Victoria Richardson
City/Township Council · Waterloo Ward 5
Back to candidatesHousing & Homelessness
How should municipalities and the Region balance providing permanent housing with the management of encampments in public spaces?select up to 3 per part
A. Pathways to permanent housing
- Partner with non-profit and supportive housing providers
- Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive housing
- Focus primarily on market housing to reduce overall pressure
B. Interim management of encampments
- Establish and maintain clear minimum standards (sanitation, safety, outreach)
- Expand the hours and capacity of extreme-weather shelter protections beyond current levels
C. Accountability and collaboration between levels of government
- Establish clear regional leadership with coordinated municipal roles
- Actively advocate to the province for defined funding triggers and program supports
- Publish ongoing performance metrics (e.g. housing placements, shelter bed access)
Please describe one concrete policy, program, or decision you would support to address both encampments and permanent housing.candidate's own words
Prioritize upstream approaches such as lobbying provincial government for funds for health, housing, and food access; increase ODSP; and explore the possibility of UBI
Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on housing?candidate's own words
Housing is a human right