What a great City we have – let’s work together to make it even better

Together for today and tomorrow

I have the experience, leadership skills, interest, and drive to move our city forward.  

REPRESENTING WARD ONE – NOW 

Representing Ward One on council has been a fulfilling experience.  I will continue to meet with members of our ward’s neighbourhood associations, homeowners’ associations and neighborhood groups to find out more about residents’ priorities for life in our ward and our city.  It is great to meet residents and hear varying viewpoints and suggestions.  I am a good listener and know how to take action.

Housing – One of the most pressing issues is housing that is available and affordable for purchase or rent by individuals or families.  I will continue to work with developers to encourage ways that homes that affordable, with amenities and green spaces, are made possible for ‘middle-range’ buyers and renters.

Parks – In our Westvale area particularly we were able to complete and update several parks.  Residents are enjoying these new spaces.

Traffic Safety – slow down is the message to keep our school areas safe for the kids.  Walkers and runners, cyclists, drivers and others using our streets need to be safe and I am working on finding fair solutions.

Economy I certainly don’t have to tell you that prices, it seems for everything, have gone up!  I am very aware of the financial challenges the current economy presents and will continue to budget for our ward and city responsibly.

We are proud of Ward One. We are a community of attractive neighbourhoods, good neighbours, lots of parks and green spaces, and plenty of businesses to support.  We are also a welcoming neighbourhood and I have encouraged, and will continue to support, initiatives by neighbourhood and community associations, business leaders and community groups that enjoy the diversity of our area and embrace inclusion.

REPRESENTING WARD ONE – FUTURE

During my first term, I could see that my contribution can make a difference.  Council focused on economic growth.  We focused on safer streets especially and essentially around our schools.  We declared a climate emergency and vowed to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.   We established a team dedicated to indigenous initiatives, anti-racism, and equity.  I want to continue to be part of the important work to supports these initiatives.

Housing – In my second term, I will support Ward One’s priority to have housing that is affordable for first-time buyers, families, seniors, and others to purchase or rent a home.  Home affordability is a big issue, especially during these challenging economic times.  I will continue to work with community/neighbourhood associations and developers to support planning measures that provide reasonably priced homes, along with amenities like lots of green space.

TRAFFIC – Traffic safety measures are also a priority. Around our schools, I support low speed limits – we must keep our children safe.  We must also look at reasonable ways to keep our many walkers and cyclists safe as they are getting out for exercise or errands.  Drivers need to be treated fairly with responsible and reasonable limits. Our choice of travel also has a great impact on helping us to achieve our climate action targets of 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030!

FAIRNESS – Waterloo is a thriving community of diverse ages, abilities, cultures, and life experiences.  I want the ‘living in Waterloo’ experience to be fair to all.  I am committed to supporting initiatives that help improve communication, break down barriers, foster understanding, enjoy diversity and encourage inclusion. 

TOGETHER FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

Sandra Hanmer, Councillor Ward 1