Key Decisions of Kitchener Council: December 15, 2025
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.
Kitchener Council approves new housing incentive plan to boost affordability
Kitchener City Council has approved the Missing Middle and Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP), a major step toward increasing housing options and affordability. Supported by $6.21 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, the CIP introduces two grant programs:
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Additional Dwelling Units Grant: promotes affordable, energy-efficient, and accessible housing.
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Missing Middle Affordable Housing Grant: supports affordable units in mixed-use and multi-dwelling buildings up to eight storeys.
The plan targets at least 98 new units by October 2026, including 49 affordable homes, and 500 units over the next decade. This initiative reinforces the City of Kitchener’s commitment to building connected, sustainable neighborhoods and addressing housing needs.
Council approves cost-saving, eco-friendly change to billing
Kitchener City Council has approved discontinuing the inclusion of return envelopes with mailed paper property tax and utility bills, effective February 1, 2026.
This decision follows a municipal survey showing most Ontario municipalities no longer provide return envelopes. The change is expected to save approximately $5,400 annually, reducing costs for both the tax base and utility enterprises.
The move supports the City’s commitment to sustainability by lowering paper use and reducing its carbon footprint, aligning with the Cultivating a Green City Together strategic priority.
Council approves amendments to its Community Engagement Policy
Kitchener Council has approved amendments to its Community Engagement Policy, following a comprehensive review and extensive public input. The updated policy aligns with industry best practices, provides a clearer framework for engagement, and reflects community expectations. There are no financial implications, and the changes support the City’s goal of fostering a caring and inclusive community.
Staff updates Council on property tax exemption for affordable housing
Staff updated Council on the status of the property tax exemption program for affordable housing. In its first year, the Region of Waterloo received 13 applications - 6 from properties in Kitchener - with all applications now under review by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). A recent court ruling means more non-profits may qualify for permanent exemptions, supporting Council’s goal of building a connected city with a focus on building affordable housing and neighbourhoods.
Council confirms Inclusionary Zoning to commence as approved in 2024
Kitchener Council confirmed that starting in 2026, Inclusionary Zoning will commence within Kitchener's major transit station areas. In 2026, up to 2% of affordable units will be required as part of new developments of 50 units or more. Inclusionary Zoning is one of ten Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiatives the City of Kitchener is committed to implementing as part of its contribution agreement within the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Kitchener is also advancing the building of hundreds of affordable housing units through other initiatives.
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