Waterloo Region Economic Development Strategy & Talent Attraction, Retention & Reskilling Plan

A thank you goes out to everyone who has given their time and feedback for this project as we move through our engagement process. So far we have engaged with:

• 98 business leaders through one-on-one interviews & focus groups
• 1330 survey responses across 4 surveys
• 205 attendees to 4 EDI/newcomer-focused workshops
• 230 youth engaged via surveys and focus groups

Detailed engagement results have been posted under the Documents section of this page.

This summer, we will continue engagement with Indigenous communities. As opportunities are scheduled, we will continue to post them here.

You're invited to attend this community celebration event where we will reflect on the results of our series of workshops focusing on the newcomer experience while enjoying great food and exploring the next steps and ideas.

[see results in Documents]

Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Regional Council Chambers
Address: 150 Frederick St., Kitchener
Invited: Youth aged 13-18
Click here to register

The collective of area municipalities, the Region of Waterloo, and Waterloo EDC have partnered with EthicTalent to host three in-person workshops intended for cultural communities in Waterloo Region and newcomers to Canada. We hope to gain key insights and co-create ideas for business and individual success in Waterloo Region. The strategies and insights that emerge from these workshops will directly inform the WREDS and Talent Plan. All three sessions will provide food and refreshments for attendees:

• [COMPLETED] Sunday, November 26, 1PM-3PM: 200 Christopher Drive, Cambridge (Kinbridge)
• [COMPLETED] Wednesday, December 6: 7PM-9PM: 67 Hanson Avenue, Kitchener (The Family Centre)
• [COMPLETED] Friday, December 15, 7PM-9PM: 400 Northfield Dr. W, Waterloo (Sidewalk Community Centre / All Saints)
  
  

Please see the flyer below for more information and click here to register for your preferred session. If you have questions, please reach out to info@ethictalent.com or ecdev@regionofwaterloo.ca. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first round of public engagement during the last week of June. The quality of the information, insight and passion shared with us about the challenges and opportunities facing our local economy was incredible. Topics from the first round of engagement included supply chain challenges, growth strategies for existing and emerging sectors, coordination of advocacy across levels of government, access to land, housing, integrated supports for newcomers, access to wrap-around supports and more.

We have just wrapped up our second round of engagement, which started in September and included a variety of in-person and virtual workshops, interviews, and surveys. Please scroll down to see open, upcoming, and completed surveys and events.

COMPLETED - Waterloo Region Workforce Survey

Survey Availability - November 16 to December 8, 2023

This survey is organized by the collective of area municipalities, the Region of Waterloo, and Waterloo EDC. We are conducting a broad survey of Waterloo Region's workforce to gain insight in opportunities, challenges, and goals relating to finding a job and working in Waterloo Region. The survey is intended for all members of the labour force, whether you are employed, unemployed, or looking for work. The results of this survey will be used to inform the WREDS and Talent Plan. Thank you for your participation!

Begin Survey

COMPLETED - Waterloo Region Employer Survey

Survey Availability - November 7 to December 8, 2023

This survey is organized by the collective of area municipalities, the Region of Waterloo, and Waterloo EDC. We are conducting this study amongst businesses and organizations in Waterloo Region to understand your workforce needs. The survey is intended to be completed by a manager or someone with operational knowledge of your business or organization. Thank you for your participation!

Begin Survey

Waterloo Region Economic Development Strategy Workshops

1. Global Growth Workshop - June 26, 2023
   Location: 150 Main St. Cambridge
   This session was geared towards employers who had recently put down roots in Waterloo Region, who had considered expanding recently and from all industries across the region. The workshop aimed to bring a global and local lens to growth, attraction, retention, and expansion of Waterloo Region businesses.
2. Small and Main Street Business Workshop - June 26, 2023
   Location: 150 Main St. Cambridge
   This session was geared toward small and medium-sized businesses, main street/uptown/downtown businesses, in both rural and urban environments, from all industries across the region.
3. Commercial Development Workshop - June 26, 2023
   Location: North Dumfries Community Complex, 2958 Greenfield Road, Ayr
   This session was geared toward all development and industry partners from across the region. The workshop brought members of the residential, commercial and industrial development community together from the region.
4. Large Employers Workshop - June 27, 2023
   Location: 150 Frederick St. Kitchener
   This session was geared towards local, major employers from all industries across the region.
5. Technology and Start-Up Environment Business Workshop - June 27, 2023
   Location: 150 Frederick St. Kitchener
   This session was geared towards businesses and industry partners engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and distribution of technologically based goods and services, from all industries across the region.

Waterloo Region Talent Attraction, Retention and Reskilling Plan

1. Workforce Partners Focus Group - June 28, 2023
   Location: RIM Park, 2001 University Ave. E. Waterloo
   Your input will inform the broader workforce vision and guide the programs and recommendations that enable improvements to local workforce attraction, development, and retention capabilities.
2. Newcomers Workshop - June 28, 2023
   Location: RIM Park, 2001 University Ave. E. Waterloo, ON N2K 4K4
   How might you contribute to the growth and success of our community? What are the significant workforce gaps and barriers that you face in Waterloo Region? As a newcomer, are you thinking of leaving Waterloo Region to find employment? How can Waterloo Region support the attraction and retention of newcomers to the community?

Economic Development Strategy & Talent Plan Workshop

General Session - September 14, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (COMPLETED)

This session is geared towards employers and businesses, of all sizes and in all industries in Waterloo Region.

• What are your biggest challenges in the coming months and years? Both for your business and your workforce?
• What unique opportunities does our community have, that we should be leveraging?
• What work should we prioritize to help our community prepare for our long-term growth?
• How can we support businesses in both rural and urban environments?

Student Engagement Survey

Survey Availability - September 19, 2023 to October 13, 2023 (COMPLETED)

The purpose of this survey is to gain a better understanding of students' perceptions of Waterloo Region, including their quality of life and future plans.