Despite the detours, local politicians say Waterloo Region moved forward in 2016

Construction and rebuilding were repeat themes in CBC K-W's year end interviews with local politicians. With good reason; the Region of Waterloo is in the midst of one of the biggest construction projects in its history.

But that's not the only thing on the minds of elected officials as they reflect on 2016. Take a listen:

Harold Albrecht

So what does Kitchener-Conestoga M-P Harold Albrecht think of Kevin O'Leary as a candidate for the Conservative Party leader? He tells CBC K-W's Craig Norris his thoughts.

Bardish Chagger

Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger says the federal government is delivering on its promises.

She tells CBC K-W's Craig Norris why Canada needs more Waterloo Region.

Doug Craig

Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig looks back at the decision on the multiplex and the rules as to whose allowed at in-camera meetings in our 2016 year end interview.
Mayor Craig also tells CBC K-W's Colin Butler the job creation priority for the city.

Catherine Fife

Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife wants to see faster GO train service between Kitchener and Toronto.

She tells Craig Norris on The Morning Edition how she plans to keep the Ontario government in check. As well she shares her thoughts on her new portfolio as the NDP's Early Learning and Child Care critic.

Michael Harris

Hydro rates, transit funding and health care wait times are a few of the issues Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Michael Harris held the Liberal government to task in 2016. He tells Colin Butler on The Morning Edition he will continue to be the "dogged-critic" of the Ontario government in 2017.

Dave Jaworsky

In this interview with CBC K-W's Craig Norris, Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky says "corduroy road" is a term he hopes to never hear again.

Ken Seiling

Regional Chair Ken Seiling suggests more people are becoming interested in the LRT since detour signs have come down. He tells CBC K-W's Craig Norris about the European-style he feels the ION LRT will bring to the community, once it starts moving in 2018. 

Stay tuned for more 2016 year-end interviews on CBC K-W 89.1, as we speak to  Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig, Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.

Berry Vrbanovic

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic looks back at the highlights from 2016.

He's told the city's story to leaders from Paris, Kiev and Silicon Valley. But it's the trip between Kitchener and Toronto that he's most passionate about.