Kitchener — Ward 5
3 candidates responded · 0 of 0 section answers were “did not respond”
Jon Massimi See responses
- Prioritize rapid acquisition or conversion of existing buildings
- Partner with non-profit and supportive housing providers
- Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive housing
- 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
- Establish clear regional leadership with coordinated municipal roles
- Assign clear municipal responsibility for public-space management
- Actively advocate to the province for defined funding triggers and program supports
Please describe one concrete policy, program, or decision you would support to address both encampments and permanent housing.candidate's own words
I support establishing an Adaptive Reuse Policy to rapidly convert underutilized commercial and municipal buildings into interim shelter and supportive housing. This creates immediate indoor beds paired with non-profit addiction and mental health supports, establishing a direct pathway from temporary shelter to permanent housing that protects public parks and addresses root causes.
Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on housing?candidate's own words
My perspective on housing comes down to good design, proper scale, and environmental protection. We should avoid massive, out-of-scale developments that clash with established neighbourhoods or encroach on sensitive ecosystems like the Huron Natural Area. I support gentle density, such as townhomes, accessory units, and building conversions. This approach creates accessible housing choices for young families and seniors while keeping local infrastructure in step. New builds must only happen when our roads, parks, stormwater management, and green spaces are fully ready to support them.
Rich Peers See responses
- Prioritize rapid acquisition or conversion of existing buildings
- Increase funding for deeply affordable and supportive housing
- Expand the hours and capacity of extreme-weather shelter protections beyond current levels
- Establish clear regional leadership with coordinated municipal roles
- Assign clear municipal responsibility for public-space management
- Actively advocate to the province for defined funding triggers and program supports
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 acquiring or repurposing publicly owned land to create supportive and deeply affordable housing, paired with strong outreach and wraparound supports. The goal should be to move people from encampments into stable, permanent housing, not simply move encampments from one location to another. At the same time, there needs to be enough shelter capacity and coordinated outreach to respond when encampments create safety or public-space concerns. This approach addresses both the immediate need for safe spaces and the long-term need for permanent housing.
Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on housing?candidate's own words
None
Tracey Weiler See responses
On the ballot but have not responded to survey (6)
- Nate Bahlbi
- Dimple Birdee
- Muhammad Miqdad Hudda
- Navjot Sidhu
- Sumit Sehli
- Fitz Vanderpool
Full candidate list: CBC Waterloo Region election coverage ↗