Key Decisions of Kitchener Council – June 20, 2022

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.

City updates by-law to allow e-scooters on City trails

Council approved an update to the City’s Traffic and Parking by-law to allow the use of e-scooters on certain City streets and trails. The update to the bylaw will allow the City to join the Region, as well as the cities of Waterloo and Cambridge in implementing a commercial bike, e-bike, and e-scooter share system in the region. This coordinated approach will allow for the legal use of e-scooters on paved trails, City roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less, multi-use trails, and reserved bike lanes, where it is safe to do so. The action to develop and subsidize a bikeshare program, supports the City’s strategic goal of People-friendly transportation by encouraging and incentivizing alternative modes of transportation.

Council endorses community engagement strategy to seek public input on Queen Victoria statue

Council approved moving forward with an equity-driven community engagement process to gather ideas and feedback from the community related to the Queen Victoria Statue in Victoria Park. A key component of the engagement strategy will include public education related to the historical legacy of Queen Victoria, the statue, as well as the ongoing impacts of colonialism on generations of Indigenous, Black and racialized persons. The engagement process will provide opportunities for the public to provide input while prioritizing the voices of Indigenous, Black and racialized community members. The proposed strategy will take place over an 8-12 month period, in collaboration with multiple stakeholders and ongoing projects taking place at the City. Council also endorsed an amendment to the staff report to commission new temporary public artwork that recognizes Indigenous Peoples on the site while the engagement process occurs.

One year later: Backyard homes update

Council received a one-year update on the Zoning By-law amendment that allowed for backyard homes in Kitchener (semi-detached duplexes and detached additional dwelling units). Since the new zoning came into effect on June 1, 2021, the City has issued 21 building permits for semi-detached duplex units and nine building permits for backyard homes. To gather feedback on the application and approvals process for backyard homes, surveys were sent to applicants and residents. In response to this feedback, staff will continue to monitor the uptake of backyard homes in Kitchener and explore opportunities for streamlining the approvals process.

Kitchener Utilities Natural Gas Supply Rate Change for August 1, 2022

Council approved a rate change increase to Kitchener Utilities’ natural gas supply rate to 21.45 cents per cubic metre effective Aug. 1, 2022. The impact of the rate change is expected to result in an increase of about $40 on the overall bill until end of 2022 for the average residential customer (consuming 2,100 cubic metres annually). Kitchener Utilities uses a disciplined approach to buying natural gas, and the supply program is operated at cost. Kitchener Utilities is committed to delivering rate stability for customers. As natural gas prices are rising, implementing a rate change now avoids a significant rate spike in 2023.

Students present Council with their ‘ideal city’ ideas

On Monday evening, Council hosted students at City Hall for the My Ideal City event. My Ideal City is a contest that asks students aged 10 to 12 years old to submit an essay about the programs and services they’d like to see from the city. Students presented their essays to Councillors, parents and teachers during the livestreamed event in Council Chambers.

Policy changes help to ban conversion practices at City facilities

Council approved a recommendation to adjust various City policies in order to deter groups or individuals from using municipal facilities for hosting or promoting conversion practices and to demonstrate to the queer and trans community that conversion practices have no place in the city of Kitchener. In November 2021, Council formally denounced conversion practices as dangerous and harmful, perpetuating myths and stereotypes about sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

Staff provide quarterly update on planning applications in Kitchener

Council received a quarterly update on significant development applications in Kitchener. Together, the three new applications this quarter propose 48 affordable housing units for seniors, 400 dwelling units, as well as additional ground floor retail. For a complete list of significant development applications, view the full report.