The evidence is now public: what we found about Initiative 9

Thank you for signing. If you signed because something about Initiative 9 felt wrong, the record backs up your instinct.

We have published our findings at https://initiative9facts.squarespace.com 

 The site has a plain-language summary, the full report (Initiative 9 (Z-26-09): Why Council Should Vote No), the supporting evidence, and a list of frequently asked questions. You can access the full version of the report HERE, and the website provides all source documentation as well as answers to some commonly asked questions. 

Here is what the record shows:

The City relied on a report co-advised by Relèven’s own Director of Research. Relèven is a national organization that advises congregations on property, brokers real estate, and runs a Transition Fund of about $30 million. The City has not publicly disclosed any advisory relationship with Relèven.
Many of the people affected were not properly notified. The public meeting was called “informal,” while school boards received formal notice. Signage at the 12 properties does not match what the City uses for comparable projects.

The City’s lead planner has acknowledged that no congregation told the City it was struggling. Only one congregation has been confirmed as asking to be included.

All 12 properties are Christian. We have found no evidence that other faith communities were contacted. The ideas behind this initiative are being promoted in other cities too, and Waterloo could become the model.

We are not claiming that any law was broken, and we are not opposed to housing. We are asking Council to vote no on Initiative 9 as proposed, and for any future approach to be evidence-based, voluntary and transparent.

Please help in three ways:

Share this petition and the website with your neighbours, your congregation, and anyone who cares about how Waterloo makes decisions.
Write to the Mayor and your ward councillor. 
Forward the report to your church board or parish council. The report has a section of questions boards can ask the City.
As of today, no Council vote date has been set and the municipal election is October 26, so councillors and candidates can be asked where they stand now.

Thank you for standing up for an open process.

Concerned Citizens of Waterloo