Cambridge and Waterloo Region are growing quickly, and with that growth comes the responsibility to plan ahead instead of reacting after problems become crises. Growth isn't just about building more homes - it’s about building complete communities where people have access to the infrastructure, services, and support they need to thrive.

Bryan’s Platform

MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS

Cambridge is growing, and we need to make sure people who live here today and those who want to call our city home in the future have access to housing they can afford. The longer we wait to act, the more difficult and expensive these challenges will become.

We need to plan for growth now by supporting diverse housing options, including mixed-income communities, missing-middle housing, supportive housing, and emergency shelter options. Regional Council has an important role in developing, funding, and supporting housing solutions, but we also need to work collaboratively with community organizations, builders, and partners to reduce barriers and create housing more efficiently.

A CONNECTED & MODERN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Transportation should connect people to opportunity. Whether someone drives, cycles, walks, or takes transit, residents deserve a system that is safe, reliable, and allows them to access jobs, education, healthcare, and the rest of the region.

Cambridge has been underserved when it comes to regional transportation investment, and bringing the LRT to Cambridge is an important step in creating a more connected region. We also need to modernize our roads and create safer, better-connected cycling and active transportation options so residents have more affordable and accessible ways to move throughout our community.

AFFORDABILITY AND SUPPORTING RESIDENTS THROUGH CHANGE

As costs continue to rise, local government must be responsible with every dollar it spends. We need budgets that focus on the services residents rely on every day and investments that benefit the broader community. That means supporting affordable housing, food security programs, family and youth services, and creating opportunities for people at all skill levels. It also means protecting and growing the advanced manufacturing and industrial sectors that have been central to Cambridge’s success. Cambridge has enormous potential, but we need to make sure growth improves people's lives. By planning ahead, investing wisely, and focusing on the needs of residents, we can build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A GROWING REGION

As our population grows, more people rely on the services we use every day - from our roads and trails to our water systems and waste management. We need to plan for growth instead of reacting after problems arise.

One of the biggest challenges facing our region is ensuring we have a long-term water supply strategy that can support future growth while protecting one of our most valuable resources. We also need to maintain the infrastructure we already have through consistent road, trail, and facility maintenance so we can prevent costly repairs and keep our communities safe and connected.

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE THAT MAKES SENSE

Safer communities are built by making sure people receive the right support at the right time. Expanding programs like Community Paramedicine can provide in-home health assessments and ongoing support that help prevent unnecessary emergency visits.

We also need greater access to community-based mental health and addiction services so people can receive support before reaching a crisis. By matching people with the right services, we can improve outcomes for residents while allowing emergency responders to focus on the situations where they are needed most.

A COMPASSIONATE APPROACH TO HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness is something many residents see every day, particularly in our downtowns, and it affects our entire community. No one should have to sleep outside because they have nowhere else to go, and residents should also feel safe and supported in the neighbourhoods they call home.

People experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or addiction are members of our community, and they deserve solutions that help them rebuild their lives. That means investing in supportive housing where people can access mental health care, addiction treatment, employment assistance, and case management in one place. It also means investing earlier through youth mental health services, family supports, eviction prevention programs, and services for seniors before people reach a crisis.

We need to focus on solutions that are proven to work. Success is not measured by moving encampments from one location to another or producing another report - it is measured by fewer people experiencing homelessness, healthier communities, and safer public spaces for everyone.

By acting earlier, working collaboratively with community partners, and investing in evidence-based solutions, we can create lasting change while using public resources responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I would like to see a more connected Cambridge - one where our three historic downtowns and communities feel united while continuing to celebrate the unique identity of each.

    One of Cambridge’s greatest strengths is its history. Galt, Preston, and Hespeler each have their own character, traditions, and sense of community, and preserving those identities is an important part of what makes Cambridge special. As our city grows, we shouldn't lose that. Instead, we should build stronger connections between our communities so residents can more easily experience everything our city has to offer.

    That means improving transportation, supporting vibrant public spaces, encouraging people to shop and explore across the city, and investing in the businesses, events, and cultural experiences that bring people together.

    When our communities are better connected, we strengthen our local economy, support small businesses, and create more opportunities for residents to enjoy the rich history, restaurants, festivals, and culture that make Cambridge unique.

    I want Cambridge to feel like one connected city - not because our historic communities become the same, but because they are all celebrated, supported, and accessible.

    We can grow together while protecting the character and identity that make each part of Cambridge feel like home.

  • The most important thing I don't want to see change in Cambridge is the way people show up for each other. One of the things that makes this city so special is the pride people have in their communities. Galt, Preston, and Hespeler each have their own history, character, and traditions, and residents continue to show their love for those communities through the events they organize, the businesses they support, and the ways they come together to help one another.

    I've seen our community show up for one person in the same way I've seen one person show up for our community. Whether it's celebrating together, supporting a neighbour through a difficult time, or creating spaces where people feel like they belong, Cambridge has a way of reminding people that they are cared for. That's something I experienced when I moved here, and it's something I hope every person who comes to Cambridge experiences as well.

    That is what it means to be a good neighbour. It's welcoming people, celebrating our differences, and making sure everyone feels safe, valued, and included.

    As Cambridge continues to grow, I never want us to lose that human connection. Our history, our neighbourhoods, and our traditions are important—but what truly makes Cambridge special is the people who care for one another.

  • Cambridge has so much to offer, and that's why people want to be part of our community. I don't think the question is whether Cambridge is growing too fast or too slowly—the question is whether we are prepared to grow in a way that supports the people who already live here while welcoming those who want to call Cambridge home. Growth brings opportunity, but it also comes with responsibility. As our population increases, we need to make sure our housing, transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community services grow with us. That means planning ahead instead of waiting until people are already feeling the impacts of growth. We need to advocate for the public service workers in child care, transportation, facilities and environmental management, waste management, while also supporting the healthcare professionals who care for us every day. Our frontline workers shouldn't be expected to meet growing demand without the resources and support they deserve.

    Cambridge has a unique history and identity, and responsible growth means protecting what makes us special while investing in what we need for the future. The decisions we make today will shape the Cambridge of tomorrow. Our responsibility as leaders is to plan collaboratively, act efficiently, and ensure our city grows in a way that benefits everyone who lives here.

  • Cambridge is a great city because it has always been built by people who come together to solve problems, support one another, and create something meaningful. Our history has shaped who we are today. Our strong manufacturing roots helped build a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, farmers, and skilled tradespeople who continue to contribute to the success of our city. We have a proud history of creativity, from our arts and music communities to the festivals and events that bring people together. We have also seen generations of athletes grow and succeed through the dedication of the people who support our local arenas, fields, and recreation spaces.

    But what makes Cambridge truly special isn't just what we have - it’s the people who make it what it is. I've lived in many communities across Ontario, and Cambridge stands out because of the connection people have to one another. You get to know your neighbours. You see people showing up for local businesses, community events, and each other. That sense of belonging is something worth protecting as Cambridge continues to grow. We have the opportunity to build on our history while creating a future that welcomes new ideas, new residents, and new opportunities.

    Cambridge is a city with deep roots, a strong spirit, and people who care about where they live. That's what makes it a great place to live, work, and play.