Hi, I'm Jeff Donkersgoed, and I'm running to be your next Ward 1 Councillor. This short survey (3-5 minutes) helps me understand what matters most in the neighbourhood — your answers go straight into shaping my priorities for Ward 1. Skip anything you'd rather not answer, and thanks for taking the time!

2. What area do you live in?
4. What are the top lower-tier municipal issues facing your neighbourhood right now? (Check all that apply)

5. The City of Cambridge currently charges over 1,260 different fees. Most of these fees are increased yearly. (Source: Budget 2026) 

Do you support a full public review of these fees?

6. The biggest capital cost in Ward 1 is what to do about the 130 year-old Speed River dam next to Riverside Park, which has been crumbling for many years. Heritage advocates want to rebuild the dam from scratch which would make it the City of Cambridge’s most expensive project. I've heard cost estimates now of $20M+. Cambridge could choose a more cost effective, natural solution that environmentalist organizations and Six Nations prefer. (Source: Cambridge Today, 2021) 

Do you support the City moving forward with fixing the dam, even if it costs taxpayers $30 million?
Do you support the City examining a more cost effective, natural river design?

7. Across Cambridge, honest seniors and young families who rent have lost their units due to bad landlords due to "renovictions", the misuse of a renovation loophole to evict good tenants in order to put the unit back on the market at a higher price. (Source: Cambridge Today, 2026) 

Have you or someone close to you been affected by a "renoviction" or a large rent increase in the past 2 years?

8. Did you know that Ward 1 is home to so many parks and trails? Over 50+!

How often do you use them?
9. Would you like to see more free community events (festivals, markets, neighbourhood gatherings) in your area?

10. What's the single biggest issue specific to your street or immediate neighbourhood that you wish someone at City Hall understood?

11. Do you own your own business or work from home?
12. How do you currently find out about City Hall decisions that affect you? (Check all that apply)

13. Would you like to start receiving updates about City Hall and Ward 1?

14. Our community is rapidly changing. This election is a moment for Cambridge to decide what happens next. What the future holds for our community. It is important that we have politicians who do not spread fear and division, but that we start listening to each other again, considering all perspectives.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey. I take your answers very seriously.

If there is anything else you would like to share with me, please feel free:

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