I urge you to approve, as is…

I urge you to approve, as is, without changes of any kind, the bold and visionary Region of Waterloo Official Plan. This plan came about with wide and extensive consultation of many stakeholders and citizens of Waterloo Region thus preserving the democratic process. It provides for intensification almost entirely within current urban boundaries thereby ensuring needed housing while, at the same time, preserving our rich class A farmland which we are so fortunate to have for growing our local food here in Waterloo Region.

Building and intensifying within urban boundaries gives our towns and cities a greater likelihood of creating 15 minute neighbourhoods where more people can walk and/or bicycle to meet all or most of their daily needs. This active transportation has the potential to cut down on fossil fuel driven transportation which, in the face of rising costs associated with climate change, is exactly what we need for now and into the future.

The fact that all seven municipalities within the Region of Waterloo have each, individually, approved
the Region of Waterloo Official Plan signals that this is the right plan for our Region.

This plan goes a long way toward providing the housing so urgently needed in a way that preserves precious farmland, combats climate change, and preserves biodiversity and natural areas. I urge you to approve the Region of Waterloo Official Plan intact and in its entirety.

Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.