Questions and Answers
1. Does the City/Region need more regulations for new and future businesses to protect groundwater?
Gary R. Ferguson: It would depend on the type of business such as commercial vs. heavy industrial water user. In order to protect groundwater, the City Region should do everything possible to ensure water is recycled particularly for heavy water users.
2. Do you support a bylaw restricting the non-essential, cosmetic use of pesticides (for lawn and garden care)?
Gary R. Ferguson: Yes
3. The issue of a new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph is still simmering. What is your preferred solution? (ie leave existing road as is? widen existing highway? put in commuter train between K/W and Guelph? build new highway, etc.)
Gary R. Ferguson: My preferred solution is to widen highway 7 & 8.
4. What are your recommendations for alternate transportation (ie bike/hike trails, buses, LRT, GO train)
Gary R. Ferguson: Very much in favour of alternate forms of transportation. LRT and Grand River Transit should all be expanded in the Region.
5. What are your solutions for gridlock?
Gary R. Ferguson: Unlike Metro Toronto, I do not believe we have experienced serious gridlock in this Region, however, in order to ensure that it does not occur we must invest in alternative forms of transportation as mentioned in answer number 4.
6. Do you support defining an urban border that puts an end to urban sprawl to protect farmland and natural areas?
Gary R. Ferguson: I support density intensification in the core areas of the existing municipalities. All of the services and infrastructure is already in place. We should be building up rather than out.
7. Do you believe that our size should be limited to our carrying capacity (ie groundwater resources, geographical barriers, impact on natural environment)
Gary R. Ferguson: Yes. The economy has to recognize the limitations of resources available that is sustainable in the short and long term
8. What measurable initiatives can you take to improve air quality locally?
Gary R. Ferguson: Provide alternative forms of transportation at reasonable cost.
9. How do you envision reaching zero waste?
Gary R. Ferguson: Through education enforcement and incentives.
10. How do you see the City/Region 20 years from now?
Gary R. Ferguson: I envision Kitchener being the commercial center of the Region. I also believe that mass transit will have to be a priority with an ever increasing population base in the Region.
11. Should Cambridge fit into the Region's future? If yes, how?
Gary R. Ferguson: Yes. Cambridge in my view will continue to be the industrial heart land of the Region.
12. How do you propose to obtain the maximum level of forest coverage for this area?
Gary R. Ferguson: The Region must adopt a policy of protecting natural wooded areas and greenbelts in this area and implement an aggressive arbour day program. All plans of subdivision should implement an aggressive tree saving plan.
13. How can you best work with community groups and concerned citizens to achieve environmental sustainability?
Gary R. Ferguson: This can only be achieved through dialogue cooperation and reaching out to the entire community by the way of establishing Environmental Quality of Life groups.
14. How would you support and develop lifelong environmental education in the City/Region?