Opportunity Lives Here - Waterloo Region

Opportunity Lives Here in Waterloo Region

KWphysicians.com

MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) is one of Canada’s fasted growing urban centres. Waterloo Region is a centre of excellence in many ways including, entrepreneurship and innovation. In the past, we have been voted as a World’s Top Intelligent Community. Waterloo Region is one of the largest urban centres in Ontario and across Canada.

Our community is unique in that it offers both large urban and rural lifestyles with a vibrant community life, while maintaining a sense of friendliness and cohesiveness.

Our community boasts two world class universities and a premier provincial college. We also have international centres of excellence and innovation with such organizations as the Centre For International Governance, Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Quantum Computing, Google and the Balsillie School of International Affairs.

We are a multicultural and welcoming community that offers an affordable lifestyle for our 600,000 citizens with a wide variety of arts and culture, recreation and leisure amenities.

Truly there is something here for every one.

The Chamber's moto is Business Building Community. We believe that a strong business sector is built on a strong community. And health care is a foundational block to recruit and retain talent and families. We are excited Kitchener-Waterloo is an area of interest to you and welcome the possibility of you building a life here.

Cheers,

Ian McLean, President & CEO, Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

Click here to watch the video greeting

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MAYOR'S GREETING My name is Dave Jaworsky, and I am Mayor of the City of Waterloo. Please allow me to extend a warm welcome to all those considering putting down roots here in beautiful Waterloo.

Waterloo is a vibrant and dynamic city built on discovery and growth through entrepreneurship. Two world-class universities, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, and the number one ranked Conestoga College provide a highly skilled and educated population. We are proud to be home to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Centre for International Governance Innovation, each world-renown. Our economy is thriving in high tech, insurance, finance, and we have a booming start-up culture.

There are many exciting opportunities for family life and enjoyment. Uptown Waterloo has many different dining, shopping, and entertainment options. At RIM Park, you can explore the facility, its trail system along the Grand River or play a round of golf at Grey Silo Golf Course. There are also many unique and exciting family festivals offered throughout the year. These include the Buskers Carnival, the UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival, Lumen, Winterloo, K-W Oktoberfest, and the Wonders of Winter.

Waterloo is a great place to put down roots!

Sincerely,

Mayor Dave Jaworsky, City of Waterloo

Click here to watch the video greeting

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MAYOR'S GREETING On behalf of the Council and citizens of the City of Kitchener, I would like to welcome you to the City of Kitchener. Kitchener has a long history as the epicenter of health care in the Region of Waterloo – home to 2 of the 3 acute care hospitals in the region, as well as the Health Sciences Campus which includes University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy and McMaster University’s satellite medical school.

Kitchener embodies the spirit of our region’s technology and innovation sectors, which can be witnessed through the development of our knowledge creation, digital media, and advanced manufacturing clusters. From countless new start-ups and scale-ups, which began in the Communitech Hub, to major global companies such as Google and Desire2Learn - you can find them all in the heart of downtown Kitchener’s Innovation District.

As Kitchener continues to look to the future, we are excited to partner with the University of Waterloo on the creation of the Health Innovation Arena, the next phase of development at the City of Kitchener’s Health Science Campus. This new facility will strengthen Waterloo region’s health tech sector – one of the global economy’s most important sectors in postCOVID-19 recovery.

While many of us have not been able to travel during the pandemic, I hope that you will have the opportunity to visit Kitchener soon and experience the outstanding hospitality for which Kitchener, and the entire Waterloo Region, are so well known.

Sincerely,

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener

Click here to watch the video greeting

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MAYOR'S GREETING On behalf of the Township of Woolwich, welcome to Waterloo Region and our local community. I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide you with a sneak peek at the quality of life in the area, and of course, about the opportunities within the Region of Waterloo.

Over the last 19 months, our medical professionals have been our unsung heroes who, with their caring and compassionate nature, have donned their capes with great humility – and have day by day, helping to uplift and support our community.

Getting through the pandemic has not been easy for anyone, but I can tell you that in Waterloo Region, we are proud of the amazing teamwork that has developed. Public Health, Primary Care, and Hospitals have met regularly and been supported by businesses, government, police, and other first responders. It has forced us to take one of our strengths – collaboration – and take it to the next level.

It has been a difficult year and a half for health care, and I thank you for your commitment to care for us.

Woolwich Township, the heartland of Waterloo Region, is an established, forward-thinking, and growing municipality in south central Ontario. It is a community that proudly remembers its past and confidently embraces its future and provides our residents and potential residents with small-town living just minutes from the city. Each town and village has its own unique personality and strengths. We have something for everyone.

The Township through its corporate team of professional staff, amazing volunteers, and elected officials strive to design and deliver the highest quality of services and facilities possible so that Woolwich delivers a quality-of-life experience that is second to none.

We have many attractions and events in Woolwich Township that will entertain people of all ages. Among these attractions are the World’s Largest Single-Day ‘Elmira Maple Syrup Festival’, the West Montrose Kissing Bridge (Ontario’s last covered bridge), St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, and beautiful Woolwich trails and rivers.

We are proud of our medical facilities and the opportunities that this area provides.

Mayor Sandy Shantz, Woolwich Township Click here to watch the video greeting

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW Family physician recruitment is critical to meeting the primary health care needs of our rapidly growing population. This is a critical community initiative, not only for our residents’ welfare but for the health and prosperity of our business community who are looking to attract the best and the brightest talent to our Region.

With corporate and municipal support and investment, the Chamber has been able to create a very successful physician recruitment initiative. Working with community partners to address the physician shortage, the Chamber has attracted more than 260 family physicians since we took the lead to establish the program in 1998.

However, with 25.4% of our physicians reaching retirement age and with projected population growth over the next five years, there is a current need for more family physicians to meet the community’s primary health care needs.

Our successes and efforts would not be possible if it wasn’t for our generous corporate, municipal and personal sponsors and supporters of this program. On behalf of the Family Physician Recruitment Program, we sincerely thank our partners for their generous and continued support as we strive to eliminate the physician shortage in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Introduction to Waterloo Region Watch our official, physician recruitment video by clicking the computer screen below.

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SPONSORS

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LIVE As the largest central community in one of Canada’s fastestgrowing regions, Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) offers diverse large urban center living and vibrant city life with warmth and tight-knit community associated with smaller towns.

An hour west of Toronto, KW is strategically located in Waterloo Region within Canada’s Technology Triangle, a diverse, innovative, and entrepreneurial region of over 600,000 people.

The region has one of the fastest-growing economies in Canada, and our rapidly growing population has created a critical need for additional doctors.

Neighbourhoods Kitchener-Waterloo is a desirable place to live and practice. The region has a wide variety of new and mature neighborhoods, with a strong real estate market. If you like the idea of living in a rural area, KW is conveniently positioned less than 10 minutes from country living.

If a condo is your style, KW offers a range of condos to buy or rent.

Kitchener Waterloo is home to over 35 different neighbourhoods each with their own unique charm. Depending on the lifestyle you are looking for, different neighbourhoods will appeal.

Some factors include, schools, active neighbourhood associations, close to shops and other amenities, easy access to public transit, highways, great parks, trails, playgrounds and community centres. Some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Kitchener Waterloo are Uptown Waterloo, Downtown Kitchener, Old Westmount, Beechwood, Laurelwood and Hidden Valley.

According to the Kitchener Waterloo Association of Realtors, the average sale price for all residential properties in KitchenerWaterloo area was $792,599 in September 2021.

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LIVE Education Post-Secondary. Kitchener-Waterloo is home to two world-class universities, The University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, and a top-ranking college, Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology. These schools are constantly attracting newcomers to the area, and enrich the community with bright, career-oriented individuals.

Public and Catholic Schools. In Kitchener-Waterloo, publicly funded Public and Catholic school boards provide elementary and secondary education, serving approximately 74,000 students in the region. KW is also served by private schools, providing courses of study at many levels of instruction. French immersion education is also available.

Religious Institutions. Kitchener-Waterloo’s culturally diverse community is home to many religious and spiritual organizations that welcome new members.

Transportation & Transit Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Waterloo Region is close to major highways that easily connect to London, Stratford, Niagara and the Greater Toronto Area. Locally, we also have: GO Train & VIA Rail Station (with regular service) Grand River Transit (intercity) ION Light Rail Transit (19-kilometre route) Ride Shares & Taxis Dedicated Bike Lanes on Main Roads Waterloo Region International Airport

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WORK We are privileged to have two outstanding hospitals: Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital, state-of-the-art health programs and services, cancer and cardiac center, two leadingedge family health teams, and excellent health care professionals.

The KW medical community is supported by a broad spectrum of specialists to support you and your patients.

With the advent of the Health Sciences Campus, Greater KW is becoming a leading-edge, interdisciplinary centre of excellence for health sciences, research, and innovation and an ideal community for family physicians, specialists, and other health care professionals.

Hospitals Grand River Hospital provides exceptional care to patients in Waterloo-Wellington through highly experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals. They provide a comprehensive range of care to patients across two

main campuses, six partner locations for cancer and kidney care, and three community treatment centres.

For patients in need of treatment for disease, severe illness, or injury, Grand River Hospital’s KW Campus strives to return patients to health and home. For patients living with complex health conditions or requiring follow-up care for recent illness or injury, Grand River Hospital’s Freeport Campus is a key partner in recovery and rehabilitation.

Located in the heart of Kitchener, Ontario, St. Mary’s is the second-largest acute care hospital in the St. Joseph’s Health System and a Regional Cardiac Care Centre. We proudly serve the residents of Waterloo, Wellington County, and extend our reach to Dufferin, Grey-Bruce and beyond.

Our nearly 2,000 staff, physicians and volunteers provide excellent, compassionate care to hundreds of thousands of patients and families every year in our core areas of clinical focus:

Cardiac Care (Regional Cardiac Centre) Respiratory Care (Level 1 Thoracic Surgery Centre)

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Outpatient (Day) Surgery General Medicine 24/7 Emergency Care St.

WORK Family Physicians Not only is Kitchener-Waterloo a great place to live, it is also a great place to work. Whether you are looking to locum, join a Family Health Organization, take over for a retiring physician or relocating your practice, we are here as a resource to support you. We are confident that we can assist you in finding the perfect practice opportunity that meets your needs.

Job Search Support for Spouse/Partner Kitchener Waterloo offers employment opportunities in a variety of fields, including educational services, insurance, finance, real estate, technology, construction, retail, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing. The Region's manufacturing sector is the fourth largest in Canada.

Information Technology. The Toronto-Waterloo Corridor boasts the second highest density of startups in the world. Headquarters of some of the world's most renowned tech companies are here, including: Google, BlackBerry, D2L, OpenText, Shopify, etc.

Automotive. Waterloo Region is home to more than 70 globally recognized companies focused on advancements in the automotive and autotech sector.

Business and Financial Services. Waterloo Region is home to more than 15 internationally recognized business and financial services companies, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and Manulife. Several renowned financial technology (FinTech) incubators are also located in the Region.

We have a number of professionals on our committee to assist in finding employment opportunities for non-health professionals in KW’s diverse economy.

Please contact ​Jenna Petker​for inquiries.

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PLAY Arts & Culture Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery Centre in the Square City of Waterloo Museum Doon Heritage Village Green Light Arts Homer Watson House & Gallery KW Art Gallery KW Symphony

Schneider Haus National Historic Site Sheepdog Animation St. Jacobs Country Playhouse St. Jacobs Model Railway St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum THEMUSEUM

African Lion Safari Belmont Village Bingemans (water park, indoor playland, bowling, and more) Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort Chicopee Tube Park

Grand River Raceway & OLG Casino Kitchener Rangers (OHL) KW Oktoberfest St. Jacobs Farmers' Market Many locally owned independent shops, including two regional Shopping Malls Year-round concerts, festivals, and events

Conservation Areas Community Trails Hiking and Biking Trails 22 Golf Courses Recreation Centres

Sports Leagues Canoeing the Grand River Public Pools Libraries Community Centres

See and Do

Recreation

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PLAY Dining & Nightlife Kitchener-Waterloo has no shortage of delicious dining options. Check out a list of restaurants in Waterloo Region here. Your taste buds will not be disappointed!

You can also explore the many bars, lounges, and nightclubs that liven up the nightlife here in KW! Plus, you can visit some of our many local craft breweries and distilleries.

Stay With Us Interested in getting a glimpse of life in KW? Reach out to Jenna Petker to plan your visit!

For further tourism information, and to stay up to date on what’s happening in our Region, visit Explore Waterloo Region.

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LOCAL PARTNERS BDO Canada LLP Throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo area, businesses and professionals rely on the dedication and experience of BDO Canada. With resources in Southwestern Ontario, across the country, and around the world, our local team offers a comprehensive array of assurance, tax, and advisory services.

Why do you/your business support this program?

It is important for us as a firm serving privately held businesses in Waterloo Region to know that our clients and staff have access to quality health care which all starts with having access to a family doctor.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? Waterloo Region has the opportunities and amenities afforded to a large urban centre but a culture that harkens back to its smaller town roots. It is an ideal place to work, play, and live.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

TheMuseum

Caudle's Catch Caudle’s Catch Seafood has been selling Fresh and Frozen Seafood in KW for 35 years. We believe in quality and service to bring you the best Seafood Experience possible. We also believe in giving back to the community to support our staff and customers.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Our family believes Healthcare is one of the most important things in our community, it affects our family, our staff, and our customers.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? Our decision was based on a lot of things, a great place to raise our family, safe, lots of education options, a great food scene, close to Toronto and Lake Huron.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

All of the local Markets, the food diversity, and crafts. Center in the Square, Kitchener Rangers.

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LOCAL PARTNERS Communitech Communitech was launched in 1997 by a group of founders committed to making Waterloo Region a global tech leader. Today, Communitech is Canada’s leading innovation hub, supporting a community of more than 1,600 founders of startups, scale-ups and at-scale companies on their journey to a billion dollars in annual revenue. Communitech helps founders start, grow and succeed.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Simply put, we know KW is the best place to live and work. We’re attracting people to build and grow tech companies here, and we need doctors to support this community.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? Because of the opportunity to make a real, profound impact. The Toronto-Waterloo Corridor is the second-largest innovation ecosystem on the planet. That’s validated by the success and ambition of the companies here, the amount of talent that’s coming into the region, and the amount of capital that’s coming in. We’re just at the tipping point of really exciting growth.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

The Grand Trunk Saloon! Great food and a super talented mixologist.

Conestoga Meats Conestoga Meats is a uniquely integrated processor of premium quality fresh pork that has been in operation since 1982. Our company is owned and supplied by a co-operative of over 157 Southern Ontario family farmers. Our farmers not only grow the hogs and own the plant but they grow the feed that is fed to our hogs which ensures our quality at every point in the process.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Supporting this program aligns with one of our key values of People First, we want our employees to feel supported, and having access to a Dr. when needed is important.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? KW is steeped in great values and traditions. This is celebrated every year with the KW Octoberfest events that are very authentic.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

There are many great trails throughout the region to enjoy. Whether you like to bike, jog, or walk, there is a trail in the area that will accommodate and will have some great scenery to enjoy along the way!

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LOCAL PARTNERS Enbridge Enbridge Gas is Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission, and distribution company based in Ontario, with 170+ years of service to customers. The distribution business provides safe, affordable, reliable energy to 3.8 million customers and is leading the transition to a low-carbon energy future through netzero emissions in our operations, and investments in innovative clean energy solutions.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Enbridge is committed to contributing to the quality of life in the communities we serve by providing an affordable energy choice for families & businesses. We believe when communities thrive, we all thrive.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? The Region is growing exponentially which is creating more opportunities for employment. Many companies are either well established within the region or new ones are moving here, which draws in people to establish roots here.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

The people who live here. From the children to the teachers to the business owners to the leaders, their resilience, compassion, and welcoming attitude make them all ‘Gems’.

EY EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for our clients, our people and the communities in which we live. Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today. Visit us at ey.com/ca

Why do you/your business support this program?

We’re proud to support the Family Physician Recruitment Program to help people across the KitchenerWaterloo region access the quality health care they need for a better, brighter future.

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LOCAL PARTNERS Gowling WLG Gowling WLG is an international law firm with over 1,500 legal professionals across 19 cities worldwide. We are positioned to help your business rise to the challenges you face both today, and tomorrow.

Why do you/your business support this program?

We are dedicated to supporting local businesses and helping them grow and thrive in an ever-changing market. We believe that the physician recruitment program is an important tool in helping the Region achieve the health care needs and goals of our growing community.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? Gowling has been a part of the Waterloo region for over 30 years and it’s hard to imagine being anywhere else. We are proud to be part of this diverse and expanding community.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

Art expressed in food. This region has fabulous restaurants with many offering farm to table meals.

Plus, "must attend" events, including the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery's Feast for the Senses.

Home Hardware Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada's largest Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials, and furniture home improvement retailer with close to 1,100 stores under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners. Founded in 1964 in rural St. Jacobs, Ontario, Home Hardware remains 100% Canadian owned and operated, and has been designated one of Canada's Best Brands and Best Managed Companies.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Corporate Social Responsibility is deeply engrained in Home Hardware, at both an organizational and individual level, and giving back is a big part of who we are. As a local business and major employer in Waterloo Region, Home Hardware recognizes the importance of eliminating the shortage of family doctors so community members can receive the medical care and support they need.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

Home Hardware’s Community Garden, located across from our head office in St. Jacobs. The garden is an initiative backed by our employees and community volunteers, who work together to harvest fresh produce. Since its inception in 2016, Home Hardware’s Community Garden has donated close to 3,500 pounds of produce to local foodbanks, ensuring those in need have access to fresh fruits & vegetables.

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LOCAL PARTNERS Immigration Partnership of Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership is a collaboration of community service, business, municipal and post-secondary organizations and Waterloo Region residents working together to create the conditions for immigrants to succeed and help build a welcoming, dynamic community. We are here to support you. Visit https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/en/immigrationpartnership.aspx to learn more.

Why do you/your business support this program?

This is an incredibly important program. Everyone needs health care, including the many immigrants, refugees, international students and others that live in Waterloo Region. Yet many newcomers do not have a family doctor. We are excited to support the welcoming of doctors to the region who will provide for the health care needs of our increasingly diverse population.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? It is a diverse and thriving community where residents can reach their full potential and succeed. We are a compassionate & welcoming community where community leaders and organizations, members, businesses and municipalities work together to make sure that everyone has a strong sense of belonging. We love the rural and urban split of the region, and our small town feel, while enjoying many of the arts, culture and amenities of a bigger centre.

Miller Thomson LLP Miller Thomson LLP is a national law firm, built to provide comprehensive and effective solutions for its clients. We help businesses of every size, entrepreneurs and individuals. We work with not-for-profit organizations as well as financial institutions and governments. With approximately 550 lawyers from 12 offices across Canada, including Kitchener-Waterloo, Miller Thomson LLP is ready to assist with whatever issue that might arise Why do you/your business support this program?

Having readily available health care options is a key component of ensuring a vibrant and healthy community. Miller Thomson LLP is committed to promoting the vibrancy and health of KitchenerWaterloo through its continued support of the Physician Recruitment Program.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? Kitchener-Waterloo is one of the most exciting and energetic communities in Canada, with a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration. It is a great place to live and work, which is why Miller Thomson LLP is so pleased to be a longstanding part of this community.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

The people, arts & culture scene, great businesses, and various community-minded organizations.

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LOCAL PARTNERS MNP LLP MNP is a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. We have worked with physicians across Canada for more than 35 years and over 6,000 physicians from coast to coast trusting us with their practice. Our team is ready to help your practice, whether you are in residency, starting a new practice, or planning for your retirement, MNP provides a full range of business advisory services to assist you at every stage.

Why do you/your business support this program?

The program exemplifies our values of leadership, excellence, and commitment to enhancing our communities. MNP has worked with professionals across Canada for more than 35 years, with over 13,700 professionals trusting us with their practice. We understand that your professional career is more than a job, it’s your life’s work. Our team has the experience and depth to deliver the strategies you need to reach your goals.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? KW is a dynamic and entrepreneurial community of education, technology, cultural activities, and recreation. It is a rewarding place to build your career and raise a family.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

There are many beautiful trails and parks to enjoy throughout the bustling city.

My IT Guy My IT Guy provides Managed IT Services for growing businesses, and offers a range of proactive services to keep your computer systems up and running and your people and business productive, enabling you to reach your business objectives.

Why do you/your business support this program?

We believe that everyone should have access to a family doctor

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? I have been fortunate enough to have lived and worked in Kitchener-Waterloo my whole life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have a vibrant community of people who are eager to connect and support each other’s businesses, and who strive to better the neighbourhoods we all live, work, and play in.

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LOCAL PARTNERS OMA OMA Insurance provides education and advice to protect Ontario physician, residents, medical student members, their families, and their practices. Our vision is to be the trusted choice for our members' financial wellness.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Just like the KW Chamber of Commerce, OMA and OMA Insurance want to recruit and retain family medicine physicians. One way we do that is by providing objective, financial risk management education, advice, and solutions.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? KW is in District 3, one of OMA’s largest geographic districts within their physician governance.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

Tucked away on Balsam St. in the heart of the university district is this little unturned stone called Bao Sandwich Bar. If you aren’t familiar, a bao is a Vietnamese sandwich/taco/sub-type fusion, the menu is as diverse as it is refreshing, surely never to disappoint.

Oxford Learning - Kitchener & Waterloo Oxford Learning is a learning and study skills centre with programs from pre-school to grade 12. Supplemental education and tutoring that uses how a child learns to help them succeed.

Why do you/your business support this program?

We deal with families at Oxford Learning and supporting a program that brings more doctors to the region for families is important and special to us.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? I grew up in KW and after living in Toronto and abroad in Italy and Japan I was eager to be back in KW. I missed the neighbourhood feel the community provides.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

Darlise Cafe- breakfast place on Queen street. As well as Show n Tell coffee, downtown on Ontario street.

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LOCAL PARTNERS PwC PwC Canada is a national full service accounting and professional services firm, which is part of the PwC global network. Our local office in Uptown Waterloo services clients in various industries throughout KW, Cambridge, Guelph and the surrounding area.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Living with a young family in KW, I see firsthand the important role that physicians have in our community. It's very important for our community to ensure everyone has access to high quality primary healthcare.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? KW is a vibrant, diverse community with lots of opportunity to learn and grow for my whole family. The post-secondary institutions keep our community young and constantly evolving.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

Not sure how hidden it is anymore, but Debrodniks Donuts are fantastic!

Reid's Heritage Homes Reid’s Heritage Homes has an established, award-winning heritage as a trusted builder of high-quality homes in Ontario, Canada for over 40 years.

Our craftsmanship, quality and customer care starts with the very first design concept and goes all the way through to every single tradesperson and supplier who walk through the door. We believe there is much more to buying a new home than just handing over a set of keys. There is a process of communication, understanding and caring that is very individualized and can only be delivered by a first-class team of customer care specialists.

Why do you/your business support this program?

As a builder, we want to provide our customers with not only the home of their dreams but also contribute to building the community as a whole. Accessible health care is very important to both our employees and our customers.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? Kitchener-Waterloo is a vibrant and fast-growing community. Between the educational institutions, growing tech hub, shops, restaurants, access to highways and transit, KW is a great place to call home!

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

We love Debrodniks Donuts – they have become a celebratory staple at our head office and on our construction sites!

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LOCAL PARTNERS RLB LLP RLB LLP is an accounting firm operating in Southwestern Ontario with offices in Kitchener, Guelph, Fergus, Orangeville and soon to be Shelburne. At RLB, we are motivated to bring success to our people, clients, and community. Helping clients grow and succeed for 70 years, our team is here to help guide you through all stages of your business. We are more than accountants, at RLB, People Count.

Why do you/your business support this program?

RLB has a 70-year history in southwestern Ontario and has always felt it was important to give back to the communities in which our team members live and work. Our slogan, People Count, epitomizes the importance of everyone who we work with. The Family Physician Recruitment Program is important to the Greater Kitchener Waterloo area, and to the health of our team members and our clients. We are proud to support this program.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? RLB as a firm was growing, and when looking to expand, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo region was a perfect next step. We love servicing the Greater KW Region, having the pleasure of working with many vibrant, unique businesses, organizations, and clients from the area.

S.G. Cunningham A leading full-service general contractor and construction management firm with exceptional quality standards, since 1976 SG Cunningham has helped clients bring innovative designs to life, building inspirational spaces across Southwestern Ontario. Through a company-wide focus on proactive and entrepreneurial thinking, our team approaches every project with a vision of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. We aim to exceed our clients’ expectations by delivering first-class service through constructive collaboration, diligent management, and effective communication.

Why do you/your business support this program?

Healthcare is extremely important to our families, employees, and our community. Waterloo Region is a community that truly embraces and supports healthcare at all levels. Our President and CEO, Georgia Cunningham, has been a board member for the St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation for 8 years.

Why do you choose to work and/or live in KW? SGC is a family business, and we are fortunate that our founder built this business in Waterloo Region.

There is so much opportunity here and new businesses and events are constantly popping up.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

You can canoe/kayak down the Grand River, explore the incredible hiking trails at Snyder’s Flats, bike through the countryside & townships, go horseback riding, and main roads have protected bike lanes.

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LOCAL PARTNERS University of Waterloo Students and alumni from the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy and School of Optometry make important contributions to our health care talent infrastructure in this community.

As a major employer of over 4,000 full-time staff and faculty, we are also committed to ensuring that our employees and their families have access to high-quality primary care in Waterloo Region.

Launching in 2023, the Innovation Arena, located in the City of Kitchener’s Innovation District, will amplify Waterloo region’s health tech sector. Waterloo Region is uniquely positioned to leverage our strengths in technology, data, talent, research, and commercialization to support significant growth in the health industry across North America.

Learn more: https://uwaterloo.ca/innovation-arena/

Wilfrid Laurier University Laurier is a mid-sized, multi-campus university where people are inspired to learn, lead, and build lifelong relationships; to give their all and to give back. Our students engage in a variety of experience-based learning opportunities across our academic programs, allowing them to contribute to the community while preparing for their futures.

Why do you/your business support this program?

The program aligns with Laurier’s mission to create a thriving community. With access to more highquality physicians, Laurier can help its staff, students, alumni, and community members lead healthy and inspired lives in Waterloo Region.

What is KW’s best “hidden gem”?

We might be biased, but we think Laurier’s Waterloo campus is a great place to be. Join us for thematic public lectures by our expert professors, performances by our talented music students, or an edge-ofyour-seat experience cheering on our student-athletes. Laurier also offers a variety of professional development courses, lifelong learning program for older adults, as well as summer camps and PD day programs for children. We hope to see you on campus!

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THE CORRIDOR

The Innovation Corridor The Toronto-Waterloo Region Corridor is a global centre of talent, growth, innovation and discovery. Rivaling the best in the world, this 100km stretch is the second largest technology cluster in North America.

For more details, visit TheCorridor.ca

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES About the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Your Chamber is dedicated to providing strong, continued service to 1,700+ members in one of Canada’s marquee pioneering and entrepreneurial business communities. For the past 134 years, dating back to the Chamber’s founding as the Berlin Board of Trade, we have expanded into one of the largest and more innovative Chambers in Canada by focusing on the needs of all our members, big and small. We work together to build a stable, flourishing economy and to continue Waterloo Region’s success at Business Building Community.

Additional Resources Region of Waterloo City of Kitchener City of Waterloo Township of Woolwich Township of Wilmot Township of Wellesley Explore Waterloo Region Waterloo EDC KW4 Primary Care Settle In Relocation Services My Next KW Home Group

Social Media Experience the Region by following the hashtag #KWAwesome

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For more information please contact: Jenna Petker, Physician Recruitment & HR Lead 519.749.6043 jpetker@greaterkwchamber.com

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