City of Waterloo mourns passing of former Mayor James Bauer

The City of Waterloo is mourning the passing of former Mayor James Bauer (Mayor of Waterloo 1960-1965). Bauer was first elected as an alderman at age 25, and by age 31 he had become Waterloo’s youngest ever mayor, a distinction which still holds true today. During his time as mayor, Waterloo underwent a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity.

In 1960, a shopping mall development began in the core of the city, and Waterloo Square was one of Canada’s premier malls containing 45 stores when it opened in 1961. At the time, the development was deemed as one of the most courageous and ambitious ever undertaken by any North American municipality. A second shopping plaza at Bridgeport Road and Weber Street was also constructed.

Waterloo’s land area increased significantly with the annexation of Waterloo Township land for the creation of new residential subdivisions that included Lincoln Village, Lakeshore Village, Maple Hills Acres, and Colonial Acres. Land for the establishment of the 86-acre Parkview Cemetery and the Conestoga Parkway were also secured. A second sewage disposal plant was constructed along with the new fire department headquarters on Weber Street and a substation on Westmount Road North. Waterloo’s first high school, Waterloo Collegiate Institute, welcomed students in 1960 and a new library building opened its doors to the public in 1965.

Bauer spent considerable time during his tenure as mayor promoting improved planning for the future betterment of Waterloo. In a 1963 speech, Mayor Bauer stated, “There are those, who as a solution to Waterloo’s problems, would propose that we stop the growth of the city…this city must be led not by visionaries, but by men of vision.”

“In 2023, I had the opportunity to meet former Mayor Bauer, and he shared some of his memories of the work he did on Council”, said Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “In particular, he talked about major changes that occurred in uptown. I asked if he had advice and he said: ‘Always think about the people.’ That's advice that stands the test of time. We can all be grateful for the lasting impact he made on our city. On behalf of my council colleagues, I offer my sincere condolences to James’ family and friends.”

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Media contact:
Cari Van Niekerk
Director, Corporate Communications
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca