Rich Peers

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 acquiring or repurposing publicly owned land to create supportive and deeply affordable housing, paired with strong outreach and wraparound supports. The goal should be to move people from encampments into stable, permanent housing, not simply move encampments from one location to another. At the same time, there needs to be enough shelter capacity and coordinated outreach to respond when encampments create safety or public-space concerns. This approach addresses both the immediate need for safe spaces and the long-term need for permanent housing.

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

None

• Reallocate space on selected streets (e.g. road diets, transit lanes, protected bike lanes), Focus improvements around schools, transit corridors, and commercial areas

1. Use transit to shape land use
2. Invest in rapid transit to anchor growth
3. Prioritize expanding coverage area
4. Prioritize maximizing operational efficiency

Yes, sidewalks should be cleared alongside roads as part of regular winter maintenance

Yes, for specific groups

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

None

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

Transit investments should be tied to where people live, work, and where the community is expected to grow. We should prioritize projects that improve everyday connections, support responsible growth, and provide measurable benefits to residents, not simply build infrastructure because funding is available.

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

Ludolph St in Kitchener

Describe one concrete policy, incentive, or decision you would prioritize to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Where possible, explain how it balances environmental goals with fiscal responsibility.candidate's own words

I would prioritize energy-efficiency upgrades to municipal buildings and facilities, such as better insulation, heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient lighting. These projects can reduce emissions while also lowering the City’s long-term operating and energy costs. I would prioritize projects based on measurable emissions reductions, payback periods and lifecycle costs, so environmental investments also make fiscal sense for taxpayers.

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

I would support expanding community gardens on suitable publicly owned land, particularly in neighbourhoods where residents have limited access to fresh, locally grown food. The City could provide basic infrastructure such as water access and garden plots while partnering with community groups to operate them. This would be a relatively low-cost way to support local food production, build community connections, and make better use of available public land.

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

Development should be phased where necessary, with infrastructure capacity and neighbourhood design considered alongside the need for more housing.

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

I support building more housing, but growth should not mean residents are left waiting for infrastructure to catch up. Where capacity is limited, I would support adjusting the timing or scale of development rather than simply saying no to growth. This is a practical way to balance the need for housing with responsible planning and taxpayer value.

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

I would prioritize **getting existing serviced land into productive use before extending costly infrastructure farther outward**\. That approach can support housing supply, make better use of infrastructure taxpayers have already paid for, and help manage the cost of future growth\.

It should be more transparent and accessible

Please describe one concrete example of a trade-off you would support (or oppose) when costs rise faster than revenues.candidate's own words

I would oppose continuing with discretionary projects simply because they were previously planned if the financial circumstances have changed. Sometimes responsible leadership means saying “not yet” so we can protect core services and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on taxpayers.

If you chose "It should be more transparent and accessible", please describe how.candidate's own words

Residents should be included through conversations and regular meetings with councillors.