Unanswered Questions from Candidates Meeting
Unanswered Questions from the Ward Five Candidates Meeting
First, I’d like to admit I answered the question about signs facetiously, so let me address it again, as it was directed at Scott and me.
I have seen your signs on multiple roadside boulevards which appear to be nowhere near residential properties as required by municipal law. If you wish to disregard these laws for personal gain, how can we (I)trust you as an elected official?
My wife, my campaign manager, and I have planted all 125 of my signs. In some cases, they may have ended up on boulevards and medians, as moved by homeowners themselves or others. In one case, an elderly gentleman asked me to place one on his boulevard area before he cut his grass. He said he would transfer it later. In some cases, signs have gone missing or moved to very odd locations I had no control over. In three cases, I left people notes and signs asking them if they would host my signs. Two of those people agreed and placed the signs themselves. To my knowledge, in the proper place.
To the person who asked the question, I would say you didn’t factor in many variables and have a very suspicious mind. I find the question petty and undeserved. I have campaign signs on my vehicle and am parked in handicapped parking because my wife has the required sticker. I, too, got a similar complaint about my honesty and integrity regarding handicapped parking. I think some people are too quick to blame.
How would you prioritize city programs that support neighbourhoods and parks?
As a Ward 5 councillor, I would prioritize these programs in three ways.
First, improve the connections we already have. I would identify gaps in sidewalks, trails, and safe pedestrian crossings, particularly on routes used by children travelling to school, seniors, and residents with mobility challenges. Maintaining existing pathways, improving lighting where appropriate and making crossings safer can often deliver more immediate benefits than launching expensive new projects.
Currently, I use an App called Cycling Guide to help me link up the various sections of bike paths, often between parks. Through that, I realized the many gaps that still exist.
Second, protect and connect our green spaces. I would support practical links between neighbourhood parks, trails and natural areas while protecting mature trees, wildlife habitats and the character of established residential streets. Sandowne Park is a good example of why community consultation matters. Planting trees and enhancing natural spaces are worthwhile goals, but we must also listen to families who value existing recreational features, including the toboggan hills. Good planning should seek solutions that respect both environmental priorities and established community uses.
Third, make responsible investments. I would review proposed projects based on community need, safety, accessibility, environmental impact, and long-term maintenance costs. I would also pursue eligible provincial and federal funding to reduce the burden on local taxpayers. Where possible, I would favour completing missing links and improving existing infrastructure before committing to costly new construction. Some parks also need more play equipment and better use of existing land to make them more inviting.
I would regularly consult Ward 5 residents, seek their input on local priorities and report on progress. My objective would be a connected network of parks, trails and safe routes that residents of all ages can enjoy, without sacrificing our green spaces or spending public money unnecessarily.
2. Connectivity should strengthen our neighbourhoods, not change their character.
As a Ward 5 councillor, I would work to:
Expand a connected cycling network. Bike lanes should connect neighbourhoods to schools, parks, shopping, employment, transit and existing trails, rather than end abruptly at busy intersections. (See blog on Conversion Experience)
Put safety first. Where traffic volumes and speeds warrant it, I would support physically separated bike lanes, safer intersections and better pedestrian and cyclist crossings.
Make smart use of public money. I would look for opportunities to incorporate cycling infrastructure into scheduled road reconstruction and resurfacing, reducing the cost of building it separately. (See cycling guide App)
Protect neighbourhood connections. I would support practical neighbourhood bikeways that help cyclists travel safely on quieter residential streets, alongside improvements to major routes.
Work with the Region and other levels of government. I would advocate for sustained investment, pursue available funding and press for decisions based on local transportation evidence rather than political ideology.
Waterloo already has a plan for expanding neighbourhood bikeways, with five streets added in 2025 and seven more planned for 2026, subject to the available budget. I would build on that work and press for transparent priorities, timelines and progress reports
My approach is straightforward: growth must be sensible, public money must be spent responsibly, and people should have safe, realistic choices about how they travel. Cycling infrastructure is part of that future. I would defend Waterloo’s local decision-making authority and work to expand the network in a way that serves the whole community. I support enhancing the bike network at a cautious rate, as we are not Amsterdam quite yet, but given that the volume of traffic is also increasing, it is a balancing act to serve each ridership in terms of convenience and safety
Questions 3-11
3. Property taxes have risen dramatically. Can each candidate break down what percentage went to staff additions, discretionary projects. What would you change to mitigate these high increases?
4. It feels like Ward 5 has been picked on (House of Friendship, churches for redvelopment). How do you plan to ensure services and affordable housing is distributed evenly?
5. What is your take on Lincoln and Mayfield problems. What are you prepared to do to help the neighbours to keep the building that will blend in with this neighbourhood?
6. What is one decision that was made by current council that you disagree with? And what would you have done differently?
7. Comment on your support for ADUs.
8. Congestion is high, water is low, the city of 10 years ago is gone and looks like Mississauga. When do we say no more, we are full?
9. Affordability was addressed a lot. Given the 27% compounded property tax hike, mortgage deferrals, what does affordability mean to you?
10. Do you live in Ward 5? If you do: where do you live and how does where you live inform how you will represent Ward 5 to city council? If you do not, why are you running in a ward where you do not live?
11. In your opinion what have three of the most significant decisions of the last city council been, and why?
Answers (continued)
3. Residents have every right to ask why their property taxes continue to rise and where their money is going. If elected to represent Ward 5, I would make transparency, accountability and responsible spending priorities.
I would ask Council to provide a clear annual breakdown of tax increases, identifying the percentages attributable to existing staff salaries and benefits, new staff positions, contracted services, infrastructure renewal, new initiatives and discretionary projects. Residents deserve to know not just how much their taxes are increasing, but precisely why. Perhaps an independent audit is called for in the coming year.
Some staffing increases may be necessary to maintain public safety, deliver essential services and accommodate population growth. However, every new position and initiative should be supported by a demonstrated need, measurable objectives and a clear explanation of its long-term costs.
The City has disclosed 342 employees earning $100,000 or more, with a combined payroll of $ 45.5 million. I think hiring needs scrutiny. The highest-earning official is the Chief Administrative Officer, with compensation of $311,915.
I would advocate for a thorough review of administrative expenses, consulting contracts, procurement practices and discretionary projects to identify savings. We should examine whether certain projects can be delayed, reduced in scope or delivered more economically without compromising essential services. We must also evaluate major capital investments for future operating and maintenance costs.
I would not promise arbitrary tax cuts without first examining the numbers. Instead, I would push for measurable efficiencies, stronger project oversight and regular public reporting on spending and results. I would also distinguish between the costs of maintaining existing infrastructure and the costs of expanding services to support growth.
I found online, through a standard Google search, that under the 2024-2026 Capital Budget, council approved 111.4 million for 201 projects. Much of which was for essential infrastructure maintenance and all part of the City’s Strategic Plan. I am not aware of a standalone discretionary budget.
Residents should not have to accept repeated tax increases without a clear explanation and evidence that their money is being spent wisely.
4. I’m not certain it is fair to say Ward Five has been picked on, but it certainly has been selected above average for social projects. I could only continue to advocate for balance across the city. Many voters and politicians operate under the principle of NIMBY, translated Not In My Back Yard. As one voice in seven, I would have to share the wealth, so to speak, and bring awareness to blatant patterns of development and perception.
Answered elsewhere in blog
Worst decisions from Waterloo council in the last term are approval of building permits during periods of water uncertainty (see blog article on water)
Given the amount of brownfields available for development, I believe ADUs are premature and unnecessary at this time. Read the blog article about Brown Fields.
When we develop our brownfields, we are done.
My Definition of Affordability
I believe affordability means more than simply paying the bills. It means being able to meet the essential costs of living while maintaining a reasonable quality of life, financial security and the ability to plan for the future.
For property taxpayers in Waterloo, affordability means managing property taxes, water bills, and other municipal charges without sacrificing necessities. Seniors on fixed incomes, young families and residents living paycheque to paycheque can experience the same tax increase very differently. I believe council has a responsibility to consider these differences and demonstrate that every tax dollar is being spent wisely. Tax increases must be justified by clear needs, measurable results and responsible financial management.
For homeowners with mortgages, affordability means more than qualifying for a mortgage or making monthly payments. Interest rates, insurance, property taxes, utilities and maintenance all contribute to the real cost of owning a home. I want Waterloo to remain a community where families can put down roots without becoming financially overextended.
For renters, affordability means having access to safe, suitable housing at a price that leaves enough income for food, transportation, healthcare and other necessities. Building more housing matters, but we must also consider whether it meets the needs of students, young families, seniors, professionals, and people with lower incomes.
As I see it, affordability must be considered in every major municipal decision. I support sensible growth, but growth must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure, a sustainable water supply and a realistic assessment of long-term costs. Developers should contribute appropriately to the costs associated with development, rather than leaving existing taxpayers to shoulder an unfair burden.
I recognize that municipal government cannot control interest rates, grocery prices or every economic pressure facing residents. However, council can control how responsibly it manages public money, prioritizes services and plans for the future.
My goal is a Waterloo where responsible spending, thoughtful development and fair taxation help make our community affordable for the people who live here today and those who hope to call it home tomorrow.
I believe two of the candidates, Eda and Andrew, do not live in the Ward, while Victoria, Scott and I all live in Ward Five. I thought this was a requirement, but apparently it is not. In some jurisdictions, it is not. There are many issues in Lincoln Heights, which explains why three candidates live in that area and felt called to action. I believe one serves better when living in the area of service.
Three most positive initiatives over the last term would include: Investing in parks, green spaces and climate action. Advancing affordable housing and attainable housing, and third, prioritizing infrastructure renewal and public safety.
