[All] Upcoming Municipal Elections - October 24th

[Kevin Thomason]

Hi GREN folks,

The hardworking volunteers at 50x30 Waterloo Region have asked that the following excellent information on the pending municipal elections be shared around our community.  

Given the climate crisis, our October 24th local elections are going to be more important than ever - particularly for the solutions we are going to need in the next four years.

Please do all that you can and follow their suggestions as outlined.

Cheers,
Kevin.

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Dear Grand River Environmental Network supporter:
On October 24, 2022 electors will go to the polls again - this time we will elect the officials who will represent us on municipal councils and the Regional Council until 2026.

This is our opportunity to place our future in the hands of individuals who understand the leadership we need to achieve our regional emission reduction goals.  A short 7 years remain during which each township, city and the Region of Waterloo have aspired to reduce GHG emissions by 50% below 2010 levels.  

When candidates knock at your door, 50by30WR invites you to assess candidates knowledge, ability and commitment by asking the following series of questions:
How will preserving our natural green spaces, wetlands and forests create a sustainable, resilient community?  Natural landscapes are valuable resources for: recreation, mental health, storing carbon, preserving biodiversity, reducing heat island effects in urban settings, filtering ground water, increasing nutrient value of soils.
What are the main sources of Green House Gas emissions in Waterloo Region? Listen for transportation, buildings, construction, agriculture.
What do you know about the Transform WR report? Strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change approved by all our municipal councils.
How will plans for expansion of the iON help to shape our cities and reduce emissions?  Increased housing density along transportation corridors will create complete, walkable, 15-minute communities which will encourage active transportation and reduce car dependency.
Why is it important to hold the Countryside Line and protect our fertile farmland?  Food security in an ever more chaotic climate will be critical for our communities.  Locally sourced food will reduce emissions, transportation costs and reliance on distant producers.  Urban sprawl adds to car dependency and emissions.
What strategies will be important to create affordable housing?  Changing zoning bylaws will allow construction of multi-unit, tiny house, backyard flats - all more affordable types of housing.  Increased density does not have to be high rise buildings. 
How do you propose that we work toward reconciliation with our indigenous neighbours?  Listening and learning from Healing of the Seven Generations, All Nation Grand River Water Walk and many other indigenous voices.
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/local-news/list-of-local-candidates-running-in-municipal-election-5724074 <https://kitchener.citynews.ca/local-news/list-of-local-candidates-running-in-municipal-election-5724074>
 <https://kitchener.citynews.ca/local-news/list-of-local-candidates-running-in-municipal-election-5724074>	
List of local candidates running in municipal election <https://kitchener.citynews.ca/local-news/list-of-local-candidates-running-in-municipal-election-5724074>
Election day is Monday, October 24. Municipal election day is Monday, October 24. The nomination deadline was 2 p.m. on August 19.
kitchener.citynews.ca <http://kitchener.citynews.ca/>


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Kevin Thomason

1115 Cedar Grove Road
Waterloo, Ontario Canada  N2J 3Z4

Phone: (519) 888-0519
Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
Twitter: @kthomason
E-mail: kevinthomason at mac.com

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