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The City of Kitchener, in partnership with Kitchener Housing Inc., is building a new mixed-use facility at 450-470 King Street. This project will combine a new municipal fire station with housing.
On this page:
The City of Kitchener is developing a unique mixed-use facility that brings together a new municipal fire station (Fire Station 8) and purpose-built rental housing. By combining essential emergency services with diverse housing options, the initiative ensures that Kitchener continues to grow as a safe, inclusive and resilient community.
This project will deliver long-term benefits for residents by improving emergency response times, expanding access to housing and fostering community through shared spaces.
Designed with sustainability and inclusivity in mind, the project reflects Kitchener’s commitment to smart urban planning and social equity. The City of Kitchener is working with partners to create a high-impact, cost-effective development that meets the evolving needs of the community.
The project is being delivered using an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model. IPD is a collaborative delivery approach that brings the owner, designers and constructors together early in the project to jointly plan, design, validate costs and manage risks before final decisions are made.
Design work continues for both the fire station and housing components. Key elements of the proposed design include:
This innovative project brings together essential emergency services and in-demand housing to support a growing and diverse Kitchener. Here’s what is in progress:
During a Special Council meeting on June 1, 2026, a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 450-470 King Street East was unanimously approved by council.
On June 29, 2026, staff will present a report to council that includes preliminary design, schedule, and cost for the project.
Design progress
Zoning bylaw amendment
Public engagement opportunities
This project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Housing Accelerator Fund, the Government of Ontario through the Building Faster Fund and the City of Kitchener. A final budget will be established and brought forward to City Council for approval following the design validation phase of the project.
When will construction begin and how long will it take?
The validation phase of the project began in Fall 2025 and includes developing the project scope, preliminary design, costing, and schedule.
Once the validation report is approved by Kitchener City Council and Kitchener Housing Inc. (KHI), the detailed design and permit submissions will take place. It is anticipated that a building permit will be issued in Fall 2026.
Early site works are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026 with building construction beginning in Q2 2027.
Why is a new fire station needed?
The goal of any fire service is to ensure an efficient and effective response to its community.
Kitchener’s population in the downtown core is growing. A new station is required to meet regulatory response standards and to arrive at the scene of a fire or emergency incident as quickly as possible.
How is this project being funded?
Funding for this project comes from previously announced grants by the federal and provincial governments, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and development charge revenues. This means the facility’s construction will have no impact on municipal taxes.
Why is the City proposing adding housing to this project, and what’s included?
The project aims to:
Add more housing, especially affordable housing by offering a mix of unit types supporting the City’s housing goals.
Use land near transit more efficiently
Build a complete community with homes, services, and public space
Improve emergency services with a new fire station
Beyond the new downtown fire station, this mixed-use building will also include 19-storeys and approximately 280 rental units.
The property will include:
10 parking spaces for fire station use
Short term parking for drop-offs and deliveries
Indoor loading bay for garbage trucks, moving trucks and maintenance vehicles.
The residential component of this project is being designed with no dedicated resident parking. Like all developments in Major Transit Station Areas, no parking is required due to the property’s proximity to an ION station and several bus routes. The site is also near several cycling routes and extensive bike parking (about 300 spaces) will be provided on site. This location is also highly walkable, with many shops, restaurants, services, and schools within a close distance.
KHI will match tenants requiring personal parking spaces to other housing within their portfolio, where parking is available. Their staff will park at nearby municipal parking lots and garages.
Staff are working with the design team to improve the visitor/short team parking on site.
How will the building impact traffic in the area?
We don’t expect a significant increase in traffic due to the low number of parking spaces and access to public and active transportation options in the area.
Will there be community spaces or amenities?
In additional to the private indoor, outdoor and roof top amenity area for the residents, the project includes:
A public plaza
New landscaping and trees
An indoor community room
Public art
Will the fire station be noisy?
Fire stations are commonly located within residential and mixed‑use areas for faster emergency response and public safety.
Kitchener Fire staff use standard noise mitigation strategies to help lessen impacts on neighbours, including sirens not always being used when leaving the station. Traffic lights will also help open or clear roadways for trucks once dispatched.
What road closures or impact to public transit should I be aware of?
The City of Kitchener will inform residents in the neighbourhood of planned closures of roadways, sidewalks or access to public transit through website updates and signage.
Have questions about the downtown fire station and residential development? We’re here to help. Whether you're a resident, community partner or simply curious about the project, we welcome your inquiries.
519-741-2345: report an issue or ask us a question
1-866-969-9994: use our TTY system for deaf and hard of hearing callers
Visit us in person at City Hall.
Contact Us
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 4G7
Telephone: 519-741-2345
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
Email: info@kitchener.ca
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.
