Jeyas Balaskanthan
Running for Mayor of Waterloo
The Uptown Waterloo business leader, running on a clearer city identity, less red tape and a City Hall that answers residents quickly.
Background
Jeyas Balaskanthan moved to Waterloo in 1997 to pursue his university education. From 2001 to 2022, he held a variety of leadership roles at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area and as a member of the City of Waterloo Economic Development Committee.
Where they stand
Each position pairs what they say with what they did.
AI data centres
Against water-intensive facilities
What they did:
Against water-intensive facilities.
Environment
Urban and commercial lens
What they did:
As the Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area, his recorded perspective views "the environment" predominantly through an urban, commercial, and community-building lens.
Waterloo Chronicle, uptown is for everyoneCTV, preview of the 2026 mayoral racesPriorities
Housing
Public space and belonging
What they did:
He stresses that as populations grow and housing becomes less affordable, free public spaces and town squares are vital to keep communities grounded, safe, and connected. He advocates for designing public spaces with care and intentional programming so that diverse populations feel they belong and have a home within the urban core.
Land use
Cut red tape, vibrant core
What they did:
Jeyas Balaskanthan views land use planning as a collaborative negotiation that balances community preservation with growth, innovation, and economic flexibility. His approach emphasizes cutting red tape to foster vibrant, urban cores.
CTV, preview of the 2026 mayoral racesThe Record, Waterloo heritage KingUptown Waterloo BIA, new executive directorAbout
Policing
Safety as economic protection
What they did:
While Jeyas Balaskanthan has not published a detailed, standalone platform dedicated strictly to police operational reform or defunding, his public stance on public safety and policing is framed around economic protection, community safety, and cross-sector collaboration.
Public funds
Taxpayer value, no waste
What they did:
Jeyas Balaskanthan advocates for public spending that prioritizes community collaboration, economic equity, and maximum taxpayer value while eliminating institutional waste. Rather than treating municipal funds strictly as financial investments, his platform and professional background emphasize using public resources to foster localized economic vitality and robust social infrastructure.
LinkedInPrioritiesWaterloo Region Community Foundation, social infrastructure
Transit
More connections, late-night service
What they did:
Jeyas Balaskanthan views public transit as a vital economic and mobility driver, heavily advocating for increased transit connectivity, late-night services, and multi-modal transit hubs to support local businesses and workers.
Transparency
Less backroom culture
What they did:
Jeyas Balaskanthan directly addresses transparency by emphasizing public visibility, accountability, and the reduction of backroom political culture. He advocates for structural shifts focused on community inclusion and direct consultation.
Priorities2026 Waterloo Region municipal electionsWaterloo Chronicle, BIA names new executive director
What they are promising
Their own platform, in their own words. Not checked against their record.
Setting a clear identity and bold vision. Waterloo isn't clear on what it stands for, where it wants to go or how it's distinct from Kitchener. That gets settled — out loud and with residents.
Building a dynamic and inclusive economy. Investing in the enterprising instinct this city was built on so opportunity reaches every neighbourhood and not just the ones already thriving.
Breaking the culture of complacency. Test and adapt is in Waterloo's core. Jeyas will put that instinct back at the centre of how the city plans, decides and delivers on it.
Making City Hall customer focused. Less waiting, less red tape, fewer broken promises. A City Hall that answers residents quickly and treats their time as valuable.
Sources
- https://www.jeyasforwaterloo.ca/
- https://www.jeyasforwaterloo.ca/priorities
- https://www.jeyasforwaterloo.ca/about
- https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jeyas-balaskanthan-b37b0a1b2
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/preview-of-the-2026-mayoral-races-in-cambridge-kitchener-and-waterloo/
- https://www.wrcf.ca/news/community-by-design-episode-2
- https://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/uptown-is-for-everyone-says-waterloo-s-newest-business-leader/article_e073d956-ab2d-58e8-a85d-061035c71baa.html
