Wazhma Frogh

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 expanding transitional and supportive housing with on-site mental health, addiction, and employment supports, while creating clear pathways for people living in encampments to move into permanent housing. Our approach should address immediate safety and dignity while investing in long-term housing solutions rather than repeatedly managing homelessness in public spaces.

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

I see housing as both an affordability and community wellbeing issue. We need more housing at different price points, stronger partnerships with non-profit and co-operative housing providers, better use of existing land and buildings, and coordinated action across all levels of government so that people can afford to remain in the communities they call home. Above all, housing is a human right.

• Reallocate space on selected streets (e.g. road diets, transit lanes, protected bike lanes)
• Prioritize active transportation improvements during routine resurfacing
• Focus improvements around schools, transit corridors, and commercial areas

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

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 planning should give people practical choices beyond driving. I support reliable and affordable public transit, safer walking and cycling connections, while recognizing that roads and parking remain important for many residents, businesses and families.

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, 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

Accessibility and affordability should not be compromised. Transit investments must ensure that seniors, people with disabilities, low-income residents and those who rely on public transit can access jobs, services and their communities safely and reliably.

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

I would prioritize the Victoria Street corridor, particularly around 100 Victoria Street, where housing, homelessness, transit and redevelopment pressures intersect. It presents an opportunity to combine more affordable and supportive housing with thoughtful, transit-connected development and improved public spaces.

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 prioritize improving the energy efficiency of municipal buildings and infrastructure, using upgrades that reduce both emissions and long-term operating costs. Investments should be based on measurable environmental benefits and lifecycle savings, ensuring climate action is also fiscally responsible for taxpayers.

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

I would support a local food procurement policy that gives greater consideration to food produced by farmers and suppliers in Waterloo Region for eligible municipal programs and facilities. This would strengthen our local economy, support farmers, and improve the resilience of our local food system.

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

A strong local food system connects farmland protection, food security, economic development and affordability. I would support stronger partnerships among local farmers, food businesses, community organizations and municipalities to increase access to locally produced food while reducing barriers for residents experiencing food insecurity.

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 more housing density along major transit corridors and around existing transit hubs, while protecting established neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive areas from inappropriate development. This allows Kitchener to accommodate growth and expand housing choices while making better use of existing infrastructure and limiting unnecessary urban sprawl.

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 prioritizing higher-density, mixed-use development along Kitchener’s existing ION and major transit corridors before expanding development outward onto agricultural or environmentally sensitive lands. This directs growth toward areas where infrastructure already exists while protecting farmland and reducing the long-term cost of urban sprawl.

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

Municipalities can discourage long-term land banking through tools such as appropriate taxation of vacant land, time-limited development approvals, and stronger monitoring of approved projects that remain undeveloped. I would also support working with the Province to strengthen municipal tools where necessary, while ensuring legitimate development delays or productive agricultural land are not unfairly penalized.

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

I would prioritize protecting essential frontline services and programs residents rely on, while delaying lower-priority capital projects or non-essential spending when costs rise faster than revenues. I would not support across-the-board cuts that may save money in the short term but create greater social and infrastructure costs later.

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

Municipal budgets should be presented in clear, plain language, with accessible breakdowns showing residents where revenues come from, how tax dollars are spent, and how major spending decisions affect services and property taxes. I would also support more opportunities for residents to provide input earlier in the budget process, before key decisions are finalized.