City kicks off the development of new official plan with recruitment for community working group

City of Kitchener kicks off the development of its new official plan, Kitchener 2051, with recruitment for community working group

The City of Kitchener has begun the process of updating its official plan and is looking for residents from all walks of life to participate in building a new plan to guide growth and shape the way that Kitchener’s neighbourhoods will evolve and change. The city is calling the new plan Kitchener 2051 and is sending out a call to action for people from across Kitchener to get in touch and stay updated.

The official plan is a long-term strategy for how Kitchener will grow. It explains what types of housing will be built and where, as well as everything else that’s needed for our growing community. The development of a new official plan is an opportunity for Kitchener residents to influence how we grow into a city of over 400,000 residents. The first opportunity to get involved begins today, with the opening of applications for a community working group that will provide guidance throughout the Kitchener 2051 work. 

“Kitchener is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, and as we grow into a City of over 400,000 people by 2051, the input of our Kitchener residents will be key,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.  “This big picture, long-term thinking aligns with the development of a new official plan and will speak to how Kitchener will change and grow in the coming years. Resident feedback will shape the strategy that determines the type of housing that can be approved, and it will also be used as a guide when considering proposals that require council approval.”

Residents of Kitchener are encouraged to visit our Engage Kitchener page and learn about the community working group that will help guide this new growth plan. If you are interested, consider applying. If not, subscribe for updates anyway—the Kitchener 2051 team will be out in the community starting this fall, and there will be plenty of chances to have your voice heard.

The community working group will be comprised of up to 30 community members. Members will attend in-person and occasional virtual meetings to exert real influence through their expertise and insights. 

"Kitchener is growing fast and facing many city-building challenges, especially the housing crisis,” said Rosa Bustamante, Director, Planning and Housing Policy. “Kitchener 2051 is an opportunity to tackle these issues head-on, ask big questions, and prepare us for an uncertain future. I look forward to doing that work working with members of our community."

More information about the City of Kitchener’s official plan can be found at kitchener.ca/officialplan. For more information about Kitchener 2051 and how to stay up to date, subscribe for updates at engagewr.ca/Kitchener2051.

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For more information, contact:

Shawn Falcao 

Manager, Corporate Communication    
City of Kitchener   
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca