Manikantan Nair

City/Township Council · Kitchener

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
Use publicly owned land for permanent or interim housing

B. Interim management of encampments

Establish and maintain clear minimum standards (sanitation, safety, outreach)
Require that enforcement actions be linked to the availability of adequate indoor alternatives
Encampments should be treated as an interim measure, not a permanent housing solution. The City and Region should combine clear safety and sanitation standards with meaningful outreach and a measurable pathway to permanent or appropriate supportive housing.

C. Accountability and collaboration between levels of government

Actively advocate to the province for defined funding triggers and program supports
Publish ongoing performance metrics (e.g. housing placements, shelter bed access), Accountability must be shared across the City, Region and Province. Residents should be able to clearly see who is responsible, what actions are being taken, how resources are being used, and whether those actions are producing measurable results. Kindly checkout https://www.votefornair.ca/post/working-with-ottawa-and-queen-s-park

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

I would support a City & Region Housing and Encampment Response Program that identifies suitable underused City-owned land and existing buildings for conversion or development into deeply affordable and supportive housing. The City and Region should partner with non-profit and community housing providers to move people from encampments into stable housing, while providing outreach, mental-health and addiction supports where needed. At the same time, encampments should have clear standards for sanitation and safety, with enforcement tied to the availability of appropriate indoor alternatives. This approach addresses the immediate need for safe public spaces while building a permanent pathway out of homelessness.

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

Kindly Check Out My Housing Priority : https://www.votefornair.ca/post/kitchener-housing-policy-paper-draft