Cambridge — Ward 6

1 candidate responded · 0 of 0 section answers were “did not respond”

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

Barbara Harrington See responses

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

Prioritize rapid acquisition or conversion of existing buildings
Partner with non-profit and supportive housing providers
Use publicly owned land for permanent or interim housing

B. Interim management of encampments

Establish and maintain clear minimum standards (sanitation, safety, outreach)
Require that enforcement actions be linked to the availability of adequate indoor alternatives
Allow temporary encampments to persist while permanent housing options are actively being developed

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 like to go to a housing first approach. I'd like to follow the Finland solution to zero homeless. Either through tiny home communities or small apartment buildings or refurbished existing buildings to have one-bedroom apartments for unhoused or close to being unhoused. Especially those who are struggling with mental health and addiction. It is well understood that you cannot solve the problems of addiction or mental health without having housing first. You can't utilize a health card without an address, you can't receive full OW or ODSP benefits without an address. You can't gain employment without and addressed because you have to fill a schedule one federal form upon employment. We need supportive housing first, rehabilitation second and reintegration into independent living third. In the meantime we need to increase acquiring and repurchasing publicly owned land for extreme weather circumstances and protection

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

I'd like to see the Ontario housing come back with geared to income rent. I like to see more cooperative housing, or nonprofit housing.

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On the ballot but have not responded to survey (3)

Randy Carter
Adam Cooper
Chris McCormick

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