Response submitted October 5.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Regional Council needs to continue to ensure the preservation of rural/urban mix. Managed growth has been a reality in planning and this must continue. Agriculture is a significant contributor to our economy and the importance of our rural communities cannot be over-stated. Recently the official plan was challenged at the OMB. The settlement was more land designated for development than the Region has proposed but less than the developers were seeking. It is essential that the next review which starts in 2019 reflect the values of managed growth and holding the line on greenfield development by encouraging intensification of the existing urban core.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

The Grand River Conservation authority does a commendable job of monitoring and preserving the watershed that contains the Grand River. The water delivery and wastewater processing systems are being upgraded planned schedule. They are monitored to ensure the protection of public health. Wells are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure quality. Action is taken immediately when there is a spill or threat of contamination. This is overseen by the Ministry as well. Proposed development for residential, commercial or manufacturing purposes is submitted for comment by the GRCA as well as the Region for input from a planning, land use and compliance perspective. Issues such as preserving water sources, noise attenuation and requirement for environmental assessment are reviewed. These requirements are consistent throughout the Region as everything that impacts our groundwater affects our supply. Issues like zoning and permitted usage play a large part in controlling expansion.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

I support the LRT as it is as much a planning tool as it is a transportation system. Managed growth in our Region needs to accommodate residential growth as well as industrial growth. This growth must be compatible with the stated values of the Region. The Official Plan will begin another round of review starting 2019. The province has set density targets for the Region to meet to accommodate growth. Through intensification along the LRT line in KW of commercial and residential properties, the Region can reach these targets while managing greenfield expansion into our rural areas. Additionally the $3 billion investment that has resulted from the first LRT phase will bring benefit through increased revenue for the Regional tax portion that benefits the entire Region. There is every reason to anticipate a similar investment when Phase 2 is completed in Cambridge. As CEO for Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, I lobbied the Provincial government along with my Ontario colleagues to change the legislation for rules for developers. The changes made by the province are incentives for developers that allow for intensity bonusing and inclusionary zoning. These changes allow developers to build more units being it they include a percentage of affordable housing. The end result is more affordable housing but also intensification of projects provided they are approved by the Region.

No response provided yet.

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Response submitted July 30.

General Answer

https://twitter.com/EClarkeYW/status/1023955243703459840

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

With the recent change in our Provincial government, I fear that our countryside line and our Regional Official Plan may indeed be under renewed threat, and I believe that Regional Council must defend both vigorously. Wildlife, including many species at risk, depends on our moraines and wetlands for survival, as we do for our clean drinking water. These important landscapes play a critical role in controlling flooding and erosion, storing carbon, facilitating recreational opportunities and providing many social and cultural benefits, and they must be protected.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Inefficient development and climate change pose the two greatest threats to our agricultural lands, the moraine, and our drinking water. Waterloo’s Regional Official Plan is a strong policy document. Prior to the implementation of its Growth Management Strategy, our development was 65% greenfield and 35% intensification. Those percentages have now reversed, and we’re exceeding our targets for development in built-up areas, thanks not only to our enforcement of the countryside line, but also to initiatives that include our brownfield incentive program and, of course, our new light rail transit. The Provincial Municipal Comprehensive Review requires that our plan now be updated, and this update will provide an opportunity for Council to enhance and strengthen the plan. We must continue to do our part to combat climate change, and we can do that through pursuing new initiatives such as our Community Energy Investment Strategy, our partnership with municipalities and local utilities companies that helps local residents and businesses save on energy, keeps energy spending local, and identifies cleaner more sustainable sources of energy. We must maintain the funding we provide to the University of Waterloo, to support its environmental research. And we must strive to meet our new Greenhouse Gas Action Plan target of reducing our emissions by 80% of 2010 levels by 2050. Shifting resident travel away from single occupancy vehicles to public transit and active transportation will be critical to our success.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

In 2017, our population reached 600,000, a two percent increase since 2016. We’re growing faster than the province and the country, and this trend is expected to continue. Welcoming newcomers while protecting the environment will require land use planning policies that guard against urban sprawl, prioritizing intensification of built up areas with a variety of higher-density housing options, and that promote mixed-use ‘complete communities’ with walkable built environments. Environmental assessments that ensure that as growth occurs, it considers all environmental as well as social and economic impacts, must be conducted. And Waterloo Region must provide infrastructure, including public transit, that is supportive of these goals.

Response submitted September 4.

General Answer

As the current Chair of the Planning Committee, one of our proudest achievements is the development of the award winning Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS). In response to the Provincial Places to Grow Act, we worked quickly to develop a plan to deal with the growth the Province told us to plan for. Within the RGMS there were a few key pillars that were designed to control growth in a controlled and strategic manner. The Countryside Line is the cornerstone of the Strategy. At the time of the RGMS residential development was by units 65% greenfield and 35% intensification. Along with rapid transit, the other key pillar, we now can already boast a reversal of those numbers; 35% greenfield, 65% intensification. The two pillars work hand in hand.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

I am already on record in defending against challenges to the Line and dealing with potential adverse amendments to the Official Plan. I supported significant resources to defend the OP during the last Appeal process. Council has recently authorized the statutory review of the OP and while that will now occur over a period of time, it is likely new challenges will be launched once revised. I will do so in the future.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

the Regions OP and RGMS are very protective of prime agricultural areas, moraines,drinking water etc., however, more specifically I support the establishment of additional Environmental Sensitive Landscapes (ESLs), a made in Waterloo Region response to these issues. I am very proud of our ability to work collaboratively with landowners and township Councils in this regard. We have fairly robust planning policies within drinking water well areas that restricts problematic uses. We need to continue them and enhance where necessary. We need to continue and strengthen other Source Water Protection programs through our own efforts and those of the GRCA that are designed to avoid or mitigate contamination opportunity. I have been a member of the Water Efficiency Committee since being on Council. This Committee, that has citizen and business representation, seeks ways to to reduce demands on our water sourcing, treatment and distribution system. This effort is intended to eliminate the need for any future great lakes pipeline. These water efficiency efforts is the demand side protection of our drinking water resources.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

The RGMS and OP lays this out. We are planning and I support we grow with intensification/ brownfield development as the primary focus rather than greenfield development as the primary focus as in the past. The advent of rapid transit and specifically LRT is driving this transition. Even before trains are running we see the reversal already taking place. We need to keep moving forward on Phase 2 LRT to Cambridge to drive this transition there as well.

No response provided yet.

No response provided yet.

Response submitted July 30.

General Answer

Ontario’s Greenbelt was created 10 years ago to protect two million acres of land where agricultural, economic and environmental opportunities could co-exist for generations of Ontarians. Within the last year, the provincial government has initiated a review of the Greenbelt with the possibility of expanding its’ boundaries, which would include Waterloo Region. The expansion of the Greenbelt into Waterloo Region should be seen as an exciting opportunity with a win-win outcome. Currently the Greenbelt, which is the largest environmentally protected area in the world, offers Ontarians benefits of human health, improvements in agriculture, protection of bio-diversity, economic gains and buffeting the effects of climate change. The most significant part of the Greenbelt review that could effect Waterloo Region is to ensure that the measures already put in place by the Region do not get “watered down” to ensure that the designations currently in place, such as the countryside line, to protect agricultural land and water are maintained. Other jurisdictions in Ontario have not been as diligent as Waterloo Region and it is crucial that new policies developed by the Province do not weaken the level of protection and existing boundaries that protect farm and environmentally sensitive land. The Greenbelt review is a winning proposition if the existing policies put in place by Waterloo Region are maintained. We will see protection of our farmland and natural, biodiverse and sensitive areas. It will further protect our watershed, create new opportunities in eco-tourism, provide funding to protect and enhance natural areas for recreation and habitat and allow farmers the chance to take advantage of the Greenbelt funding which they can use for innovative ideas related to farming and land stewardship. This is a legacy project – protecting water, land, air and health for generations to come. Environmental protection in Waterloo Region deserves………. https://twitter.com/JimErbWaterloo/status/1024395468896256000

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

I fully support that the current boundaries of the countryside line be maintained. This has been the hallmark of sound and creative planning in Waterloo Region which needs to be maintained.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

One of the main areas where we can work to the protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water is to respond to the current review that has been initiated by the Province of Ontario to expand the Greenbelt. It is important that we do not “give up any of the measures” that the Region has put in place to protect our Region.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

Planning for new development needs to be a co-ordinated effort between the Region and lower tier municipalities so both municipalities share similar goals. As we continue to build residential housing in the cores of municipalities, we need to determine that the developments do not impact existing single family homes and that any new development has adequate open space so young families will be willing to relocate into residential developments that are part of intensification.

Response submitted August 25.

General Answer

https://twitter.com/SeanSstrickland/status/1023414470033334272

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

I was part of the council that passed the Regional Official Plan in 2003 that created the concept of the "countryside line" . I have continued and will continue to support this planning concept in order to focus our growth within the existing urban boundaries. I am proud of regional council's progressive approach to managing our growth that maintains our countryside and protects our groundwater. Since 2003 and several updates to the Regional Official Plan since then I have remained, and will remain, steadfast in my support of the countryside line.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

By maintaining the country side line and focusing the growth of our community within existing urban boundaries we are protecting prime agricultural areas and our drinking water at the same time. It is however interesting to note that farming practices are sometimes in conflict with protecting our drinking water and agricultural run off can have a negative effect on water quality. I will also continue to support programs that help farmers keep their cattle out of our streams and waterways and further protect our drinking water. I have also supported several measures to improve overall water quality by spending money to upgrade or waste water treatment plants, water Infrastructure and lawn watering guidelines that protect our water supply.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

We need to keep on the path that we are currently on by maintaining the countryside line which helps our community to "grow up and not out" . With the construction of the ION we have already seen the success of this approach. Our skyline has changed considerably in the past 8 years with more high rises constructed, and more to be constructed, in our community's history. With close to $2 billion in new multi-residential high rise development in the past 5 years our policies are working. We do however need to do what we can to make sure this new growth stays within our defined urban areas and also that ensure adequate affordable housing remains part of the overall housing mix. I will continue to Cate for policies that focus our growth within our existing urban boundaries as defined by the Regional Official Plan

No response provided yet.

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Response submitted July 29.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

As virtually a life long resident of Cambridge and the region, I have a strong appreciation for the unique blend of urban rural mixture that Waterloo region offers. The blend of high tech industry, world recognized education facilities and rich agriculture farmland, and the rivers that run through it, make Waterloo Region a destination point for many. I absolutely will defend the countryside Line!

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Protection measures include intensification, not sprawl, wise and informed decisions about future development whether industrial, commercial or residential must be made to protect our natural resources. Education measures are require to help others realize the gem that the region is and that everyone has a responsibility to ensure we protect what we have for future generations. If we do it right, they will follow and improve on our lead.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

As stated we are growing up not out, with intensification taking place. Most communities have abandoned buildings and brown fields within their borders. We must develop incentives for reuse of these facilities.

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Response submitted July 30.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

I will absolutely continue to defend the countryside line. Not only is it mindful of agriculture and the environment, but it's far more sustainable from a purely financial perspective for municipalities to build up, instead of out. My comments and voting record over my 8 years on City Council consistently reflect this fundamental belief.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

While Kitchener City Council has little jurisdiction (or zoned areas) of agricultural land, where Councillors are personally liable is safety in drinking water. Kitchener is already a widely recognized leader in sustainable funding for runoff water. This will ensure the safety of our drinking water into the future. I have voiced concerns about excess road salt use in the past and will continue that fight going forward.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

This is the trick. Not only are we going to face pressure from those that would stand to benefit financially from developing past the countryside line, but we will also be charged with impeding affordable housing. The simplistic (if not accurate) argument will be that dwindling greenfield-development supply will increase demand and therefore drive housing costs up. To fight this, we must embrace building up. We must embrace intesification and work diligently to separate nimbyism from legitimate concern, especially in areas near rapid transit. It's difficult to sometimes side with residential towers over the wishes of established residents, but this is where politicians with integrity must do what's right over what's popular. Failure to properly support intesification in the core will inevitably lead to a breaking of the line that we do not want to see breached.

Response submitted September 5.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Yes. For the sustainability of our environment, our drinking water and to protect the way of life we're accustomed to. It's great to have such a strong rural and agricultural presence and the benefits they provide surrounding us.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Where Kitchener is able to have the most say in this is with our drinking water. In Kitchener around 80% of the water we consume is groundwater. Continuing and furthering the reduction of water use through conservation and the Region's rain barrel program is important. A little conservation by all of us adds up to a lot. For prime agricultural area and Waterloo moraine protection, intensification that grows up, not out is the key.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

The LRT route has already sparked development and will continue to do so. These developments need to have housing options for all income levels. Incentives to provide affordable, attainable housing options should be part of new developments. Amenities for residents need to be along the LRT route or at a walkable distance. Gentle or smaller level intensification larger homes can be converted into multiple units needs to be encouraged as well.

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Response submitted September 4.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

I have never wavered in protecting the country side line or supported any amendments to the official plan that threatens to weaken its protection. In fact, I have been one of the biggest advocates for intensification on city council.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

I will continue to support intensification, reduced parking along the transit corridor and support other methods of transportation. I support any initiative that will protect our drinking water and support all regional policies in that regard.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

Support all initiatives that help the ION flourish in our community. Again promote intensification in our city, promote other modes of transportation and create new modes or development that supports work, live, play within a 5 min walking distance.

Response submitted September 4.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Yes, I will defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan. I value farmland, meadows and countryside. Once they are gone, it is next to impossible to get them back. They are integral to our environment, food safety, natural habitat for animals. Intensification needs to happen within our current zoning.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

By protecting against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten these agricultural areas. I am one generation away from our family farm and realize the importance of farmland to the safety of our food and water supply.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

By zoning our current neighbourhoods for sustainable, smart intensification to handle the many new residents we are expected to have come to our Region in the next few years.

Response submitted August 1.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

The countryside line was introduced by Waterloo Region in 2003 for a reason. Its primary purpose is to control development and urban sprawl. I grew up just behind Westmount Public School at a time when Westmount road marked the urban / rural divide. In fact I had a friend who lived about 1 kilometer up Glasgow and to get there felt like driving deep into the countryside on a gravel road. My, how things have changed! I strongly believe that building up rather than out, is in the best interest of rural and urban populations. Setting geographical limits and respecting those limits of urban expansion are the only ways to ensure that cities stop expanding into rural areas. Rural farmland is what feeds us and what creates healthier communities. By reducing our personal ecological footprint (eg. buying local produce at the local markets, Bailey’s Local Foods and the many food basket offerings) and the city’s ecological footprint (building up) we contribute to reducing greenhouse gasses, a primary cause of global warming. I am committed to defending the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that would threaten farmland.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

I will speak up against boundary expansions and modifications to the Official Plan. I will substantiate my position by referencing Provincial, Regional and City guidelines and legislation that set those limits in the first place. I will contest proposals that encroach on the Waterloo moraine or that threaten sources of our drinking water. The population is growing, but further sprawl is out of the question.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

While some developers object to the countryside line, it is not negotiable. Waterloo Region can plan for new development by building up and not out. Developers do not always represent our interests and for this reason I have included in my platform an overview of how building up needs to be done responsibly and needs to take into consideration established neighbourhoods, green spaces, the tree canopy, urban forest etc. I advocate bringing citizens to the table and giving them a voice in the decision-making process, something that I believe will serve to ensure that we get it right. We all have a stake in this.

Response submitted September 7.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

I fully support holding the countryside line, and I vow to defend the borders of Kitchener's Official Plan.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

I will protect prime agricultural areas by implementing and following intensification targets so we grow more densely and slow down greenfield development. Protecting our watershed is another component of protecting our farmland and our drinking water source, and I am proud of Kitchener's storm water utility model, because we encourage residents to divert rain water from the storm water system, decreasing the amount of run-off entering our system. Despite the fact that we have no direct jurisdiction over the Waterloo moraine, I will advocate with our municipal partners within the Region to protect it. I take seriously the human right to clean drinking water, and in our role, city councillors are personally liable for ensuring we are utilizing best practices to protect our drinking water. We have aging pipes underground, so we need to invest in replacing them in a timely and efficient way to maintain our high standards of delivering clean water.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

One of my main priorities is Smart Urban Growth. As our population grows, we need to ensure sufficient active transportation options, provide more affordable housing options, and protect the integrity of our established core neighbourhoods. We need to ensure high quality urban design to create buildings, streets, and open spaces that are both functional and inspiring for years to come.

Response submitted September 4.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

The true beauty of Waterloo Region is the pairing of our vibrant urban fabric with our rural roots. The countryside line is the key to keeping this advantage. You can see one hundred years into the future at Perimeter Institute, or one hundred years into past, just a few kilometres north, with our Mennonite heritage. I value this juxtaposition and believe it gives Waterloo Region an economic development edge, by enhancing our quality of life. Earlier this year, the Province asked for input on expanding the Green Belt to our area. As a regional councillor, I supported the staff analysis and response, which stated that our Official Plan has higher standards in some instances, and if the Green Belt is applied as-is, it could weaken what we have. A complementary solution would be better, than a one-or-the-other approach. The City supported the recently published book by the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce “Country Roots, Global Reach”, which emphasizes our urban/rural fabric. I regularly offer this as a gift to officials visiting the city, so the unique urban/rural story of Waterloo Region can travel the globe.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Before I became mayor, I asked myself: What do humans truly value? Family, friends, fresh food, clean air, health, safety, education and of course, clean water came out on top. The rain that falls on the Waterloo moraine is filtered by nature, and six weeks later, it becomes our drinking water supplied from a well located behind Waterloo City Hall. Thanks to the protection of the moraine and increased protection efforts for the Grand River, our community has solidified our access to clean drinking water forever. Also, people have become increasingly aware of the value of fresh food, especially local produce. For citizens to have these things we value most, such as clean water and fresh food, in my role as an elected official, I have to protect the moraine and prime agricultural lands. For new housing, this means ending the horizontal sprawl at the city border, and focus on growing vertically instead.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

In the City of Waterloo, it means making better use of the land we have, through respectful intensification. Our LRT station areas are excellent locations for better usage, yet the three northern stations (R+T Park, Northfield, Conestoga) are overwhelmingly zoned for office and industrial uses. I want to create walkable community areas that embrace the ‘live-work-play’ feeling of Uptown Waterloo. To achieve a forward- looking mixed-use built environment, the Region will begin a Municipal Comprehensive Review on employment lands in 2019. I will be advocating for allowing mixed-use development in those areas. With sprawl, you really have one travel option: the car. Intensification means that many more travel options become viable, including walking, cycling, bus, and light rail transit. This term, city council added Multi-Modal Transportation as a strategic pillar for the first time. I will advocate for that pillar to continue, as we need the infrastructure to better support these choices. During road reconstruction, I will look for a ‘complete streets’ approach, enabling all forms of transportation by making sure all streets are designed to safely handle all types of traffic, including cars, trucks, buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Our active transportation trail system in Waterloo is coming along nicely. Next term, as mayor, I want to prioritize filling in the gaps and creating what I call “Supertrails” that offer safe ways to travel across the city using active transportation (walking and biking). I’d like to see these trails separated from vehicle traffic as much as possible.

No response provided yet.

Response submitted September 5.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Yes, I will defend the countryside line against any amendments that threaten to weaken it's protection. As a resident of Ward 2 and a parent with a child at Vista Hills Public School, I can see that we are reaching the boundaries of the city. It is clear that we need to follow the Official Plan as it currently exists, with thoughtful development that promotes growth in the nodes and corridors of the city in order to protect the environment and prevent further urban sprawl into our rural communities.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

I will work with like minded council members and local advocates to protect these areas from further development. The Waterloo moraine is an important source of drinking water for our city and is extraordinarily important to protect from over-development. The Region of Waterloo estimates that an additional 100,000 residents will choose to live in our region by 2031. Managing that growth in a responsible way will be a very important job for our next council. The temptation will be to continue to grow outwardly, but I believe protecting our rural/urban mix and more importantly protecting our drinking water requires thoughtful growth in the City of Waterloo.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

New development in Waterloo Region needs to be focused on thoughtful intensification in order to accommodate the estimated growth going forward. It is clear that the city will need to grow up as opposed to out. Doing so along the ION and in other nodes and corridors of the city will help us prevent urban sprawl and help our community feel connected to the vibrant core of the city.

No response provided yet.

Response submitted September 4.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

The City of Waterloo Official Plan (OP) was approved in 2012 and the Comprehensive By-laws that implement the OP are scheduled to come to Council September 10, 2018. These documents demonstrate the continued support of me and the City of Waterloo to honour the countryside line. As well, the OP clearly outlines the desire to grow “up” not “out” in Waterloo.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

I have a history of support from the Council table related to the protection of prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water sources. These include the following: · Protection of the McNally lands (located in the Waterloo Moraine) in 2006 and again in conjunction with the Comprehensive By-law review in 2018 · Supported the approval of the Official Plan · Consistently meet with citizens related to issues associated with protecting the environment in and around Conservation Road, Wilmot line and Wideman Road · I actively track issues associated with the Laurel creek watershed · I was an active participant in finding solutions associated with the westside development lands as it related to groundwater recharge.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

Within the City of Waterloo we need to remain focused on the intensified growth that is planned for through the City’s height and density plan, nodes and corridors plan and transit orientated development. The countryside line is a hard boundary in my mind and I will continue to honour this line as approved in our OP and other associated planning documents.

Response submitted July 30.

General Answer

https://twitter.com/jenvasic/status/1024001076922441729

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Yes!

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

We must work together in the best interest of the land and water that sustains us. I will work with councillors from the cities, townships, and region, farmers, developers, experts, and other interested citizens to make sure that different points of view are heard and that these points of view influence decision-making. Most importantly, I will keep reconciliation with Indigenous nations and persons front of mind at all stages of relationship development, research, planning, and decision-making.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

In planning for new development, Waterloo Region requires a bold vision. This vision would recognize the value of urban development to our growing population, while also ensuring that developers are not driving the bus. This vision must also consider how development can promote equality and equity, as well as protect and respect the natural environment. This planning process would involve lots of consultation with many people early on and would use many different strategies (i.e., online surveys, at community centres, in public spaces, through councillor's newsletters, etc.).

Response submitted July 30.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

The countryside line in the Region of Waterloo Official Plan was a hard-fought victory that protects our water and our farmland while directing that new growth creates more compact and cost-efficient communities. I support this decision and will use all the tools available as a city councillor to defend this important accomplishment.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

While the City of Waterloo is not a host of prime agricultural areas, I was proud to approve a new Official Plan in 2012 that protected our region's prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and our drinking water. The plan directed growth primarily inwards, incorporated the Region's countryside line and protections of natural areas like the ESPAs (Environmentally Sensitive Policy Areas), and provided the basis for protecting other key environmental features across our city. I support the city's approach to acquiring privately owned natural areas through development applications and through direct purchases because public ownership is the best long-term protection. I will also continue to fund stormwater renewal projects that include rehabilitating and, where appropriate, renaturalizing our streams and ponds to improve water quality, fish habitats, and flood protection. We have already done great work in many parts of Clair Creek and the upper reaches of Laurel Creek while work has been planned for Maple Hill Creek and in Waterloo Park.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

We need to continue our long-standing strategic approach to intensification in nodes and corridors, including around new LRT stations, as it has created a vibrant Uptown and encouraged transit-supportive densities in areas across the city. This approach to more compact and connected growth has slowed outward growth to protect our countryside and our water, is more cost-efficient by using our existing infrastructure, and is a key building block to creating complete communities that have amenities within a reasonable walking and cycling distance for more people. I also support using inclusionary zoning as a tool to require developers to build more moderately priced units as part of larger developments, which is a key component in making sure everyone can find an affordable place to live in Waterloo.

Response submitted July 31.

General Answer

https://twitter.com/TenilleUptown/status/1023981826031927296 Thanks so much for reaching out, and for doing this work maintaining awareness of the countryside line. A couple of you know me from other projects (Alternatives Journal, the Grand Porch Party), so you can probably guess this is very dear to my heart.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Absolutely. The firm countryside line is one of the most important achievements for our City and Region. Holding the line not only prevents sprawl (and the associated infrastructure costs), it protects our watershed, sustains food production, and supports biodiversity. As the Councillor for Uptown-Ward 7, I will adamantly defend the Line.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

As a reporter, a volunteer, a community organizer and a mom, my driving passions are sustainability, environment, and social equity. The pop-up music festival I started – the Grand Porch Party – was specifically designed to raise awareness about water issues: not only is the GPP named after our major river, it is held each year on Canadian Rivers Day. (Also, I grew up in Australia, where water issues are a very tangible concern.) I will bring to Council a strong understanding of environmental issues, a background in environmental science reporting, and a history of involvement in pragmatic environmental action for the common good. As the City Councillor for Uptown Waterloo, some of the most direct support I can offer is to encourage ongoing infill development that maintains a human scale and includes varied housing options in order to provide a broader range of affordability. I will also engage with my City and Regional counterparts on ways to protect our watershed, and with groups like Hold the Line and Climate Action Waterloo Region to achieve our sustainability targets and maintain our environment supports.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

There’s no doubt: we need to build in and up. For residential, I would like to see more mid-rise developments in Waterloo Region, and more flexibility for varied housing options within neighbourhoods. Ideally, the design of infill development complements the feel of existing neighbourhoods, while increasing density and providing more options in terms of pricing. Industrial and commercial development is also essential. I would encourage an infill approach here, too, with repurposing of existing buildings or imaginative re-use of underused land. We’re already seeing this occur along the LRT line (which has the added benefit of offering people a variety of transportation options). Ideally, this is just the beginning.

Response submitted August 1.

General Answer

I will defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections. I will be a voice to continue to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo Moraine and drinking water. We cannot allow sprawl into our farmland, the countryside line is essential, working together with the regional partners we must continue to be a voice of protection. We cherish our Region and its diversity, it is our legacy and our future.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

No response provided yet.

No response provided yet.

Response submitted August 16.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Yes, as a Councillor for North Dumfries Township I will advocate to preserve the countryside line and the protections it provides to rural areas. Productive farmland, safe drinking water and beautiful natural areas cannot be taken for granted.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

The Mayor of North Dumfries is the Township’s representative on Regional Council. As a Township Councillor I will encourage the Mayor to support and defend the countryside line at the Regional Council table. I will also engage with and encourage local advocacy groups such as Hold the Line WR in their efforts to bring the public’s attention to the importance of this initiative to the Township and the entire Waterloo Region. I do not see a reason to change course from the current Official Plan.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

The current Official Plan offers a sound framework to deal with future growth in a balanced manner. In North Dumfries prime agricultural land and natural areas are protected while new housing develpments are clustered around existing urban settlements. There is also an area designated for business development to bring employment opportunities to the Township. The current Official Plan has a well rounded approach that will smartly manage development for years to come and it does not have to be changed.

No response provided yet.

No response provided yet.

General Answer

https://twitter.com/AngieHallman/status/1024044755024596993

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

Response submitted September 4.

General Answer

https://twitter.com/Cheryl4Ward2/status/1024302260002676737

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Wilmot township has a large agricultural base, most of which is on the boundaries of the township. There is a very small percentage of prime land that is suitable for food production, much of it within Wilmot, and we cannot afford to lose any of it. I think it is prudent to maintain vigilance to maintain our countryside line and also ensure our vulnerable wetlands, aquifer and wildlife protections are not eroded.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

This is an area where I need to learn more in order to form a more informed opinion.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

There are limited options in the township for us to accommodate too much residential growth, partly due to the spread out nature of the area, as well as its unique environmental character. I would be wary of unchecked growth in our rural areas that would have an unwelcome effect on our unique environment. It's important that we protect our communities while recognizing that growth in neighbouring municipalities could have an impact on us here in Wilmot (for example, from increased traffic).

No response provided yet.

Response submitted July 29.

General Answer

(Note: Pfenning's Organic Farm is a sponsor of Hold The Line 2018. Sponsorship was secured before Jennifer Pfenning announced her intent to run as a candidate.) Let me first say that I had signed up to participate in the event before deciding to run for council. As a candidate, my perspective on this is that development needs to be allowed in a responsible and balanced way, enabling us to protect food lands and wild areas while continuing to meet the needs of a growing population. Those lands that are most fertile and capable of producing the food we eat should be protected vigorously. I would like to see us rank lands and develop our urban planning around that ranking. It sounds simple but of course the details are not. It is a project I have long talked of with my family and wider food community. I have supported the countryside line since I first heard of it while sitting on the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable. Thank you for working to keep our region vibrant and healthy!

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

Response submitted September 4.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

I will defend the Countryside Line. With 90 % of our lands considered "prime agricultural" and, when you add in our natural areas, 96% could be considered green space. The natural areas are home to deer, fox, wild turkeys, brown trout and more. To me, Wellesley Township is paradise. I will work to make sure it is not "paradise lost".

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

When the Region proposed to designate a significant amount of our lands as an ESL (Environmentally Sensitive Landscape) and as a member of Township Council at that time, I was in full support of the initiative despite strong opposition from the "Stop the ESL" landowners. Much of that area is a major recharge area for Regional water supply. Better education may be the key. I will encourage significant public consultation as we work through the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR). I have had discussions with the folks at RARE about this issue and have invited them to have a greater presence in our Township. We must preserve, protect and enhance our natural areas. I will oppose any consideration of industrializing our rural landscapes.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

The approach that the Region has taken is working well. With over $2 billion in investment along the ION corridor, this intensification has mitigated the need for additional residential development in our Township. Still, the demand is high in rural areas which is reflected in prices paid for housing. In the short term, we must work with builders and developers to provide a better mix of both entry-level and senior-friendly housing on available lands within the Countryside Line. Estate-type lots must be a thing of the past. Through this OP (Official Plan) review process, I would expect to see significant pressure applied to Regional Council by home builders and developers to expand the Countryside Line. When we discuss Wellesley Township, I will encourage Regional Council to stand firm against any such proposal.

No response provided yet.

No response provided yet.

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Response submitted July 29.

General Answer

I am against sprawling development and I'm interested in learning more about group.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

Response submitted September 16.

Q1: Will you defend the countryside line against amendments and updates to the Official Plan that threaten to weaken its protections?

Yes! The countryside line is worth protecting. Woolwich Township is home to a significant percentage of prime agricultural lands in the Region. Our smaller communities and rural lifestyles give Woolwich Township an appeal not found in many other communities. That alone is worth fighting to hold the line on mass-scale developments.

Q2: How will you work to protect prime agricultural areas, the Waterloo moraine, and drinking water?

I support maintaining prime agricultural lands as workable farmlands. Rural communities are great locations for aggregate operations — where our prime agricultural land is. Aggregate is important, but our cities and region should be supporting efforts of small municipalities trying to protect these lands that will essentially become wastelands in the future. The need for increased scrutiny and local decision-making of aggregate operations that are located close to waterways, plan on below water table extraction, or large in size is essential to protecting land and drinking water. The province has not shown to be a protector as many operations are approved despite local concerns.

Q3: As our population grows, how should Waterloo Region plan for new development?

I support slow-growth policies, in-filling and revitalizing brownfield developments. I can support increased intensification in newly developed areas, but take issue with destroying the character of neighbourhoods with inappropriate housing choices. I’d like to see developers contribute to providing affordable housing or cash-in-lieu with every new development.

No response provided yet.

No response provided yet.

No response provided yet.