The Region of Waterloo has appointed a new commissioner for water and wastewater services to address the ongoing water capacity challenges in the Mannheim Service Area. Ishtiaque Tunio will take over from interim water commissioner Kenneth Brothers, commencing on September 8.
Tunio brings a wealth of experience from his involvement in various significant infrastructure projects, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ont., and Detroit. He has served in senior leadership positions at the City of Mississauga, the City of Ottawa, and Metrolinx.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Tunio stated, “I anticipate collaborating with the region’s committed staff, council, partners, and community to fortify these essential services and ensure they meet residents’ needs for years to come.” This announcement follows the region’s disclosure in December 2025 that it lacked sufficient water capacity to support new developments in the Mannheim Service Area while maintaining emergency reserves.
Covering the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, portions of Cambridge, and Wilmot and Woolwich townships, the Mannheim Service Area faced a temporary development freeze due to the capacity constraints. However, in July, additional water capacity was discovered, allowing development to resume progressively.
Tunio’s upcoming role will involve collaborating with local communities and the province to accelerate water infrastructure initiatives. Chief Administrative Officer Darshpreet Bhatti expressed optimism in Tunio’s contribution, emphasizing the need for swift solutions to enhance water availability.
Reflecting on his career, Tunio highlighted his focus on uniting individuals and organizations to deliver complex infrastructure projects safely, responsibly, and with a forward-looking approach.