In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher sits down with Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo BIA and candidate for Mayor of Waterloo. Jeyas shares how nearly 30 years in Waterloo have shaped his commitment to the community and his decision to run. They discuss safety, property taxes, community engagement, supporting small businesses and his priorities for the city. Jeyas also shares his leadership philosophy and what he loves most about Waterloo. This episode offers an opportunity to get to know Jeyas, his connection to the community, and his ideas for addressing local challenges, supporting small businesses, and shaping Waterloo’s future.

In this episode you will hear:

• [01:01] - Jeyas shares who he is outside of work and the importance of family and friendships in his life.
• [02:17] - His role as Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo BIA and why he took a leave of absence during the campaign.
• [03:07] - What working with Uptown businesses has taught him about supporting a city.
• [05:25] - How nearly 30 years in Waterloo and his work at Laurier and the University of Waterloo shaped his connection to the community.
• [06:32] - His involvement with the Lakeshore Optimist Club, Adventure4Change, The Working Centre and other community organizations.
• [07:45] - Why Jeyas decided to run for mayor and his desire to give back to the city.
• [9:56] - The concerns he is hearing from residents.
• [11:28] - Property taxes, city services and why he believes residents deserve clarity about how their taxes are working for them.
• [12:08] - Finding more creative ways for City Hall to connect directly with residents throughout the community.
• [14:22] - Why Jeyas believes Waterloo needs less red tape and more support for people looking to invest and build businesses.
• [16:22] - His thoughts on the city budget, property taxes and exploring new opportunities for revenue generation.
• [18:01] - Jeyas responds to concerns from residents who feel Waterloo is becoming less safe.
• [19:38] - How lighting, cameras, neighbourhood initiatives and collaboration could play a role in crime prevention.
• [24:13] - Why collaboration between police, bylaw, businesses and the community matters for Uptown Waterloo.
• [25:32] - What will be his first priorities if elected.
• [26:25] - Creating accessible community spaces and strengthening residents’ sense of belonging.
• [27:52] - Making city processes easier for small businesses through a more streamlined point of contact.
• [28:44] - What knocking on thousands of doors has taught Jeyas about Waterloo residents and their investment in the city.
• [30:28] - His servant-leadership approach and why empowering, appreciating and celebrating city staff matters.
• [33:48] - Some of Jeyas’ favourite local businesses.
• [37:41] - What Jeyas loves about Waterloo, from Waterloo Park and local businesses to universities, innovation and community events.

Connect with Jeyas:

Website: https://www.jeyasforwaterloo.ca/

Instagram: @jeyasforwaterloo

Facebook: @Jeyasforwaterloo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeyas-balaskanthan-b37b0a1b2

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher sits down with Shannon Weber, a candidate for Mayor of Waterloo, to discuss her experience in municipal government, why she is running for mayor, and the issues she says matter to Waterloo residents. Shannon shares how her previous work at the City of Kitchener, including serving as Chief of Staff in the Office of Mayor and Council, has shaped her approach to municipal leadership, resident service, and local government. This episode offers insight into Shannon and her perspective on key issues facing the City of Waterloo, including affordability and property taxes, transparency at City Hall, community engagement, neighbourhood safety, and municipal service delivery.

In this episode you will hear:

• [00:26] - Meet Shannon Weber and hear about her connection to Waterloo, her family, and her involvement in the community.
• [02:11] - Shannon shares her experience at the City of Kitchener and what she learned about municipal leadership and resident service.
• [04:27] - Why Shannon decided to run for Mayor of Waterloo and what is motivating her campaign.
• [06:40] - Shannon reflects on her previous mayoral campaign and the experience she has gained in the four years since.
• [11:04] - The key concerns Shannon says she is hearing from residents, including affordability, taxes, infrastructure, and accountability.
• [15:34] - Neighbourhood concerns, tree planting, and Shannon’s thoughts on improving city services and communication with residents.
• [20:23] - Cher and Shannon discuss rebuilding residents’ trust and the importance of collaboration across Waterloo Region.
• [22:54] - How innovation, flexibility, and local ideas could play a greater role in solving challenges at City Hall.
• [25:02] - Shannon shares how local businesses and innovators can bring new solutions to municipal challenges by listening to the community.
• [29:44] - What Shannon believes Waterloo needs more or less of.
• [32:11] - A conversation about affordable and supportive housing.
• [34:32] - Shannon explains her approach to property taxes, city spending, core services, and adding new initiatives.
• [39:00] - How City Hall can meaningfully engage residents through neighbourhood events, grassroots conversations, and community connections.
• [43:33] - Why community engagement needs to go beyond online surveys and connect with residents where they already are.
• [45:56] - Shannon shares her three priorities if elected.
• [48:24] - Neighbourhood safety, crime concerns, policing, and ways communities can play a role in creating safer neighbourhoods.
• [50:24] - What Shannon has learned from knocking on thousands of doors and speaking directly with Waterloo residents.
• [52:58] - Shannon discusses her collaborative leadership style and the value of teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving at City Hall.
• [54:38] - Why supporting local businesses matters and Shannon’s encouragement for residents to shop and support local.
• [56:02] - Shannon shares what she loves most about Waterloo and the strong community that has been built.

Connect with Shannon:

Website: https://www.shannonweber.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonweberwaterloo

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/shannon-weber

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher sits down with Peter, a local employment lawyer and founder of In Good Counsel, to explore the human side of workplace law. With experience representing both employees and employers, Peter brings a balanced and thoughtful perspective on everything from HR challenges and legal risk to conflict resolution and leadership. From navigating burnout and employee accommodations to understanding the impact of AI on the legal industry, this episode offers practical insight for business owners, employees, and anyone who wants to better understand how to handle conflict and build healthier working relationships.

• [02:30] - A look at the journey from law school to articling in Kitchener, leading to experience in private practice, union work, and eventually launching an independent firm.
• [03:54] - An explanation of how an interest in work, people, and real-life impact led to choosing employment law over more theoretical areas.
• [05:42] - Peter shares why moving away from transactional legal services toward long-term, relationship-driven work became a priority.
• [08:30] - Reflections on the freedom, flexibility, and unexpected creativity involved in building a business from the ground up.
• [11:36] - A discussion on how professions like law require business skills that aren’t taught in school, including operations, finances, and communication.
• [13:42] - An overview of how AI is increasing efficiency, challenging traditional billing models, and reshaping how legal services are delivered.
• [15:17] - A breakdown of common issues with AI, including misinformation and the potential loss of legal privilege when sensitive information is shared.
• [16:34] - An exploration of how AI is reinforcing the importance of trust-based, human relationships in professional services.
• [19:28] - A clear recommendation to have a proper employment agreement in place to define expectations and reduce legal risk.
• [22:00] - Guidance on not rushing to sign agreements and the importance of seeking legal advice before accepting an offer.
• [26:13] - A reflection on shifting from a transactional mindset to a relational, leadership-focused approach to law.
• [27:57] - An explanation of how legal work now includes guiding clients through human dynamics, not just providing answers.
• [30:15] - Why professionals need to guide the relationship rather than letting clients dictate the process.
• [31:50] - A conversation about how personality and approach impact client relationships and why not every client is the right fit.
• [35:15] - Why a calm, strategic approach is often more effective than the stereotypical aggressive style.
• [38:31] - A look at the growing challenges around mental health, stress leave, and how employers navigate accommodations.
• [40:44] - How employers can balance compassion with business needs and better understand their responsibilities.
• [41:13] - A perspective shift on conflict as a tool for clarity, stronger relationships, and better outcomes.
• [45:12] - How clarity, direct communication, and cultural influences shape how conflict is handled.
• [46:39] - A look ahead at Peter’s new podcast and his vision for evolving leadership within the legal profession.

Connect with Peter:

Instagram: @ingoodcounsel.ca

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co