Steven Haase

City/Township Council · Woolwich Ward 2

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

This 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 needs action and local governments can contribute in a few areas, but this is an issue better addressed at provincial and federal levels
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
Create financial incentives for low-carbon construction (e.g. development charge reductions, expedited approvals, density bonuses)
Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces)

C. Infrastructure and capital planning

Require climate risk and lifecycle cost analysis in major capital decisions
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

Describe one concrete policy, incentive, or decision you would prioritize to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Where possible, explain how it balances environmental goals with fiscal responsibility.candidate's own words

When township equipment wears out, replace it with the option that delivers the lowest cost and emissions over its lifetime, not the one that's cheapest to buy. Woolwich's arenas, community centres and other buildings use a lot of energy. Every time a furnace, roof, lighting system or ice plant comes due for replacement, there's a chance to switch to something more efficient, like heat pumps, LED lighting or heat recovery from the ice plant. These choices often cost more up front but save money on energy for decades, and grants such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund can cover part of the gap. This approach doesn't add new spending. It improves decisions the township already has to make. Emissions go down, operating costs go down, and residents can see the numbers. The township already has an energy conservation plan, and I'd want each year's results reported publicly so people can see what we're saving.

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

In Woolwich, sustainability starts with protecting what we already have. Working farmland and our groundwater can't be replaced once they're gone. Many rural residents depend on private wells, and the whole Region relies heavily on groundwater for drinking water. That's part of why I've opposed redesignating the Gateway Employment Lands and why I support keeping the countryside boundary firm. Making better use of land inside our villages is good for the environment and for the township budget.