Questions and Answers
1. Does the City/Region need more regulations for new and future businesses to protect groundwater?
Arno Kilianski: My understanding is that environmental regulations are primarily a provincial responsibility. What the region should do is: restrict development on wetlands, moraines, and other groundwater recharge areas; and take measures to reduce the use of road salt. A major lesson, from the incident at Walkerton, which I feel has been overlooked, is that patronage and nepotism can seriously degrade the quality of services which the public receives. The brothers Koebel are currently under criminal investigation for their role in the incident; what needs to be examined is how they got hired in the first place. I'll bet that many young people who graduated from high school in that region in the 1990's went on to the U of W or the U of G or Conestoga to study topics such as hydrology, hydrogeology, microbiology, or civil engineering; of these, probably a significant fraction would have loved to head back to a job in their home town. Any of the young people from this subgroup could have run the local water works much more competently than the Koebels. Why did the Koebels get the job? I am not aware of such hiring practices in our region, but rest assured that, should such practices come to my attention, I will demand a review.
Dan Glenn-Graham: Absolutely, we must look at our water resources as precious and take the lead in preserving and conserving this resource. We are simply stewards of these resources and we must take our role seriously.
Jean Haalboom: No...we need to be vigilant that new and future businesses follow the rules now in existence so that our groundwater continues to be protected; also, we need to review our regulations on a regular basis to ensure that technology and methods of implementation are up-to-date to give utmost protection to our groundwater.
Jim Wideman: I believe that ground water protection is critical for business, farms and residential areas. This includes not only new business but also existing business. I am committed to the identification of wellhead protection and sensitive groundwater areas. Identification of potential sources of contamination near supply wells Programs like our Business Water quality Program and Rural Water Quality Program have been very successful in not only raising awareness but brought about major improvements in water quality. We need to be constantly looking for areas where additional regulation may be required.
Richard Fyck: I think that there should be an immediate establishment of monthly checks of effluents of industries to benchmark where we are, and then determine how to get to where we need to be.
Ted Martin: Definitely. Protecting our groundwater is vital for the sustainability of our community.
Tom Galloway: yes
2. Do you support a bylaw restricting the non-essential, cosmetic use of pesticides (for lawn and garden care)?
Arno Kilianski: Rather than legislating against pesticide use, I would prefer to see the region educate the public as to the alternatives to pesticide use, and the proper use of pesticides should the property owner think the alternatives to be unrealistic. In my view, one of the most realistic alternatives is the planting of pest-resistant (and drought-resistant) native species; local governments can set an example by planting these on public green spaces. Also, bylaws exist which compel homeowners to control "noxious weeds"; these by-laws could be reviewed with the aim of relaxing them.
Dan Glenn-Graham: Yes, but we must do a better job of education and encourage natural lawns and gardens since this by-law will depend on goodwill and the honour system. If people understand the reasons why it is an unnecessary risk, we have a better chance of success in the long term.
Jean Haalboom: Yes
Jim Wideman: I support in principle a bylaw that would restrict cosmetic use of pesticide, however such a bylaw would have to be workable and enforceable. It would be important that it be equitable for both Lawn Care Professionals and the home owner.
Richard Fyck: Yes. I have my own vegetable garden and never use pesticides on it.
Ted Martin: Yes. A ban on cosmetic use of pesticides is something I have advocated for and will continue to support.
Tom Galloway: 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.)
Arno Kilianski: Somewhat reluctantly, I support the construction of a new highway. Widening the existing highway would make more sense to me, but I would not want to impose this solution against the will of people living or conducting business along the existing route. Friends of mine from Guelph have told me that Guelph is very difficult to get around in without a car; it's simply too spread out. This problem would need to be addressed before a Kitchener-Guelph commuter train could become viable.
Dan Glenn-Graham: My preferred solution is to widen the current highway, even if it cannot be for the entire length for some environmental or legal reasons. A new highway means cutting through more sensitive and arable land and would also detract from the businesses along the current road.
Jean Haalboom: Before building the road, put in place the following: - methods to increase car-pooling and van-pooling - stagger shift changes for factories and offices and shops - increase inter-urban commuter transit - introduce incentives for employees to live in the community where they work - drop parking requirements when new businesses set up(space for parking lots is too expensive and offers the lowest land use) - explore the possibility of instituting a road fee per commuter/single occupant vehicle which the company must pay to the municipality of employee origin - commuter train
Jim Wideman: I support a new Hwy to Guelph. I have studied this issue thoroughly and believe that the evidence is quite clear that a new Highway option has the lowest negative impact on the environment and is clearly a superior option for having the lowest impact on people and business currently located along Hwy. 7. It is the best long term solution for commuters and business traffic between Waterloo Region and Guelph.
Richard Fyck: We do need a better highway to Guelph, as an alternate to the 401 needs to be in existence. We still must keep the environment in mind, though I haven't yet studied the specific impacts of road widening, constructing a new highway, or a GO train, to find out which is the best alternative.
Ted Martin: Enhancing public transit (e.g., commuter train) between K/W and Guelph is of utmost importance. However, we may need to support improvements to the highway service between the centres, provided that it is environmentally non-intrusive.
Tom Galloway: new highway
4. What are your recommendations for alternate transportation (ie bike/hike trails, buses, LRT, GO train)
Arno Kilianski: I have bicycled over 4000 km in the past year. Rest assured that I am a strong supporter of any and all measures that the Region can take to make bicycling safer and more convenient. Among my favourites: i Establish more on-street bike lanes, and impose higher standards for the maintenance of pavement near the edges of our roads. ii Create more and safer routes to take bicyclists and pedestrians across the 401, the Grand River, and the Conestoga Parkway. E.g.: When Conestoga College develops its new campus on the south side of the 401, could we build a footbridge connecting the two campuses, with access from Doon Valley Dr. in Kitchener and Morningside Dr. in Cambridge? iii Oppose the LRT proposal, and look at paving over unused CN and CP rail lines on our roads. iv Impose heavy fines/community service on the morons who break bottles on our roads. I believe that Grand River Transit's launch of two express bus routes is a timid step in the right direction. To see how far this concept can and should be taken, see Scientific American's March 1996 article, "Urban Planning in Curitiba". I believe that the LRT proposal is a bold step in the wrong direction. An express bus network can do the same job much more cheaply and effectively. Also, as implied in 4(iii) above, steel rails constitute a serious hazard to bicyclists and motorcyclists. I tentatively support the establishment of GO train service to Cambridge and/or K-W; I can't commit firmly until I see how much it would cost, both in terms of public funds and fares.
Dan Glenn-Graham: I support a multi-pronged approach since I believe there is room for efficiencies on many fronts. One would be a re-alignment of large buses for peak hours only, with the purchase of smaller, natural gas buses for off-peak hours and routes. I would also offer free bus fare on smog advisory days and would also offer free bus passes to entertainers who contractually agreed to provide entertainment on the buses e.g. once a week. I would also support the idea of an LRT or streetcars connecting Cambridge and KW and St. Jacobs. Lastly, I would support the immediate start of GO trains running on at least 4 times in the day to Toronto, starting at 5:30 a.m. Of course, I would also encourage biking, and as a politician, would organise a "Big Bike" ride (30 person bike) for Heart and Stroke.
Jean Haalboom: -dedicate cycling lanes built off collector/arterial roads -bike, hike, bus transportation links -plan new subdivisions promoting frequent transit -provide living quarters near work -provide child care centres in transit terminals -provide choices for travelling to and from work
Jim Wideman: A) We need to continue to provide bike paths to give the opportunity for that segment of our population who can, and wish to use bikes as a mode of transportation. B) I am a strong supporter of the LRT, it may be ahead of its time however as Politicians we need to be visionary. The building of the Expressway may also have seemed expensive and unnecessary, but where would we be without it today. C) I will continue to push hard for the Province to bring the Go Train to Cambridge to link up Waterloo Region to the GTA. D) I was on the GRT 5 year business plan Committee, and support our plan to aggressively increase our service and ridership over the next five years.
Richard Fyck: I very much support the quick development of an LRT system, and expanding bike routes and developing more efficient, regular bus routes.
Ted Martin: We definitely need more bike lanes and trails within our communities, as well as a plan that emphasizes making this a more pedestrian-friendly place. Within the region, we need to provide a better public transit system, whether using LRT or a dedicated transit corridor, that allows people to move more easily between the separate communities and within the communities. We also need better links to other centres, preferably via commuter train service.
Tom Galloway: increased transit including LRT, GO Train service, improved VIA Rail service, more comprehensive trail system, finish master bicycle plan
5. What are your solutions for gridlock?
Arno Kilianski: My support for bicycling and bus service improvements is outlined above. Each strategy would help ease gridlock. In addition: Our current regional council proposes extending Fairway Rd. by building a bridge over the Grand River, in 2011. I, by contrast, want that bridge now. When built, such a bridge will take pressure off the highway #8 by providing an alternative route between Kitchener and the Toyota business park, and between Kitchener and the Waterloo/Guelph airport. We needed it eight years ago, not eight years in the future! Regional police and OPP could make a greater effort to enforce the infraction: "speed too fast for conditions". It seems to me that whenever two snowflakes hit the road, some yahoo wipes out and delays thousands of commuters for half an hour or more. Local employers could be encouraged to start/end shifts at quarter to or quarter past the hour. Why should every commuter have to start and end work at the top or bottom of the hour? Some of our road improvements could be carried on by night.
Dan Glenn-Graham: I do not support more highways, but would ensure that the current Hwy. 8 is widened and that the LRT or similar proposal would move forward quickly. Coupled with the above ideas re: bus ridership promotion, I think this would start to create a culture that saw that it can be fun, cool, cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly to ride public transit. As a Change Manager, I realise that this will take time, but we need creative thinking and approaches, not just to throw money at this issue.
Jean Haalboom: -improve road design (roundabouts vs. stop lights) -work with companies of 100 employees or more to co-ordinate staggered shift changes -encourage shared vehicle use -study the introduction of a fee for single occupant vehicles during rush hour on collector/arterial roads -ensure the infrastructure(transit, roads) is in place before adding new housing
Jim Wideman: Gridlock is primarily caused by traffic growing faster than our road infrastructure and alternative modes of transportation . During my last term on council I raised this issue and was successful in reaching agreement on Council to set aside a full day to do brainstorming on traffic congestion, road infrastructure deficit in the Region and alternative financing for major capital projects. From that meeting a Roads infrastructure Task Force was established which I chaired. This resulted in a refocusing of some of the Regions priorities and an increase in funding and acceleration of several road projects. The new Ira Needles Blvd, extension of Westmount and widening of Northfield and Fisher Hallman will all have a positive impact on the reduction of gridlock. We can further reduce gridlock by more innovative ideas in our road system. One such idea is roundabouts. During this last term of council I pushed this idea with the members of staff and several project teams that I served on. This resulted in a day long seminar by experts on roundabouts. These experts showed us that where these have been installed there was a dramatic reduction in congestion. The new Ira Needles Blvd. on the West side of the city will have no lighted intersections. There will be eight intersections with roundabouts. This will result in a dramatic improvement in traffic flow, and a dramatic reduction in idling resulting in a reduction in emissions into the environment.
Richard Fyck: The widening of roads in a few key areas, and better co-ordination of traffic lights.
Ted Martin: Reduce the use of private automobiles by improving public transit, bike paths/lanes, and pedestrian accessibility. Replace traffic signals with roundabouts, where sensible and feasible. Never again have construction on all 401 access points at the same time (as we had this summer).
Tom Galloway: a balance of alternate transportation modes as listed in Question #4 above, traffic demand management measures that promote alternate modes and smoothing out peak traffic periods and road improvements
6. Do you support defining an urban border that puts an end to urban sprawl to protect farmland and natural areas?
Arno Kilianski: Ending urban sprawl in order to protect farmland and natural areas is a worthy goal, but I'm not sure that a carved-in-stone urban border is the best way to achieve this. Better to start with urban intensification strategies such as brownfield recovery and core housing developments.
Dan Glenn-Graham: I live in the downtown in a 131-year-old home and support intensification of use of current land, especially downtown. This includes brownfield development and creating condos out of wonderful old factories etc. So yes, I would certainly support defining some boundaries and setting stringent guidelines for further residential sprawl. We would need these for economic development as well as we will need to balance the need for growth with environmental stewardship.
Jean Haalboom: Yes
Jim Wideman: Yes I have already voted in favour of the Regional Growth Management Strategy which clearly sets Country Side Lines.
Richard Fyck: We need to slow down urban sprawl and preserve some natural areas, and to do this we must promote inner city growth. While urban sprawl must be slowed, we do not want to establish anything now that might hurt us in the future.
Ted Martin: Absolutely. This is one of the primary reasons that I am running for regional council (rather than for school board again). I believe that we absolutely must STOP the spread of our urban areas. If we need to support more people--and only if our infrastructure is able to support more--we must intensify existing urban areas.
Tom Galloway: yes as in the Growth Management Strategy
7. Do you believe that our size should be limited to our carrying capacity (ie groundwater resources, geographical barriers, impact on natural environment)
Arno Kilianski: I would like to see some limit to growth in this region, but I don't see a problem with our being a net importer of food or water (in the same way that we are a net exporter of manufactured goods and information services). Projected growth in this region is estimated to be just under a quarter million over the next forty years; I feel this can be managed.
Dan Glenn-Graham: Yes.
Jean Haalboom: Yes
Jim Wideman: Our size will always be determined by our carrying capacity. The definition of that carrying capacity will vary from one person to another, and therein lies the challenge for the decision makers.
Richard Fyck: People have a right to live where they choose in Canada and limiting the size could artificially drive up prices for renters and owners. Urban sprawl should be slowed down by encouraging inner city development. Poor and inefficient city designs are common in Canada, and we want to escape that trend, as people need to be able to shop, work, and go to school without always having to drive.
Ted Martin: Yes. I don't buy into the need to continue growing in population and I definitely don't want us to grow beyond what our resources can sustain
Tom Galloway: yes but must include surface water as well. Water efficiency measures are important.
8. What measurable initiatives can you take to improve air quality locally?
Arno Kilianski: My stand on alternative transportation, outlined in question #4, is a place to start. In addition: i We can pressure the incoming Liberal provincial government to make good on its commitment to convert coal-fired generating stations to natural gas. ii Grand River Transit is starting to use ultra-low-sulphur diesel fuel in its buses. We could use the same fuel in other publicly owned diesel equipment. Perhaps it is possible to write a clause into regional tenders for construction work, stipulating that diesel equipment used on these projects be of a low-sulphur type. iii Public works employees can avoid the use of small engines and application of paint on "smog days" iv The City of Guelph is supposed to be trying out bio-diesel (20% plant-derived fuel) in its buses. Waterloo Region should monitor this experiment.
Dan Glenn-Graham: Free bus rides on smog alert days, greater public promotion of public transit. Setting an example by bike riding, walking and car pooling and also look at setting up a car pool lane on major roads.
Jean Haalboom: -develop a formula for new residential, commercial, industrial and institutional development -a formula which requires that for every square foot of blacktop/hard surface within the development, so many square feet of green in the form of trees, shrubs, 'grass', perennial plants are required to be planted to offset the summer heat, thereby, keeping the atmosphere cool and clean -lobby for 4-cylinder cars -promote clean green fuel for trucks as well as 'clean green' truck engines -highlight via television, billboard, radio campaigns "the slightly bad air days" -continue to improve the 'greenness' of Region's transit fleet; work towards hydrogen/solar powered buses/other vehicles -improve road designs -increase the Region's budget for trees and ensure green space
Jim Wideman: In our last Region budget we approved several green initiatives that the Region as an organization will take to reduce emissions . I will work to continue and expand these programs as funding allows. We will also continue to use moral suasion to move our business's and citizens to reduce emissions, through programs like reducing idling, taking alternative transportation and walking and cycling. I will also continue to push the Region to explore alternative fuel technology and bus technology. I have been instrumental in getting roundabouts on the Ira Needles Blvd., and several other existing intersections are being considered for roundabouts. This will result in a dramatic reduction in emissions and improve air quality.
Richard Fyck: We can encourage mass transportation and car pooling, and monitor the number of cars driving everyday, for starters.
Ted Martin: Some of the same measures to reduce gridlock (public transit, more alternative methods, etc) will help improve air quality too. Still on the automobile front, reducing the use of fast food drive-throughs is another measure that we could undertake. We also need to pressure the province to institute and enforce stricter emissions standards for industry as well as individuals-Meeting Kyoto targets should only be the beginning.
Tom Galloway: idling bylaw, alternative fuels and/or improved emission fuels for corporate vehicles, trying to attract clean industry, transit ridership increases, green energy production and energy efficiency in corporate buildings
9. How do you envision reaching zero waste?
Arno Kilianski: I don't know that zero waste is realistically attainable. However, the City of Guelph is one of the leading innovators in Canada when it comes to waste reduction. Waterloo Region would do well to implement whatever measures have been implemented in Guelph.
Dan Glenn-Graham: Both a carrot and stick approach is needed. First, through education in the schools and giving the children campaign information to take home. Sponsor contests (on the honour system) where the schools with the least garbage win a day in the Children's Museum. Make garbage a pay as you go system- with a charge for every bag over the household quota.
Jean Haalboom: -continue education on reduce, reuse, re-cycle -lobby packaging manufacturers to change packaging material and style -encourage everyone to plan daily activities so that 10 trips per day from house to shop are reduced to one
Jim Wideman: I am not sure I fully understand this question, however if it means can we get to a point that we will have Zero garbage for the landfill, I do not believe that is achievable. I do believe that we can continue to reduce the amount going to landfill. The Region is a leader in recycling and we continue to reduce the amount of garbage going to land fill as we expand our recycling efforts.
Richard Fyck: We can begin by immediately limiting the amount of garbage you can take out each week, and work from there.
Ted Martin: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. By making waste reduction--instead of just waste management--a priority. Maybe the Region needs a Green Plan that includes educational components and graduated targets to help us reduce our waste production. Perhaps we need to consider charging for garbage pickup (e.g., through bag fees) and to rejuvenate our blue box program by allowing more things to be recycled.
Tom Galloway: zero waste will be difficult to achieve in a local context. Federal and provincial regulations will be needed in terms of packaging, mandatory reuse and recycling of materials, etc as well as developing processes and markets. Since it will be evolutionary rather revolutionary education over the next generation(s) is critical.
10. How do you see the City/Region 20 years from now?
Arno Kilianski: A reasonable projection is the addition of about a hundred thousand inhabitants. I would like to see most local residents employed locally. A good place for new industries is between Maple Grove Road and the airport. We will need new bridges over the Grand at Fairway Road and Ottawa St. I would like to see brownfields developed for residential or industrial use. There will be an increased need for low-cost housing; I would like to see a mix of public-and private-sector properties to meet this need. I've been to Chicago, to Nagoya, to Tokyo; I hold these up as cities that have taken heroic measures to improve public transit, yet their streets are jammed anyway. With this in mind, I feel that we have no choice but to expand our own roads, to construct the bridges mentioned above, and to improve access to the 401. I would like to see a bus-based transit system, as in #4 above. I would like to see K-W and Cambridge more bicycle friendly than they are today. I would like to see the banks of the Grand left as green space, but with greater access to the river for recreational uses.
Dan Glenn-Graham: I see the Region as a pioneer in the use of environmental awareness and techniques, many of which can be seen to be investments that have paid off in tangible dividends. We will have a great balance of downtowns and countryside. All the cities will have competitive advantages that they develop and share with each other. We will use technology to be a levelling force to help the disadvantaged and those new to the country as well as a democratic force through electronic town halls. We will continue to be beautiful "communities in bloom" and will have wonderful organic plantings along our highways advertising our cities, companies and non-profit agencies.
Jean Haalboom: I see sprawl continuing within the designated urban envelope because there are about 31000 suburban building lots available. I do not want to see this happen and I will work to change the flow of this type of development . I will continue to advocate for clean air and water, our natural heritage, and environmental sustainability.
Jim Wideman: I will answer this question from the perspective of the Region. I believe the Regional Growth Management Strategy Plan that we just approved defines quite well what we will look like twenty years from now. I can not possibly go into full details however here are some high lights as I see it. We will have major employment land growth on the east side of Kitchener/North Cambridge. We will have an LRT that links the communities from Elmira to South Cambridge and all points between. We will have defined an expanded core for brownfield development which will be dominated by residential housing, which I believe will be medium density. We will have a great network of bike and walking trails linking communities and Cities. We will have maintained our natural forests and expanded significantly our urban forests. Our environmentally sensitive areas will have been preserved for the enjoyment of our citizens.
Richard Fyck: I see one city fighting for the same objectives instead of different components fighting each other.
Ted Martin: This is an interesting question because how I would like to see the Region in 20 years is quite different than how I expect to see the region, unless we make drastic changes. I don't want to see our cities grow beyond their current urban boundaries. I want to see our creation of garbage and other waste greatly reduced. I want to see a cleaner city, with fewer private automobiles and much more bicycling, walking, and riding public transit. I want to see a greener city, with fewer pesticide-enhanced lawns and a much healthier and richer urban forest. I want to see more people living closer to where they work. I want to see rejuvenated downtowns in the major cities and towns, with healthy community centres, healthy schools, healthy libraries. I want to see no need for a food bank and no homelessness. But, unless we emphasize the "smart" over the "growth" and the "sustainable" over the "development," we won't be anywhere near that.
Tom Galloway: I suspect the Region 20 years from now will continue to be a very desirable community with a strong economic base and diverse population.
11. Should Cambridge fit into the Region's future? If yes, how?
Arno Kilianski: I don't see how we can exclude Cambridge, or why we should. I am aware that my enthusiasm for new bridges over the Grand puts me on a collision course with Cambridge politicians, presumably worried about future attempts by Kitchener to annex land adjacent to Breslau. Perhaps the best way to allay this concern is to annex such lands to Breslau, and commit to Breslau's continued existence as an independent town.
Dan Glenn-Graham: We absolutely are a stronger, richer and more diverse region with Cambridge in our future. We need to show greater openness to public consultation that includes Cambridge and we need to demonstrate our appreciation for Cambridge's strengths. These include its proximity to the 401 and Toronto and its Tourism Department, its beautiful and scenic downtowns and its cultural strengths (Scottish, Portuguese and Newfoundlanders).
Jean Haalboom: Yes, as it is now.
Jim Wideman: Absolutely, it will fit into the Region the same way that all the other municipalities fit into the Region. Cambridge has benefited immensely by being a part of the Region. Without the Region Cambridge could never have afforded the infrastructure necessary to attract major employers like Toyota. Cambridge is an equal partner in the Region as it relates to all the common services that the Region provides, like Water, Waste Management, Sewage Treatment, Public Transportation, Policing, Social Housing, Health Services and Emergency Services to mention a few.
Richard Fyck: Yes. It is, by geography, part of the region and to remove itself from the region would not be beneficial to Cambridge or to the rest of the region. I see Cambridge as an integral part of Waterloo Region's community and it should be treated as such.
Ted Martin: Yes. I think all seven municipalities need to work better together, either as a single level of government or through the region as separate identities. If we all go our own separate ways, we may well end up "competing" for industry and business, to the detriment of us all.
Tom Galloway: absolutely. As an equal partner as they are now.
12. How do you propose to obtain the maximum level of forest coverage for this area?
Arno Kilianski: The level of monoculture I see in public urban forest alarms me. For example, my street is lined with English oaks; others are lined with Norway maples. Have we learned nothing from Dutch elm disease? Diversity should be the rule when planting trees. The region can plant trees, and can also encourage private landowners to plant trees. Volunteers can get involved; this is nothing new. The region's horticultural staff needs to be on the lookout for the Asian long-horned beetle, and any other exotic pests which could decimate our forests.
Dan Glenn-Graham: I regret to say that I would need more study on this issue, but we could as a Region purchase tree saplings and incent schools to make projects of planting parties
Jean Haalboom: - institute programs for all - for one cut tree, shrub, etc, a permit would be required to ensure that a new one be planted/transplanted and the size would be bigger than a sapling -organize yearly tree planting events on Earth Day and Earth Week
Jim Wideman: All existing forests in the Urban areas should be retained and not destroyed for development. We should encourage Urban forests through the planning process by requiring a minimum number of trees per lot developed. This could be a combined requirement of the developer and the home owner. In some jurisdictions there is a minimum requirement that six trees be planted with a certain height before the certificate of occupancy is issued.
Richard Fyck: By ensuring a certain percentage of land is kept forested.
Ted Martin: Obviously, I think we need a more viable urban forest, but I really don't have specific answers beyond enhancing and enforcing tree-cutting bylaws, planting a more diverse and robust variety of trees, etc.
Tom Galloway: lobby Province for changes to the Tree Act that will give more protection to existing trees and woodlots. Promote continuance of street tree program. Encouraging good forest management practices at corporate level and beyond.
13. How can you best work with community groups and concerned citizens to achieve environmental sustainability?
Arno Kilianski: Three words: Listen and look. Internet forums are a new possibility, but they are no substitute for meeting face to face with one's constituents and listening to their concerns. Also, you'll find me more than willing to put on my boots and walk/bicycle/paddle through affected areas, especially when a knowledgeable citizen can guide me and point out specific concerns.
Dan Glenn-Graham: Have regular public forums hosted by the Region or the Record etc to publicise these issues. Invite submissions from organised groups and publicise our agenda and potential funding ideas well in advance to allow groups to respond. On contentious issues, strike a Task Force that would include Regional politicians and involved citizens.
Jean Haalboom: -participate in the annual scenic road/trail clean-up -advocate for Best Environmental Practices in growth management -listen to information presented by groups such as the Field Naturalists, Waterloo Moraine Association and 7Generations -participate in nature walks and activities sponsored by the groups(time permitting) -advance policies which promote clean air, water and soil -attend their meetings and hear guest speakers (time permitting)
Jim Wideman: I can best work with groups by listening, sitting down face to face to understand their point of view and to share with them alternative perspectives that may come into play in regards to a particular issue. The needs of individuals and society as a whole as it relates to employment lands to create jobs and as it relates to housing to give them shelter, this very basic of human needs , and the needs of the environment, is always about working together to find the best solution that will achieve the goals of the various parties at the table.
Richard Fyck: I have a personal interest in the environment to the extent that my degree is a BSc in Geography/Geology, having taken courses like Climatology, Hydrology and Geomorphology. I understand short term and long term effects on our environment. I will also be counting on people and groups like the 7 Generations for their input. The best solutions come from people who are concerned.
Ted Martin: Listen and learn. One of my frustrations has been how little any of us knows about who our regional representatives are, what the region is responsible for, or how they go about deciding what they are going to do. We need a more open dialogue between our regional representatives and the public on all sorts of issues, include environmental sustainability.
Tom Galloway: environmental sustainability can only be partially achieved at best through planning and regulation. Education of the citizens in all forms of environmental sustainability is the key. Elected officials can provide leadership in this regard but ultimately it is up to the people to make it automatic in their ADL and decision making.
14. How would you support and develop lifelong environmental education in the City/Region?
Arno Kilianski: This is largely a responsibility of the school boards, the GRCA, and the municipal departments of parks and recreation. I see a role for regional government, to ensure that the aforementioned authorities have resources available for public education. A more direct role that the region can take in addition to the above, is to continue public information mailouts, continue hosting open houses at regional facilities (e.g. pumping stations, wastewater treatment plants, landfill/recycling facilities). An extra page could be added to the Region's website, and devoted to environmental issues. In general, I feel that Regional government could do a better job in educating the public as to what it does and how the public can get involved.
Dan Glenn-Graham: Involve Community Centres and schools to develop filed trip curricula that would expose them to nature. Have projects where they work on a farm, take care of animals, pick fruit, plant vegetables, clean up a section of park or river. Show them how to test for water quality and do experiments showing the water cycle. Involve Seniors Centres with youth and have them show their gardens and talk about their love of nature and how development has encroached on farmland in their lifetimes. Have Libraries show old pictures and have story telling around the environment. Have ongoing opportunities for cost-recovery programs for families to spend a week-end on a working farm. We could start a Leadership Program for youth like Katimivik, but using the resources of the Grand River and local parkland. These ideas are all based on active participation, since I believe that in order to truly educate on the environment means connecting with the hearts and minds of people.
Jean Haalboom: -encourage library seminars and programs which feature guest speakers highlighting topics such as quality of life and sustainable development -develop an Environmental Master Plan for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo-"Legacy Waterloo Region - Our Environment" -when approvals for subdivisions are given, a clear environmental impact statement should be required; in this way, the impact of growth could be measured at 5 year intervals up to 20 years post-development -advance environmental education through Public Health programmes
Jim Wideman: I am a strong believer in education with our young children as a best means to achieving our environmental goals in our community. The issue needs to be a regular part of our curriculum at the primary and secondary level. I believe it was our children who are responsible for the strides we have made in our recycling program , and I believe they can be our best advocates for the environment in the future.
Richard Fyck: By creating an environment to get people out of their homes and walking, running, and biking around the region. How could you NOT want to preserve these riches. Make this city beautiful and people will want to live here. We need lots of trees instead of just concrete!
Ted Martin: As a school board trustee, I made preserving our outdoor education centres and programs one of my priorities because I believe that environmental education is important--and I think lifelong environmental education, obviously, must start at the youngest ages. We also need environmental education campaigns, through neighbourhood associations and other groups, that focus on those who are beyond school-age. As I said in an earlier answer, I think a Green Plan with a strong educational component is very important--just look at what a little education has done to get blue box programs generally accepted; now we need to move people to another level of awareness and commitment.
Tom Galloway: work with our school systems to
get our youth onto the right track to start with. Support local advocacy groups
through grants, etc. to provide direct education programming or service provision
(eg. REEP). Enhance Community Health and/or other Regional department programs
in the area of environmental sustainability.