Joe Gowing - Kitchener

I’m excited to officially announce that I have filed my nomination paperwork and will be on the ballot for Regional Councillor representing Kitchener in the October 26, 2026 municipal election.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with residents, community organizations, veterans, local businesses, and families across our region — and I’m ready to continue that work with a strong focus on practical leadership, accountability, and building a stronger Waterloo Region for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who has already offered encouragement, support, and advice. This campaign is about community, listening, and working together to move our region forward.

We’re just getting started.

If you would like to support the campaign:
• Request a lawn sign
• Volunteer
• Donate
• Share ideas and concerns

Visit: Joe-Gowing.com

Election Day is October 26, 2026.

🗳️ ✌️ 🙏✌️ 🙏✌️⏰️ 🙏✌️ection2026 🙏✌️🚩

Laid a wreath at the 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony on behalf of the Region of Waterloo.

Spent the Morning at Starling Walk for Children’s mental health. Great turnout and great weather.

I’m excited to share that I will be running for Regional Councillor for Kitchener in the October 26, 2026 municipal election.

I care deeply about this community, and I want to keep working hard for residents, families, and taxpayers across Kitchener.

As the campaign gets started, I would truly appreciate your support. If you’re willing to take an election sign, make a donation, volunteer, or just help spread the word, it would mean a lot.

You can learn more or reach out through my website:
joe-gowing.com

Together, let’s keep working for our community.

This week, I’ll be bringing forward a motion asking Waterloo Region to explore a Municipal Housing Corporation as a smarter way to help deliver supportive, affordable, and mixed-income housing.

This started for me during budget discussions, when it felt like we were being asked to choose between housing and other core responsibilities like roads and infrastructure. We should not be making that kind of choice.

This motion is not a blank cheque, and it does not create anything overnight. It asks staff to report back on whether there is a better structure to help us build the housing our community needs while reducing long-term pressure on shelters and emergency systems.

The goal is to use public assets, outside funding, and project financing more strategically, rather than relying on ongoing municipal operating subsidy.

If you support this direction, please reach out to Regional Council and show your support.

Waterloo Region needs the right tools to build housing in a way that is responsible, practical, and sustainable.

Thanks to The Record for the opportunity to speak about my idea to explore a municipal housing corporation for Waterloo Region.

We need practical solutions that help build more housing, protect taxpayers, and create long-term value for our community. My focus is simple: find smarter ways to deliver results, reduce pressure on the tax base, and make sure public dollars are working as hard as possible.

This is about thinking ahead, being responsible, and getting more value for residents.

Township of Wellesley Volunteer Fair!

Looking to get more involved in your community? 🖐

Join us at our Volunteer Fair to connect with local clubs and groups and learn about exciting opportunities, and ways you can get involved. Whether you have a little time or a lot to give, there’s a place for everyone!

Groups attending so far are:
➡The Wellesley Apple Jacks
➡Paradise and District Lions Club
➡Wellesley and District Lions Club
➡Apple Butter & Cheese Festival
➡Woolwich Community Health Centre
➡Wellesley-North Easthope Agricultural Society
➡Theatre Wellesley
➡Wellesley Fire Rescue
➡ St. Clements Soccer
➡ Wellesley Township Poppy Project
➡ Veterans Banner Programme

Drop in to chat, explore, and take the first step toward making a difference in our community 🤝

📆Tuesday, April 21, 2026
⏰5-8pm
📍Bill Gies Recreation Centre Gymnasium
🍿Refreshments provided

🍎

We're creating our first-ever Urban Forestry Management Plan and want to hear from residents about what’s working today, what needs improvement and what should be considered for the future of our trees and green spaces in ’s urban areas.

Trees and green spaces help keep neighbourhoods comfortable and healthy. Our new Urban Forestry Management Plan focuses on how we care for trees and green assets in Regional spaces and will define how we manage them more consistently and strategically over time.
The plan will look at ways to track our trees and green spaces, prioritize maintenance, and improve how we plant new trees and replace older ones.

“Our trees and green spaces make a real difference in daily life, from cooler streets in summer to cleaner air and more inviting neighbourhoods,” said Colleen James, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee. “This engagement is an important step, and we want to hear directly from residents and community partners about what’s working today and what we should plan for next.”

Please complete a short survey: www.EngageWR.ca/UFMP.
Feedback will be used to inform the plan’s development. Once feedback is reviewed, we will share a draft plan with residents and bring it forward to Regional Council for consideration and approval.