Waterloo Tops the CBRE’s “Next 25” List for Tech Talent

All eyes are on Waterloo after the CRBE recently placed the city in the number one spot on its list of the top 25 up-and-coming places for tech talent in North America. According to the report and an article put out by globalnews.ca, the pool for tech talents in the Waterloo region has grown 51 percent in only five years, bringing it up to just under 22,500 people strong.

The ranking for the ‘Next 25’ list is determined by weighing a set of eight criteria including employment, growth, wages and education in the world of tech. Other Canadian cities to make the list include Quebec City ranked at number 6, Edmonton at 9, Halifax at 11 and Winnipeg at 22. Waterloo, however, took the cake thanks to its incredible, thriving community of tech creators and innovators.

What makes Waterloo such a magnet for tech companies looking to thrive?

1. The next generation

   Home to highly respected post-secondary institutions such as Wilfred Laurier University, University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College, Waterloo produces some of the most promising new faces in tech with a deep pool of future tech talent graduating each year.

2. The right place

   As part of Canada’s Technology Triangle (CTT) alongside Kitchener and Cambridge, Waterloo has the highest start-up density of any area globally outside of California — hence why it has earned itself the title of Silicon Valley North. The region is home to a number of $1 billion-plus evaluated companies and over 500 tech companies including Google, Shopify, and Blackberry.

3. The ideal balance

   Waterloo is filled with innovative tech professionals and entrepreneurs, but it is also a great place to find an easy balance between work and life. Thanks to the array of restaurants, shops, schools, parks, and recreational facilities, Waterloo is great for families and innovators alike!

4. The way around

   Waterloo is located only a little over an hour outside of Toronto, which came in at fourth on CBRE’s North American Tech Talent Ranking. This means that tech professionals living and working in Waterloo have the option to commute to Toronto, opening even more doors to opportunity. Waterloo is also located along the Highway 401 corridor, connecting it to the rest of the Greater Golden Horseshoe with ease, and is serviced by GO Transit, Grand River Transit, and the ION. Not only that, but the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) are nearby so that your network truly can be global.

Register to learn more about our upcoming condominiums, coming soon to Waterloo Region.