Waterloo, city in southwestern Ontario, Canada. In 1973 Waterloo joined its twin city of Kitchener to form the Waterloo Regional Municipality. Although the cities have separate city councils, the regional government is responsible for the majority of services. Waterloo's principal manufactures include alcoholic beverages, electrical equipment, furniture, machinery, and metal goods. It also is a major center of the insurance industry and is part of Canada's so-called technology triangle, an economic region comprising the cities of Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, and Waterloo.
In the city are the University of Waterloo, which is the site of the Biology-Earth Sciences Museum, and Wilfrid Laurier University. Attractions include the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery and Waterloo Park, which contains the Victorian Gardens and a replica of the Abraham Erb Grist Mill (named for the city's founder). The park is the location of several events, including the Sounds of Summer Music Festival; the Royal Medieval Faire, held in September; and the Wonders of Winter. Oktoberfest takes place each year in Waterloo and Kitchener.
