As someone who moved to Hamilton, this always struck me as coming from older native Hamiltonians.
Which part. "The Six" or "Hamil-nn"???
Yeah, having to change the area code was seen as a 'big deal' amongst the older folk, as it was viewed as being Toronto-centric (never mind that statistically it probably made the most sense). The pubic relations around it was a huge fail... not that anyone should have expected better from the Powers that Be.
Mispronouncing a place name smacks of ignorance or arrogance.
Last edited by ScreamingViking; May 28, 2024 at 5:51 AM.
Yeah, having to change the area code was seen as a 'big deal' amongst the older folk, as it was viewed as being Toronto-centric (never mind that statistically it probably made the most sense). The pubic relations around it was a huge fail... not that anyone should have expected better from the Powers that Be.
Mispronouncing a place name smacks of ignorance or arrogance.
The Hamilton part. I don't view it mispronouncing so much as a very British-style shortening. aka "Birming'm", "Luffbra", "Lester". Which aligns with my impression that it's older, white/British stock people doing it.
People using "The 6" skew way younger and generally informs me I need no further interaction with them.
The Hamilton part. I don't view it mispronouncing so much as a very British-style shortening. aka "Birming'm", "Luffbra", "Lester". Which aligns with my impression that it's older, white/British stock people doing it.
People using "The 6" skew way younger and generally informs me I need no further interaction with them.
I don't think I've ever heard "Hamilton" contracted. The "i" does tend to sound like "uh".
According to the latest StatCan estimates, I have calculated that at 880 875, the Quebec City CMA counted for 9,92% of Quebec's population which was at 8 874 683 by that time.
As of today, Quebec's population is now at 9 068 107. When using the same percentage (9,92%), I get 899 556 for the Quebec City CMA as of today.
Let's say we're pretty much at 900 000 now.
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PROVINCE OF QUEBEC ==> 9 068 000
MONTREAL METRO ==> 4 600 000
QUEBEC CITY METRO ==> 900 000
Waterloo Region – This morning, the Region of Waterloo hosted the 2024 State of the Region at the Region of Waterloo Ken Seiling Museum.
...
This year’s theme, 1 Million Ready, explores how the work to prepare Waterloo Region for one million residents by 2050 must start now. “We stand on the cusp of significant growth and change, with our community poised to become home to one million people before we know it,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “This journey excites me because we have the opportunity to shape the change that lies ahead.”...
Transcript of the State of the Region Address / May 28, 2024
Welcome!
What a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday morning, being here with all of you.
I see?many familiar faces in this audience – folks who I consider partners in the work to make Waterloo Region a better place. Thank you, friends, for being here. And for your personal commitment to community building.
I don’t know if your family is like mine but we have several self-described ‘bird nerds’…so whether is it a finch at the at the backyard bird feeder or turkeys patrolling the urban neighbour hood we all get excited. But these pale in comparison to walking the trails in Waterloo region on a weekend and sighting an eagle.
Recently I was reflecting on the time we spotted an eagle at Huron Natural Area. I felt lifted as I watched it fly. These majestic birds have soared above our community for generations, embodying strength and vision.
The Indigenous peoples of this land teach us that the eagle represents leadership, looking far ahead with keen eyes to spot both threats and opportunities.
As we reflect on the State of the Region today, let's embrace the eagle's perspective and consider what lies on our horizon.
We stand on the cusp of significant growth and change, with our community poised to become home to one million people before we know it. This journey excites me because we have the opportunity to shape the change that lies ahead. Together, we can create a future that benefits everyone.
Does the year 2050 seem distant to you? I don’t blame you for feeling that way.
It's worth noting that 2050 is now closer in time than the 1990s.
Over the span of the last five decades, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation—from communicating via phones mounted on walls to carrying an entire universe of information in our pockets.
The pace of change in our world is accelerating, and our community is evolving in tandem. While change can appear intimidating, it also presents an opportunity for profound transformation.
Let me take you back to a June morning, almost five years ago now.
In 2019, under a bright sun at Fairway Station, we cut a long blue ribbon to launch ION light rail. This was a decision where leaders looked 10, 20, even 30 years into the future.
We had the foresight to understand what light rail could do for our entire Region.
Today, that vision has led to transformative change for residents and businesses alike. That first phase of ION has resulted in nearly $5-billion in development along the line.
So, what does this mean for the people of the Region?
It means easier commutes, more accessible services, more housing options, and a stronger sense of community. With easier commutes, parents can drop their children off at daycare without worrying about being late for work, allowing them to start their day with peace of mind.
You know…on the morning we launched ION, many remarked that something felt different. We felt like we had come of age, showcasing innovation, collaboration and the forward thinking needed to propel us into the future. It’s what we can achieve when multiple levels of government invest in our community – together.
ION is a symbol of how big thinking and collaboration can profoundly impact our lives.
There is no doubt our community has diverse needs…
…and I hear them from people across Waterloo Region at community events and even while standing in line at the grocery store. I love being out in the community, meeting people, and hearing about what’s important to them.
There is a great love for the place they call home.
I often hear - and agree - that we have an urgent need for more affordable housing.
… as well as the need to create the conditions for economic growth and further opportunities for all.
.. and we must continue to make investments in reliable services that people can depend on.
As your Regional Chair, I am keenly aware that these priorities require our attention.
Like the eagle, our job is to keep one eye on today and another on what is coming over the horizon. Here in Waterloo Region, we do not wait for the future to come to us. We chase it and grasp it. Today, we are building a home that is future-ready and one-million ready.
I would like to share a short video that showcases Waterloo Region in all its glory and highlights our vibrant community —a community that more and more people want to call home.
[End of video touches on the question: what brought you to Waterloo Region]
So, what brought you here? Each of you could give a different answer.
For me, first and foremost, it’s the people. It's the unique blend of urban and rural, the celebration of diverse cultures, and the way we care for one another.
I don’t know too many places where you can hop on your bike in the middle of a city and find yourself on a scenic trail in the country ten minutes later. …and I don’t know where else you can find a place that so enthusiastically celebrates both Oktoberfest and Diwali.
Our task as leaders is to keep us united and harness the incredible work happening across the region to shape a future where all of us can thrive.
One year ago, we listened to thousands of residents who shared their thoughts, passion, and ideas.
We heard what matters most, and what we want to leave for the next generation. The result was the Region’s new Strategic Plan, "Growing with Care."
This plan, built with your help, is our blueprint for the future. It features an eagle on the cover, reminding us to look ahead to the horizon and balance the present with what is to come.
We are preparing every corner of Waterloo Region for good growth. We invested in our regional airport because we saw its potential, ….and now it is the fastest-growing airport in the country, with new services from Air Canada and Waterloo Region is home to a thriving aerospace sector.
I am thrilled to announce today more great news for the Region of Waterloo International Airport. We are moving ahead with a new partnership…Pivot Airlines will relocate their base of operations to our airport in just a few days on June 1.
This move underscores the economic vitality surrounding YKF and highlights the availability of experienced local maintenance personnel. We envision YKF not only as a transportation hub connecting residents and visitors to important moments but also as a dynamic center of economic activity. The partnership with Pivot Airlines exemplifies this vision in action……contributing to job creation and further economic development in our region.
When we invest in economic opportunities, we are investing in families, future education, and furthering our quality of life. Quality of life often starts at home. Building more homes is critical as we grow.
I’m proud to share that Regional Council is moving ahead with an exciting partnership with Savic Homes on an innovative mixed-income housing project at Highland Road West in Kitchener. This is part of our Building Better Futures initiative and will result in 208 homes for individuals and families, 64 of which will be affordable homes. The creation of new affordable housing means that more people in our community will have a place to call home…where they can set down roots and live a good life.
It offers stability, allowing families to plan for the future and see themselves in our collective future. It means everyone can become active participants in our community. I am incredibly excited to share that this development will feature public art spaces as well as critically needed high-quality, affordable childcare spaces for 80-90 children.
For individuals and families utilizing these new units, it could mean no longer having to confront the difficult choice between paying rent or buying groceries. Parents will rest easier knowing their children have a safe place to come home to. Seniors can afford to age in place within the community they have always known. Young professionals can live close to their workplaces, reducing commute times and increasing quality of life.
Affordable housing is the foundation upon which we can build a healthier, more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
These are not just buildings; they are investments in our community's well-being and future prosperity. Just like ION isn’t just trains, it’s new housing and development. And the airport isn’t just runways and planes, it’s connecting us with the world and spurring economic growth.
My colleagues on Regional Council and I recognize the challenges ahead and emphasize the importance of collaboration at all levels for success.
Our history of being successful trailblazers guides us as we shape our future, knowing that our community continues to evolve.
Together, and with strong leadership from regional government, we will continue to address critical areas such as the health of the Grand River, affordable housing, paramedic services, waste management, and public transit.
Our progress is a testament to collaboration, and we must continue to build together to ensure we are One Million Ready.
The strong spirit of our community will guide us through growth and change. I think I can safely speak for all elected officials here when I say that we know the choices ahead will be tough, they are necessary, and we are committed to finding solutions that benefit us all.
I am proud to serve this region and look forward to making it stronger than ever in the coming decades, fulfilling our promise of a prosperous, thriving Waterloo Region for all.
Calgary took roughly 15 years to go from 700k to 1m and Ottawa took roughly 20 years to go from 700k to 1m, so it seems plausible to me that Kitchener would by 2050.
I'm interested in how the dynamics between Kitchener and Guelph would change in that time where they are now clearly distinct places despite Guelph being no further from Waterloo than Cambridge is. Certainly projects like 2WAD GO, improved GO Bus connections b/w Kitchener and Guelph and the prospect of a connection between Cambridge and Guelph with GO and the eternally promised upgraded Highway 7 promise more integration, but it seems hard to imagine much changing when Guelph is also being pulled so strongly in the other direction and has such as strong sense of place of its own.
Quote:
Originally Posted by isaidso
You're correct that a CMA retains its independence and doesn't get absorbed into an adjacent CMA but CMA designation can be lost. I do recall CBRM (Sydney) having CMA designation 10-15 years ago but got downgraded to a CA when its population fell below 100,000.
It was my understanding that a CA has to have 100,000+ people for 5 years in a row to be upgraded to a CMA so shouldn't CBRM have gotten its CMA designation back? CBRM has been above 100,000 for 5 straight years now. Maybe the core city population is too small?
Are you sure that CBRM was a CMA in the past? Since 2006, the rule changed from 100k in the core to 100k overall with 50k in the core population centre, which would be Sydney in the case of CBRM with a population of about 31k. It doesn't meet the core population requirement now, but it seems hard to believe it would have in the past as well, though I could be mistaken.
I'm interested in how the dynamics between Kitchener and Guelph would change in that time where they are now clearly distinct places despite Guelph being no further from Waterloo than Cambridge is. Certainly projects like 2WAD GO, improved GO Bus connections b/w Kitchener and Guelph and the prospect of a connection between Cambridge and Guelph with GO and the eternally promised upgraded Highway 7 promise more integration, but it seems hard to imagine much changing when Guelph is also being pulled so strongly in the other direction and has such as strong sense of place of its own.
Better transportation connections among KWC and Hamilton and London have been lagging for a long while. I think they'd be good investments.
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