Qavi Aziz

City/Township Council · North Dumfries Ward 2

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

Partner with non-profit and supportive housing providers
Use publicly owned land for permanent or interim housing
Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive 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
Prioritize clearing encampments to maintain public access to shared spaces

C. Accountability and collaboration between levels of government

Establish clear regional leadership with coordinated municipal roles
Actively advocate to the province for defined funding triggers and program supports
Publish ongoing performance metrics (e.g. housing placements, shelter bed access)

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 coordinated housing-first approach that connects people living in encampments with appropriate shelter, supportive services and pathways to permanent housing. Enforcement should be coordinated with the availability of adequate indoor alternatives, while municipalities must also maintain safe and accessible public spaces for the entire community. This requires clear cooperation among municipalities, the Region, the Province and community housing providers.

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

North Dumfries has different circumstances from the larger urban municipalities in Waterloo Region, and I believe housing solutions should reflect local conditions. At the same time, housing affordability and homelessness are regional challenges. I support increasing housing choices within appropriate settlement areas while protecting farmland and environmentally sensitive areas, and working collaboratively with the Region and other levels of government on affordable and supportive housing.