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

Krista Straus

City/Township Council · Wilmot Ward 4

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All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes
This candidate finalized their responses after this guide and scoring methodology was published.
Housing & Homelessness 3 questions

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
  • Partner with non-profit and supportive housing providers
B. Interim management of encampments
  • 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
  • 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

design or quality standards for new affordable housing

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

The township needs more starter type houses and rental options.

Getting Around 4 questions

Getting Around

How should municipalities use existing street infrastructure to better prioritize walking, cycling, and public transit?select up to 3
  • Depends on where
  • rural areas existing street with shoulder to accommodate cycling
  • horse and buggy and vehicles
  • have trail systems throughout some of the towns for safety towards rec complex
What role should public transit play in regional growth, and how should future transit investments be prioritized?ranked from highest to lowest importance
No response
Do you support the municipality taking responsibility for snow removal from sidewalks adjacent to private properties?single choice

No, maintain the current system where property owners clear adjacent sidewalks

Do you support expanding fare-free transit for the Region?single choice

Yes, for specific groups

If you selected "Yes, for specific groups" above, which groups?candidate's own words

Seniors (ex. extend Older Adult Day Pass pilot), People with disabilities, Low-income residents

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

Make sure it works for students

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

Trail system from New Hamburg to the Rec Complex in Baden (has been in the works for years)

Climate & Sustainability 3 questions

Climate & Sustainability

How should municipalities and the Region incorporate climate and sustainability into policy, including development and infrastructure decisions?select up to 3 per part
A. Perspective on climate change
  • Climate change needs action and local governments can contribute in a few areas, but this is an issue better addressed at provincial and federal levels
  • Commitments passed by previous councils, like the 50x30 pledge or declarations of climate emergencies, should guide current council decision making
  • Our local and regional governments need to renew coordinated action towards implementing the Transform Waterloo Region strategy
B. Building and development standards
  • Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces)
C. Infrastructure and capital planning
  • Require climate change mitigation and adaptation impact assessments for large growth decisions (greenfield expansions, settlement boundary changes)
  • Require an assessment of impacts on aquifer recharge
Food Systems & Security 3 questions

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
  • Partner with local charities, non-profits, and other organizations to strengthen access to food and redistribution of surplus food and produce for low-income residents
  • Support local food procurement for school food programs, including processing/preparation infrastructure, food literacy, and youth learning opportunities
  • Support programs to prepare food for those who are unhoused or unable to cook
B. Access to land for growing food
  • Encourage and support private landowners to make lots available for food provisioning

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

Protecting the Countryside Line

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

It’s a complex system that starts with farmland, and having an agricultural ecosystem to support it. We are lucky to live in a place that has that.

Growth & Planning 4 questions

Growth & Planning

How should councils weigh the long-term cost of maintaining existing infrastructure when making decisions about outward growth and expansion?ranked from highest to lowest importance
No response
How should councils balance provincial and regional mandates for increased housing density with neighbourhood opposition and local infrastructure constraints?select up to 4 per part
A. Planning & zoning tools
  • Focus incremental density near transit, schools, and commercial areas
B. Managing neighbourhood opposition
  • Need to work together to come to an agreement
C. Infrastructure & servicing
  • Approve density where infrastructure capacity already exists
Budget & Taxes 5 questions

Budget & Taxes

Do you think the Region's or municipality's budget process should be more transparent and accessible to residents?single choice
No response
Municipal and regional costs have generally risen faster than revenues restricted by property tax rules and limited local revenue tools. How would you balance tax increases against maintaining service levels and long-term financial sustainability?select up to 3 per part
A. Revenue approaches
No response
D. Growth & cost recovery
No response
B. Service levels
No response
C. Capital & infrastructure
No response
About the Candidate3 questions

About the Candidate

Why are you running for this position?candidate's own words

To give New Hamburg residents a voice at Council and to help shape the future direction of Wilmot.

How does the current two-tier structure of municipal and regional government affect the Region's ability to make coherent decisions on housing, planning, and infrastructure?candidate's own words

The structure creates gaps or duplication that lead to worse outcomes, There is a gap in knowledge between the Upper and Lower trier

Please describe one specific area where you think the governance structure helps or hinders good decision-making.candidate's own words

Strong mayor powers hinders the ability of Council to make good decisions.