Economic development and Out of the Cold topics at Waterloo mayor’s debate

Four candidates running for Waterloo’s top job were the latest to debate the issues at a forum hosted by the Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber constantly strives to attract new businesses and investments to Waterloo Region.

Candidate Erika Traub thinks the region’s pending creation of the Economic Development Corporation is a bold idea and believes private investments are the key to economic growth in the city.

“I think the city needs to have a culture where we enable the private sector to make roots here.”

Candidate Dave MacDonald says in order for people to want to establish a business in Waterloo the community needs to be more welcoming.

“They need to be able to come to city hall to be accepted. Not be given all sorts of blockades to what they want to do.”

Since there are two mayors that are not running in this election, after October 27th there will be some new faces at Regional Council meetings. Candidate Dave Jaworsky thinks the top issue that needs to be discussed is the Out of the Cold program.

“We need action now, I think a lot of people have heard in the media there are things going on with Out of the Cold. That will be my priority to make progress on that file.”

Rami Said agrees with Jaworsky’s approach on Out of the Cold and thinks we need to stop relying on the churches and start finding new solutions.

Erika Traub thinks we lost out on the opportunity to work with the churches and volunteers.

The forum took place Thursday afternoon at the Waterloo Rec. Complex.

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