Kitchener — Mayor
2 candidates responded · 0 of 0 section answers were “did not respond”
Manikantan Nair See responses
- Climate change needs action and local governments can contribute in a few areas, but this is an issue better addressed at provincial and federal levels, Commitments passed by previous councils, like the 50x30 pledge or declarations of climate emergencies, should guide current council decision making, Our local and regional governments need to renew coordinated action towards implementing the Transform Waterloo Region strategy
- Where possible, require or incentivize energy efficiency standards in new development, beyond current provincial minimums, Create financial incentives for low-carbon construction (e.g. development charge reductions, expedited approvals, density bonuses), Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces)
- Require climate risk and lifecycle cost analysis in major capital decisions
- Prioritize active transportation and transit investment
- Align municipal operations (fleet, facilities, procurement) with regional climate commitments
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 incentives for energy-efficient and low-carbon buildings, such as expedited approvals or modest planning incentives for developments that exceed provincial energy-performance standards. This approach can reduce greenhouse gas emissions without imposing blanket costs on every new development. The focus should be on measurable outcomes, with incentives tied to demonstrated performance and designed so that environmental improvements do not unnecessarily increase housing costs or the financial burden on taxpayers.
Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on sustainability?candidate's own words
Sustainability should be part of responsible municipal decision-making, but it must be balanced with housing affordability, economic growth, infrastructure needs and fiscal responsibility. I support practical, measurable actions that reduce emissions, improve resilience and lower long-term operating costs. We should focus on outcomes rather than mandates for their own sake, use incentives where they can achieve better results, and ensure that major investments are evaluated on their full lifecycle costs and benefits. Most importantly, Kitchener and Waterloo Region should work together so that environmental, economic and community priorities are addressed through a coordinated long-term plan.
Wazhma Frogh See responses
- Climate change is an urgent and defining crisis of our time; reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be a primary consideration across municipal decision-making
- Climate change needs action and local governments can contribute in a few areas, but this is an issue better addressed at provincial and federal levels, Our local and regional governments need to renew coordinated action towards implementing the Transform Waterloo Region strategy
- Where possible, require or incentivize energy efficiency standards in new development, beyond current provincial minimums, Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces)
- Use development agreements to require climate sustainability measures as a condition of approval
- Require climate risk and lifecycle cost analysis in major capital decisions
- Prioritize active transportation and transit investment
- Require an assessment of impacts on aquifer recharge
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.
On the ballot but have not responded to survey (5)
- David Alton
- Wali Khan
- George Trihenea
- Berry Vrbanovic
- Cindy Ward
Full candidate list: CBC Waterloo Region election coverage ↗