In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher sits down with Shannon Weber, a candidate for Mayor of Waterloo, to discuss her experience in municipal government, why she is running for mayor, and the issues she says matter to Waterloo residents. Shannon shares how her previous work at the City of Kitchener, including serving as Chief of Staff in the Office of Mayor and Council, has shaped her approach to municipal leadership, resident service, and local government. This episode offers insight into Shannon and her perspective on key issues facing the City of Waterloo, including affordability and property taxes, transparency at City Hall, community engagement, neighbourhood safety, and municipal service delivery.
In this episode you will hear:
- [00:26] - Meet Shannon Weber and hear about her connection to Waterloo, her family, and her involvement in the community.
- [02:11] - Shannon shares her experience at the City of Kitchener and what she learned about municipal leadership and resident service.
- [04:27] - Why Shannon decided to run for Mayor of Waterloo and what is motivating her campaign.
- [06:40] - Shannon reflects on her previous mayoral campaign and the experience she has gained in the four years since.
- [11:04] - The key concerns Shannon says she is hearing from residents, including affordability, taxes, infrastructure, and accountability.
- [15:34] - Neighbourhood concerns, tree planting, and Shannon’s thoughts on improving city services and communication with residents.
- [20:23] - Cher and Shannon discuss rebuilding residents’ trust and the importance of collaboration across Waterloo Region.
- [22:54] - How innovation, flexibility, and local ideas could play a greater role in solving challenges at City Hall.
- [25:02] - Shannon shares how local businesses and innovators can bring new solutions to municipal challenges by listening to the community.
- [29:44] - What Shannon believes Waterloo needs more or less of.
- [32:11] - A conversation about affordable and supportive housing.
- [34:32] - Shannon explains her approach to property taxes, city spending, core services, and adding new initiatives.
- [39:00] - How City Hall can meaningfully engage residents through neighbourhood events, grassroots conversations, and community connections.
- [43:33] - Why community engagement needs to go beyond online surveys and connect with residents where they already are.
- [45:56] - Shannon shares her three priorities if elected.
- [48:24] - Neighbourhood safety, crime concerns, policing, and ways communities can play a role in creating safer neighbourhoods.
- [50:24] - What Shannon has learned from knocking on thousands of doors and speaking directly with Waterloo residents.
- [52:58] - Shannon discusses her collaborative leadership style and the value of teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving at City Hall.
- [54:38] - Why supporting local businesses matters and Shannon’s encouragement for residents to shop and support local.
- [56:02] - Shannon shares what she loves most about Waterloo and the strong community that has been built.
Connect with Shannon:
Website: https://www.shannonweber.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonweberwaterloo
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/shannon-weber
Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca
Thank you to our Sponsors:
• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256
• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co
