Fresh ideas and perspectives for the Next Term

My Ending Speech from the Rogers Regional Councillor Debate.

The Region of Waterloo and the City of Waterloo have long been part of an evolving vision. Manufacturing of rubber, sausage, buttons and beer evolved into ideas and technology.  Alms houses evolved into the House of Friendship, SHOW and the Working Centre.

Here are a few issues requiring that our region evolve again.

Climate Change.

 We need concrete actions to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. The cities and the Region have pledged to reduce emissions by 80%. Listening to the new ideas of environment organizations like REEP and Tritag will help us reduce and mitigate.  

Cycling

 As a teen, I used to cycle safely all over Waterloo. My older daughter was hit by a truck while riding in a painted bike lane. Cyclists advocate the new idea of segregated bike lanes and bollards to keep cyclists and cars separate.

Affordable Housing

Our vision must evolve when a booming economy, road and transit development create the unintended consequence of more expensive housing for citizens. Regional staff is already working on a conference that brings together developers, experts, politicians and citizens to come up with new ideas. The Region is already placing the “hard to house”and giving them the needed supports.

Opiods

The Regional Integrated Drug Strategy has 4 pillars, Prevention, harm reduction, rehabilitation and recovery, and Enforcement and Justice. It is not just about Safe Injection Sites.

Economic Development

The Ion has already brought new space at the long vacant NCR lands. We need an Aerospace Industrial Park.

New Provincial Government

I have been a councillor through Conservative and Liberal governments. We need to be flexible, lobby and evolve to keep Waterloo Region thriving.