Election Issue Backgrounders

Here are a few topics that have come up frequently during the election. This list is not comprehensive; it mentions a few widely discussed issues, along with a few pointers to background information.

Drinking Water Capacity

In December 2025 Waterloo Region identified a water capacity issue at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant.

The region has published a proposed Timeline of Solutions to resolve the issue by 2031.

Drinking water supply is a regional issue, but it affects development in the cities and townships, which issue development permits.

• Long-term plan to address water capacity issues needed as Waterloo region grows, CBC, December 5, 2025.

Homelessness and Encampments

There have been several controversial homelesss encampments in the region. One at 100 Victoria St in Kitchener has been subject to a provincial lawsuit. Both regional and city governments are trying to deal with this problem.

• Region of Waterloo loses legal bid to clear Kitchener encampment, CTV Kitchener, May 22, 2026.
• Cambridge council votes in support of motion to clear encampments, CBC, November 6, 2024.