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.

Getting Around

How should municipalities use existing street infrastructure to better prioritize walking, cycling, and public transit?select up to 3

Adjust signal timing, curb use, or intersection design
Prioritize active transportation improvements during routine resurfacing
Focus improvements around schools, transit corridors, and commercial areas

What role should public transit play in regional growth, and how should future transit investments be prioritized?ranked from highest to lowest importance

Use transit to shape land use
Prioritize lower-cost or incremental transit improvements
Prioritize maximizing operational efficiency
Prioritize expanding coverage area
Invest in rapid transit to anchor growth

Do you support the municipality taking responsibility for snow removal from sidewalks adjacent to private properties?single choice

No, maintain the current system where property owners clear adjacent sidewalks

Do you support expanding fare-free transit for the Region?single choice

Yes, for specific groups

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

In Woolwich, transportation also means gravel roads, with farm equipment and horse-drawn buggies sharing the road with commuters. I've heard from residents who pay significant property taxes and still have roads that are poorly maintained or plowed badly in winter. Keeping our existing roads and shoulders safe and in good repair should come before new projects. That's especially true on busy stretches like Arthur Street, where buggies, cyclists and cars all travel together.

If you selected "Yes, for specific groups" above, which groups?candidate's own words

Seniors (ex. extend Older Adult Day Pass pilot), Youth (age 12 and under)

Please describe one criterion or principle that should not be compromised when making transit investment decisions.candidate's own words

Transit works best when it serves places where people already live, work and shop, and when new homes and businesses are planned close to good service. In St. Jacobs, Route 21 is well used because it runs through the village and connects to the ION, so people can get to work without a car. Growth and transit should be planned together so that more routes work like that one.

Please name one specific street, corridor, or project where you would prioritize these changes.candidate's own words

I'd focus on the connections between the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, the village and Elmira. Two practical fixes would go a long way. First, clear signage from the market to the Health Valley Trail. The trail already gives people a pleasant, car-free way into the village, but visitors at the market often don't know it's there. Good wayfinding is inexpensive, and it would bring more of the market's Saturday crowds into village shops without adding traffic to the road. Second, Arthur Street between St. Jacobs and Elmira. The wide shoulder, separated from traffic by rumble strips, is a good design. Horse-drawn buggies and cyclists share it every day. But it's a very busy road, and that shoulder only works if it's kept clear, smooth and well marked. I'd push for regular sweeping and repairs, and clear signs reminding drivers to share the road. As traffic grows, the township and Region should also look at whether a more permanent barrier or dedicated path is needed between the two communities.