Urban–Rural Balance Policy

A Kitchener That Grows Without Losing Its Roots. Grow Kitchener, but grow it responsibly. We can build more homes, create more jobs and strengthen our economy while protecting farmland, green space and the character of our rural communities.

My plan would focus on:

1. Protecting farmland and natural areas from unnecessary development.

2. Directing growth toward existing urban areas through responsible infill and redevelopment before expanding outward.

3. Investing in rural roads, drainage, bridges and infrastructure so rural communities receive their fair share of municipal investment.

4. Supporting local farmers and agricultural businesses as an important part of Kitchener's economy.

5. Improving transportation connections between rural areas and Kitchener's urban neighbourhoods.

6. Protecting green space, watersheds and environmentally sensitive lands while allowing responsible economic development.

7. Ensuring new development pays its fair share of the infrastructure costs it creates.

8. Giving rural residents a stronger voice in planning decisions that affect their communities.