Rich Peers

City/Township Council · Kitchener Ward 5

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
Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive housing

B. Interim management of encampments

Expand the hours and capacity of extreme-weather shelter protections beyond current levels

C. Accountability and collaboration between levels of government

Establish clear regional leadership with coordinated municipal roles
Assign clear municipal responsibility for public-space management
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

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