“Build more homes”: Schreiner shares priorities for prosperity in Kitchener-Waterloo region

January 9, 2025

KITCHENER — During a fireside chat hosted by the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner shared the party’s priorities for attracting and retaining talent in the region in the face of a rapidly expanding tech sector.

“Kitchener-Waterloo’s flourishing tech sector is home to so many entrepreneurs and innovators who support our province’s economic development and shape our vision of tomorrow,” said Schreiner.

“But under the Ford government, sky-high housing costs and lack of access to basic necessities like healthcare have made it difficult to attract and retain the bright minds that keep that economic engine running.”

“Over the past ten years, the average home price in Kitchener-Waterloo has increased by 159 percent,” said MPP for Kitchener Centre Aislinn Clancy. “That’s not feasible for young people and families who move to this region to start businesses, gain mentorship or take part in our fast-growing tech sector; and it’s pushing people away.

“As our region continues to grow, it’s paramount that the province works with all regional partners to ensure we have the tools to support this continued economic development now and into the future.”

During the fireside chat, Schreiner shared Ontario Greens’ priorities for attracting and retaining talent in Kitchener-Waterloo, including:

• Building more homes to bring down housing costs and open up the market to first-time home buyers
• Removing red tape that prevents the construction of multiplexes, apartments and other forms of missing middle housing
• Investing in two-way, all-day GO train service on the Kitchener line to ensure residents have fast and frequent transit access and connections to nearby communities
• Recruiting and retaining more doctors to address the family doctor shortage and ensure all residents have access to a family doctor/primary care provider.

“The Ford government holds the keys to unlocking so much prosperity in the region, but they have repeatedly failed to meet the moment,” said Schreiner. “If they’re not willing to act, Ontario Greens will.”

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