Syed Tirmizi

Please describe one concrete policy, program, or decision you would support to address both encampments and permanent housing.candidate's own words

I would support clear standards for encampments, combined with coordinated outreach and pathways to appropriate housing. Public spaces must remain safe and accessible, while people experiencing homelessness should have access to practical alternatives and support.

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

The long-term solution is not simply more shelters or enforcement. Along with housing and support, we should provide skills training and learning opportunities that help people become more independent, find employment, and reduce their long-term dependence on supportive housing.

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

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

Yes, but roads should take priority; sidewalks cleared after

Improve existing subsidies and discounts, but maintain fares for most riders

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

I strongly support practical transportation improvements that make it safer and easier to get around. Transit fares should be lower, with better service and easier access, so more people choose public transit and we reduce congestion and pressure on our streets.

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

Transit investments should provide real value for residents and be financially sustainable over the long term.

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

I would support faster approvals or other reasonable incentives for new developments that exceed provincial energy-efficiency standards or include measures such as better insulation, energy-efficient systems, or green infrastructure. This would encourage more sustainable development without simply adding new costs or taxes for residents.

1. Partner with other levels of government to develop local food hubs that reduce costs and barriers for small businesses
2. Promote and support low-barrier spaces for local producers to distribute and sell food
3. Encourage and support local landowners to rent to newcomer farmers
4. Develop a local food strategy, including research on how land-use change affects the food system
5. Leave local food livelihoods to the private market

Please describe one concrete policy, program, or decision you would support to strengthen the local food system.candidate's own words

I would support creating or expanding low-cost market spaces where local farmers and small food businesses can sell directly to residents. This can support local businesses, improve access to fresh food, and reduce barriers between local producers and consumers.

1. Proceed with outward growth to address housing supply
2. Require detailed cost and risk analysis before approving
3. Use development phasing tied to infrastructure capacity
4. Prioritize infill and intensification where infrastructure
5. Limit outward growth unless full lifecycle infrastructure

Describe one concrete zoning, planning, or development decision you would support (or oppose) that reflects how you would balance these priorities.candidate's own words

I would support additional housing density near major transit, schools and commercial areas where infrastructure can support it or new advanced infrastructure is built. I would require extensive planning and significant infrastructure upgrades before allowing construction of apartment buildings to established neighbourhoods.

Please describe one concrete example of a growth or infrastructure decision you would support or oppose using this approach.candidate's own words

I would support a new development where the developer fairly contributes to the infrastructure required for that growth. I will encourage to build new developments and modern infrastructure with ample parking and advanced facilities vs putting pressure on the existing infrastructure.

What can the municipality/region do, if anything, about land which sits vacant for years because it is being used as an investment (land banking)?candidate's own words

The City should consider tools such as construction timelines or phased approvals where appropriate, particularly when serviced land remains vacant for years.

It should be more transparent and accessible

Please describe one concrete example of a trade-off you would support (or oppose) when costs rise faster than revenues.candidate's own words

When costs rise, I would first look to defer lower-priority projects and improve efficiency before considering any increase over inflation benchmark. Core services and essential infrastructure should remain the priority.