All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes Water

Colleen James

Regional Council · Region of Waterloo

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All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes Water

Food Systems & Security

In the context of growing pressure for economic development and the connected loss of farmland, what role do municipalities and the Region hold in promoting local food livelihoods, production, and processing?ranked from highest to lowest importance
No response
How should municipalities and the Region approach food insecurity and affordability?select up to 3 per part
A. Access to food
No response
B. Access to land for growing food
No response

Please describe one concrete policy, program, or decision you would support to strengthen the local food system.candidate's own words

I would support a partnership between the Region, municipalities, local farmers, post-secondary institutions and community organizations to strengthen local food production and distribution. This could include making appropriate public land available for community growing or new farmers, supporting local food hubs and markets, and creating opportunities for institutions to purchase more locally produced food. At the same time, strengthening our local food system requires protecting the agricultural land and rural areas that make local food production possible. As we plan for growth, we need to balance housing and economic development with the long-term protection of farmland, water resources and the countryside.