Compare candidates

Regional Councillor · Kitchener

12 candidates for 1 seat

Everyone is compared on the same 16 issues, in the same order. Candidates are listed alphabetically, and the order of issues is not a ranking. Each candidate's bio appears at the top, above the issues. How this works.

Candidate positions for Regional Councillor, by issue
Issue	Anna Meksavanh annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab	Colleen JamesElected (official result) colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab	Ed Edwards No website or social media listed	Eve Elizabeth Simson No website or social media listed	Joe GowingElected (official result) joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab	Kevin White No website or social media listed	Kim Huxted No website or social media listed	Mac Graham No website or social media listed	Matt RodriguesElected (official result) mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab	Michael HarrisElected (official result) No website or social media listed	Michael Wisniewski No website or social media listed	Simon Guthrie No website or social media listed
Bio	Anna Meksavanh is a candidate for Regional Councillor in Kitchener. She is endorsed by CUPE 1883, having pledged in the union's candidate survey to protect public services, oppose water privatization, and stand up for worker rights.	Colleen James is the incumbent Regional Councillor for Kitchener, seeking re-election. She describes herself as a dedicated leader, advocate and community champion with a background in leadership, education and policy. She serves as Chair of Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development at the Region of Waterloo, where she says her work focuses on resilient communities, innovation and responsible growth, rooted in collaboration, transparency and sustainability.	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	Joe Gowing is the incumbent Regional Councillor for Kitchener, appointed by Regional Council in August 2025 to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Kari Williams; he was the Ontario Liberal candidate for Kitchener-Conestoga in the 2025 provincial election. His campaign frames his leadership as 'Practical leadership. Responsible spending. Real results,' focused on affordability and the long-term well-being of Waterloo Region. He is endorsed by CUPE 1883.	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	Matt Rodrigues is the incumbent Regional Councillor for Kitchener, seeking re-election in 2026. He joined Regional Council in 2025, appointed as the 2022 election runner-up to fill a vacancy. His campaign says he is 'running to continue serving as your Regional Councillor because we need steady leadership to achieve our full potential,' working 'to build a responsive and affordable Kitchener.' He is endorsed by CUPE 1883.	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?	No bio on record. Know something?
HousingWill I be able to afford to live here?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. Gowing: measure housing success by homes people can afford — public land, master leasing, tax relief tied to genuine affordability. Continue work on a Municipal Housing Corporation as a vehicle for affordable and lower-income rental housing. Make appropriate Region-owned land available for affordable housing, partner with non-profit and co-operative housing providers, preserve existing affordable rental housing, and make better use of existing buildings through acquisition or master leasing. Support property-tax relief tied to genuine, measurable affordability and work with area municipalities to reduce unnecessary housing-approval delays. Build housing across the spectrum — supportive, deeply affordable, affordable rental, missing-middle and market — and measure results by how many homes people can actually afford, not units approved. “Most importantly, we should measure results by how many homes people can actually afford, not simply by the number of units approved.” (several paragraphs) Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Joe Gowing · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High Gowing is advancing work on a Municipal Housing Corporation as a practical housing tool. Advance a Municipal Housing Corporation for Waterloo Region Housing options reflecting different needs, incomes and stages of life “Waterloo Region needs practical new tools to help address housing challenges, and I believe a Municipal Housing Corporation can be part of that solution.” (a page or more) Source: Joe Gowing \| Regional Council, Kitchener Confidence:High Gowing: a Municipal Housing Corporation can be part of the solution to the Region's housing challenges. Gowing backs advancing a Municipal Housing Corporation as a practical new housing tool for Waterloo Region Says he has been connecting with other municipalities to learn from their experience and gathering ideas to guide a strong, effective model No publication date on site; discovered 2026-10-22; verified NOT previously extracted anywhere — PRE-WINDOW “Waterloo Region needs practical new tools to help address housing challenges, and I believe a Municipal Housing Corporation can be part of that solution.” (a page or more) Source: Joe Gowing for Regional Council, Kitchener — campaign site (A New Approach to Housing) · October 22, 2026 Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Huxted would lobby Ottawa and Queen's Park to extend HST/PST relief on housing and help seniors stay in their homes. Says the market is already helping create affordable housing as prices drop on low demand, and the HST/PST holiday is helping lower costs of all property types. Would lobby the provincial and federal governments to extend that tax relief; no housing should face those taxes in the first place. Wants a program that helps seniors stay in their homes instead of being forced out by increasing property taxes. PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline. Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “I will lobby the Provincial and Federal governments to extend that tax relief. No housing should be subjected to those taxes in the first place. I would like to see a program that will help seniors stay in their homes without being forced out due to increasing property taxes” Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Taxes & spendingWhat happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Gowing centres his campaign on fiscal responsibility and accountable spending. Plan ahead and spend responsibly at the Region Ensure every dollar spent benefits neighbourhoods Show their words & sourceHide (a page or more) “I believe Regional government works best when it plans ahead, spends responsibly, and stays focused on the needs of residents.” Source: Joe Gowing \| Regional Council, Kitchener Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Graham: responsible spending and lower tax pressures. Responsible spending. Lower tax pressures. Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence) “Responsible spending and lower tax pressures” Source: Mac Graham campaign site: Priorities · October 18, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Harris: keeping municipal taxes affordable must remain a top priority as the Region grows. Disciplined regional budgeting focused on core public services. Chaired the Region’s Finance and Budget committees 2022-2026. Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence) “Keeping municipal taxes affordable must remain a top priority as Waterloo Region continues to grow.” Source: Michael Harris campaign site: Platform · October 18, 2026 Confidence:High	Wisniewski leans against spending more on active transportation: “more of a small government kind of guy.’’ Leans “Probably not” on spending more on active transportation. Would only act to remove government barriers for citizen or interest-group proposals. Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “More of a "Probably not" than a "Hard NO". Generally speaking, I'm more of a small government kind of guy.” Source: CycleWR 2026 Candidate Survey - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · October 6, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Emergency servicesWhen I call for help, will it come fast enough?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
TransitCan I get where I need to go without driving?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Gowing wants safe, accessible, practical transportation and connectivity across the region. Safe, accessible and practical regional transportation Better connectivity across the region Show their words & sourceHide (a page or more) “Safe, accessible, and practical ways for people to move throughout the region.” Source: Joe Gowing \| Regional Council, Kitchener Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
GovernmentWill decisions be made in the open, and will anyone answer for them?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. Gowing prioritizes transparent decision-making and local public participation. Transparent decision-making at the Region Local voices and opportunities for residents to shape their community “Transparent decision-making, local voices, and opportunities for residents to help shape their community.” (a page or more) Source: Joe Gowing \| Regional Council, Kitchener Confidence:High Gowing: Regional government works best when it plans ahead, spends responsibly and stays focused on residents' needs. Gowing's governing philosophy: Regional government plans ahead, spends responsibly, stays focused on residents' needs Site lays out 10 priorities: housing/affordability, homelessness, health access, income & food security, water & environment, growth & infrastructure, transportation, Indigenous reconciliation, local democracy, fiscal responsibility No publication date on site; discovered 2026-10-22; verified NOT previously extracted anywhere (no candidate_website Gowing row in kitchener baseline, no prior deepdive-run rows, no import-file rows) — PRE-WINDOW “I believe Regional government works best when it plans ahead, spends responsibly, and stays focused on the needs of residents.” (a page or more) Source: Joe Gowing for Regional Council, Kitchener — campaign site (Joe's Vision for the Region of Waterloo) · October 22, 2026 Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Roads & infrastructureWill the things I use every day actually get fixed?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Edwards supports expanded township transit service and the start of overnight GRT service. Certainly supports expanded service to the townships and overnight service. Wants more information before fully endorsing the frequent transit network. Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “I would certainly support expanded service to the townships and the start of overnight service. I would need more information on the current stresses on transit in impacted neighbourhoods before I could comment on the frequent transit network or highway express service. While they sound good in principle, I cannot categorically support that the GRT business plan would get my full support.” Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. White backs an ambitious, robust public transit system to cut car use and emissions. Big supporter of public transit; wants more riders and fewer cars on the road. Frames transit as core to the Region’s value of care for people and land. “Yes. I'm a big supporter of public transit, and I'd like to see more people making use of it and fewer cars on the road. Supporting a more ambitious and robust public transit system makes a lot of sense to me when it comes to "care for people and the land we share". Mobility needs have to be met, emissions need to be reduced, and robust public transit can support the core value while helping to encourage active transportation and its corollary benefits.” (a few sentences) Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026 Confidence:High White, a frequent ION rider, wants ION Stage 2 expanded and more accessible. Hopes to see ION expanded and more accessible. Staff advice plus upper-government investment, following Stage 1’s reasonable delivery. “The Region's history with ION/LRT construction is one that has drawn a fair amount of public discussion, and while there were some frustrations inherent to costs, delays, and numerous studies and proposals that seemed to start and stop the development, what I seem to recall is that Stage 1 was ultimately quite a reasonable project. As the next phase of ION construction is considered, I think it is reasonable to see how other municipalities are funding these developments and consider how Waterloo Region may be able to build on its own expertise to maintain control of the project while seeing investment from upper levels of government (my understanding is that Hamilton has had substantial financial support, for example). I think there is also a need for a very clear plan that doesn't continually deviate and get renegotiated. Regional councillors do not design the routes, but they do take advice from staff about available options. Given the relative success staff apparently had with Stage 1, I'd like to see what most makes sense to them and advocate for the realization of ION Stage 2 from there. As a frequent ION rider, I very much hope to see it expanded and more accessible.” (a few sentences) Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026 Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	Huxted: zero road deaths is the only acceptable number; evidence-backed safety proposals earn her support. Supports any evidence-backed initiative, design change or policy that makes streets safer. Covers all users: walking, biking or driving. Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “Zero is the only acceptable number when we're talking about lives lost on our roads. I would support any initiative, design change, or policy shift that makes our streets genuinely safer for everyone who uses them — whether they're walking, biking, or driving. If a proposal comes to council backed by real evidence that it will reduce deaths and injuries, it deserves serious consideration and my support.” Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026 Confidence:High	Graham: keep neighbourhoods safe, roads maintained, taxes responsible, Kitchener moving forward. Back-to-basics focus on essentials. Well-maintained roads and infrastructure. Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence) “Mac Graham is running to keep neighbourhoods safe, roads maintained, taxes responsible, and Kitchener moving forward.” Source: Mac Graham campaign site: Priorities · October 18, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Harris: long-term capital investment in water systems, regional roads and public transit. Foundational services must keep pace with growth. Protects the ability to build new housing and keep the economy moving. Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence) “making the right long-term capital investments in our water systems, regional roads, and public transit to protect our ability to build new housing and keep our economy moving forward.” Source: Michael Harris campaign site: Platform · October 18, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. Guthrie wants Kitchener’s bike-cage system expanded region-wide, even if the Region takes over bike parking. Kitchener parking-garage bike cages are excellent, but the system breaks outside Kitchener. Would see a single region-wide bike-parking system, even with Region of Waterloo control. “The city of Kitchener has bike cages in their parking garages, and I've been using these for a few years. They're excellent. But the system breaks as soon as I leave Kitchener. I would like to see a single system, like the one in Kitchener, expanded region-wide. If this means that the Region of Waterloo takes over bike parking from the lower-tier municipalities, then so be it!” (a few sentences) Source: CycleWR 2026 Candidate Survey - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · October 6, 2026 Confidence:High Guthrie would consider a reasonable local contribution to keep ION Stage 2 under local control. Provincial and federal governments should carry most of the capital cost. Local control keeps the Region accountable for delivery, costs and outcomes. “Yes, I would be prepared to consider a reasonable local contribution if that were necessary to keep ION Stage 2 under strong local control. The size and financing of that contribution would matter, and I would still expect the provincial and federal governments to carry most of the capital cost. Local control has value: the Region should be accountable for project delivery, costs and outcomes rather than surrendering those decisions simply to secure funding.” (a few sentences) Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026 Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?
EconomyWill our main streets and local jobs thrive?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
EnvironmentIs the candidate protecting the nature we live in?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Huxted wants farmland better protected from inappropriate development while guiding regional growth responsibly. Running for Regional Council to guide the region's future with responsible growth while protecting greenspace and farmland. Named food security/farmland one of her top three Regional Council priorities (alongside water quality and addiction/homelessness). PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline. Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “I think we need to better protect our farmland from inappropriate development.” Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
HealthcareWill there be a doctor and a hospital when we need one?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Gowing prioritizes accessible healthcare, mental health services and community supports. Accessible healthcare and mental health services Stronger community supports Show their words & sourceHide (a page or more) “The importance of accessible healthcare, mental health services, and community supports.” Source: Joe Gowing \| Regional Council, Kitchener Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Growth & developmentHow fast should we grow, and who decides what gets built where?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Social & community servicesWho looks after the most vulnerable residents?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. Gowing wants child-care expansion judged by whether families can actually access spaces, with sustainable funding and workforce retention. Affordable child care is both a family issue and an economic issue — parents cannot fully participate in the workforce without reliable child care. Ensure CWELCC expansion continues and judge success by whether families can actually access spaces, not just the number of licensed spaces. Support sustainable operating funding, public and non-profit providers, workforce recruitment and retention, and incorporating child care into community facilities and new developments. Advocate strongly to provincial and federal governments for predictable child-care funding. “I want to ensure that expansion continues and that we pay attention not only to the number of licensed spaces, but also to whether families can actually access them.” (several paragraphs) Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Joe Gowing · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High Gowing backs a compassionate approach to homelessness and a Basic Income Guarantee. A compassionate approach to homelessness and vulnerable residents Advocate to the province for a Basic Income Guarantee to reduce poverty “A compassionate approach to homelessness and the challenges facing vulnerable residents.” (a page or more) Source: Joe Gowing \| Regional Council, Kitchener Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. Huxted says the best child-care solution is subsidized ECE education to fix the qualified-educator shortage. Says the biggest child-care problem in all regions is accessing qualified early childhood educators. Her answer to expanding affordable, high-quality child care: subsidized education for ECEs. PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline. “I think the best solution to child care is subsidized education so we can access qualified ECE's which seems to be the biggest problem with child care in all regions” (a few sentences) Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High Huxted would advocate for a regional addiction treatment and support centre — a wait list is not a solution. Named addiction and homelessness one of her top three Regional Council priorities. Calls homelessness the region's biggest inequity and says an addiction treatment centre could greatly improve outcomes for many. PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline. “I will advocate for a regional addition treatment and support centre so that those that want the help can get it when they ask for it. A wait list is not a solution to this problem” (a few sentences) Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Harris: practical, outcome-driven solutions to move people off the street into permanent supportive housing. Push provincial and federal partners for fair-share funding. Protect established Kitchener neighbourhoods from encampment safety impacts. Show their words & sourceHide (one sentence) “help people move off the street and into permanent, supportive housing.” Source: Michael Harris campaign site: Platform · October 18, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Active transportationCan I walk and bike safely around town?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Arts & cultureDoes the candidate value what makes this place feel alive?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Data centresShould energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Water & wasteIs our drinking water safe and our waste handled?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source. Gowing opposes privatizing drinking water and wastewater; ownership, control and accountability must stay firmly in public hands. Does not support privatizing drinking water or wastewater systems — decisions should be based on public health, environmental protection, reliability and long-term community needs, not private financial return. Cautious about models that move water services into separate corporate structures even where ownership technically remains public; any change must preserve transparency, public accountability and meaningful municipal control. Support public ownership and accountability, investing in employees and infrastructure, protecting groundwater recharge areas, strengthening conservation, planning future supply, and keeping major decisions transparent. “I do not support privatizing our drinking water or wastewater systems.” (several paragraphs) Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Joe Gowing · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High Gowing pushed for stronger water protection and groundwater oversight. Stronger water protection and groundwater oversight Protect the long-term health of drinking water “Pushed for stronger water protection and groundwater oversight” (a page or more) Source: Joe Gowing \| Regional Council, Kitchener Confidence:High Think we’ve got this wrong?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Huxted wants long-term solutions to the region's water shortage, not stop-gap measures. Named water quality one of her top three Regional Council priorities. Says the Region should continue to be the decision-maker in all publicly owned water services; her answers on private-sector involvement were less definitive. Additional row: her CSGW water questionnaire row (different source) is already baselined, so this distinct statement qualifies per standing policy. PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline. Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences) “I believe we should find long term solutions to our water shortage rather than stop gap measure that only temporarily fix the ongoing problems.” Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026 Confidence:High	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?
Bylaw enforcementAre the rules fair, and are they actually enforced?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?	Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Bio

Anna Meksavanh

Anna Meksavanh is a candidate for Regional Councillor in Kitchener. She is endorsed by CUPE 1883, having pledged in the union's candidate survey to protect public services, oppose water privatization, and stand up for worker rights.

Colleen James Elected (official result)

Colleen James is the incumbent Regional Councillor for Kitchener, seeking re-election. She describes herself as a dedicated leader, advocate and community champion with a background in leadership, education and policy. She serves as Chair of Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development at the Region of Waterloo, where she says her work focuses on resilient communities, innovation and responsible growth, rooted in collaboration, transparency and sustainability.

Ed Edwards

No bio on record. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No bio on record. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

Joe Gowing is the incumbent Regional Councillor for Kitchener, appointed by Regional Council in August 2025 to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Kari Williams; he was the Ontario Liberal candidate for Kitchener-Conestoga in the 2025 provincial election. His campaign frames his leadership as 'Practical leadership. Responsible spending. Real results,' focused on affordability and the long-term well-being of Waterloo Region. He is endorsed by CUPE 1883.

Kevin White

No bio on record. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No bio on record. Know something?

Mac Graham

No bio on record. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

Matt Rodrigues is the incumbent Regional Councillor for Kitchener, seeking re-election in 2026. He joined Regional Council in 2025, appointed as the 2022 election runner-up to fill a vacancy. His campaign says he is 'running to continue serving as your Regional Councillor because we need steady leadership to achieve our full potential,' working 'to build a responsive and affordable Kitchener.' He is endorsed by CUPE 1883.

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No bio on record. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No bio on record. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No bio on record. Know something?

Housing

Will I be able to afford to live here?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Gowing: measure housing success by homes people can afford — public land, master leasing, tax relief tied to genuine affordability.

Continue work on a Municipal Housing Corporation as a vehicle for affordable and lower-income rental housing.
Make appropriate Region-owned land available for affordable housing, partner with non-profit and co-operative housing providers, preserve existing affordable rental housing, and make better use of existing buildings through acquisition or master leasing.
Support property-tax relief tied to genuine, measurable affordability and work with area municipalities to reduce unnecessary housing-approval delays.
Build housing across the spectrum — supportive, deeply affordable, affordable rental, missing-middle and market — and measure results by how many homes people can actually afford, not units approved.

“Most importantly, we should measure results by how many homes people can actually afford, not simply by the number of units approved.”

(several paragraphs)

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Joe Gowing · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Gowing is advancing work on a Municipal Housing Corporation as a practical housing tool.

Advance a Municipal Housing Corporation for Waterloo Region
Housing options reflecting different needs, incomes and stages of life

“Waterloo Region needs practical new tools to help address housing challenges, and I believe a Municipal Housing Corporation can be part of that solution.”

(a page or more)

Source: Joe Gowing | Regional Council, Kitchener

Confidence:High

Gowing: a Municipal Housing Corporation can be part of the solution to the Region's housing challenges.

Gowing backs advancing a Municipal Housing Corporation as a practical new housing tool for Waterloo Region
Says he has been connecting with other municipalities to learn from their experience and gathering ideas to guide a strong, effective model
No publication date on site; discovered 2026-10-22; verified NOT previously extracted anywhere — PRE-WINDOW

“Waterloo Region needs practical new tools to help address housing challenges, and I believe a Municipal Housing Corporation can be part of that solution.”

(a page or more)

Source: Joe Gowing for Regional Council, Kitchener — campaign site (A New Approach to Housing) · October 22, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Huxted would lobby Ottawa and Queen's Park to extend HST/PST relief on housing and help seniors stay in their homes.

Says the market is already helping create affordable housing as prices drop on low demand, and the HST/PST holiday is helping lower costs of all property types.
Would lobby the provincial and federal governments to extend that tax relief; no housing should face those taxes in the first place.
Wants a program that helps seniors stay in their homes instead of being forced out by increasing property taxes.
PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline.

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“I will lobby the Provincial and Federal governments to extend that tax relief. No housing should be subjected to those taxes in the first place. I would like to see a program that will help seniors stay in their homes without being forced out due to increasing property taxes”

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Taxes & spending

What happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Gowing centres his campaign on fiscal responsibility and accountable spending.

Plan ahead and spend responsibly at the Region
Ensure every dollar spent benefits neighbourhoods

Show their words & source (a page or more)

“I believe Regional government works best when it plans ahead, spends responsibly, and stays focused on the needs of residents.”

Source: Joe Gowing | Regional Council, Kitchener

Confidence:High

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Graham: responsible spending and lower tax pressures.

Responsible spending.
Lower tax pressures.

Show their words & source (one sentence)

“Responsible spending and lower tax pressures”

Source: Mac Graham campaign site: Priorities · October 18, 2026

Confidence:High

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Harris: keeping municipal taxes affordable must remain a top priority as the Region grows.

Disciplined regional budgeting focused on core public services.
Chaired the Region’s Finance and Budget committees 2022-2026.

Show their words & source (one sentence)

“Keeping municipal taxes affordable must remain a top priority as Waterloo Region continues to grow.”

Source: Michael Harris campaign site: Platform · October 18, 2026

Confidence:High

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Wisniewski leans against spending more on active transportation: “more of a small government kind of guy.’’

Leans “Probably not” on spending more on active transportation.
Would only act to remove government barriers for citizen or interest-group proposals.

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“More of a "Probably not" than a "Hard NO". Generally speaking, I'm more of a small government kind of guy.”

Source: CycleWR 2026 Candidate Survey - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · October 6, 2026

Confidence:High

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Emergency services

When I call for help, will it come fast enough?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Transit

Can I get where I need to go without driving?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Gowing wants safe, accessible, practical transportation and connectivity across the region.

Safe, accessible and practical regional transportation
Better connectivity across the region

Show their words & source (a page or more)

“Safe, accessible, and practical ways for people to move throughout the region.”

Source: Joe Gowing | Regional Council, Kitchener

Confidence:High

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Government

Will decisions be made in the open, and will anyone answer for them?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Gowing prioritizes transparent decision-making and local public participation.

Transparent decision-making at the Region
Local voices and opportunities for residents to shape their community

“Transparent decision-making, local voices, and opportunities for residents to help shape their community.”

(a page or more)

Source: Joe Gowing | Regional Council, Kitchener

Confidence:High

Gowing: Regional government works best when it plans ahead, spends responsibly and stays focused on residents' needs.

Gowing's governing philosophy: Regional government plans ahead, spends responsibly, stays focused on residents' needs
Site lays out 10 priorities: housing/affordability, homelessness, health access, income & food security, water & environment, growth & infrastructure, transportation, Indigenous reconciliation, local democracy, fiscal responsibility
No publication date on site; discovered 2026-10-22; verified NOT previously extracted anywhere (no candidate_website Gowing row in kitchener baseline, no prior deepdive-run rows, no import-file rows) — PRE-WINDOW

“I believe Regional government works best when it plans ahead, spends responsibly, and stays focused on the needs of residents.”

(a page or more)

Source: Joe Gowing for Regional Council, Kitchener — campaign site (Joe's Vision for the Region of Waterloo) · October 22, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Roads & infrastructure

Will the things I use every day actually get fixed?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Edwards supports expanded township transit service and the start of overnight GRT service.

Certainly supports expanded service to the townships and overnight service.
Wants more information before fully endorsing the frequent transit network.

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“I would certainly support expanded service to the townships and the start of overnight service. I would need more information on the current stresses on transit in impacted neighbourhoods before I could comment on the frequent transit network or highway express service. While they sound good in principle, I cannot categorically support that the GRT business plan would get my full support.”

Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026

Confidence:High

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

White backs an ambitious, robust public transit system to cut car use and emissions.

Big supporter of public transit; wants more riders and fewer cars on the road.
Frames transit as core to the Region’s value of care for people and land.

“Yes. I'm a big supporter of public transit, and I'd like to see more people making use of it and fewer cars on the road. Supporting a more ambitious and robust public transit system makes a lot of sense to me when it comes to "care for people and the land we share". Mobility needs have to be met, emissions need to be reduced, and robust public transit can support the core value while helping to encourage active transportation and its corollary benefits.”

(a few sentences)

Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026

Confidence:High

White, a frequent ION rider, wants ION Stage 2 expanded and more accessible.

Hopes to see ION expanded and more accessible.
Staff advice plus upper-government investment, following Stage 1’s reasonable delivery.

“The Region's history with ION/LRT construction is one that has drawn a fair amount of public discussion, and while there were some frustrations inherent to costs, delays, and numerous studies and proposals that seemed to start and stop the development, what I seem to recall is that Stage 1 was ultimately quite a reasonable project. As the next phase of ION construction is considered, I think it is reasonable to see how other municipalities are funding these developments and consider how Waterloo Region may be able to build on its own expertise to maintain control of the project while seeing investment from upper levels of government (my understanding is that Hamilton has had substantial financial support, for example). I think there is also a need for a very clear plan that doesn't continually deviate and get renegotiated. Regional councillors do not design the routes, but they do take advice from staff about available options. Given the relative success staff apparently had with Stage 1, I'd like to see what most makes sense to them and advocate for the realization of ION Stage 2 from there. As a frequent ION rider, I very much hope to see it expanded and more accessible.”

(a few sentences)

Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Huxted: zero road deaths is the only acceptable number; evidence-backed safety proposals earn her support.

Supports any evidence-backed initiative, design change or policy that makes streets safer.
Covers all users: walking, biking or driving.

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“Zero is the only acceptable number when we're talking about lives lost on our roads. I would support any initiative, design change, or policy shift that makes our streets genuinely safer for everyone who uses them — whether they're walking, biking, or driving. If a proposal comes to council backed by real evidence that it will reduce deaths and injuries, it deserves serious consideration and my support.”

Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026

Confidence:High

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Graham: keep neighbourhoods safe, roads maintained, taxes responsible, Kitchener moving forward.

Back-to-basics focus on essentials.
Well-maintained roads and infrastructure.

Show their words & source (one sentence)

“Mac Graham is running to keep neighbourhoods safe, roads maintained, taxes responsible, and Kitchener moving forward.”

Source: Mac Graham campaign site: Priorities · October 18, 2026

Confidence:High

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Harris: long-term capital investment in water systems, regional roads and public transit.

Foundational services must keep pace with growth.
Protects the ability to build new housing and keep the economy moving.

Show their words & source (one sentence)

“making the right long-term capital investments in our water systems, regional roads, and public transit to protect our ability to build new housing and keep our economy moving forward.”

Source: Michael Harris campaign site: Platform · October 18, 2026

Confidence:High

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Guthrie wants Kitchener’s bike-cage system expanded region-wide, even if the Region takes over bike parking.

Kitchener parking-garage bike cages are excellent, but the system breaks outside Kitchener.
Would see a single region-wide bike-parking system, even with Region of Waterloo control.

“The city of Kitchener has bike cages in their parking garages, and I've been using these for a few years. They're excellent. But the system breaks as soon as I leave Kitchener. I would like to see a single system, like the one in Kitchener, expanded region-wide. If this means that the Region of Waterloo takes over bike parking from the lower-tier municipalities, then so be it!”

(a few sentences)

Source: CycleWR 2026 Candidate Survey - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · October 6, 2026

Confidence:High

Guthrie would consider a reasonable local contribution to keep ION Stage 2 under local control.

Provincial and federal governments should carry most of the capital cost.
Local control keeps the Region accountable for delivery, costs and outcomes.

“Yes, I would be prepared to consider a reasonable local contribution if that were necessary to keep ION Stage 2 under strong local control. The size and financing of that contribution would matter, and I would still expect the provincial and federal governments to carry most of the capital cost. Local control has value: the Region should be accountable for project delivery, costs and outcomes rather than surrendering those decisions simply to secure funding.”

(a few sentences)

Source: TriTAG 2026 Election Questionnaire - Kitchener Regional Councillor responses · September 29, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Economy

Will our main streets and local jobs thrive?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Environment

Is the candidate protecting the nature we live in?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Huxted wants farmland better protected from inappropriate development while guiding regional growth responsibly.

Running for Regional Council to guide the region's future with responsible growth while protecting greenspace and farmland.
Named food security/farmland one of her top three Regional Council priorities (alongside water quality and addiction/homelessness).
PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline.

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“I think we need to better protect our farmland from inappropriate development.”

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Healthcare

Will there be a doctor and a hospital when we need one?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Gowing prioritizes accessible healthcare, mental health services and community supports.

Accessible healthcare and mental health services
Stronger community supports

Show their words & source (a page or more)

“The importance of accessible healthcare, mental health services, and community supports.”

Source: Joe Gowing | Regional Council, Kitchener

Confidence:High

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Growth & development

How fast should we grow, and who decides what gets built where?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Who looks after the most vulnerable residents?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Gowing wants child-care expansion judged by whether families can actually access spaces, with sustainable funding and workforce retention.

Affordable child care is both a family issue and an economic issue — parents cannot fully participate in the workforce without reliable child care.
Ensure CWELCC expansion continues and judge success by whether families can actually access spaces, not just the number of licensed spaces.
Support sustainable operating funding, public and non-profit providers, workforce recruitment and retention, and incorporating child care into community facilities and new developments.
Advocate strongly to provincial and federal governments for predictable child-care funding.

“I want to ensure that expansion continues and that we pay attention not only to the number of licensed spaces, but also to whether families can actually access them.”

(several paragraphs)

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Joe Gowing · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Gowing backs a compassionate approach to homelessness and a Basic Income Guarantee.

A compassionate approach to homelessness and vulnerable residents
Advocate to the province for a Basic Income Guarantee to reduce poverty

“A compassionate approach to homelessness and the challenges facing vulnerable residents.”

(a page or more)

Source: Joe Gowing | Regional Council, Kitchener

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Huxted says the best child-care solution is subsidized ECE education to fix the qualified-educator shortage.

Says the biggest child-care problem in all regions is accessing qualified early childhood educators.
Her answer to expanding affordable, high-quality child care: subsidized education for ECEs.
PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline.

“I think the best solution to child care is subsidized education so we can access qualified ECE's which seems to be the biggest problem with child care in all regions”

(a few sentences)

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Huxted would advocate for a regional addiction treatment and support centre — a wait list is not a solution.

Named addiction and homelessness one of her top three Regional Council priorities.
Calls homelessness the region's biggest inequity and says an addiction treatment centre could greatly improve outcomes for many.
PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline.

“I will advocate for a regional addition treatment and support centre so that those that want the help can get it when they ask for it. A wait list is not a solution to this problem”

(a few sentences)

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Harris: practical, outcome-driven solutions to move people off the street into permanent supportive housing.

Push provincial and federal partners for fair-share funding.
Protect established Kitchener neighbourhoods from encampment safety impacts.

Show their words & source (one sentence)

“help people move off the street and into permanent, supportive housing.”

Source: Michael Harris campaign site: Platform · October 18, 2026

Confidence:High

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Active transportation

Can I walk and bike safely around town?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Arts & culture

Does the candidate value what makes this place feel alive?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Data centres

Should energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Water & waste

Is our drinking water safe and our waste handled?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Gowing opposes privatizing drinking water and wastewater; ownership, control and accountability must stay firmly in public hands.

Does not support privatizing drinking water or wastewater systems — decisions should be based on public health, environmental protection, reliability and long-term community needs, not private financial return.
Cautious about models that move water services into separate corporate structures even where ownership technically remains public; any change must preserve transparency, public accountability and meaningful municipal control.
Support public ownership and accountability, investing in employees and infrastructure, protecting groundwater recharge areas, strengthening conservation, planning future supply, and keeping major decisions transparent.

“I do not support privatizing our drinking water or wastewater systems.”

(several paragraphs)

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Joe Gowing · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Gowing pushed for stronger water protection and groundwater oversight.

Stronger water protection and groundwater oversight
Protect the long-term health of drinking water

“Pushed for stronger water protection and groundwater oversight”

(a page or more)

Source: Joe Gowing | Regional Council, Kitchener

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Kevin White

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Kim Huxted

No website or social media listed

Huxted wants long-term solutions to the region's water shortage, not stop-gap measures.

Named water quality one of her top three Regional Council priorities.
Says the Region should continue to be the decision-maker in all publicly owned water services; her answers on private-sector involvement were less definitive.
Additional row: her CSGW water questionnaire row (different source) is already baselined, so this distinct statement qualifies per standing policy.
PRE-WINDOW: CUPE 1883 survey answers published ~2026-10-16; individually verified never extracted in any prior run or baseline.

Show their words & source (a few sentences)

“I believe we should find long term solutions to our water shortage rather than stop gap measure that only temporarily fix the ongoing problems.”

Source: CUPE 1883 candidate survey answers — Kim Huxted · October 16, 2026

Confidence:High

Mac Graham

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Bylaw enforcement

Are the rules fair, and are they actually enforced?

Anna Meksavanh

annameksavanh.ca — Anna Meksavanh’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Colleen James Elected (official result)

colleen-james.ca — Colleen James’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Ed Edwards

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Eve Elizabeth Simson

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

joe-gowing.com — Joe Gowing’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

mattrodrigues.ca — Matt Rodrigues’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Michael Wisniewski

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Simon Guthrie

No website or social media listed

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Something wrong here?

Candidates and members of the public can both report a correction. Corrections from candidates about their own positions are handled first.

Report a correction →

Results source: City of Kitchener — Certificate of Election Results for Regional Councillor (City Clerk Amanda Fusco, Oct 27, 2026)

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Transit

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Roads & infrastructure

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Economy

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Environment

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Healthcare

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Joe Gowing Elected (official result)

Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

Colleen James Elected (official result)

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Matt Rodrigues Elected (official result)

Michael Harris Elected (official result)

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