Simon Guthrie

Regional Council · Region of Waterloo

All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes Water

This candidate has participated in events hosted by one or more of the organizations that created this questionnaire. Their traffic light scores are based solely on the published methodology.

This 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
Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive 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
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 support creating more indoor overnight spaces like the one at 97 Victoria St. We know they are valuable at all times of the year, and not just during extreme weather. They provide a much stronger sense of security compared to tent encampments. They are also a way to build community that can then be used to provide more effective and efficient services to the unsheltered. This provides a reliable bridge in between encampments and permanent. In fact, they can be imagined as a large step to a future where encampments are largely obsolete.

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

I have worked professionally with unsheltered and newly-sheltered communities twice in recent years. At MCC Ontario, our Circle of Friends program supported newly-sheltered participants as they rebuilt social connections. At The Working Centre, we provided 11 hours of indoor shelter during Feb/Mar/Apr of this year. It was well-used by the unsheltered.