Key Decisions of Kitchener Council – Sept. 26, 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. 

Council clears way for more diverse housing

By approving several official plan and zoning bylaw amendment applications, Kitchener Council has cleared the way for more diverse housing in different parts of the city including central neighbourhoods and Ottawa Street South areas; more affordable housing near Fairview Mall; and new high-rise construction at the edge of the core near King Street East and Highway 8.

The approvals will allow developers to build:

• Up to four infill units at 27 Roy St. Council’s amendments allow the interior of an existing building (one dwelling) to be renovated into four dwelling units, or three dwelling units plus a unit containing an artisan’s studio and small-scale cafe.
• 48 affordable housing units operated by the Region of Waterloo on Wilson Avenue at Fourth Street — a net increase of 32 geared-to-income homes for seniors. The zoning bylaw amendment allows a previously demolished two-storey building containing 16 units to be replaced with a six-storey building containing 48 units. The amendment allows for a taller building and more parking (.5 spots) per unit.
• 166 mid-rise units by the Mill ION light rail station near Mill Street and Ottawa Street South. Council's changes respond to the “missing middle” by changing the Official Plan designation from low-rise residential to medium-rise residential. The proposed development consists of 166 residential units, including 110 one-bedroom units, 49 two-bedroom units, and seven three-bedroom units along with 157 parking spaces located underground and in the rear yard.
• 658 residential units in two towers on a lot between King Street East and Weber Street East – the site of the former Schwaben Club across from Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Council’s amendments allow for the construction of two towers, 24 and 25 storeys in height, each with an eight-storey podium. The 403 parking spaces, located underground and on a parking deck, would include 123 EV-ready parking stalls.

Kitchener's proposed 2022 artist-in-residence to share stories of underrepresented communities through portraits

Local artist Bangishimo Johnston was approved by Council as the 2022 City of Kitchener artist-in-residence. Bangishimo is an IndigiQueer Anishinaabe originally from Couchiching First Nations located on Treaty #3 territory. In addition to being an artist and photographer, Bangishimo is a community organizer and advocate for the inclusion of Black, Indigenous, and racialized voices. Bangishimo plans to collaborate with Textile Magazine and other community members to hold workshops and related activities. For more information on the program and upcoming events, visit www.kitchener.ca/air

City honours long-serving volunteer-led groups

Kitchener Council showed their appreciation for more than 30 local minor sports organizations and neighbourhood associations that are marking milestone celebrations during 2020-22. The City is affiliated with 40 minor sports organizations and is home to 26 neighbourhood associations. Each has played an integral role in building the strong and vibrant community we enjoy today. Volunteers from more than a dozen community groups attended council and accepted the City’s Volunteer Long Service Award on behalf of their organizations. They included:

Minor sports organizations:

• Asahi Judo Club, 55 years of service.
• Kitchener Soccer Club, 55 years of service.
• K-W Water Polo Club, 45 years of service.
• Topspin Table Tennis Club of KW, 20 years of service.
• Tsuruoka Karate Club, 25 years of service.
• K-W Gymnastics Club, 55 years of service.
• Kitchener Minor Hockey, 85 years of service.
• K-W Sidewinders Sledge Hockey Club, 40 years of service.
• Southwest Optimists T-Ball, 40 years of service.

Neighbourhood Associations:

• Stanley Park Community Association, 45 years of service.
• Highland Stirling Community Group, 45 years of service.
• Mill-Courtland Neighbourhood Association, 35 years of service.
• Auditorium Neighbourhood Association, 30 years of service.
• Forest Heights Community Association celebrating 45 years of service.

During the two past years, 21 minor sports groups and 14 neighbourhood associations have celebrated a milestone anniversary. Together, they have contributed 1,255 years of service to Kitchener.