Karen Redman reflects on her time as regional chair and why she’s hoping for a third term

Karen Redman wants to serve another term as regional chair, as it changes from an elected role to a provincially-appointed one.

Waterloo Regional Chair Karen Redman is hoping to remain in her position for another term, as it changes from an elected role to a provincially-appointed one. “I put in an application. My understanding is no one will be considered who doesn’t,” Redman told CTV News during a sit-down interview on Monday.

Redman served as regional chair in 2018 and again in 2022. Her political career began nearly four decades ago, when she was elected as public school board trustee in 1988, a decision inspired by her experience as a mother of four. “When our youngest son was going into Grade 1, I looked around and I realized that I was advocating for my children in the education system in a way that not all parents could,” Redman recalled.

She did not grow up with the goal of being public servant but took the opportunity when it presented itself. “And then you decide if you’re going to walk through that door or not.” Redman was later elected to Kitchener’s city council, followed by a stint in federal politics, representing Kitchener Centre as the Liberal MP for more than a decade, before returning to municipal politics.

“Public life to me has always been about the here and now,” she said. “It’s one of the reasons why I think regional government is the place to be if you want to impact the quality of life for your family, for business, for your community.” When asked what she is most proud of in her eight years as regional chair, Redman first cited the opening of ION light rail transit in 2019.

“I think in so many ways it changed how we looked at ourselves and it changed how the outside world looked at us within the region.” Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic was another milestone for Redman. She recalled how they took an “all hands on deck” approach during an unprecedented time for the community.

With the region now facing a water capacity constraint within the Mannheim Service Area, Redman said she’s proud of how the situation has been handled so far, while adding her experience and the stability that comes with it would be a valuable asset as the situation continues to unfold. Redman said, nearly eight years in, she remains engaged as regional chair. “I really like problem solving.

And I really enjoy engaging with people. And you get that in spades in this job.” The deadline for applications closed Monday evening for the position of regional chair.

The province said one of the qualifications for role is elected political experience in Waterloo Region. Redman put her name forward, saying she always intended to seek a third term. “I believe that there are many challenges facing Waterloo Region, but there’s so much opportunity and somebody that has the experience that I have, especially two terms being chair, I want to offer that to the community to continue moving forward.”

The province indicated the next regional chair will be named sometime after the Oct. 26 municipal election.