Priority Theme Areas

We want to know that the community we call home will endure. That requires us to plan carefully, act responsibly, and make choices that are sustainable over the long term.

Environmental sustainability is a critical part of this, but sustainability means more than protecting the natural environment. It means asking whether the decisions we make today will continue to support our community tomorrow, and whether we can realistically afford and maintain them.

We cannot call a decision sustainable if it simply pushes costs, risks, or consequences into the future. Responsible government does not leave the next generation to clean up the mess.

This is how I approach choices. When we look at what the Region of Waterloo does, we keep what works and is needed... we fix what is broken and needed... and the rest, we ask "why?".

Eight municipal governments, for example... "Why?" One or Two would be an improvement.

Financial Sustainability

Spend public money carefully, transparently, and with a long-term view. The Region must maintain essential services, control avoidable costs, and plan responsibly for future investment.

Environmental Sustainability

Protect our water, farmland, and natural areas while preparing for a changing climate. Decisions on growth, transportation, infrastructure, and land use must prioritize lower emissions, stronger resilience, and the preservation of resources for future generations.

Social Sustainability

Build a community where people can find housing, move around safely, access essential services, and participate fully. Decisions should reduce exclusion, strengthen belonging, and address social problems through prevention, support, and evidence-based solutions.

Democratic Sustainability

Make Regional government more open, accountable, and responsive. Residents deserve meaningful consultation before major decisions, clear explanations of how and why choices are made, and a council willing to challenge secrecy, weak oversight, and decisions made behind closed doors.