Candidates pledged to fight for cheaper units and tenant rights Wednesday in an election debate focused on keeping downtown an affordable place to live.

Seven Ward 2 candidates fielded questions about how they'd keep rent — and home ownership — affordable for the average person.

The only reason I would sit on the waterfront trust is to dissolve the waterfront trust. - Cameron Kroetsch

Some said they'd force developers to make a certain percentage of their new units affordable. Others said they'd help tenants fight against problem landlords.

Overall, the most common questions residents had for candidates were around affordable living, said Paul Copcutt of the Central Neighbourhood Association. That group was one of five who organized the all-candidates meeting Wednesday for the Oct. 22 municipal election.

From left: Diane Chiarelli, Suresh Daljeet, Jason Farr, Cameron Kroetsch, Nicole Smith, Mark Tennant, John Vail. (Samantha Craggs/CBC)

As developers build downtown high-rises in Hamilton's lower city, people want to "try to get something back" in the form of units people can afford, he said.

Of all the questions the neighbourhood associations submitted, affordable housing "was No. 1."

Incumbent Jason Farr talked up city council's recent efforts to build more housing.

For example, council voted to spend $50 million to create affordable housing. The recent downtown secondary plan, he said, also rewards affordable housing.

CityHousing Hamilton is building 300 new units, he said. He also supports inclusionary zoning, a term that dictates a certain percentage of new units be affordable.

But Farr's challengers said the city could be doing more.

(City of Hamilton)

"People deserve to live with dignity regardless of their situation, and right now, that's just not happening in Hamilton," said Cameron Kroetsch, who also supports inclusionary zoning.

Nicole Smith said she'd support developers making as many as 20 per cent of their units affordable. She also supports using section 37 of Ontario's Planning Act, which says developers who exceed height or density limits have to provide or pay for some sort of community benefit.

Mark Tennant and Suresh Daljeet also support forcing more affordable housing in new developments. Diane Chiarelli said the city should press provincial and federal governments for more money.

John Vail said he wants the city to focus more on "existing residents with existing accommodations with existing landlords."

"We need to make sure our existing accommodation stays the way it is for people who already live here."

Nicole Smith, Mark Tennant, John Vail (Samantha Craggs/CBC)

The thorny issue of the Hamilton Waterfront Trust (HWT), which oversees waterfront amenities, came up too.

For months, the HWT was dogged by questions around it owing the city nearly $400,000 in back taxes, and it regularly running annual deficits. Critics also asked why its financial statements weren't posted online.

Farr, who sits on the HWT board, was asked whether he'd support the statements being made public.

"They have been public each and every year," Farr said. "A third party auditor presents them to council. Thank you for the question."

Kroetsch said that was funny, since "no one can seem to find them."

Diane Chiarelli. (Samantha Craggs/CBC)

"The only reason I would sit on the waterfront trust," he said, "is to dissolve the waterfront trust."

James Unsworth is running but did not attend the debate.

The candidates will square off again at the Durand Neighbourhood Association annual general meeting Oct. 2.

Diane Chiarelli

Age: 59.

Current job: Writer, president of WeRock, community advocate.

Where do you live? Currently I reside in Ward 1, but I have been a lifelong resident and spent over 40 years living in the community and working within Ward 2.

Past experience: Over 30 years of serving and advocating within the community. YWCA Woman of Distinction, AFW award for Excellence in Community Leadership, public speaker, writer, trainer, community program developer. Seniors, women's, and children's activist.

What are the top priorities in your ward?

Representation: Transparent, accountable and reciprocal representation in helping co-produce our community goods. Safety: Safer streets, affordable and accessible housing, increased community policing and funding, addressing homelessness and gentrification. Development: Transforming grey areas into vibrant community spaces, Good urban inclusive design and sustainable development with community in mind, Integrated transportation and infrastructure establishing safer mobility.

Top citywide issue: Taxes, economic growth and development.

Do you support the LRT? Yes!

Why are you the right person for the job?

I've been dedicated and involved in the Hamilton and Ward 2 community for over 30 years. As president of WeRock (We Raise Our Children's Kids), I've had the unique ability to understand critical issues for seniors and young families struggling in our neighbourhoods. I have always been an advocate for the vulnerable and disadvantaged throughout the city, with a multitude of involvement and development in outreach programs. I've been honoured to be awarded the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Community Development and Social Activism. I've successfully lobbied the Ontario Government for the critical TCA (Temporary Care Assistance) program. I've fought side by side and supported our labourers and Steel Workers (Steel Not Steal) when they and their families needed support. I've facilitated programs for At-Risk-Youth and vulnerable families. I've hosted multiple community fundraisers for summer camps for kids, special needs children, palliative care, and Christmas programs for those in need and in medical crisis. I'm the right person for this job because I believe in our city and our people. We have a distinct history and bright future, and I want to make sure we get out on the right footing with all the changes taking place in our diverse communities. I have always had a heart for this city and its people, and I want to make sure all of our voices and concerns are heard and represented from the bottom right to the top.

Something you want voters to know about you:

I previously ran in 2010 in Ward 2 in an open election with a grassroots campaign. This meant running on low resources (or next to none) and only door to door canvassing and daily conversations with individuals, families, and businesses in our community. Why … because I believe that representation is a reciprocal and inclusive relationship with each and every member of our community. I'm running again, because I promised after that election I would be back if the citizens of Ward 2 were not well represented. I'm back!!! I guarantee my door will always be open, and I will listen to your concerns and act on them. I've always been committed to this city and have spent a good portion of my life in service to others. We have big changes happening in our city currently, that if not managed honestly and correctly with all of our communities in mind, could have a long-lasting negative impact on the future of our city. dianechiarelli.com

Suresh Daljeet

Age: 53.

Occupation: Industrial consultant.

Where do you live?: Ancaster.

Past experience: Never held public office but I am chairman of the Hamilton Awareness and Emergency Response Group and a member of Helping Hamilton Homeless. I'm a member of the Chamber Of Commerce and an advisor to Transport Canada on handling and prevention of marine oil spills.

What are the top issues facing your ward?: Transit (LRT, HSR improvement), affordable housing, waterfront development.

Do you support LRT?: 100 per cent.

Why are you the right person for the job?

I believe Hamilton has the potential to be a city where people want to move to, work, raise a family and build a life. We need forward thinking to take us there and it has to start downtown. I do business, shop, socialize and volunteer in Ward 2 and I recognize how unique the ward is. I believe in giving back to the city that helped me become the person I am. I spend most of my time downtown and being in council will take my dedication to Hamilton to the next level.

Something you'd like voters to know about you:

My family and I are true Hamiltonians. My dad was an HSR driver, my mom worked at RBC Centre Mall and my brother and his family live and work here too. I volunteer helping the homeless and I'm a big advocate for Hamilton. As a millwright, I put on the hard hat and work boots every day and get the job done. I plan on bringing this same work ethic to being a councillor. I tackle the issues where they happen on the streets and not from behind a desk. I will be an accessible and transparent councillor who will be accountable to the residents of Ward 2.

Jason Farr

Age: 49.

Occupation: Councillor, Ward 2.

Where do you live?: Ward 3 (Ward 2 prior and for close to a decade).

Past experience: Two terms as councillor dedicated to engaging the public and bringing more prosperity to the ward. We continue to achieve unprecedented investments in sustainable growth. We are inclusive and progressive like no other time in our history and downtown is alive and well once more.

What are the top issues facing your ward? Affordable housing (approximately 300 units planned for to date). LRT. Safety, security and improved quality of life for all residents.

Do you support LRT?: Yes.

Why are you the right person for the job?

Having lived in Ward 2 for a good portion of my adult life (in less prosperous times of stagnant growth) coupled with having lived in the inner city my entire life, I am inspired to work very hard for Ward 2 and our city.

My experience over two terms of council has brought a large number of positive transformations. We have many more safer and complete streets. We are transforming surface parking lots to better and higher uses and redeveloping old parks and building many acres of new ones. We have developed a downtown secondary plan that is both progressive and inclusive. Our economic development has flourished with more jobs and opportunities to dine and explore. My rapport with council has led to often unanimous or near unanimous votes supporting our many ward 2 achievements. We have invested more than $65 million into the waterfront (to date). Invested $20 million into the McMaster Family Medical Centre. Over $6 million in park redevelopment and council support for every project the Ward 2 residents have developed through our two public budget events that exceed $3 million dollars. There has been record-breaking building permits values, assessment growth and and well over one billion dollars of private development in ward 2. We have stronger policies related to preserving heritage, housing, property standards and cultural support. Teamwork, enthusiasm and hard work has led to this ongoing rejuvenation of Ward 2.

Something you'd like voters to know about you:

I know a lot of the words to many great hits of the swing era. And as some of our wonderful Ward 2 seniors will attest to, I don't mind singing them on occasion. Also, what you see is what you get — I am a positive and honest person and this translates into a very strong and effective working relationship with council and the community.

Cameron Kroetsch

Age: 39.



Occupation: Partner in a Hamilton-based employment organization.



Where do you live?: I live in Ward 2 in the Corktown neighbourhood.



Past experience:

Hamilton Literacy Council, board of directors.

The AIDS Network, board of directors.

Corktown Neighbourhood Association, executive and chair of planning and development subcommittee.

Labour union president.

Delegated on multiple occasions at city hall to committees on issues concerning planning and development, affordable housing, governance, and resident engagement.

Education: BA, BEd, MA.

What are the top issues facing your ward?:

I think some of the top issues facing Ward 2 are important to many Hamiltonians across the city: safe and affordable housing, reliable transit, and neighbourhood engagement. Engagement is probably the thing I've heard most about at the doors. Ward 2 residents have told me that they see a lot of change in their neighbourhoods but not a lot of communication about it — it makes them uneasy. Residents want to be included in the decisions that have a direct impact on their lives through transparent and regular communication, follow up on issues, and follow through on commitments. What I keep hearing is that the issues facing this ward can be overcome if we work together, but that the city has to make the effort to meet people where they're at. This means that councillors need to focus on being out in the neighbourhoods, listening to residents, and taking their feedback seriously.



Do you support LRT?: Yes, I support LRT. I support it because it will provide better transit to more people, encourage new residential and commercial development, increase the tax base, and extend the life of existing infrastructure.



Why are you the right person for the job?:

I listen to residents, do the work, and follow through. I'm known as someone who works hard and gets things done. I have the necessary professional experience and qualifications that I think are important for making big decisions that have city-wide impacts. I also live and work in this ward - something that residents keep telling me is important to them.



Something you'd like voters to know about you:

I've been working hard to earn the votes of Ward 2 residents since this election started on May 1. My team and I have literally knocked on thousands of doors. We've taken the time to speak to residents. I understand where residents are coming from, what they want from their city councillor, and why they love this city.

Nicole Smith

Age: 53.

Occupation: Owner/instructor, Hamilton West End Kumon Math and Reading. President, International Association of Kumon Franchisees.

Where do you live? Foster Street, in the Corktown neighbourhood of Ward 2,

Past experience: President and co-founder, International Association of Kumon Franchisees since 2003; have been liaison with all other franchise associations for Kumon worldwide in countries like Mexico, Spain, the UK, Malaysia, Australia, and Japan. Open Space Facilitator. Have led and facilitated a wide variety of boards and community/church groups for over 30 years in Montreal and Hamilton.

What are the top issues facing your ward:

Affordable housing which requires sustainable development and the creation of adequate numbers of units in all sizes. Thus we need to create the middle ground for a variety of community viewpoints in order to succeed. Just as important are safe streets, extensive and protected cycle paths, improved air quality (more trees and green areas). To these ends, we need effective two-way communication between council and residents and accountability of the councillor to the whole ward.

Top citywide issue? Responsibly and accountably addressing the $3.5 billion infrastructure deficit and transit crisis. The books need to be balanced and we need to be prepared to talk about it.

Do you support LRT? Yes, I am fully in favour for many reasons, including better transit (and attendant reduction in congestion and pollution), beginning to address renewal of infrastructure in the corridor, the thousands of jobs for the next generation of workers for five years that it will create, the investment in the local economy and badly needed stimulus to it, and the community benefits that the project will bring.

Why are you the right person for the job?

Vision: In every sphere of life, whether as a business owner, mother, wife, association president, or community and church volunteer, I have always held to a bigger picture of making things better for everyone. I'm not just about putting checks in boxes, but being part of something greater than any one of us is.

To that end, we need a strong, collaborative, and accountable city council dedicated to resolving city dilemmas which makes Hamilton a first-tier city, a leader in innovation, protection of the environment, and social equity.

I am committed regardless of the outcome of the election to building and strengthening city-wide networks which are necessary for Hamilton to become in truth a city where all may thrive.

Something you would like voters to know about you:

I am an avid believer in the benefits of a strong business community. We must find the creative edge businesses need to be successful in this city in order to drive the city of Hamilton into the future. In my own business as a teacher of self-learning skills, I am a lifelong learner. I have immersed myself in music and the arts. I have a deep love of and profound appreciation for our growing local artistic scene. I understand the importance of the arts as a key component of Hamilton's renewed identity moving forward into the 21st century.

Mark Tennant

Age: 52.

Occupation: Program supervisor at Good Shepherd.

Where do you live? I live and work in Hamilton; born and raised as well.

Past experience: Twenty-six years of front line grassroots social service experience and 32 years of business management experience. I have a proven track record of empathetic advocacy. In addition, I am the chair of the board of directors for Hamilton Victory Gardens, a not-for-profit that assists individuals and families dealing with food insecurity. Leadership tested in social economics and business has prepared me to be successful for this position as Ward 2 city councillor.

Top priorities for the ward: Social economics and infrastructure. Addressing the social economic problems with an experienced front line approach. My approach is from the proven; "A healthy community = a strong local economy." Improving Ward 2 from the inside out. It begins with community engagement and unification. Infrastructure improvements that improve the welcoming feel and safety of our neighbourhoods. More trees, not less! Accessibility improvements on sidewalks and curbs and better roads. Overall, Hamilton has fallen 101 points in 2 years to 163rd best city to live in Canada according to MoneySense. I want to reverse this trend!

Do you support LRT? Since registering as a candidate on July 21, I have studied both sides of the argument. There are strong points on both sides but Hamilton is very divided on this issue and we need to be united if we plan to be successful. My conclusion is that we should uphold the council approved 10-year transit plan and reconsider the privatization of our transit system. Before we consider any transit infrastructure investment, we need to make sure that our communities are healthy first and HSR jobs are safe. Again, the social economic state of the five downtown wards has many problems that need to be solved first. Studies show, that a healthy community equals a strong local economy. LRT can be in Hamilton's future but I think we are going to fast and need to slow down and get it right.

Why are you the right person for the job?

When a hockey player tries out for a position for a new team, he or she needs to truly believe that they are the best player at that position. I believe that my 32 years of management leadership experience has prepared me for this job and I am the best person for this position as Ward 2 city councillor. Proven transparent leadership with a lead by example approach. I believe in empowering people to succeed and make them the hero's in this new narrative. "Great moments are born from great opportunities." Herb Brooks. Team USA, 1980.

A very disciplined person. Can be my own worst critic. I enjoy exercising at 5:30 a.m. each morning and love the sound of the birds chirping. I am a dad and love animals. I look forward to coming home from work and my black lab Moses greeting me at the door. I enjoy my own quiet space and the company of a few loyal friends. An empathetic person that would not hesitate to be a Good Samaritan at any given moment. Believes in community and empowering people. When I was four-years-old, I recall my dad telling us that we were getting a pool. I asked, what about the tree? My dad responded; it will be cut down. I wanted the tree to stay and not have the pool. This is who I am.

John Vail

Age: 64.

Occupation: Chartered professional accountant, ex national award-winning commercial realtor, small business owner.

Where do you live? 17 Inglewood Dr. in the Durand Neighbourhood of Ward 2 in a century home in continuous need of tender loving care.

Past Experience: Political organizer in Hamilton having run in municipal and provincial elections, Service to community on boards and committees of United Way, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, ratepayers associations, community foundation, condominium boards.

Top issues facing the ward: LRT (against), infrastructure deficit, community safety, control of development.

Do you support LRT?: The province has a new deal offering LRT monies for better transit as well as reduction in Hamilton's multi billion dollar infrastructure deficit.

Why are you the right person for the job?

Voters are wary of incumbent politicians. Nothing has convinced me that the incumbent in Ward 2 deserves a third term. Yours truly presents a qualified alternative with a record of service to the community second to none.

Something you'd like voters to know about you:

Celebrating 34th anniversary of marriage, primary caregiver to my late mother who lived next door in her own home to age 93, have two rescue dogs and a rescue cat, son obtained graduate education in Hamilton and also serves on community Boards as does his dad, contributor to Rotary Bursary Fund offering scholarships to graduating high school students in need, leadership contributor and fundraiser for United Way Home. Phone number always available to listen and talk 905-572-7111.