Regional Council — Waterloo
4 candidates responded
Chantal Huinink See responses
- Prioritize infill and intensification where infrastructure
- Require detailed cost and risk analysis before approving
- Use development phasing tied to infrastructure capacity
- Limit outward growth unless full lifecycle infrastructure
- Proceed with outward growth to address housing supply
- Focus incremental density near transit, schools, and commercial areas
- Allow small-scale housing forms city-wide as-of-right (e.g. up to four units per lot)
- Eliminate parking minimum requirements
- Use public engagement to inform design, not to veto density
- Approve density where infrastructure capacity already exists
- Pair density approvals with targeted infrastructure upgrades
- Use development charges or conditions to fund needed upgrades
Describe one concrete zoning, planning, or development decision you would support (or oppose) that reflects how you would balance these priorities.candidate's own words
As Regional Councillor, I will advocate for the reduction of parking requirements. This will reduce overall housing costs and encourage the use of public transit rather than personal vehicles where possible.
What can the municipality/region do, if anything, about land which sits vacant for years because it is being used as an investment (land banking)?candidate's own words
As Regional Councillor, I will advocate that the Region and all of our partner municipalities implement a sunset clause whereby depending on the scope of the project, developers have a number of months or years to complete the proposal that has been approved.
Lindsay Manary See responses
- Require detailed cost and risk analysis before approving
- Limit outward growth unless full lifecycle infrastructure
- Use development phasing tied to infrastructure capacity
- Prioritize infill and intensification where infrastructure
- Proceed with outward growth to address housing supply
- Focus incremental density near transit, schools, and commercial areas
- Require area-specific planning studies before permitting additional density
- Use public engagement to inform design, not to veto density
- Phase or adjust density in response to neighbourhood concerns about design or servicing capacity
- Road infrastructure and capacity in established areas needs to be considered before allowing building. Many residents understand the need for housing but are concerned about existing roads not being able to handle extra traffic
- Approve density where infrastructure capacity already exists
- Pair density approvals with targeted infrastructure upgrades
Describe one concrete zoning, planning, or development decision you would support (or oppose) that reflects how you would balance these priorities.candidate's own words
I would support transit‑oriented density around ION stations and major transit corridors, while opposing large‑scale intensification in neighbourhoods that lack infrastructure capacity. This balances provincial mandates, neighbourhood concerns, fiscal responsibility and ensures growth happens where it benefits the whole community.
Please describe one concrete example of a growth or infrastructure decision you would support or oppose using this approach.candidate's own words
I would oppose a mid‑rise development on a narrow residential street with limited water, wastewater, and road capacity and support the same density at a nearby transit node where infrastructure can handle it. This balances provincial mandates with neighbourhood safety, road/traffic infrastructure and responsible planning.
What can the municipality/region do, if anything, about land which sits vacant for years because it is being used as an investment (land banking)?candidate's own words
Municipalities cannot force private owners to build, however we can discourage long‑term land banking through vacant land taxes, holding provisions, infrastructure‑linked zoning, development timelines, targeted incentives, and strategic public acquisition. This will ensure the land is used for community benefit and housing.
Rami Said See responses
- Prioritize infill and intensification where infrastructure
- Use development phasing tied to infrastructure capacity
- Require detailed cost and risk analysis before approving
- Limit outward growth unless full lifecycle infrastructure
- Proceed with outward growth to address housing supply
- Focus incremental density near transit, schools, and commercial areas
- Allow small-scale housing forms city-wide as-of-right (e.g. up to four units per lot)
- Eliminate parking minimum requirements
- Use public engagement to inform design, not to veto density
- Phase or adjust density in response to neighbourhood concerns about design or servicing capacity
- Require demonstrated city-wide benefits to justify local impacts
- Approve density where infrastructure capacity already exists
- Pair density approvals with targeted infrastructure upgrades
Describe one concrete zoning, planning, or development decision you would support (or oppose) that reflects how you would balance these priorities.candidate's own words
Expand focus on low rise mixed use buildings and conversions of existing underused spaces into mixed use buildings.
Please describe one concrete example of a growth or infrastructure decision you would support or oppose using this approach.candidate's own words
Ensuring we maintain our farmland and focus on infill development.
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 ↗