Kitchener — Ward 10

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

We can make our most meaningful community impact by establishing a collaborative Municipal Retrofit and Infill Program through Kitchener Utilities, working hand in hand with the Region, non-profit builders, and local homeowners. Heating and building operations generate the majority of our urban greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging on-bill financing through Kitchener Utilities, our city can help property owners install high-efficiency heat pumps and low-carbon insulation without massive upfront capital burdens. This balances our shared climate goals with fiscal responsibility: the program is self-sustaining and repaid gradually through monthly energy savings rather than funded by property tax hikes that strain seniors on fixed incomes and working families. At the same time, City Council can collaborate with tenant advocates to tie all municipal retrofit financing to clear anti-displacement agreements, guaranteeing that green retrofits cannot be used as an excuse for unfair Above-Guideline Rent Increases or renovictions. When we unite our municipal utility assets, streamlined approvals for net-zero infill housing, and strong tenant protections, we cut emissions, lower energy bills, and keep our neighbourhoods intact.

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

Together with our Regional counterparts, we must ensure our critical infrastructure serves human needs first. Investments like the service upgrades to the Mannheim Water Treatment system and our local power grid represent vital public capital. City Council must work proactively with the Region through coordinated zoning and site plan controls to protect this capacity for everyday residents and affordable housing, rather than allowing our water table and energy grid to be overburdened by resource-heavy industrial operations like hyperscale AI data centers. Because Kitchener sits within the Haldimand Tract, true environmental stewardship requires genuine partnership with local Indigenous communities. Council must build collaborative tables alongside local Indigenous organizations, elders, and land-based educators, ensuring that watershed protection, urban forest expansion, and land conservation integrate traditional ecological knowledge alongside shared economic benefits and community land trusts. When we apply sound lifecycle cost analysis and risk management to municipal decisions, we quickly realize that climate resilience is fiscally prudent. Building durable, low-carbon storm and transit infrastructure today prevents catastrophic emergency repair costs tomorrow. By building consensus across all wards, we can ensure our community remains livable, equitable, and financially resilient for generations to come.

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

Offer affordable heat pumps, electric water heaters, solar panels, and battery storage via Kitchener Utilities to reduce fossil fuel use while diversifying revenue streams as we transition to clean energy.

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 like to highlight a City of Kitchener project and motion I brought forward in 2026 to have our arenas use cold water, instead of hot water to make ice in out arenas. As part of the 2027 budget process the potential to expand this program to Grand River Arena, Don McLaren Arena and the Kinsmen and Kiwanis ice pads at The Memorial Auditorium shows has the potential to demonstrate measurable environmental and financial benefits, including a reduction in energy usage, CO2 emissions and operational costs. These environmental, financial and operating improvements were achieved while maintaining a good quality of ice and a positive user experience. This is a great example of reducing CO2 emissions, operational costs and improving user experience. I would continue implementing Kitchener's Corporate Climate Action Plan with a focus on investments that reduce both emissions and long-term operating costs. The new Southwest library and new Cowan Rec Centre are great examples of this. Energy efficiency in municipal buildings and a responsible transition of the City's fleet are good examples. Climate investments should be evaluated over their full lifecycle so we recognize savings in energy, maintenance and replacement costs rather than looking only at the upfront price.

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

Environmental sustainability and investment got hand in hand. Building in social responsibility and togetherness is a big part of moving forward on our sustainability goals. I would like to highlight some really good work being done by WR Community Energy. It is a voluntary program that works to help developers make decisions to include high-performance development standards into their design. I am happy to continue to help inform and support their work at the council table. 1. Low-risk way for developers to influence high-performance design in the municipal planning process 2. By participating, developers will be able to showcase leadership and innovation 3. Will be able to connect one-on-one with the HPDS contact while going through the approvals process 4. Opt-out of other requirements like the Kitchener Sustainability Checklist 5. Be recognized through award programs like the Kitchener Great Places Awards 6. Gain early insight and preparedness for emerging performance expectations across the province and country I do not see environmental sustainability and affordability as competing goals. Good long-term decisions can reduce energy use, protect infrastructure from extreme weather, expand transportation choices and lower future operating costs. I also want Kitchener to continue investing in its urban forest, stormwater infrastructure and green public spaces as the city grows. RetroFitWR Program is hopefully launching in Q4 of 2026 and is something I have been in support of. Having a local program that is unique and specific to Kitchener is something I have been working toward with my colleagues for some time and am looking forward to its launch.