Jon Massimi

City/Township Council · Kitchener Ward 5

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

Housing & Homelessness

How should municipalities and the Region balance providing permanent housing with the management of encampments in public spaces?select up to 3 per part

A. Pathways to permanent housing

Prioritize rapid acquisition or conversion of existing buildings
Partner with non-profit and supportive housing providers
Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive housing

B. Interim management of encampments

Establish and maintain clear minimum standards (sanitation, safety, outreach)
Expand the hours and capacity of extreme-weather shelter protections beyond current levels
Require that enforcement actions be linked to the availability of adequate indoor alternatives

C. Accountability and collaboration between levels of government

Establish clear regional leadership with coordinated municipal roles
Assign clear municipal responsibility for public-space management
Actively advocate to the province for defined funding triggers and program supports

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

I support establishing an Adaptive Reuse Policy to rapidly convert underutilized commercial and municipal buildings into interim shelter and supportive housing. This creates immediate indoor beds paired with non-profit addiction and mental health supports, establishing a direct pathway from temporary shelter to permanent housing that protects public parks and addresses root causes.

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

My perspective on housing comes down to good design, proper scale, and environmental protection. We should avoid massive, out-of-scale developments that clash with established neighbourhoods or encroach on sensitive ecosystems like the Huron Natural Area. I support gentle density, such as townhomes, accessory units, and building conversions. This approach creates accessible housing choices for young families and seniors while keeping local infrastructure in step. New builds must only happen when our roads, parks, stormwater management, and green spaces are fully ready to support them.