Economic Development

The Business and Economic Support Team for Waterloo Region (BESTWR) is working with governments and partners to advocate on behalf of the local business community.

For information, please visit the Tariff support website.

The Region of Waterloo is assembling shovel-ready land in Wilmot to secure thousands of new jobs and bring billions of dollars of investment to our local economy. For more information, please visit the Region of Waterloo's land assembly in Wilmot page.

Taste the Countryside is organized by the rural Townships of Waterloo Region along with Waterloo-Wellington Community Futures.

Fall Harvest Dinner

This is an annual event that kicks off the dining event. It celebrates the bounty of Waterloo Region’s countryside with an unforgettable farm-to-fork feast, prepared by talented local chefs using the freshest seasonal ingredients.

The 2025 dinner was held on September 15. For more information, please visit the Taste the Countryside website.

10-Day Dining Event

Taste the Countryside is a 10-day dining event promoting delicious menus that incorporate local produce as prepared by food establishments located in Waterloo Region’s townships.

The 2025 event runs from September 25 to October 5.

For more information, please visit the Taste the Countryside website.

Food Map (2024 - 2026)

The Taste the Countryside Food Map highlights Waterloo Region’s agricultural producers and is sponsored by the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich as well as Explore Waterloo Region and Waterloo-Wellington Community Futures.

Temporary Sidewalk and Parking Lot Patios

Effective January 1, 2023 the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) created a new framework for temporary outdoor physical extensions.

Temporary patio approvals can be sought through the completion of a Temporary Patio Permit application. Please ensure you review the Township Protocol and Procedures for Establishment or Expansion of Temporary Commercial Patios on Private Property prior to completing the application.

Temporary On-Street Patios (Region of Waterloo road allowances)

The purpose of the Region of Waterloo Temporary On-Street Patio/ Pop-Up Guidelines is to establish guidelines with all applicable laws and regulations, Regional By-laws, policies, and practices for temporary outdoor patio expansions on Regionally owned lands.