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Key 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.  

Indigenous artwork approved for new KPL branch 

Council approved the commission and installation of a new artwork, Wintertime Stories by Isaac Murdoch and Nyle Miigizi Johnston, at the Kitchener Public Library’s southwest branch, which is to be built in the new Rosenberg residential area.  

As the artists explain, “the stories of the woodland animals are rich with lessons and teachings on our connection to all of nature and our roles as stewards and protectors of the lands. In addition to being visually striking, the artwork will be embedded with important messages about history, culture and eco-consciousness.”  

The work was selected, from nearly 30 options, by a citizen jury citing its deep connection to Anishinabek tradition, its appealing symbolism, and the playful warmth of its shapes and material choices. Its pictography will be formed by CNC machine-cut shapes in stained Baltic birch plywood and laser-cut acrylic made from recycled plastics that are UV-printed with custom colours. The long, large artwork will be visible from outside through the branch's large windows. For further details, read the report. 

Council advances construction of variety of housing 

Council approved applications to advance the construction of:   

  • 13 additional units to a duplex at 229 Wellington St. N. Read the report.  

  • A 249-unit, mixed-use development at 130-142 Victoria St. S. The 25-storey tower would include a six-storey podium. Read the report.  

  • A 279-unit, mixed use development at 332 Charles St. E. The 27-storey tower would include a range of 1 and 2 bedroom units. 

  • 47 townhomes and a small public park on the vacant property municipally addressed as 30- 40 Margaret Avenue, within the Civic Centre Neighbourhood Heritage Conservation District. Read the report. 

Council advances six-storey affordable housing project 

Councillors approved the construction of a six-storey affordable housing building at 15 Church St. The L-shaped property, behind Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Queen Street South, is proposed to have 57 residential units and 27 parking spaces. 

These properties are located within the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District (VPAHCD) and are designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). They are also located within the Victoria Park Neighborhood Cultural Heritage Landscape. A report to council determined that the proposed development would not have a negative impact on the church or adjacent house, the original church manse, or the conservation district. For details, read the report.  

Kitchener makes progress on active transportation  

Council received a report showing great progress supporting active transportation by investing in local trail networks, pedestrian crossings and cycling infrastructure, allowing residents to travel across the community safely. Some of the key findings in the report include: 

  • Kitchener has installed 28 new pedestrian crossings at mid-block, trail, and roundabout locations. 

  • Construction of off-road trails is ahead of schedule, with 8 km of upgraded trails in the past two years alone. 

  • The Downtown Cycling Grid has seen a 164 per cent increase in ridership, with 54,781 cycling trips in the first seven months of 2023. 

  • There have been 23,821 Neuron e-scooter and e-bike trips in Kitchener since its launch in April. 

  • The Iron Horse Trail continues to grow in use, with an average of 2,894 daily users in June 2023, compared to 819 in June 2016, an increase of 270 per cent. 

  • In addition to expanding the active transportation network, progress has been made on 24 of the 35 actions identified in the CTMP, including preparing education campaigns for pedestrian crossovers and safe cycling. 

For more details, read the report or news release.  

Council advances heritage designation for two sites 

Council intends to designate, as cultural heritage resources under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act: 

  • Two buildings, at 35 and 43 Sheldon Ave. N., constructed in the Tudor Revival architectural style around 1936. The site is part of oneROOF Youth Services. Read the report. 

  • The façade of a two-storey art deco building at 90-92 Queen St. S., near the corner of Queen Street South and Charles Street East, which was likely constructed around 1938. A new 44-storey tower is planned to be built on the site. Read the report.