City kicks off development of official plan with Kitchener 2051 launch event

What should Kitchener look like in 2051?

The City of Kitchener is asking the community – how can everyone benefit from the changes unfolding in our community over the next 25 years? Join us for the Kitchener 2051 Block Party in Downtown Kitchener, hosted on the Gaukel Block from 12 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 for a fun fall day with neighbours. There will be interactive activities for all ages, along with free food and entertainment, and opportunities to shape the new official plan.

“As our community continues to grow, and become more diverse, I’m excited for people across Kitchener to tell us about their vision for how our community grows and develops between now and 2051,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “I encourage everyone to stop by, share with us your dreams for our community and have some fun in the process! Join your neighbours and fellow residents for treats and activities – it’s always a guaranteed good time when we get together on the Gaukel Block.”

The Block Party kicks off an extensive community conversation, with an online survey that launches on the same day as the event. If you can’t attend, the online survey will be available online starting Saturday, Oct. 5 and until the end of the month. The online survey starts the conversation that will continue over the coming months. It asks, “what we can do to ensure that everyone benefits from the changes that are and will continue to occur over the next 25 years?”

Kitchener 2051 will be developed over the coming months through a combination of technical studies, research and an extensive engagement process. The City recently kicked off the inaugural meeting of the Kitchener 2051 Community Working Group, made up of people from across our community who will work with staff to develop the plan.

The City of Kitchener is asking those who are interested in participating in this project to register on our Engage Kitchener page. You will be provided with updates on the project’s progress and opportunities to get involved.

“We want to articulate a bold, strong vision of what our community can become by 2051,” said Rosa Bustamante, the City’s Director of Planning and Housing Policy. “The Kitchener 2051 Gaukel Block Party is a great way to participate in the dialogue about how Kitchener can and should change over time, and I encourage everyone to come on down or register to be notified for the next opportunity.”

A Kitchener 2051 Speaker Series will also be launching later this fall as we ask big questions about the future of Kitchener in 2051.

For more information about Kitchener 2051, please visit www.engagewr.ca/kitchener2051

For more information, contact:

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