Helen Shwery
Mayor · seen 2023-11-28 to 2026-09-15 · served 2022–2026
150substantive motions movedof 102 meetings the minutes record them at
15procedural motions movedcounted separately, and never added to the above
154substantive motions secondedseconding is often a seat convention, not agreement
3meetings recorded absentof 102 they were on the record for
1046–74recorded votes, for–againstrecorded votes are rare and a skewed sample
In their own words, via the Town
Cambridge does not publish a description of this member on its council pages, or this record has not found one.
How they voted, where it was recorded (1120) — most recent 40 shown
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedaccordance with sections 239(2) (h) and (k) of the Municipal Act, 2001 , the Council of the City of Cambridge convenes in closed session at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following subject matter: 1.
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedCouncil rise from Closed Session held September 15, 2026 to reconvene in Open Session at 6:50 p.m.
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe following items listed under the heading of Consent Agenda for September 15, 2026, be adopted as recommended: 7.1 26-019-CFS - 2026 Operating Financial Update – June Forecast 7.2 26-020-CFS - 2026 Capital Financial…
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
Against · 7–2 · Carriedstaff to decline the offer from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the Development Charges Reduction Program due to the significant financial burden for Cambridge property taxpayers;
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedto sections 10.17 and 19.1 of the Procedural By-law 23-035, the notice requirements be waived to consider the Financial Forecast to Inform Future Budget Considerations motion at the September 15th 2026 Special Council…
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedCouncil recognizes the importance of balancing affordability for taxpayers with the need to maintain service levels, invest in municipal infrastructure, support community growth, and ensure the long-term financial…
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedall presentations and correspondence from the September 15, 2026 Special Council Meeting be received.
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedBy-laws as listed on the agenda dated September 15, 2026, be adopted as follows: 11.1 By-law for Part Lot Control Exemption - Block 80, Plan 58M-685 11.2 By-law to Amend Zoning By-law 150-85 with Respect to Lands…
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe by-law to confirm the proceedings of the September 15, 2026 Special Council Meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge be passed.
Special Council Meeting September 15, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe September 15, 2026 Council meeting does now adjourn at 8:37 p.m.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 8–0 · Carriedaccordance with Sections 239(2) (e), (f), and (k) of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Council of the City of Cambridge convenes in closed session at 5:30 p.m.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedrise from Closed Sessions held July 16th and July 21st to reconvene in Open Session at 6:45 p.m.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe new proposed Council-Staff Relations Policy included under item 11.1.1 to report 26-008-CRS.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedall items listed under the heading of Consent Agenda for July 21, 2026 be adopted as recommended: 12.1 Special Council Workshop Minutes – June 12, 2026; 12.2 Special Council Meeting Minutes – June 16, 2026;
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedReporting That Council receive a quarterly report outlining all water allocation applications, including new applications received, approvals, pending applications, changes in status, allocations issued, and any other…
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe Water Allocation By-law pursuant to Section 86.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, including the Water Allocation Policy and Prioritization Framework attached as Appendix A to Report 26-064-PG as Amended ;
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
Against · 4–5 · Defeateda modified Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for 210, 218, 226 King Street East and 229 Queenston Road to permit a mixed use building up to 16 storeys in height.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe Zoning By-law Amendment for 4 Attwater Drive and 2321 Dundas Street South to rezone the properties from Residential RM3 with site specific regulations to Residential R3 with site specific regulations in By-law…
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for 1390 Pineview Avenue to rezone the lands from Residential RS1 in By-law 150-85 to Residential R2 with site specific and holding provisions in By-law 26-007 to permit eight (8)…
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe proposed Official Plan Amendment for 130 Guelph Avenue to change the land use designation from Business Industrial to High Density Residential.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedOption 2 as outlined in Appendix A to Report 26-063-PG to use the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to purchase land to support the development of affordable rental housing.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedFranklin Boulevard is a central conduit of transportation in the City Cambridge; WHEREAS the residential areas surrounding Franklin Boulevard are densely populated, with many homes, and their backyards, located closely…
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedCambridge is home to a significant number of heritage properties that contribute to the community’s identity, character, and sense of place;
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedpresentations and correspondence from the July 21, 2026 Council Meeting be received.
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedfollowing by-laws dated July 21, 2026 be ADOPTED as follows: 20.1 By-law to Exempt Part Lot Control - Part of Block 1 58M-697 - 155 Equestrian Way 20.2 By-law to Adopt Water Allocation Policy as Amended 20.3 By-law…
Council Meeting July 21, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedto confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge be PASSED
For · 9–0 · Carried
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 7–0 · CarriedTHAT, in accordance with Sections 239(2) (a), (f), (h) and (k) of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Council of the City of Cambridge convenes in closed session at 5:30 p.m.
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedCouncil rise from Closed Session and reconvene in Open Session at 6:32 p.m.
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe following items listed under the heading of Consent Agenda for June 23, 2026, be adopted as recommended: 9.1 Planning Statutory Public Meeting Minutes – May 5, 2026; 9.2 Council Meeting Minutes – May 12, 2026;
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe Council-Staff Relations Policy attached as Appendix A to Report 26-008-CRS back to staff.
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · CarriedOlder Adult Strategy 2026-2031. AND d irect staff to create a phased implementation plan for the recommendations and present them for consideration as part of future budget plans.
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
Against · 8–1 · Carriedthe proposed Official Plan Amendment for 8 Schofield Street to redesignate the lands from Low/Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential;
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 7–2 · Carriedthe proposed Official Plan Amendment for 160 Blenheim Road to modify the limits of the Natural Open Space System and Low/Medium Density Residential designations.
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedin accordance with Section 13.7 of the procedure by-law that this meeting be extended until the conclusion of all business;
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe proposed designation of 704 Eagle Street North, Council chooses: OPTION 1 – Approve the Designation Approve designation of the property by enacting a designation by-law in accordance with subsection 29() of…
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
Against · 7–2 · Carriedthe proposed designation of 295 Ainslie Street South under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act , Council chooses: Option 1 – Approve the Designation Approve designation of the property municipally known as…
For · 9–0 · Carried
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe City owns a number of buildings and properties, including heritage buildings that are important to the community’s cultural identity and historical character;
Council Meeting June 23, 2026
For · 9–0 · Carriedthe rules of procedure be waived to consider a time sensitive motion concerning the Hespeler Reunion.
Meetings the minutes record them as absent from (3)
Council MeetingSeptember 3, 2024
Planning - Statutory Public MeetingApril 2, 2024
Special Council Meeting - WorkshopMarch 21, 2024
Substantive motions moved (showing the 40 most recent of 150)
the proposed Official Plan Amendment for 130 Guelph Avenue to change the land use designation from Business Industrial to High Density Residential. Approve the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for 130 Guelph Avenue to rezone the property from Industrial M3 to Mixed Use (H)RM3C1 with site specific regulations to permit an 8 storey mixed use building with 6 commercial units and 118 residential units
Council Meeting, July 21, 2026 · Carried
residents expect transparency and accountability in the collection, allocation, and expenditure of municipal tax dollars; WHEREAS Council recognizes the importance of providing residents with clear, easily accessible and understandable information regarding municipal finances and expenditures; WHEREAS development applications
Council Meeting, July 21, 2026 · Referred
an application to the Canada-Ontario Development Charge Reduction Program which, if successful, would reduce the City’s development charges by a corresponding 30 percent over three years; Pre-approve the following four capital projects as currently identified in the 2027 capital forecast for the purposes of the Program application: A/00486-41 Region – Fountain St. N. (Maple Grove to Kossuth) Const
Special Council Meeting, June 16, 2026 · Carried
Deferral: THAT Application #OPA 06/25 be
Council Meeting, May 26, 2026 · Defeated
THAT all presentations and correspondence from the May 12, 2026, Council meeting be received. In Favour (7): Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett Absent (1): Councillor Devine
Council Meeting, May 12, 2026 · Carried
THAT all presentations and correspondence for the Hespeler Road Corridor Secondary Plan - Statutory Public Meeting be received. In Favour (8): Councillor Shwery, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett Absent (1): Councillor Devine
Planning - Statutory Public Meeting, May 5, 2026 · Carried
Council Direct the Transportation team to monitor and assess other locations as identified and requested by the residents, with the priority given to school zones to identify range of appropriate traffic calming measures to be considered through the 2027 budget process.
Council Meeting, April 21, 2026 · Carried
residents have raised ongoing concerns regarding winter road maintenance and sidewalk safety; and AND WHEREAS residents should be notified at the beginning of the season of what winter maintenance includes; and AND WHEREAS based on residents’ responses they feel inadequate snow clearing and salting presents a significant public safety risk, particularly for seniors and vulnerable residents; and AN
Special Council Meeting, February 26, 2026 · Carried
Council meetings are often lengthy and may extend for several hours without scheduled breaks; AND WHEREAS the council chambers are maintained in a very dry condition, which may cause discomfort or dehydration for attendees during extended meetings; AND WHEREAS there are currently no drinking water fountains available within the council chambers or in adjacent public areas; AND WHEREAS access to be
Special Council Meeting, February 26, 2026 · Carried
Fusion Homes is ready to begin construction of new homes; and AND WHEREAS the current requirement to remove and rebuild the Stone Tower (Forbes Dovecote) prior to subdivision registration would cause a significant delay and may postpone home building starts by up to one year; and AND WHEREAS allowing construction to proceed sooner would increase the availability of housing; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RES
Special Council Meeting, February 26, 2026 · Carried
THAT the Property Standards and Lot Maintenance By-laws be
Council Meeting, February 24, 2026 · Deferred
1 THAT subsection 4.8(d) of the Home Occupations Bylaw be removed for further review.
Council Meeting, February 3, 2026 · Carried
2 THAT the Form Based Zoning Proposal be amended to retain the R1 residential zone as currently defined under the Planning Act; AND THAT proposed R2 zoning areas be capped to a maximum of four (4) units per lot; AND THAT Table 7.3 A is revised to add the maximum number of units to be three (3) units per lot in zone R1, and a maximum of four (4) units per lot in zone R2.
Council Meeting, February 3, 2026 · Defeated
Council approves the proposed Official Plan Amendment 98 for the property located at 165 Cherry Blossom Road to permit new residential development on private services; AND THAT Council approves the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment with site-specific provisions for the property located at 165 Cherry Blossom Road; AND THAT the By-laws attached to Report 25-041-PG be passed.
Council Meeting, February 3, 2026 · Carried
the City of Cambridge has contributed approximately over $60 million dollars toward the Kitchener-Waterloo ION Stage 1 capital costs since the inception of the Regional Transportation Master Plan funding strategy in 2011, while Kitchener and Waterloo will not be contributing to Cambridge’s ION Stage 2 capital costs. WHEREAS the City of Cambridge has been funding the operations of the Kitchener-Wat
Council Meeting, February 3, 2026 · Defeated
the following by-law listed under the heading of Introduction and Consideration of By-laws be enacted and passed: 26-002 - Being a by-law of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge to adopt Amendment No. 98 of the City of Cambridge Official Plan (2012) re 165 Cherry Blossom Road 26-003 - Being a by-law to amend Zoning By-law No. 150-85, as amended with respect to land municipally known as 165 Che
Council Meeting, February 3, 2026 · Carried
MOTION AS AMENDED THAT Report 25-039-PG Recommendation to Designate Property at 704 Eagle Street North under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act be received; AND THAT Council approve the recommendation to designate the exterior features of the property municipally known as 704 Eagle Street North under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act; AND FURTHER THAT the Clerk be author
Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Carried
Report 25-031-PG Recommendation Report for Zoning By-law Amendment – 155 Guelph Avenue be received; AND THAT Council approves the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment to amend the existing zoning and site-specific zoning regulations to Residential R2, Residential R5 s.4.1.457.1, Residential R6 s.4.1.457.2, Multiple Residential RM2 s.4.1.457.3, Multiple Residential RM3 s.4.1.457.4 and Open Space OS1 zo
Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Carried
all presentations and correspondence from the December 15, 2025 Council meeting be received.
Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Carried
Report 25-024-PG being a Recommendation Report for Zoning By-law Amendment and Plan of Subdivision - 895 Riverbank Drive, 800 Middleblock Road, 4220 Fountain Street and 4300 Fountain Street be received; AND THAT Council approves the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment to rezone the subject lands from Agricultural (A1), Rural Residential (RR1), and Rural Residential (RR1) zones with site specific s.4.
Council Meeting, November 25, 2025 · Carried
a penalty is imposed on the amount of an unpaid levy on the day immediately following the demand day; AND WHEREAS the City’s Taxation Interest By-law does not grant property owners leniency to pay their bills prior to interest being applied; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT staff be directed to amend the City’s Taxation Interest By-law (31-83) to replace the addition of penalty from the first da
Council Meeting, November 25, 2025 · Carried
the following by-laws listed under the heading of Introduction and Consideration of By-laws be enacted and passed: 25-074 Being a by-law to amend By-law 22-044 being a by-law to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways Under the Jurisdiction of The Corporation of the City of Cambridge 25-075 Being a by-law to require the conveyance of land for parks or other public recreational purposes as a condi
Council Meeting, November 25, 2025 · Carried
THAT Report 25-024-PG being a Recommendation Report for Zoning By-law Amendment and Plan of Subdivision - 895 Riverbank Drive, 800 Middleblock Road, 4220 Fountain Street and 4300 Fountain Street be received; AND THAT Council approves the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment to rezone the subject lands from Agricultural (A1), Rural Residential (RR1), and Rural Residential (RR1) zones with site specific
Council Meeting, November 25, 2025 · Carried
WHEREAS a penalty is imposed on the amount of an unpaid levy on the day immediately following the demand day; AND WHEREAS the City’s Taxation Interest By-law does not grant property owners leniency to pay their bills prior to interest being applied; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT staff be directed to amend the City’s Taxation Interest By-law (31- 83) to replace the addition of penalty from the
Council Meeting, November 25, 2025 · Carried
THAT the following by-laws listed under the heading of Introduction and Consideration of By-laws be enacted and passed: 25-074 Being a by-law to amend By-law 22-044 being a by-law to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways Under the Jurisdiction of The Corporation of the City of Cambridge 25-075 Being a by-law to require the conveyance of land for parks or other public recreational purposes a
Council Meeting, November 25, 2025 · Carried
Report 25-008-CS Kinsmen Stadium Amenity Building Sponsorship Agreement be received; AND THAT the amenity building, located at 1935 Rogers Drive, Cambridge be named “Toyota Fieldhouse” upon Council approval; AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Naming Rights & Sponsorship Agreement with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC)., subject to the satisfaction of the Ci
Council Meeting, October 28, 2025 · Carried
Report 25-041-CRS 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan be adopted to promote and advance accessibility in the City of Cambridge.
Council Meeting, October 28, 2025 · Carried
That By-Law 25-071 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge be passed.
Council Meeting, October 28, 2025 · Carried
THAT Report 25-008-CS Kinsmen Stadium Amenity Building Sponsorship Agreement be received; AND THAT the amenity building, located at 1935 Rogers Drive, Cambridge be named “Toyota Fieldhouse” upon Council approval; AND FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Naming Rights & Sponsorship Agreement with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC)., subject to the satisfaction of t
Council Meeting, October 28, 2025 · Carried
THAT Report 25-041-CRS 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan be adopted to promote and advance accessibility in the City of Cambridge. In Favour (9): Councillor Shwery, Councillor Devine, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett
Council Meeting, October 28, 2025 · Carried
That By-Law 25-071 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge be passed. In Favour (9): Councillor Shwery, Councillor Devine, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett
Council Meeting, October 28, 2025 · Carried
Project A/01483-40 Soper Park Outdoor Recreation Complex be removed from the 2026 Budget and
2026 Budget Council Meeting, October 27, 2025 · Deferred
$2.4 million be transferred from the Rate Stabilization Reserve to reduce the 2026 Budget and reduce the tax levy.
2026 Budget Council Meeting, October 27, 2025 · Carried
THAT Project A/01483-40 Soper Park Outdoor Recreation Complex be removed from the 2026 Budget and
2026 Budget Council Meeting, October 27, 2025 · Deferred
THAT $2.4 million be transferred from the Rate Stabilization Reserve to reduce the 2026 Budget and reduce the tax levy. In Favour (6): Councillor Shwery, Councillor Devine, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, and Councillor Ermeta Opposed (3): Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Hamilton, and Mayor Liggett
2026 Budget Council Meeting, October 27, 2025 · Carried
all presentations and correspondence from the October 14, 2025 Council meeting be received.
Council Meeting, October 14, 2025 · Carried
THAT all presentations and correspondence from the October 14, 2025 Council meeting be received. In Favour (9): Councillor Shwery, Councillor Devine, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett
Council Meeting, October 14, 2025 · Carried
Report 25-015-PG: Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Plan Public Meeting be received.
Planning - Statutory Public Meeting, October 7, 2025 · Carried
THAT Report 25-015-PG: Hespeler Heritage Conservation District Plan Public Meeting be received. In Favour (9): Councillor Shwery, Councillor Devine, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett
Planning - Statutory Public Meeting, October 7, 2025 · Carried
Report 25-001-PG Preston Secondary Plan Project Update Report be received; AND THAT the Preston Secondary Plan – Preston Forward 2051 Vision and Purpose as outlined in Report 25-001-PG be approved.
Council Meeting, September 23, 2025 · Carried
In the record
99meetings recorded presentthe minutes record presence, not a rate
0conflicts of interest declareda member saying they should not vote on a matter
What this does not measure
- Motions moved is not a measure of effectiveness. Who moves a motion is often a seat convention or a committee role, and the member who does the work on a file is frequently not the one who reads it out.
- Nobody is ranked against anybody. These figures are counted against this member's own meetings and are never totalled or compared.
- Absence is not explained. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why. Illness, a declared conflict and a family emergency all appear the same way.
- What was said is not here. This record reads the minutes, which record decisions, not debate.
Something wrong here?
If anything on this page is wrong, say so and it will be corrected and the correction recorded. Everything here is read from Cambridge’s own published documents — where those documents and this page disagree, the documents are right. How this record is made.