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

Syed Tirmizi

City/Township Council · Waterloo Ward 4

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

Growth & Planning

How should councils weigh the long-term cost of maintaining existing infrastructure when making decisions about outward growth and expansion?ranked from highest to lowest importance
  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
How should councils balance provincial and regional mandates for increased housing density with neighbourhood opposition and local infrastructure constraints?select up to 3 per part
A. Planning & zoning tools
  • Focus incremental density near transit, schools, and commercial areas
  • Require area-specific planning studies before permitting additional density
B. Managing neighbourhood opposition
  • Use public engagement to inform design, not to veto density
  • Phase or adjust density in response to neighbourhood concerns about design or servicing capacity
  • Require demonstrated city-wide benefits to justify local impacts
C. Infrastructure & servicing
  • Approve density where infrastructure capacity already exists
  • Pair density approvals with targeted infrastructure upgrades

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.