Corey Kimpson
Age: 47
Occupation: Business owner
How long have you lived in Cambridge?
47 years
Do you reside in the ward/city you are running in?
Yes I do, in my childhood home actually.
Why are you running in this election?
Cambridge is my home and I want our community to be inclusive, accessible, vibrant, fun and safe. I want to preserve our unique history, character and architecture, while building a community that my children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy.
What qualifies you to represent your ward?
As an engaged member of our community, I have participated in public service for the better part of three decades in a variety of capacities- from local BIA (Business Improvement Area) committees to chairing the Patient and Family Advisory Council and co-chairing the Strategic Planning Committee at our local hospital. In all my work and interactions, I bring a positive and collaborative approach.
Why should people vote for you?
I bring a proven track record as a long-standing community volunteer, engaged community member, successful business owner and community connector to the table. I live, work and raise my family in this ward and I feel I can represent the residents of Ward 3 and Cambridge with a positive and effective voice.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of the ward?
- Creating and maintaining a thriving community, specifically the Preston core area,
- Balancing the community we love and are attached to with new development and growth,
- Facilitating community safety and integrative neighbourhoods.
What do you see as the main issues facing residents of Cambridge on a broader scale?
Again, my concerns for Ward 3 are also echoed in the Cambridge community as a whole.
1.We must create conditions for thriving healthcare and business as we must attract the workers to our community. By providing an attractive community in which they too can live and raise their families, we are investing in long-term security and economic stability.
2. Advocating and lobbying for a full continuum of housing at all levels of government.
3. Facilitating community safety and integrative neighbourhoods. Our community members must feel safe, secure and supported in Cambridge.
What is the most important thing you want to see changed in Cambridge?
I would like to improve engagement between residents and the City. I feel this can be accomplished through responsive and open channels of communication. Working together to build trust and engagement will lead to a government working to truly meet the needs of our community and a community who is pleased with the result.
What services need to be improved in Cambridge?
Cambridge is a dynamic city and I would strive to ensure that all services are being offered in the most efficient and effective manner possible. I do not believe in settling for "good enough" and we should be continually evaluating the services we provide to ensure they are meeting the needs of our community, discontinuing services that are no longer required and introducing new services as required.
Is Cambridge growing too fast, just the right amount, or not fast enough? Oh boy. I think that depends on who you ask. In some areas one might suggest growth is occurring too quickly. There are a number of large projects that will bring tens of thousands of units, not people into our community. We must plan now to ensure the infrastructure we need to handle this growth is in place. At the same token, we have to be innovative and inspiring with our planning. Think big and plan not just for today, but for the future as well.
What can be done at the local level about the rising cost of housing?
Looking at the entire housing continuum and ensuring that a clear and efficient process is in place for those who are able and willing to add to our housing inventory. The cost of housing is not exclusive to Cambridge, it is a boom seen by other areas where economic development and growth is flourishing.
What can be done locally about the homelessness issue?
Working collaboratively with all levels of government and community partners to break down siloed activity and provide a more streamlined and effective process for all members of our community to make the most efficient use of our resources.
How do we make Cambridge an even better city to live in? By being the best people we can be every single day and inspiring one another. I look forward to the opportunity to bring a positive vision and enthusiasm to the council table.
Any link to an election website or social media account: www.coreykimpson.ca; [email protected];
