Marty Rempel

for Waterloo City Council

Ward 5

Marty Rempel - Candidate for Ward 5

About Marty

Marty Rempel has deep roots in Ward 5. He has lived in the Lincoln Heights neighbourhood since 2003, attended Lincoln Heights Public School when it first opened, then Waterloo Collegiate Institute, and graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University — later earning further credentials from Western University and the University of Alberta.

A retired high school principal, Marty's career in education took him to Germany, Kuwait, China, the Bahamas, and Northern Alberta, where he worked with Cree and Dene students. He is a published author of poetry, essays, and articles in educational circles.

His record of civic service spans three provinces: Youth Justice, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, the Tax Assessment and Review Board, the Community Services Advisory Board, and the Committee of Adjustment in Woodstock. He chaired the Fort McMurray Public Library Board, served as a board member and editor for the Alberta Library Trustees Association, and participated in the Waterloo Community Council.

Marty first ran for Waterloo City Council in 2006 on a platform of Smart Growth — warning then about the water supply challenges the region faces today.

Professional Involvement

OECTA (Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association) Negotiating Committee and school representative (2007/08)
City of Waterloo, Uptown Vision Committee, urban planning citizen input (2007/08)
Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) Teachers’ Representative and executive member (1998-2001)
Encounters with Canada, Terry Fox Institute, Ottawa (April 1998) national multicultural and peace initiative
OECTA (Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, Writing Team, “Essential Information for Occasional Teachers” appears on OECTA website
“First Institute on Federal Parliamentary Democracy”, sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Commons, moderated by Ken Dryden, exploring Canada’s system of government to engage students in civic education and democracy
Young Authors Program, Alberta, executive and judge (1989-2000)
Alberta Ministry of Education (1986-2000) various curriculum development committees in language arts and social studies; writer, marker and teacher trainer for Provincial Achievement Testing and Provincial Diploma testing for senior students
Marker, Ontario Teacher Qualification Test, OTQT
Alberta Teachers Association (ATA), Communications Officer, Fort McMurray, Alberta, local (1999-2001)
Writers Guild of Alberta, published member (1999-2001)
Ontario Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), Public Relations and Communications Committee, provincial chairperson (October 2005 to 2007)
“Mr Speaker’s Youth Parliament”, teacher organizer with Ken Kowalski, Speaker of the Alberta Legislature, televised mock parliamentary student debate
Policy Advisory Committee, Fort McMurray Public School Board
Provincial Editor for the Alberta Library Trustee Association, Calgary/Edmonton

Community Involvement

Youth Justice Committee, sentencing of juvenile offenders in lieu of court time, an alternative sentencing program through Alberta Justice and the RCMP
Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, appointed by city council, local urban planning issues, Alberta
Tax Assessment and Review Board, quasi-judicial body to determine legality and fairness of tax assessments, Fort McMurray, Alberta
Community Services Advisory Board, distribution of cash grants to community volunteer and charity groups, Fort McMurray
Chairperson, Public Library, Fort McMurray, Alberta
Alberta Library Trustees Association, Board member and editor
Candidate for Waterloo City Council, November 2006 and 2026, Ward Five
Waterloo Community Council, executive member, leadership to neighbourhood associations of Waterloo (Jan 2007)
Authored Docent Manual for Woodstock Art Gallery
Delivered books for shut-in seniors for Waterloo Public Library
Docent at City of Waterloo Museum, Conestoga Mall

What Marty Stands For

Water & Smart Growth

We cannot perpetually drain our aquifers without regard to recharge. Development must proceed at a pace our water supply can sustain, prioritizing brownfield lands and protecting the Waterloo Moraine.

Neighbourhood Character

Advocate for responsible, affordable housing growth while protecting the character and integrity of established neighbourhoods like Lincoln Heights.

Responsible Taxes

An ever-increasing tax rate adds to the cost of living. Taxes should not add to inflationary pressures on residents.

Homelessness & Housing

A complex and divisive issue that must be addressed with practical, compassionate initiatives — encampment response and supportive housing, working with the groups already doing the work.

A Council That Listens

Council needs to communicate more effectively and personally with citizens to remain credible. Residents deserve transparency and a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.

Safe Streets, Parks & Trails

Continued attention to traffic and road safety, bike and pedestrian routes, parks, and trails — so residents of all ages can move safely through our community.

Local Democracy

Stand against unnecessary provincial interference in local affairs. Decisions affecting Ward 5 should reflect the needs of the people who live here.

Listening First

"I don't pretend to have all the answers. I am open to listening, dialogue, and problem-solving with constituents to find solutions."