Regional Council — Waterloo
4 candidates responded
Chantal Huinink 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
- 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
- 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)
- Use development agreements to require climate sustainability measures as a condition of approval
- Require climate change mitigation and adaptation impact assessments for large growth decisions (greenfield expansions, settlement boundary changes)
- Require an assessment of impacts on aquifer recharge
- 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
As Regional Councillor, I will advocate that climate change adaptation and mitigation assessments be taken into account before development decisions are made.
Lindsay Manary 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
- 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 a Deep Energy Retrofit Incentive that helps residents and small businesses upgrade older buildings with heat pumps, insulation, and efficiency improvements. This reduces emissions significantly while keeping costs low through partnerships and external funding and will balance environmental responsibility with fiscal responsibility.
Rami Said 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
- 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 climate risk and lifecycle cost analysis in major capital decisions
- Require climate change mitigation and adaptation impact assessments for large growth decisions (greenfield expansions, settlement boundary changes)
- 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
Working with developers to help reduce cost and add density in exchange for low-carbon or net zero buildings. This would both help reduce the development cost supportive of affordable units and make the benefit to do these environmental upgrades more beneficial to both developers and the community.
Sarvesh Pratap Singh See responses
On the ballot but have not responded to survey (3)
- Jim Erb
- Soo Bok Lee
- Chris Moser
Full candidate list: CBC Waterloo Region election coverage ↗