Questions and Answers

1. Does the City/Region need more regulations for new and future businesses to protect groundwater?

Claudette Millar: Yes. This issue needs to be resolved prior to construction of new industry and/ or at the time of change of use.

Farhanna Khan: Yes, our Region needs more regulations to ensure we protect ground water it is essential for our present and future.

Les Kadar: At this point, I feel more and new regulations to protect groundwater are not necessary as long as the implementation of what is already in place is carried out properly. More regulations can become a problem if current ones are not applied fairly or in time and then both the environment as well as industry and ultimately the future economic development of the community suffers in some shape or form. There needs to be more co-operation between the region and local municipalities which seems to be lacking in this case in order not to not end up with a "top down" approach of regulatory power which only causes friction and can result in partial solutions to a potential problem

Peter Tudisco: Yes. With rapid residential and industrial development, it has become increasingly important to manage growth responsibly, particularly where long-term public health and safety are concerned.

Victoria Clark: I am not sure if they need more regulations, perhaps the regulations in place need to be updated and made more accurate for the times.

2. Do you support a bylaw restricting the non-essential, cosmetic use of pesticides (for lawn and garden care)?

Claudette Millar: Yes. Any agent that kills a living body has to have, eventually, a detrimental effect on humans. The children are my greatest concern.

Farhanna Khan: Yes, I support a bylaw: we have to ensure people understand that unnecessary use of pesticides is harmful to our environment and thus to us: having a bylaw is a good way for people to take this issue seriously.

Les Kadar: Yes.

Peter Tudisco: I would differentiate between Insecticide and Herbicides and my greater concern would be with insecticide use. I would support restrictions on how, and under what circumstances, they should be applied…

Victoria Clark: Nonessential pesticides - Yes I would support a by-law for that purpose

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.)

Claudette Millar: Widen existing road is 2nd choice. First is a commuter train. Get cars off the roads when and where possible. This result would result in less air pollution. In the mid eighties a friend told me that when he traveled in from his home at Puslinch Lake each morning he could see a cover of pollution hanging over the the City of Cambridge. I wonder what he would see today?

Farhanna Khan: I believe we should research all of our means to decrease traffic congestion for our environment, road safety and development. The means that is best for our environment and fundable is my choice.

Les Kadar: While widening the existing highway only results in encouraging more use of the car, it seems cheaper, less intrusive and more do-able than any other immediate short-term solution. The implementation of a "multi-passenger only" lane for peak hours would help to encourage car pools. Longer term, I suggest a parallel running commuter service that may begin to ease the increasing flow of vehicles. To be honest, I have not had the opportunity to follow this issue with the normal level of intensity as I would of liked, so my response to it is therefore likely not what it could be.

Peter Tudisco: There can be no doubt that the traffic and congestion issue on Highway 7 needs to be addressed. I would prefer that the widening of the existing highway, to avoid disturbing environmentally sensitive wetlands. I fully support the concept of commuter trains throughout the region but serious practical issues such as funding must be addressed.

Victoria Clark: I do not have an opportunity to travel that particular highway on a regular basis, but when I do, I have noticed a significant increase in traffic. The rapid transit is a good concept, however it will only suit the needs of those people who travel to one location. If an individual is in a sales environment, then their vehicle becomes an essential tool. Who are the people using this highway & for what purpose? I believe there are still issues that must be resolved.

4. What are your recommendations for alternate transportation (ie bike/hike trails, buses, LRT, GO train)

Claudette Millar: Any means of travel that discourages the use of the automobile.

Farhanna Khan: I believe our Region should sell some GRT buses as 7% of the public uses the service, we need to look at alternatives such as hybrid mini vans that will be used for car pooling: for example large companies such as Budd Canada and Toyota should be requested to take part in a study which will have their employees use the vans. I believe the outcome will show they are more comfortable, affordable, reliable, and more importantly good quality for our environment.

Les Kadar: An efficient LRT locally and Go service to and from Toronto/Windsor would be my first choices. The current LRT proposal by the region is insufficient, already outdated and does not service Cambridge at all and may never do so. This is a huge and expensive issue that needs to be properly implemented in order for the public to accept it. It requires the input of all stakeholders in the region not one that is drafted by regional staff, accepted by regional council and then taken on a municipal road show to gain acceptance. In light of our aging population, LRT is more important than ever in order to get seniors out of their cars and onto public transit. In order to achieve this, an up-to-date system must be implemented. That is not what is currently on the table.

Peter Tudisco: Although I fully support the concept of alternate transportation in all reasonable forms, there are many hurdles to overcome. I would like to see a comprehensive, complementary plan developed in cooperation with the Region, the cities, and the Federal government.

Victoria Clark: Alternate forms of travel, I am a believer in the Go Train - it would be a huge relief for the the 401 commuter. LRT will only work to financial success if it encompasses the entire Region and perhaps to Brantford & Guelph. Trails are wonderful but appeal to a small segment of the population for daily travel purposes. I think people still view the trails as a recreational activity.

5. What are your solutions for gridlock?

Claudette Millar: I dispute that in the City of Cambridge we are suffering from gridlock. With the exception of the trains passing at the Delta I have only very rarely been held up for the second red light anywhere in the city. I travel the arterials and local roads virtually daily at differing times of each day.

Farhanna Khan: Our public should be educated about alternate routes and timings we may use. As mentioned above if businesses use hybrid vans fewer cars will be on the road.

Les Kadar: The solution to gridlock is not a single pronged one and requires everyone, government, business and the general public to buy into the acceptance that while in Cambridge it is only a small problem (by comparison to other communities) during rush hour, it will likely increase if not addressed. There are various initiatives by local and regional government in the works that will result in major changes in the very near future. Example of this is the long overdue (hung up in politics) upgrade to the Parkhill Bridge/Parkhill Road intersection and the better late than never changes that will be coming to the Delta with respect to the at grade railroad crossing. Timing of trains being shuttled is also lacking. Industry needs to take a leadership role and interchange shift change hours in order that mass amounts of employees do not exist and enter companies at the same time, typically between 3:30 and 5:00. Government needs to implement lanes that handle only multi passenger vehicles similar to that in Toronto. As well planners should refrain from putting traffic signals every 500 feet apart especially when they are not timed correctly to allow for smooth traffic flow. There are other viable solutions than traffic signals. A major failing is the lack of inter-connecting arterial routes which could direct truck traffic from the industrial areas out onto the major highways without running them through residential areas which likely should not of been there in the first place. The GRVC, of which I was past Chair, has been credited/discredited for the grinding to a halt of the CARSS study before it could recommend the destruction of Cambridge, as we now know it. By preventing the construction of a massive "new" road network and "bridge(s)" construction over the Grand River that would have severed thousands of acres of property and allowed thousands of more cars to race around the community in areas that are presently "green", millions of dollars have been saved as well as the environment. More importantly, a fresh look at the issue has transpired. There are better ways and now they have to look at some of them more closely. There was never a "need " established for the multi million dollar road network in the first place and consultants own models showed the end result of the proposed project would not of sufficiently demised current grid locked areas results.

Peter Tudisco: This is a very complex issue and I believe that a balanced approach between traffic issues and environmental issues must be taken. I am in favour of a fourth bridge over the Grand River, positioned at a location that is the least intrusive to the environment and the most accessible for commuters. As a one-time capital expenditure, I would like to see the bridge constructed wide enough to accommodate bike lanes and a pedestrian walkway. A minimized intrusion on some sensitive land area will certainly be offset by the daily environmental damage currently caused by the many kilometres of slow-moving and idling cars in our poor traffic flow system. I believe this type of pollution poses a higher risk to our eco system and a new bridge will help reduce this problem.

Victoria Clark: Gridlock - That is interesting, I believe truck traffic needs to be restricted to certain lanes at all times and denied access to city centres. The Bus system needs to be more efficient and all encompassing in order to work. We need to be looking at other countries for these solutions. Major cities in Europe have been surviving with strong bus systems for years.

6. Do you support defining an urban border that puts an end to urban sprawl to protect farmland and natural areas?

Claudette Millar: Definitely. I have great concern, when looking at the map of Ontario, that particularly, when the mega cities, regions, and re-structured counties are identified, there will be very little farm lands left in the areas of the province where our food is able to be grown.

Farhanna Khan: Yes, I support the need to define an urban border; it is a skillful way to educate the public on terminology used. Thus we can understand the significance such issues have on the quality of our environment.

Les Kadar: Yes with caution. Sprawl is an extravagant use of our natural environment and affects the community finances as it costs substantially in infrastructure requirements and results in added transportation problems. It prevents the growth or regeneration of downtown cores and creates pockets of society that are unique to each other rather than being blended closer together to promote social equality. There needs to be an allowance for planning for future growth of the community if the demand is there, as stagnation is not an answer either. Better more sensitive planning is required.

Peter Tudisco: Proper planning is required throughout the Region with increased consideration of the importance of agriculture and natural areas and full cooperation of related community groups, planning departments and developers. I also fully support an overall Regional Planning Commission, addressing all concerns.

Victoria Clark: Urban sprawl - Absolutely, it is out-of-control and is a huge contributor to all of the problems you have identified. This is not to say however that I support towering apartment buildings either. There are plenty of opportunities for city renewal we nee investors with vision

7. Do you believe that our size should be limited to our carrying capacity (ie groundwater resources, geographical barriers, impact on natural environment)

Claudette Millar: Yes.

Farhanna Khan: I believe in development as it is prosperous; however I equally believe in reality in order to maintain quality of life we have to maintain and ensure we have a healthy environment we may safely live in.

Les Kadar: Not necessarily. It is not as simple as that and requires complete interaction between all applicable stakeholders. It is dangerous to stifle economic growth, as the end result is the opposite of what was initially intended. Controlled industrial growth in designated industrial basins rather than allowing it to be scattered amongst residential areas all over town is not happening in Cambridge. There are insufficient buffer zones between industry and residential development.

Peter Tudisco: To the degree that our resources are sustainable, of course.

Victoria Clark: At some point in time, we will discover we can not sustain our city or quality of life will be challenged because of resources, so yes I believe that growth should be slowed as the wealth and prosperity of the Region will be compromised.

8. What measurable initiatives can you take to improve air quality locally?

Claudette Millar: Encourage alternate means of travel such as shanks pony, busses, bicycles, etc. In addition uses of such equipment as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and, herbicide and pesticide spraying ideally should be prohibited.

Farhanna Khan: Education and bylaws are vital to ensuring we have air quality. My suggestions may not be liked by small businesses, however I believe if all are educated properly they will see my suggestions include their welfare; for example drive thru's should not be permitted they don't help our air quality, their should be a bylaw to impose this, at least at peak hours. In addition GRT buses and all vehicles should not be permitted to idle, also peak hours may be regulated if car pooling is implemented by companies for their employees and hours of dismissal from work be revised so everyone does not try to go to work or come home at the same time, thus adding to congestion and so forth. I will ensure studies are done, proposals are made and we educate the public, involve the public, and make certain we have bylaws to ensure we all cooperate thus we may maintain and enhance the quality of our life.

Les Kadar: First, the province must update air quality regulations with respect to industry such as the auto body/paint shops, just to name one. Pollution should not be geared to how much a company earns as to how much equipment needs to be installed to prevent emissions. As well, such industry needs to not be located in or anywhere near residential developments. Second, I would encourage the use by industry of furnaces that re-use waste motor oil. They burn clean, reuse a natural resource and are readily available. Third, all government vehicles should be converted to natural gas or propane as well as buses to cut down on the diesel fog. I would encourage large industries to seriously look at generating their own electric power through the use of turbines. Once in place they generate in plant heat and usually sufficient electricity to sell the excess back to the grid. This would cut down on the need for bigger and far more dangerous Nuclear or filthy coal fired generation plants. The end result would be less overall air pollution from these two major sources. The establishment of hydroelectric power off of the Grand River is also long overdue all along the watershed.

Peter Tudisco: In addition to the improved traffic flow and resulting improved air quality as previously stated, I would support a greater emphasis on public awareness of the effects of individual actions ( i.e. the use of outdoor gas-powered equipment).

Victoria Clark: Improving air quality locally. The most obvious is to reduce vehicle traffic, but unless the public are given viable options that will not happen immediately

9. How do you envision reaching zero waste?

Claudette Millar: In my lifetime I cannot envision reaching zero waste, however, I by no means mean that the effort should be abandoned. Every step is worthwhile.

Farhanna Khan: I believe if we educate ourselves and use terminology that we all understand as well as have bylaws to ensure we practice what we preach we may reach as close to zero waste as possible; recycle, recycle, recycle.

Les Kadar: Zero waste can only come from a complete change in lifestyle. Disposal of less waste can only come from more recycling, which is lacking. The land filling of waste is also inappropriate considering incineration of waste is standard practice worldwide

Peter Tudisco: Zero waste is an admirable but unrealistic goal without substantial Federal intervention, particularly in the area of packaging regulation. Beyond advocating for change. It would be dishonest to suggest that local government can unilaterally regulate waste management to that degree. However, Waterloo Region was a leader in development of public recycling programs but we have fallen behind in that regard. I would favour further expansion of these programs in conjunction with public education to encourage environmentally responsible choices.

Victoria Clark: Zero Waste - that is an interesting thought, but I do not see that happening anytime soon. We are a very consumable society and each day there is yet another disposable product developed. I think that industry/manufacturing needs to address this issue.

10. How do you see the City/Region 20 years from now?

Claudette Millar: I would hope that the city would not have expanded its boundaries. Intensification if addressed seriously can ensure that the city does not infringe upon the rural, food producing lands, of the municipalities surrounding it. It would take great strength on the part of the decision makers to ensure that the urban areas do not take over the good agricultural land surrounding them. It could happen.

Farhanna Khan: I see us maintaining our quality of life with an enhancement in our environment due to our present education and bylaws that protected us from future havoc.

Les Kadar: Returned to a similar political structure as it was in the 80's or possibly as two separated communities within the region. K-W on one end and Cambridge on the other, each with their respective outlying communities as partners. The region would act as the service provider not as a government.

Peter Tudisco: Continued growth and prosperity with proper planning in place to balance environmental, social and developmental issues.

Victoria Clark: 20 Years from now? AT one point in time that may have been an easy thing to predict. The past 100 years has seen more changes than in the past 1000 years. 20 years from now is pretty difficult to predict. I would like to see more leisure time for people, I would like to see green space for us to enjoy, I would like to see a Provincial Passenger rail system that operates like a bus service, I would like to see roads that are in good condition and safe, I would like to see happy kids in school and homes with yards.

11. Should Cambridge fit into the Region's future? If yes, how?

Claudette Millar: Yes, provided no more services are not absorbed by the region. However, if the region continues to absorb local services it, the region, will eventually create one-tier government as some are hoping. The people of Cambridge certainly do not wish to see that happen.

Farhanna Khan: Yes, I believe all the tri- cities and townships should be one; we will be larger and size and thus overall we may receive more funding and we can utilize it appropriately, as well our proposals for bylaws will be taken more seriously by all Canadians.

Les Kadar: Yes, the region needs to fit into the future of Cambridge. The region was and must once again act as a service provider for not only Cambridge but also rest of the other municipal members of the region. The region must not be allowed to grow as another layer of government with taxation powers to do so and must be re-structured politically to represent the partner communities rather than dictate to them. The future of the members of this region depends upon a jointly co-operative partnership between all stakeholders not one that is hammered out by a remote control regional council. Otherwise, the future of this community will remain as it is now, always in turmoil.

Peter Tudisco: Yes, as a full co-operating partner with all other Municipalities and strong community input.

Victoria Clark: Yes! One can not do without the other. In fact, the region should embrace Guelph as well. Each city has it strong points, we are still feuding over our own domains and now must think as an overall network to benefit all within our global economy.

12. How do you propose to obtain the maximum level of forest coverage for this area?

Claudette Millar: The City of Cambridge had a policy that for every tree removed by the city two would be planted, and not only in parks. I understand that the practice has now become one of one for one. The city's original practice should be adopted by all seven municipalities in the region as a good starting point.

Farhanna Khan: Once again the key is education and reinforcement we have to practice what we preach; bylaws make sure we ensure such issues as maintaining our forest coverage as much as possible. Not only do we need to have our education system educated, we have to include all public; we should involve companies, cultural groups, community service groups, past present and new Canadians should be educated and so forth. We have to educate people in the language they best understand. I would like to have seasonal programs that encourage healthy environment and award citizens for their contribution thus promoting the wellbeing of our environment.

Les Kadar: By continuing to prevent destruction of open/greenbelt/woodland areas within the community that are currently there, thereby allowing them to continue as is or be re-juvenated. As someone who has fought for and now has won the preservation of Cruickston Park (nearly 1000 acres of woodland/floodplain and more) from destruction by the University of Guelph is now well on the way thanks to the many that have invested both time and great amounts of money. The Doon Valley Golf expansion issue, in which the plans now are far more respective of the environmental, heritage and archaeological issues, on the behalf of the Grand River Valley Coalition (GRVC). There are many other such tracts of land facing possible development as well as much smaller ones that currently dot the region and must be conserved and not be allowed to be "mitigated" into being developed. Open grasslands are as necessary as wood lots therefore must be planned to be in balance by professionals that know how this needs to be done. Re-forestation projects need to be encouraged where possible as well as the removal of invasive species where identified must be implemented.

Peter Tudisco: Protection of existing old-growth forests, improved reforestation programs, and more clearly defined reclamation requirements for exhausted commercial operations ( i.e. gravel pits).

Victoria Clark: Maximum Forest Area - If we sustain the forest area we currently have and try to build-in as opposed to out, that may help for the coming decades.

13. How can you best work with community groups and concerned citizens to achieve environmental sustainability?

Claudette Millar: Start in the schools. Re-cycling started there and look where we are. The children take the lesson home and it spreads from there. It sounds simplistic but it worked. The municipalities must support the initiative through such mechanisms as by-laws not allowing such changes but requiring them. Our re-cycling programme is still voluntary. At such time as the markets for re-cycled goods are secure by-laws should be implemented requiring each household, industry, and commercial location not allow such goods to become waste. I wonder if a municipality could tax gas-guzzlers that are used as family cars? It might prove an interesting exercise. Require trucking be carried on freight trains through the city. Another interesting exercise. Allow a municipal tax reduction for the installation of alternate energy facilities.

Farhanna Khan: (see 12 above)

Les Kadar: As an active advocate, I encourage everyone to get involved in what is going on around them and why. Too often it is the same old faces that appear at council meetings, are involved in environmental groups, heritage preservation organizations and so on. As a member of council, I would try to ensure that citizens are made to feel "welcome" as volunteers to serve on Planning, Environmental, Heritage and the many other advisory bodies that provide input to council. Further, this "advice" needs to be taken and implemented on a much more frequent basis by councils in order to confirm their commitment to the public as their "representatives" not overlords. The general public must be educated that once we lose something, it typically can not be brought back, at least not the way it was and more often, not in our lifetime. I would encourage all community groups that are actively involved in their own chosen field of interest, to get involved with the decision making process on a more frequent and far more forceful basis, less accepting of the status quo, basis. Only then can they expect things to begin to happen that they believe in. Most importantly, vote for those that show concern and follow through, and DO NOT vote for those and make it known, that have a proven track record of "do nothing" but pretend.

Peter Tudisco: My policy is an open door, cooperative communication process involving all concerned parties.

Victoria Clark: Working with Community Groups - I like to see things happen, I like to see results, I like to see open-mindedness and cooperation and that is what I expect of everyone else.

14. How would you support and develop lifelong environmental education in the City/Region?

Claudette Millar: (no answer)

Farhanna Khan: I fully support life long environmental education. If we have a reliable environment we have quality of life we can depend on (visa versa). Basic Environmental education should be taught in all schools at all levels; colleges and universities ought to make environmental education a mandatory credit, new Canadians should be taught the same principals as all Canadians, businesses should include basic environmental protection and enhancement information to their employees, children should be given information they can use to teach there parents and siblings who in return should be invited by schools to participate in activities that educate us all… Lifelong education will ensure we are educated on new information and stay focused on our present knowledge, thus we may develop lifelong quality of life. Quality of our life is vital. I want to ensure we maintain and enhance our living standards in all areas; the most important is our safety and wellbeing which is directly linked to our environment for our prosperity we need a healthy environment.

Les Kadar: Lifelong environmental education needs to begin precisely there, at the educational level, in the schools at an early age. Governmental interaction is absent from schools as it should be taking a leadership role by creating opportunities to allow our children to provide input at an early age on how, where, when and why our community works in their minds and what needs to be done to maintain your surroundings for the future. By the time students arrive at the university or college level I feel it is almost too late to begin to get them involved in the short and long range planning of their community. By allowing government to stay off the radar of our young people only works in their favour. Less public education of the issues at hand allows for greater government control.

Peter Tudisco: A) Continued support for the GRCA outdoor education program B) Recreational accessibility C) Continued encouragement of the Farm Gate Network for sales of fresh produce directly to the public D) Encouragement of neighbourhood beautification and landscape projects. E) Continued public education with respect to recycling, air quality and related issues.

Victoria Clark: Supporting Environmental Initiatives - We practice recycling at home and in my work place, I use my car only when I have to, I travel to Toronto only when I have to and have taken the train. In my volunteer work, we plant trees, pick-up garbage and repair trails systems.