Indigenous gathering space a possibility as Waterloo takes on new land

The City of Waterloo is getting set to take on some new land, which could soon be used to make way for a new Indigenous gathering space.

It comes as the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is in the process of transferring 123 acres of GRCA-owned land to the City of Waterloo, in a partnership that would put the Laurel Creek Nature Centre under the control of the city.

Much of the discussion around the transfer of land focused on the two parties collaborating on the support and delivery of the GRCA’s Environmental Education Program, which will continue to be implemented over the next 5-year period.

“The GRCA is immensely grateful to the City of Waterloo for its support in helping ensure the Environmental Education Program continues to serve the Waterloo Region community,” said GRCA Chair John Challinor II.

“The transfer and proposed operational agreement will support a smooth transition of the program over the next five years, while creating opportunities for continued collaboration.”

The announcement from the City of Waterloo stated that staff have begun the process of exploring potential opportunities for a portion of the property, including the possibility of development for an Indigenous gathering space on the site.

“We are pleased to support the GRCA as they transition their Environmental Education Program, while ensuring this property, which has meant so much to the community over the years, remains publicly owned and accessible,” said City of Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe.

“I’m happy we will continue to preserve these environmentally significant lands, and I look forward to consultations with members of local Indigenous communities on a potential gathering space.”

In the meantime, the city stated that it will continue to maintain the property as parkland and community green space.

Those transfer and operational agreements were approved late last week, with the approvals coming from Waterloo councillors on Monday.

The full agreement and transfer are expected to be finalized later this summer or in the early fall of 2026.