Tony Chaves

City/Township Council · Cambridge

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

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

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

Yes, sidewalks should be cleared alongside roads as part of regular winter maintenance

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

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

Transportation decisions need to look at the whole picture. Cambridge is growing, and our roads, public transit, sidewalks, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian safety all need to keep pace. I support practical improvements that make it easier and safer for people to get where they need to go, while recognizing that many residents still depend on their vehicles. We need reliable transit, safer crossings, better-connected sidewalks and cycling routes, and proper road infrastructure. Most importantly, transportation planning needs to be coordinated with housing and growth, with residents having a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their neighbourhoods. We need to invest responsibly and make sure Cambridge taxpayers see real value from those investments.

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

Seniors (ex. extend Older Adult Day Pass pilot), People with disabilities, Low-income residents

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

Equitable and Accessible Service Transit investments should never compromise equitable access. Residents should be able to rely on safe, accessible, and dependable transit regardless of their age, ability, neighbourhood, or circumstances. Investment decisions should consider who depends on transit most, while ensuring that new services are practical, sustainable, and provide measurable value to residents and taxpayers.

Other priority not listed abovecandidate's own words

Accountability and Transparency at City Hall Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, where their tax dollars are going, and who is responsible for delivering results. I would make transparency, accountability, and meaningful communication with residents a priority, while working to ensure City services and infrastructure keep pace with Cambridge’s growth.

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

I would prioritize Hespeler Road, particularly around major transit stops, commercial areas, and intersections. It is a busy corridor used by drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. I would look at improving pedestrian crossings, signal timing, sidewalk connections, cycling infrastructure, and transit access so everyone can move through the corridor more safely and efficiently.