Same issues, same order, for each candidate. Where a candidate has not published on an issue, the cell says so. Current office holder first, then alphabetical by surname.
An empty cell means we looked and found nothing; it does not mean the candidate is against it.
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Ward 5 Councillor: Karen Cilevitz, Alex Jafari and Vera Murano
“committed to keeping taxes as low as possible while ensuring the city's ability to best serve and supply all residents and commercial businesses with sustainable and transparent fiscal responsibility”
“Property tax increases also should not be compared to other municipalities due to the very nature of each municipality’s specific needs and requirements.”
“The 2022 council, the individuals who were elected, approved a property tax increase of approximately: 3.46% in 2026 5.07% in 2027 4.37% in 2028 3.98% in 2029 Do you agree with these projected annual tax increases?”
“My top three issues for 2026-2030 are: Employ best possible practices to accountably manage land-use planning and development across Ward 5 and the city.”
“Monitoring Intensification Development along our Regional Transit Corridors - Compliant heights and densities; appropriate building separation specifications between hirise towers; lot coverage; compliance with our…”
“finding and executing best practices city-wide to ensure a percentage of new housing built in Richmond Hill is "affordable", whether that be in rental living or purchasing one's own home”
Approve revised Official Plan and zoning changes for a Sabella Ridge Estates development on Yonge Street · For
Approve Official Plan and zoning changes for a Metroview Developments project and assign it servicing capacity · For
Send the Official Plan update and secondary plan report back to staff · For
Ask staff to report on a full secondary plan for Bathurst Street and Highway 7 · Against
Approve a revised Official Plan update timeline and a $2.04M project for two secondary plans along Highway 7 · For
Tell the Ontario Land Tribunal that Council does not support the Parkway Hotels redevelopment applications at Highway 7 and Leslie Street · For
Defer City development charges on non-luxury rental buildings to match York Region (rentals kept at least 40 years), with 5% of units at affordable rents for 20 years · Against
Receive the staff report on deferring development charges for non-luxury rental buildings · For
Send the development charge deferral motion back to staff for more analysis, with a report by September 16 · For
“Affordable housing and sustainability near transit - together these will initiate impactful projects that will demonstrate how energy-efficient, community-centered housing can foster resilience and well-being.”
“advocating for signalized pedestrian crosswalks across Ward 5; working collaboratively with residents and Bylaw keeping our local streets, parks and greenspaces safe for all residents to enjoy; assisting resident groups…”
“If elected, I will stand with seniors and families by protecting and strengthening municipal long-term care and older adult care, keeping it rooted in the community, connected to local services and accountable to the…”
No statement on city services on Vera Murano's campaign site.
Not on council this term
Governance and accountability
Governance and accountability
Cilevitz
No position on governance and accountability found. Karen Cilevitz's site describes past council work on it:
“Established in 2015 by Councillor Cilevitz - honouring her 2014 Campaign Commitment and continued through 2026 with the ongoing commitment to continue this well-received committee through to 2030, the Ward 5 Civic…”
“They need a councillor who publishes a transparent record of votes and decisions, someone who takes responsible actions with the whole community in mind.”
“From parks, to transit, to affordable housing, there is a need to elevate the infrastructure and community services, including seniors and youth programs.”
Karen Cilevitz
Alex Jafari
Vera Murano
Taxes and spending
Housing and development
Community safety
Traffic and roads
Parks and environment
Seniors
Youth and families
Local business
Transit
City services
Governance and accountability
Background and overall goals