Stephanie Stretch

City/Township Council · Kitchener Ward 10

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

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
Use regional land for permanent or interim housing

B. Interim management of encampments

Expand the hours and capacity of extreme-weather shelter protections beyond current levels
Require that enforcement actions be linked to the availability of adequate indoor alternatives
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

During my term, the City has supported 11 affordable-housing projects representing more than 420 homes and nearly $59 million in municipal investment, including five projects in Ward 10. I want Kitchener to keep using every appropriate municipal tool available including land donation, while continuing to press the Region, Province and Federal Government for the supportive housing, shelter, mental-health and addiction resources that fall within their responsibilities.

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

Housing is a good example of why municipal responsibilities need to be clear. Kitchener cannot control interest rates, market rents or provincial housing policy, but we do control important tools including land use, approvals, municipal land, incentives and property taxes. During my term, the City has supported 11 affordable-housing projects representing more than 420 homes and nearly $59 million in municipal investment, including five projects in Ward 10. I want Kitchener to keep using every appropriate municipal tool available while continuing to press the Region, Province and Federal Government for the supportive housing, shelter, mental-health and addiction resources that fall within their responsibilities.