Kitchener

Stagnant Job Creation:

Create a Kitchener Industrial Innovation Zone with tax incentives for advanced manufacturing, robotics, clean tech, and food processing; Fast‑track permits for companies committing to local hiring; Launch a City‑backed Talent Pipeline Program with Conestoga College for skilled trades, automation, and AI‑related manufacturing.

Slow Business Permitting:

30‑day guaranteed permit turnaround for small businesses. “Permit concierge” service for industrial/commercial projects. Publish real‑time permit backlog dashboards for transparency.

Lack of a Post-Tech economic vision:

Attract mid‑sized companies (200–800 employees) in these sectors. Build a City Innovation Park on underused industrial land. Offer tax credits for companies that hire locally and train workers.

Transit and Mobility Problems: Expand bus rapid transit to underserved industrial zones. Partner with Waterloo Region to redesign routes around job clusters & promote transit on demand. Build protected bike lanes connecting neighborhoods to workplaces. Championed & strongly support Tax Payer Funded free Transit for Seniors above 65.

Housing Affordability Crisis:

Approve mid‑rise (6–12 storey) buildings along all major corridors. Require inclusionary zoning (affordable units in every new development). Convert underused city‑owned land into mixed‑income housing.

Downtown Safety and Homelessness:

Expand the Integrated Crisis Response Team (mental health + paramedic). Create a Downtown Business Recovery Zone with tax relief and grants. Build a 24/7 supportive housing facility with wraparound services.