Kevin White
Regional Council · Region of Waterloo
Back to candidatesWater Supply (Regional)
The Region of Waterloo's long-term water supply is under growing pressure. Water capacity in the Mannheim Service Area serving Kitchener, Waterloo, and parts of Cambridge, Wilmot, and Woolwich, is limited in supporting new development approvals. While additional supplies were found for easing immediate needs, what long term approach should the Region take? (rank from highest to lowest in importance)ranked from highest to lowest importance
- Prioritize immediate investment in water conservation programs and demand management
- Pursue a Lake Erie pipeline connection with provincial and federal cost-sharing
- Accelerate exploration of alternative water sources (wells, treated wastewater reuse, inter-municipal supply)
- Commission an independent technical review of all options before committing to major new infrastructure
- Approve developments now and resolve water supply constraints in the future
Describe your position on how the Region should resolve this issue and what timeline is realistic.candidate's own words
When we consider this issue with "care for people and the land we share" as our primary consideration, it becomes clear that we need to make some substantial changes in the way we relate. There may be some easing measures to be introduced, but we are going to experience some hardship, and I think we need to work to really consider this core value in relation to surrounding municipalities when we formulate a strategy for transitioning to more sustainable water infrastructure for the region.