Back to SearchKey decisions of Council is a summary of major discussion items presented at Kitchener City Council meetings. It is circulated immediately following each meeting. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
Council approves Lodging House By-law
Council approved a by-law permitting lodging houses city-wide. This new bylaw aims to improve public safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control while also reducing barriers for property owners. Key changes include more robust licensing requirements, enhanced property maintenance measures, and enhanced safety measures (mandatory inspections, advertising requirements, the implementation of a Lodging House Handbook and a ‘Dedicated Responsible Person’.) Licensing fees have been also reduced and a public application portal will be made available for applicants. Currently, there are only 15 licensed lodging Houses in Kitchener, but staff estimate there are approximately 150-300 unlicensed lodging houses operating in the City.
Property tax exemption helps support affordable housing
Council approved an exemption of the City’s portion of property tax levies for non-profit and co-operative affordable housing service providers. This is another way Kitchener is helping to support an increase in housing supply across the continuum. The City has also played a role in implementing incentives to accelerate the growth of affordable housing units, such as:
- Creating a non-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive pilot offering a $10,000 grant per affordable unit.
- Providing an affordable rental housing fee waiver within transit corridors.
- Offering a concierge service by assigning a project manager to navigate the approvals process for affordable housing projects and support meeting project timelines.
- Where possible, the City of Kitchener is helping affordable housing providers to stack all incentives available and support them to get affordable housing built.
Staff will report back to council after the first full year of the program's implementation. Read more online.
Council supports heritage designation for nine properties
Council supported Heritage Committee recommendations to extend heritage designation to nine properties:
- 113-151 Charles Street West
- 148 Madison Avenue South,
- 171-173 Victoria Street North
- 1738 Trussler Road
- 709 King Street West
- 83-85 King Street West
- 87-91 King Street West
- 97-99 King Street West
- 103-109 King Street West
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