Key Decisions of Kitchener Council: Dec. 16, 2024

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.

Inclusionary zoning approved for January 2026

Kitchener Council approved a January 2026 implementation date for the application of Inclusionary Zoning policies within major transit station areas. Inclusionary Zoning is one tool in a suite of initiatives that will help enable more affordable housing in Kitchener, as outlined in the City’s Housing For All strategy. This will require developers to set aside a minimum percentage of affordable units in a new development of 50 units or more. Inclusionary Zoning is one of nine Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiatives the City of Kitchener is committed to implementing as part of its contribution agreement with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Kitchener is advancing the building of hundreds of affordable housing units through other initiatives.

Biehn Drive expansion approved

Council has endorsed a route for the expansion of Biehn Drive to Robert Ferrie Drive, expanding the transportation network in the Doon South and Brigadoon neighbourhoods. Identified as a major collector in the City’s Official Plan, Biehn Drive’s expansion will include a trunk sanitary sewer, storm sewers, ditches and a watermain. This expansion of this water and sanitary infrastructure will meet the immediate and future needs of a rapidly-growing neighbourhood.