Building Waterloo for the Future
Mayor Dorothy McCabe is running for re-election.
She's building a Waterloo that's ready for the future. As a champion of our first hospital, affordable housing, and investing in local talent, she has already proven she can get the big things done. Let’s move forward together towards a resilient, innovative and inclusive city.
Meet Dorothy
Mayor Dorothy McCabe is seeking a second term to continue building a future-ready Waterloo. With over 20 years of leadership experience across the public and community sectors, she has the expertise needed to navigate global economic changes and tackle our city's biggest challenges.
Since being elected in 2022, Dorothy has represented our city on the Region of Waterloo Council and the Board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Her first term has been defined by action, from securing the site for our first hospital to initiating Canada’s largest affordable housing project . She remains dedicated to service, respect, and a resilient future for every resident.
Delivering for Waterloo
Breaking Ground on Affordable Housing
Dorothy launched Build Now Waterloo Region at 2025 University Avenue East on city-donated land — Canada’s largest affordable housing project. Construction on Union1 begins in June 2026, bringing 85 sustainable co-operative homes for families and individuals. After passing Waterloo’s first Affordable Housing Strategy, Dorothy is continuing to champion solutions that increase affordable and attainable housing across the city.
Championed Waterloo's First Hospital
Waterloo’s first hospital - and our region’s first innovation hospital - will be built at the University of Waterloo’s Research and Technology Park. To help build a world-class healthcare network, the city is investing $540,000 in a medtech program to grow 45 homegrown med-tech startups. More than healthcare, this will create a center for medical innovation supporting excellent patient care and local job creation.
A Greener, More Active Waterloo
10,000 trees are being planted across 82 locations to cool our streets and clean our air. A new neighbourhood park is being built in Vista Hills, a new splashpad has opened in Eastbridge, and a new cricket pitch has been added. Improvements to Waterloo Park are continuing, to keep Waterloo’s signature green space a welcoming hub for everyone.
Creating Jobs and Local Prosperity
Dorothy is committed to supporting Waterloo’s small businesses and helped launch the Support Local campaign. Plus, the city has partnered with Communitech, UW, Laurier and local businesses to create the “Waterloo Region AI Coalition” designed to help small businesses thrive. From tech innovation to youth employment, Dorothy is focused on keeping Waterloo’s talent here.
There's more to do, Waterloo
We are just getting started. Stay tuned for a full platform and vision including plans for housing, climate-ready infrastructure, and economic growth.