Sam Hiemstra
City/Township Council · Wilmot Ward 4
Back to candidatesThis candidate finalized their responses after this guide and scoring methodology was published.
Climate & Sustainability
How should municipalities and the Region incorporate climate and sustainability into policy, including development and infrastructure decisions?select up to 3 per part
A. Perspective on climate change
- Climate change is an urgent and defining crisis of our time; reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be a primary consideration across municipal decision-making
- Commitments passed by previous councils, like the 50x30 pledge or declarations of climate emergencies, should guide current council decision making
- Our local and regional governments need to renew coordinated action towards implementing the Transform Waterloo Region strategy
B. Building and development standards
- Where possible, require or incentivize energy efficiency standards in new development, beyond current provincial minimums
- Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces)
- Use development agreements to require climate sustainability measures as a condition of approval
C. Infrastructure and capital planning
- Prioritize active transportation and transit investment
- Require climate change mitigation and adaptation impact assessments for large growth decisions (greenfield expansions, settlement boundary changes)
- Require an assessment of impacts on aquifer recharge
Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on sustainability?candidate's own words
Growing up in New Hamburg, I have seen first-hand the changes we are experiencing when it comes to extreme weather events (namely flooding). Preparedness for these occurrences need to be considered when navigating all potential projects and regulations. Sustainability is at the heart of these conversations, and is a topic that I look forward to championing if given the chance to serve my community as Councillor.