Leadership for Waterloo Policy Platform

On Monday September 20th I released my Leadership for Waterloo Policy Platform.

It is comprehensive plan which was developed through extensive consultation in the community, and outlines a vision for Waterloo and a plan of action to achieve it.

Waterloo is rapidly becoming an internationally recognized small City. We have world-class educational and research institutions, a bourgeoning arts and music scene, a thriving high-tech sector, and an advanced manufacturing base alongside a well established financial and insurance industry.

I want to lead this City to embrace a broader vision, one which takes advantage of the tremendous opportunities before us. To be vibrant, innovative and diverse. To be a City that is people-oriented, characterized by a sense of history, distinctive architecture and open spaces, and based on a sustainable environmental and financial foundation. To be a place where each of us can thrive and be our very best.

The plan focusses on three areas:

Sustainability—specific programs or initiatives to help manage our day to day growth.
Community Development—development initiatives with citizens; recreation, arts and culture; and the strengthening of neighbourhoods to enhance our quality of life.
Accountability—process oriented improvements in managing City Hall, public service and public engagement.

Please take the time to review the plan, and I look forward to your comments.

WHY VOTE in the municipal election?

Municipal government has a tremendous impact on our day to day lives. It manages the public realm which shapes how the city looks and feels.

For example, the city:

 manages all public and open spaces between office buildings, factories, stores and people’s homes;

 ensures that what gets built or managed by the private sector is also built and managed for the betterment of the entire community;

 manages trails and roads, sewer and water systems, parks and open spaces;

 directs where stores and businesses are located, their size, and the size and number of signs they can put out.

 what type of housing can be built, and where housing can be built,

 makes sure there is a long-term plan, or Strategic Plan in place to address population growth, and to encourage long term economic and environmental sustainability;

 determines how waste is managed, and how public transit is to function;

 establishes behavioral norms relating to noise, pets, parking and property standards so that we can all get along as members of our community;

 manages public order and safety through police, by-law and fire services;

 ensures there are recreational, cultural and social services available for everyone’s well being, to keep one’s body, mind and spirit active and healthy;

 provides a sense of place, so that we can all feel part of a community; a place were we feel safe and secure today, and in the future; a place we can call home

The people you elect into office now will play a critical role in shaping what Waterloo will look like into the future. Waterloo is becoming an internationally recognized small city. We will continue to grow. On October 25th let your voice be heard.