Amber Louise Culley

Describe one concrete policy, incentive, or decision you would prioritize to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Where possible, explain how it balances environmental goals with fiscal responsibility.candidate's own words

I believe sustainability should be built into everyday municipal decision making rather than treated as a separate issue. For Ward 6 and the broader Region, that means protecting our drinking water and aquifers, improving stormwater management, preserving trees and natural areas, preparing for extreme weather, and making it easier for residents to walk, cycle and use public transit. It also means being fiscally responsible. When we build roads, buildings, parks, water infrastructure or community facilities, we should consider the full lifetime cost, including energy, maintenance, repairs and replacement, rather than focusing only on the initial price tag. I support practical climate action that produces measurable benefits for residents, including lower operating costs, healthier neighbourhoods, greater resilience and better public spaces. I also believe municipalities should work collaboratively with the Region, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, residents, businesses and the provincial and federal governments because environmental challenges do not stop at municipal boundaries. Good sustainability policy should protect the environment while also making our communities more affordable, accessible, resilient and livable for current and future generations.

Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on sustainability?candidate's own words

For me, sustainability is fundamentally about responsible long term decision making. Waterloo Region is growing quickly, and the infrastructure we approve today can remain in place for 50 years or more. That means we need to consider climate resilience, energy costs, water protection, transportation and long term maintenance when making today's decisions. Kitchener's TransformWR partnership has established a regional goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, while the City's own climate action planning has identified buildings, transportation and waste as important areas for local action. Climate adaptation is equally important. The Grand River watershed is vulnerable to flooding, extreme rainfall, drought and changing weather patterns, while groundwater and aquifer protection are particularly important in Waterloo Region because groundwater provides drinking water for hundreds of thousands of residents. I believe environmental responsibility and fiscal responsibility can reinforce one another when we evaluate the full lifecycle cost of infrastructure, reduce energy consumption, prevent costly stormwater and flooding problems, and build neighbourhoods where residents can walk, cycle and use public transit. My approach would be evidence based and practical: set measurable targets, use incentives where they can accelerate better outcomes, protect natural systems, and make sure taxpayers understand both the upfront cost and the long term financial consequences of major decisions.