Talk of the Campus

New regional hospital coming to the University of Waterloo

In July 2024, the University of Waterloo was selected as the site of a new hospital for the Waterloo-Wellington region. 

Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital have partnered to build the new joint facility where health-care innovation will be prioritized to better serve the region’s needs. 

For Waterloo’s researchers specializing in health and medical technologies, the new hospital will strengthen their established relationships with health practitioners and facilities across Ontario. 

"It's yet another example of empowering students, faculty and community to contribute to a healthier region through community-focused, cutting-edge research and experiential learning opportunities,” said Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. 

This collaboration promises to bring innovative health-care solutions and reimagine the future of human health through Waterloo’s tremendous strengths in research, technology, innovation and deep community connectedness. 

The new hospital will occupy approximately 60 acres in the David Johnston Research + Technology Park on the University's North Campus – a strategic site location that aligns with the region’s forecasted urban and rural growth areas. Redevelopment projects for existing hospital infrastructure are under way, as are planning and design for the new site. By bringing together the region’s reputation for entrepreneurial thinking, technology, innovation and experiential education, the new hospital aims to become a world-class hub for health care. 

Creating new space for innovation and community

University of Waterloo’s Innovation Arena opens its doors 

The new collaboration space in the heart of Kitchener’s innovation district empowers businesses, founders and community partners to engage researchers and entrepreneurs in solving local, national and global health challenges. The Innovation Arena is also the new home of Velocity, the University’s flagship startup incubator.

Indigenous outdoor gathering space completed 

On September 30, 2024, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the University officially opened a new outdoor gathering space that serves as a physical representation of the continuous presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples on this territory. The new space was given a Kanyenké’ha (Mohawk) name, “Skén:nen Tsi Nón:we Tewaya’taróroks,” which means “where we all gather together peacefully.” The space is being used to teach, celebrate, gather and bring awareness about Indigenous Peoples and cultures. 

Faculty of Mathematics breaks ground on Mathematics 4 building 

The five-storey, 120,000 square-foot building will serve as the heart of the mathematics district on campus. It will feature more classroom space, labs and a cutting-edge eco-friendly server room called the Green Room. Construction is expected to take two to three years. 

New Indigenous collection at W Store 

Anishinaabe Onyota’a:ka artist Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy is the designer behind a new Indigenous collection of apparel, drinkware and gift items available at W Store. A portion of the proceeds from this collection will support the Indigenous Student Development Fund. 

Warriors strike gold 

The Waterloo Warriors field hockey team secured its first OUA title in more than two decades with a win over Guelph, and went on to win the bronze medal at the national championship.