Innisfil Ward 4: Alex Waters brings experience in sustainability, urban geography work

We asked the Innisfil municipal election candidates to introduce themselves. Here is what Waters had to say

Alex Waters is running for Ward 4 councillor in Innisfil. Submitted photo

Together, let’s build a better Innisfil.

I am a 30-year resident of Ward 4 Innisfil.

My background includes two degrees — in environmental studies/geography, and in education.

Over the decades, I’ve held a series of positions centred on energy-efficient housing, renewable energy, watershed conservation, the environment, and education.

They include manager of the Kortright Centre for Conservation, Canada’s largest environmental education centre; project manager for the Archetype Sustainable House project with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA); national education co-ordinator of Ducks Unlimited Canada; manager of EnviroMark a not-for-profit organization in Markham that helped thousands of homeowners save money on their household energy bills.

I’m semi-retired and consult on passive house design and construction.

My family has built two energy-efficient homes in Innisfil, the latest being a passive house which is the most energy-efficient home in Innisfil. This building expertise contributes to my familiarity with the laws and bylaws governing local house construction and urban planning.

My education and experience lend themselves well to the special concerns of Ward 4 residents.

Specifically, my background in conservation management brings important expertise to the issue of regular flooding in the ward.

My work in sustainability and education in geography — in particular, urban geography — is directly applicable to Innisfil’s issues of public transportation, growth, and development.

I have also sat on school council and coached soccer while my kids were growing up in Innisfil.

My key platform plans are to:

Build safe sidewalks and bike paths
Reduce flooding
Encourage smart growth and development — build a livable, walkable and vibrant downtown
Reduce hydro rates
Make Innisfil council more transparent and accountable.

I’m passionate about my community and believe our efforts will bring innovative and collaborative solutions to the challenges of growth, governance, sustainability, in order to build an affordable, safe and livable community.

Ward 4 candidates: Alex Waters, Matthew Kenney, Bill McConnell, Christian Pitcher, and Inna Shafir.

McConnell did not respond to BradfordToday's requests for comment.