Debbie Chapman

Please describe one concrete policy, program, or decision you would support to address both encampments and permanent housing.candidate's own words

One thing listed above that lower-tiered municipalities can do more of is to acquire land to donate to not-for-profit organizations so they can build supportive housing. They can also repurpose publicly owned land and then partner with not-for-profits to build deeply affordable housing. We need to call on the provincial government to bring back inclusionary zoning to increase the affordable permanent housing stock.

• Reallocate space on selected streets (e.g. road diets, transit lanes, protected bike lanes)
• Prioritize active transportation improvements during routine resurfacing
• Focus improvements around schools, transit corridors, and commercial areas

1. Prioritize lower-cost or incremental transit improvements
2. Prioritize expanding coverage area
3. Prioritize maximizing operational efficiency
4. Use transit to shape land use
5. Invest in rapid transit to anchor growth

Yes, sidewalks should be cleared alongside roads as part of regular winter maintenance

Yes, for all residents

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

Public transportation is a Regional responsibility. My responses reflect my own preferences, not that of a city councillor. I think there should be fare-free transit for all the groups listed above.

Please describe one criterion or principle that should not be compromised when making transit investment decisions.candidate's own words

The cost

Please name one specific street, corridor, or project where you would prioritize these changes.candidate's own words

Stirling Ave between Courtland and Charles. This stretch of street is beside a school and a homeless shelter. It is used by school buses for drop-off and pick-up. The ION tracks cross through the Stirling Ave and Charles St intersection and there is plenty of vehicular traffic, pedestrians and cyclists along Stirling. An island was installed in 2025 and then removed for the road reconstruction. I will continue to request that it be reinstalled as soon as possible. This island provides safety to students and residents crossing Stirling to get to their vehicles parked in a lot on the other side of the street. The street should also have segregated bike lanes. There is a lot of activity in this area.

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 have three policies that I think should be adopted. 1) I would like to see our ability to require green development standards reinstated on all new developments. 2) I have been pushing for geothermal energy on all new builds for several years now and every planning application we receive (until very recently) has stated that 'geothermal is prohibited'. Geothermal district energy plants where multiple buildings are to be constructed such as the Schneider site or the Mill/Ottawa site, should be required. These would make a big difference in our GHG emissions. 3) A third policy is to focus on retrofitting and reusing rather than demolishing and building new.

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

Kitchener declared a Climate emergency in 2019. More needs to be done to meet our 50 by 30 goal.

1. Develop a local food strategy, including research on how land-use change affects the food system
2. Promote and support low-barrier spaces for local producers to distribute and sell food
3. Encourage and support local landowners to rent to newcomer farmers
4. Partner with other levels of government to develop local food hubs that reduce costs and barriers for small businesses
5. Leave local food livelihoods to the private market

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

I support more community gardens and winterized community greenhouses. We need to think food sovereignty and not just food security. Because the growing season is so short, the installation of winterized greenhouses would serve the community well. Geothermal would power the greenhouses. I also support organizations like Bailey's Local Foods and the Kitchener Market both of which support local food producers. We need to support local farmers and preserve farmland to meet the needs of residents across the Region.

1. Prioritize infill and intensification where infrastructure
2. Use development phasing tied to infrastructure capacity

Describe one concrete zoning, planning, or development decision you would support (or oppose) that reflects how you would balance these priorities.candidate's own words

I support allowing ground-floor commercial near a transit stop. This is common practice in many metropolitan areas around the world. The City of Kitchener has already modified its zoning bylaws (ZBs) to accommodate extensive growth in the MTSAs and beyond. The City has also removed barriers to the approval process to speed up development. The Province mandated 3 residential units as-of-right on all residential properties. Kitchener's 4 units as-of-right on properties where zoning permits single detached, semi-detached or street townhouse dwelling units was passed in March 2024. The Growing Together bylaw allows for unlimited height in many areas. It also eliminates the parking space requirements in developments within the MTSA.

Please describe one concrete example of a growth or infrastructure decision you would support or oppose using this approach.candidate's own words

I oppose expanding beyond the countryside line.

Other priority not listed abovecandidate's own words

It is unclear what is meant by outward growth.

What can the municipality/region do, if anything, about land which sits vacant for years because it is being used as an investment (land banking)?candidate's own words

I would like to see a vacant land registry, holding charges, servicing agreements and phased approval conditions. To the best of my knowledge these have not been tried in Kitchener, but I would be happy to explore them further.

It should be more transparent and accessible

Please describe one concrete example of a trade-off you would support (or oppose) when costs rise faster than revenues.candidate's own words

Kitchener has kept property tax increases at the rate of inflation for the past several years while maintaining services. I would like to see things continue along this trajectory. Governments need to be flexible and willing to pivot to accommodate changing needs and financial conditions. I support deferring or cancelling a capital project if necessary to keep taxes accessible.

If you chose "It should be more transparent and accessible", please describe how.candidate's own words

The CD Howe Institute ranks municipal budgets very low. In their 2025 report, Kitchener was given a C grade. Transparency and accessibility are their primary concerns.