Sam Hiemstra
City/Township Council · Wilmot Ward 4
Back to candidatesThis candidate finalized their responses after this guide and scoring methodology was published.
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)
- Expand the hours and capacity of extreme-weather shelter protections beyond current levels
- Allow temporary encampments to persist while permanent housing options are actively being developed
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