Downtown Kitchener is at a key point in its evolution. It’s time to develop a new, community-led vision for the future. Learn more about how the vision process and how you can get involved.
On this page:
Current vision
Downtown Kitchener (DTK) is guided by:
- our 2019-2022 Strategic Plan
- Make It Kitchener 2.0
- Shaping DTK – A Vision for 2020
- updated Official Plan policies
- guidelines for the downtown in our Urban Design Manual
Developing a new vision
Unprecedented growth is happening at a time when housing affordability, climate, equity and social factors are coming together to change the face of the downtown core.
As a result, it’s a great time for the community to shape a new vision for the downtown. This new vision will include a set of equity-based guiding principles for the next generation of community-led transformation.
At this time, city initiatives that a collective DTK vision would help inform include:
- new land use and zoning framework for DTK
- Civic District master plan
- Bramm Yards master plan
- Arts and Culture Strategy
- District Energy plan for DTK
- inclusionary zoning for DTK
- Places and Spaces Master Plan
- city-owned lands strategy (Make it Kitchener 2.0)
- new Official Plan
These bodies of work will work together with the Downtown Kitchener Vision to guide our future decision-making.
Get involved
We want to hear from you! Share your feedback and your vision for downtown Kitchener's future. Your input will help us build a new vision and set of principles.
To get involved, take our online survey before March 31 or share your thoughts at one of our pop-up events.
Learn more on Engage Kitchener
Downtown Community Working Group
The Downtown Community Working Group (DCWG) includes members of the downtown and broader Kitchener community, each bringing unique and diverse perspectives to the process.
The DCWG is working to:
- shape a comprehensive community engagement process
- craft a vision that encapsulates downtown Kitchener in 10 years, one that is premised on a “downtown for all”
- identify and define a set of principles that shape, direct and build context for future decision-making for the downtown core
The DCWG works with and is supported by community engagement consultants and staff. A space for input and collaboration with the broader community will be part of the community engagement process.