Key decisions of Kitchener Council: Dec. 11, 2023

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.

Staff to study rental replacement by-law

Council has asked City staff to engage the development industry and community stakeholders on a rental replacement by-law and investigate additional tools within the City’s jurisdiction to support renters who may be displaced due to building demolition. Eviction and displacement are significant and complex issues in our community. Staff continue to work with the Region of Waterloo, community stakeholders and other orders of government to address housing challenges. Read the report online.

Speed limits in school zones

Council approved a recommendation to keep speed limits in school zones on arterial roads and neighbourhood roads at 30 km/h. This recommendation reflects the community function of school properties outside of regular school hours and the presence of children and other vulnerable street users throughout the day and year.

Council advances construction of 667 residential units

Council approved zoning by-law amendments, and adopted and forwarded official plan amendment applications to the Region of Waterloo for approval, to permit the construction of:

• 40 stacked low-rise cluster townhouses at 117 Bloomingdale
• 5 low-rise street fronting townhouses fronting Gravel Ride Trail
• 622 units at 417 King Street West in the Downtown

Grant approved for assisted snow clearing

Council approved a snow clearing grant of up to $96,000/year to The Working Centre. This grant will support sidewalk snow clearing for residents who are unable to clear snow in front of their properties due to age or disability. Through this program, The Working Centre is able to provide meaningful employment to low-income and street-involved individuals. Read the report online.

Council endorses guiding principles for Kitchener Utilities clean energy transition strategy

Council endorsed guiding principles with related objectives to help guide work for the Kitchener Utilities clean energy transition strategy. The principles with aligned intentions and objectives were informed by extensive engagement and a high-level environmental scan. The next phase of work will use the principles to assess different business options. Kitchener Utilities’ natural gas delivery business is preparing to evolve to respond to global energy industry changes and align with the City’s and the community’s climate change commitments. Read the full report here.

Heritage Kitchener to designate 14 properties

Council recognized the importance of our community’s cultural heritage by passing 14 Notices of Intent to Designate. These properties are listed on the City’s Municipal Heritage Register. Three of the properties are being designated as part of their redevelopment into new housing developments. Read the reports online.