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.
Kitchener achieves platinum certification from city data council
Council received certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for achieving WCCD’s ISO 37120 Certification at the highest platinum level. This is the third consecutive year the City received certification which recognizes commitment to high-calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data to support data-driven decision-making.
ISO 37120, the first ISO standard developed especially for cities, contains 104 indicators across 19 themes and measures City services and quality of life. Kitchener joined the WCCD network as part of a Government of Canada-sponsored initiative, the “Data for Canadian Cities Pilot Project.”
Bikeshare, arts and more are priorities for 2023
Subject to 2023 budget approval (being considered Feb. 2, 2023), Council passed the 2023 Business Plan that outlines staff recommendations for project priorities. The plan calls for the completion of projects like bikeshare service; protected bike lanes connecting the downtown; pedestrian-first plans for Gaukel Street and the Farmers’ Market; master plans for the Innovation and Civic districts; an arts and culture plan; a lodging house study to help implement the City’s Housing For All Strategy, and more.
Compass Kitchener citizen committee priorities for 2023
Council received a report outlining the Compass Kitchener advisory committee’s community priorities for the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, and community engagement activities and responses informing those priorities.
Compass Kitchener’s eight community priorities for 2023-2026 are:
- housing affordability
- belonging
- welcoming and inclusive community
- support for newcomers
- environmental sustainability
- urban growth
- how we move around the city
- public engagement
Compass Kitchener members and city staff undertook broad community engagement including a telephone survey of more than 1,000 people. In addition, teams on the street conducted more than 100 interviews; more than 4,000 people visited a dedicated Engage web page; residents shared 617 ideas during four neighbourhood focus groups and contributed 541 ideas on boards; and the committee received 35 artistic contributions to the City’s 20-year vision.
Compass Kitchener members identified their priorities while guided by the overarching principles of equity, diversity and inclusion as well as the commitment to pursue effective collaborative relationships.
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