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

Lindsay Manary

Regional Council · Region of Waterloo

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

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
  1. Require detailed cost and risk analysis before approving
  2. Limit outward growth unless full lifecycle infrastructure
  3. Use development phasing tied to infrastructure capacity
  4. Prioritize infill and intensification where infrastructure
  5. Proceed with outward growth to address housing supply
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
  • Require area-specific planning studies before permitting additional density
B. Managing neighbourhood opposition
  • Use public engagement to inform design, not to veto density
  • Phase or adjust density in response to neighbourhood concerns about design or servicing capacity
  • Road infrastructure and capacity in established areas needs to be considered before allowing building. Many residents understand the need for housing but are concerned about existing roads not being able to handle extra traffic
C. Infrastructure & servicing
  • Approve density where infrastructure capacity already exists
  • Pair density approvals with targeted infrastructure upgrades

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 would support transit‑oriented density around ION stations and major transit corridors, while opposing large‑scale intensification in neighbourhoods that lack infrastructure capacity. This balances provincial mandates, neighbourhood concerns, fiscal responsibility and ensures growth happens where it benefits the whole community.

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

I would oppose a mid‑rise development on a narrow residential street with limited water, wastewater, and road capacity and support the same density at a nearby transit node where infrastructure can handle it. This balances provincial mandates with neighbourhood safety, road/traffic infrastructure and responsible planning.

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

Municipalities cannot force private owners to build, however we can discourage long‑term land banking through vacant land taxes, holding provisions, infrastructure‑linked zoning, development timelines, targeted incentives, and strategic public acquisition. This will ensure the land is used for community benefit and housing.