life

More affordable homes. Stronger neighbourhoods.

A growing city needs housing people can afford, services they can rely on, and public spaces that support a healthy life. Dorothy’s priorities bring housing, recreation, transportation and environmental responsibility together.

Priorities for the next term

Advance affordable housing
Prioritize the development of more affordable homes, working with council and housing partners to expand the choices available to Waterloo residents.
Plan recreation around a growing community
Support a new multi-use recreation facility in West Waterloo, with accessible spaces, programs for different ages and abilities, and sustainable design and construction.
Connect neighbourhoods and protect green space
Invest in active transportation and work with partners on public transit. Protect and enhance parks, trails and green spaces as Waterloo grows.
Support health, safety and belonging
Work with partners to improve access to healthcare and social services, support mental health and wellbeing, and address barriers to participation. Support public safety and emergency services, with attention to residents who need additional support.
Make environmental responsibility part of city-building
Support emissions reductions, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Protect biodiversity and work with partners on water conservation, public education and the long-term sustainability of the water supply.

Jobs & local opportunity

A stronger economy, with opportunity close to home.

Waterloo’s universities, established employers, entrepreneurs and skilled workforce are foundations for local prosperity. Dorothy’s focus is on supporting existing businesses while attracting responsible investment and good jobs.

Priorities for the next term

Support local businesses and entrepreneurs
Support employers of all sizes, including small and medium-sized businesses. Invest in public infrastructure that supports economic activity, and pursue opportunities that broaden access to good jobs and fair wages.
Advance an Advanced Manufacturing Development Hub
Champion a hub that brings researchers, manufacturers and skilled talent together to develop and adopt new technologies. The focus is on productivity, collaboration and the growth of local manufacturers.
Attract investment to Generation Park
Work with local, provincial and federal partners to secure anchor tenants and a diverse mix of businesses. Pursue investment that supports long-term employment and aligns with Waterloo’s values.

Culture & community

A city where people can connect and participate.

Libraries, local businesses, arts, heritage and shared public spaces are part of everyday community life. Dorothy will work with residents and community partners to strengthen the places and activities that bring Waterloo together.

Priorities for the next term

Support the future of Waterloo Public Library
Work with the library board and staff on redevelopment, including a shared vision, funding opportunities and facilities that respond to community needs.
Strengthen Uptown and local business partnerships
Work with the BIA and local businesses to support existing employers, attract new businesses and create welcoming places for residents and visitors.
Invest in arts, culture and heritage
Support local artists and opportunities to share their work. Continue working with the City of Waterloo Museum and heritage organizations to protect and celebrate the city’s history.
Bring people together
Support festivals, events and public-space initiatives that create opportunities to gather, learn and celebrate. Work with community partners to make civic and cultural life welcoming and accessible.

Record & partnerships

Building on work already underway.

The following projects and partnerships form part of Waterloo’s progress during Dorothy’s first term. They provide context for the priorities ahead.

Medical technology and local employment

Over three years, the City of Waterloo invested $540,000, in partnership with the Accelerator Centre, to launch a new med-tech development program, nurturing and growing up to 45 innovative Canadian homegrown start-ups and new job opportunities.

Responsible technology adoption

The City of Waterloo is a partner with the Waterloo Region AI Coalition, championed by the University of Waterloo and led by Communitech. The partnership positions the community as Canada's responsible AI adoption powerhouse.

Committees, appointments & further reading

Enova Energy Corporation and Enova Power Corporation Board of Directors

University of Waterloo Board of Governors

Waterloo Economic Development Advisory Committee

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

Ontario Big City Mayors Caucus

Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)

State of the City 2026

Talk with Dorothy.

Share your perspective on Waterloo’s priorities.

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