Regional Council — Kitchener

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

Ensuring our house is in order would be a good start, so I would support transitioning part of the municipal fleet to lower-emission vehicles. It balances environmental goals with fiscal responsibility as the transitioning process would be phased, helping to offset higher upfront costs with long-term operational savings. There is also the opportunity to not have the funding come out of property taxes and leverage external funding and financing options. This will also help the Region fulfill its 50x30 pledge for reducing greenhouse gases.

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

Sustainability is no longer an optional choice or a passing fad; it has become an absolute necessity. To ensure our communities remain resilient and supportive for future generations, we must adopt sustainable practices that help us adapt to a changing climate and protect our local economy.

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 incorporate energy-performance and lifecycle-cost analysis into the Facilities Strategic Plan that I brought forward and Regional Council approved. The Region needs a complete understanding of the condition, operating costs and future needs of its buildings before making major investments. Energy improvements should be prioritized when equipment reaches the end of its useful life or when reduced energy consumption can recover the investment through lower operating costs. This approach lowers emissions and utility expenses without prematurely replacing usable assets or placing unnecessary costs on taxpayers. Similar performance standards should be considered for new Region-owned and Region-funded affordable housing.

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

Sustainability has already been an important part of my work on Regional Council. I brought forward the Facilities Strategic Plan to improve long-term planning for Region-owned buildings. I also moved the motion that received unanimous Council support requesting a pause on new and expanded private water-taking permits in the Mannheim Service Area while the Water Supply Strategy is updated. I have advanced work on a larger residential greywater and rainwater-reuse pilot and pressed for measurable results from the Region’s expanded water-conservation programs. I have also consistently emphasized groundwater monitoring, aquifer recharge and the effects of growth on our long-term water supply. My approach is practical: protect essential natural resources, test new approaches through measurable pilots, consider the full lifecycle cost of infrastructure and prioritize investments that reduce both emissions and long-term operating expenses. Sustainability should be part of responsible asset management, not treated as a separate or symbolic spending exercise.

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

Again, the core value of "care for people and the land we share" defines how decisions are made. If we cannot align the decisions regarding development or infrastructure planning with this value, then I think we aren't really taking sustainability seriously. That value needs to be clearly present in governing decisions.

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

roof top green spaces

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 need to continue and recommit to our commitments under TransformWR. I continue to advocate for ending the longstanding subsidy that municipalities provide to for-profit natural gas utilities using public land. If successful in our advocacy, this policy change would require for-profit natural gas utilities to pay the costs of using public land and help incentivize the transition to alternative energy sources.

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

My priorities also reflect other measures like supporting our Regional Forests, retrofitting Regional housing buildings over time, and re-imagining how we manage waste.

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'm running for Regional Council because of an issue I'm having with a local business that also happens to have a contract with the Region of Waterloo. That business has asked me to take my patronage of their service elsewhere while refusing to provide an explanation as to why. My position is that Waterloo Taxi Ltd., if they wish to keep their MobilityPlus contract, has to provide me, and Waterloo Taxi's shareholders, an explanation as to why I was told to take my business elsewhere.

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

I'm running for Regional Council because of an issue I'm having with a local business that also happens to have a contract with the Region of Waterloo. That business has asked me to take my patronage of their service elsewhere while refusing to provide an explanation as to why. My position is that Waterloo Taxi Ltd., if they wish to keep their MobilityPlus contract, has to provide me, and Waterloo Taxi's shareholders, an explanation as to why I was told to take my business elsewhere.