Growth pains are showing in a region that’s now the nation’s youngest and fastest-growing, a new report has found.

People are losing their sense of belonging. Residents feel less connected. Well-being is fraying.

“We’ve been stressed by this race to grow,” said Eric Avner, president of the charitable Waterloo Region Community Foundation that aims to help people thrive. “Places where we would normally come together aren’t resonating in the same way as they have.”

The foundation’s Vital Signs report for 2025, released Wednesday, highlights the impact of massive population change.

The 80-page report is meant to focus public debate, inspire civic engagement and help people and groups take action with the greatest impact.

The foundation proposes a solution: build better “social infrastruct

See Full Page