Housing: Housing is a big part of my platform and something that I'm very interested in. My platform speaks specifically to modernising Waterloo's zoning regulations to permit greater housing diversity, address the "missing middle", and support intensification where we need it. Outside of major nodes and corridors (as identified by the city) where high-rise developments allows for large increases in housing stock, we need to allow for moderate intensification that permits more townhomes, coach houses/tiny homes, multi-unit buildings, and mixed-use buildings that create complete, "15-minute" communities that are comfortable and human-scale.

It also addresses non-profit and other non-market housing and how Waterloo needs to provide greater support to it. In general, we lack sufficient social housing to meet demand, resulting in the waiting lists for housing that we currently have.

Traditionally in Waterloo, homelessness has been wrongfully thought of as a "Kitchener problem", but this issue needs a whole-of-region approach that recognises that the issue does not stop at arbitrary municipal borders. I believe that increased emergency and alternative housing are needed, and I'm interested in models like A Better Tent City and other proposals. These are concepts I see myself likely supporting, though of course dependant on the specific context of whatever proposals might come through.

Public Safety: While I can't address many of the above issues directly as being in the purview of the Regional, Provincial, or Federal governments, many of them resonate with me as good policy directives. I have not indicated my support for some points above not because I disagree with them (and I would likely support them if they came forward), but because they are proposing very specific solutions or funding amounts for issues that could have more appropriate alternatives. (For example, I very much appreciate and have supported the work of the WRCPC, but it might be so that a different model would be more effective---I would need to see a proposal, community feedback, and expert opinions to make a decision on that.)

It's important to me that I am honest above all else, and I don't want to commit to a very specific stance with the knowledge that I need to do and see more research before I can make that specific determination. I'm strongly in support of investing in upstream social services, and I'd like to see the city take an active role in this.

Indigenous Sovereignty: I think that reconciliation is a fundamentally important process that demands attention from all levels of government, including municipal. Waterloo should faithfully continue to follow its Reconciliation Action Plan and its responses to the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. I haven't indicated support or opposition to the points above because they're either not under the purview of Waterloo City Council (such the Charles Street Terminal or allowing for reserved seat on municipal council, which I do not think is presently permitted by the Municipalities Act of Ontario), or they are specific policy points that I do not yet feel qualified to speak to.

Social Services: Social services are a big area where upstream investment now allows for better outcomes, quality of life, and even—while not the most important aspect—cost savings in the long term for everyone. I am very supportive of opportunities to invest in Waterloo residents' wellbeing.

Transportation: I'm very supportive of expanded active and public transit infrastructure—it forms another major part of my platform. Public transit falls squarely on the Region, but I hope to see the City of Waterloo continues to expand protected bike lanes and multi-use trails so that residents can move throughout the city quickly, comfortably, and safely, no matter what mode of transportation they use. Iron Horse Trail is also a fantastic example of an effective urban trail that makes active travelling throughout much of Waterloo and Kitchener very approachable and efficient. Waterloo should upgrade our section of Iron Horse Trail to match Kitchener's and the new Market Trail with lighting and better road-crossing infrastructure to make the path safer and more accessible. Waterloo should also explore options to create more multi-use trails to facilitate a robust active transit network.

Other issues, including lowering speed limits, are context-dependent, as some types of streets could very much use slower traffic, while others ought to retain current limits. I intend to consider public input, staff feedback, and expert opinions when considering this issue on Council.

Housing: I am very interested in learning more about sanctioned encampments, as-of-right zoning, and fully funded housing to ensure people have safe, stable housing options. With additional information, I can make informed decisions about all possibilities.

Public Safety: A bit more information and a framework around police-free policies would help me make a more informed decision about some options.

Indigenous Sovereignty: Reconciliation matters to me. More information about process and implementation for some recommendations would help me make a more informed decision about tangible actions.

Social Services: Social services involve many stakeholders and complex issues, which sometimes don't necessarily reflect a single support/don't support response.

Transportation: I support safe, sustainable transportation options. More information, such as funding and traffic and safety studies, would help me make an informed decision about some recommendations.

Other: Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in the FABWR survey. I am very interested in these issues and ideas. I am keen to learn more, including context and implementation, to ensure that the most vulnerable are included and cared for and can thrive in our cities and the Region.