Strong leadership is built on collaboration, not conflict. Aligning city policy with the Region of Waterloo cuts red tape, delivers faster results, and lets Ward 3 speak with one voice.
Strong leadership is shown through collaboration, not conflict. Many of the biggest challenges facing Ward 3 — such as housing and transit — cannot be solved by the city alone. By strengthening our partnership with the Region of Waterloo, we can align our policies to get better results for our residents. When the city and the region work together, we reduce red tape and make it easier to start important projects. This kind of teamwork shows that our local government is focused on solutions. It allows us to speak with one voice when asking the provincial and federal governments for the funding we need to build a better community.
A perfect example of this partnership in action is the Regional Municipal Housing Corporation, which was moved forward by regional leaders like Joe Gowing in April 2026. This corporation is a brand-new tool that helps us build "non-market" housing for the "missing middle" — homes for the teachers, nurses, and construction workers who make our city run but are often priced out of the private market. By working closely with the Region, Kitchener can use this tool to build housing that fits perfectly into our existing neighbourhoods. This is a much better way to grow than just waiting for private developers to act. It gives us the power to create homes that are affordable and stay affordable for a long time.
Better collaboration also means a more joined-up approach to our roads and transit. Many of the busiest streets in Ward 3 are actually regional roads, which means we must work as partners to fix traffic issues and improve safety. When city and regional policies are aligned, we can create a smoother experience for commuters and a safer environment for pedestrians.
This "one-team" approach also extends to our emergency services and social programs, making sure that help is there when people need it most. By acting as a bridge between the City and the Region, a councillor can ensure that Ward 3 gets its fair share of regional investments. This is how we build a resilient, well-connected city that is ready for the future.
In the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, services are split between two tiers of municipal government. The City of Kitchener handles snow clearing, fire services, parks, community centres, bylaw enforcement, and local water distribution within the borders of the city. The Region of Waterloo — covering the greater Tri-Cities and surrounding townships — handles large regional roads, Grand River Transit, water and wastewater treatment, garbage and recycling, Waterloo Regional Police Services, emergency services, public health, and supportive housing. Knowing which level is responsible tells you who to call. As your Ward 3 councillor, my role is to ensure the two levels coordinate — so residents direct their wishes and concerns to the departments and representatives that can support them effectively.