Wazhma Frogh

City/Township Council · Kitchener

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

Housing & 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
Use publicly owned land for permanent or interim housing
Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive housing

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
Require that enforcement actions be linked to the availability of adequate indoor alternatives

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

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.