Issues

Councillor Ioannidis takes a holistic approach to city governance and understands that all city services and programs are interdependent. We can't have a strong and successful economic development strategy if we don't invest in things like a clean environment, affordable housing,  a vibrant arts scene and quality infrastructure that make our community an attractive place to live and keeps talented people and business in Kitchener. Bil works with all members of our community to understand how each decision that the city might make will impact taxpayers, businesses and community groups and ensures that he supports ideas that are not only good in the moment but right for our future. We encourage you to examine Bil's stance on the issues and get to know his record, then join the conversation and let him know what you think because only together will we create a strong, sustainable Kitchener.  

Jobs and Economic Development

Bil Supports:  
  • Supporting the development of the tech super-cluster to grow good paying jobs
  • Attracting new business through Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation and the Waterloo Region Manufacturing Innovation Network 
  • Investing in Communitech, University of Waterloo Velocity program incubation spaces for startups and the cities own smart cities initiative to make Kitchener more attractive for investment
  • Ensuring that small and large businesses alike are connected to city services that help them grow and remain in our community
Bil's Record
  • Actively recruited businesses to Kitchener
  • Connecting with Ontario Creates to promote our city and help create local media content
  • Leading the effort to establish a film industry cluster in Kitchener
  • Helped create and support the award winning MAKE IT KITCHENER 2.0 economic strategy
  • Assisting local tech start-ups in connecting with city resources to help them grow 
  • Strongly supports and promotes the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation and Waterloo Region Manufacturing Innovation Network
  • Supported our communities secondary institutions UW Health Sciences Campus and Conestoga Colleges School of Creative Industries 

Transportation

Bil Supports:
  • The expansion of multi-use trails and cycling paths
  • Investment in the cities transportation network and infrastructure
  • Continue to address concerns with the expansion of Highland Road to lessen congestion and improve safety 
  • Traffic calming in Ward 7 and investment in new passive calming measures (mobile 40Km signs)
  • Continue to work with our regional partners on roundabout safety and noise concerns
Bil's Record 
  • Supported the cities Complete Streets policy for all users
  • Supported the cities Vision Zero Strategy which focuses on safety 
  • Supported and provided budget to the cities Cycling and Trails Master Plan
  • Adopted reduced speed limits city wide to 40KM and 30KM school zones
  • Approved Iron Horse Trail improvements
  • Approved Monarch Woods trail and bridge improvements

Environmental Sustainability 

Bil Supports:
  • Continued initiatives to lessen congestion and promote walking, cycling and public transportation
  • Increased investment in efficient lighting and reduction of light pollution
  • The full and active implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan
  • The naturalization of underutilized city parks and lands
  • The protection and increased budget of the city's Tree Canopy 
Bil's Record
  • Put forward motions to ban single use plastic and flushable wipes. Adopted by 50+ municipalities
  • Working in support of the Community Climate Action Plan which set goals to reduce greenhouse gases
  • Forest Heights Pool Solar wall providing sustainable heat to the pool
  • Actively supported the city's tree canopy 
  • Supported the cities Anti-idling policy

Seniors

Bil Supports:
  • Expanding the Forest Heights Community Centre to include a seniors recreation centre
  • Increasing city support for pickleball, the fastest growing seniors sport in Canada 
  • Increased funding for seniors programming throughout the city
  • Keeping the tax rate the lowest in the region to help seniors stay in their homes longer
Bil's Record
  • Supporting the development of a seniors facility addition to the Forest Heights Community Centre
  • Supported Lanark Place #lovemyhood community project 
  • Participated as member of the cities Age Friendly Committee and the establishment of an a age friendly policy
  • Attained the designation Certified Professional Consultant on Aging to gain greater insights into the needs of our aging population

Taxes and Spending

Bil Supports:
  • A fair tax assessment that respects tax payers hard earned dollars
  • Keeping spending within the average rate of inflation
  • Increasing the number of public-private partnerships to lower expenditures 
  • Eliminating waste in the city's budget by cutting programs that aren't producing results for citizens

Bil's Record
  • Only voted for budgets that were within the average rate of inflation. Successfully achieved lowest taxed municipality within Waterloo Region
  • Significantly reduced city deficits (AAA rating)  
  • Aggressively supporting public-private partnerships to lower the tax burden of residents
  • The only area municipality to have 4 successful budgets under or on the rate of inflation increases and still increase city services

Culture and Recreation 

Bil Supports:
  • A vibrant city that supports arts, culture and recreation
  • Expanding opportunities for young people to participate in organized sports
  • Additional sporting facilities to support the growing demand for sports like soccer and hockey
  • The continued expansion of arts and culture in Kitchener through organizations like The Museum and the Blues Fest
Bil's Record
  • Forest Heights Community Centre funding in capital forecast. ($6 million)
  • Supported the funding and design of the cities newest district park RBJ Schlegel Park -Reduce pressure on Forest Heights Pool
  • Supported the renovation of Forest Heights KPL
  • Worked with philanthropists in the donation of "Survivor Garden" - Coming soon Victoria Park
Let Bil Know What You Think By Clicking the Link Below:
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