Shannon Adshade
Age: 59
Occupation: Cambridge City Councillor/ Retired Special Education Teacher WRDSB
How long have you lived in Cambridge?
I have lived in Cambridge for my entire life except when I attended University.
Do you reside in the ward/city you are running in?
I am running in Ward 6 which I reside in.
Why are you running in this election?
I am running because it has been an honour and privilege to represent Ward 6 residents and I would like to continue on for 4 more years. Also, there are many issues that need attention I would like to focus on.
What qualifies you to represent your ward?
I believe my experience over the last eight years qualifies me to represent my ward and gives me an ability to understand the issues and programs affecting the City of Cambridge.
Why should people vote for you?
I believe people should vote for me, like my campaign statement on my pamphlet states, experience, knowledge and commitment. I believe strongly I can represent my ward and city with these qualities.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of the ward?
One of the main issues in my ward is taking action to lower speed limits in residential and school zones to make for safer streets for residents and cyclists. The community has let me know that speeding drivers are a real concern in neighborhoods. Also, an appropriate balance needs to maintained for the planning and development in my Ward. There will be new growth and development in my ward but we need to ensure this new development is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of Cambridge on a broader scale?
The main issues facing the city is the appropriate extension of ION rail to Cambridge.We need to lobby the regional and provincial governments to make sure the ION expansion benefits the city. Also, we need to continue to lobby the regional and provincial governments to bring long overdue Go Train Service to Cambridge. Furthermore, we need to let the Waterloo Regional Police Service know we need increased police presence in Cambridge, including foot patrols in our downtown cores, to combat crime.
Finally, we need to work with the region to promote the development of affordable housing. There is a real need to develop affordable housing in our community and for our vulnerable population.
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Cambridge?
The services that need to be improved in Cambridge are affordable housing, ION and Go Train Service and Police Presence in our community.
Is Cambridge growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough?
I would say many Cambridge residents would say Cambridge is growing too fast. There will always be growth and development but we need to ensure it is compatible in our neighborhoods and city.
What can be done at the local level about the rising cost of housing and homeless crisis?
We need to work with the, federal, provincial and regional governments to ensure the rising cost of housing and homelessness is addressed.
Also, we need to work with developers to increase the number of homes available as there is a real demand for new housing. Furthermore, we need to give developers incentives to build affordable housing projects.
How do we make Cambridge an even better city to live in?
We can make Cambridge an even better place to live if we continue to improve our recreational facilities. We have made some real improvements but still could do some more. Also, we need to facilitate the appropriate development of the ION Rail and GO Train service to Cambridge. Furthermore, we need to increase our housing stock, including affordable housing, and the police presence In our community.
