Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, May 26, 2025 at 7:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Council Chambers - Hybrid

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7

Present:

• Mayor B. Vrbanovic
• Councillor S. Davey
• Councillor D. Schnider
• Councillor J. Deneault
• Councillor C. Michaud
• Councillor A. Owodunni
• Councillor P. Singh
• Councillor B. Ioannidis
• Councillor S. Stretch

Absent:

• Councillor M. Johnston
• Councillor D. Chapman

Staff:

• D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
• M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator
• V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
• J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
• J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
• D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
• C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development
• L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
• G. MacNeil, Director, Enforcement
• J. Silcox-Childs, Director, Parks & Cemeteries
• R. Bustamante, Director Planning & Housing Policy/City Planner
• A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk
• B. Bennett, Manager, Business Development
• N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research
• M. Parris, Manager, Parks and Open Space Design and Development
• D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
• C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
• B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner

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1.

COMMENCEMENT

The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor and the singing of “O Canada.”

2.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

On motion by Councillor P. Singh the minutes of the regular meeting held May 5, 2025, and special meetings held May 5 and May 12, 2025 as mailed to the Mayor and Councillors, were accepted.

3.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

4.

COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE - NIL

5.

PRESENTATIONS

5.1

Certificates of Achievement - D. Chapman, CAO and V. Raab, GM Corporate Services

Mayor B. Vrbanovic presented Dan Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer, a Long Service Recognition Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for 20-years of municipal service; and, presented Victoria Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services, a certificate of service for 10-years at the City of Kitchener.

5.2

2024 Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) Project of the Year Awards - Montgomery Creek Restoration

Bu Lam, Director, Sanitary and Stormwater Utility, presented the 2024 Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) Project of the Year Awards - Montgomery Creek Restoration received by the City. 

Councillor P. Singh left the meeting at this time.

5.3

Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation - RedDAY

Councillor P. Singh returned to the meeting at this time.

Dr. Al Qahwash, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), provided a presentation regarding RedDAY, an Annual community fundraiser where donations go toward preventative cardiac care program such as WRHN PREVENT Clinic, noting that Manulife will match RedDAY donations, dollar for dollar, up to $200,000 to rally the community and health care workers to the cause on June 6, 2025. Dr. Qahwash then responded to questions from Council.

5.4

Communitech - Annual Update

Sheldon McCormick, CEO, Communitech, thanked Council for their continued partnership and support for the past 27 years, noting from May 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025, with the City's support, Communitech has been able to support 370 new startups; assist 32 founders through Fierce Founders; helped to launch MedTech programming; formed 22 new peer groups; and assisted with new startup programming. S. McCormick provided an overview of the work completed over the past year included but not limited to: the climate for the tech industry; how Communitech has been supporting tech businesses; the future focus for tech industries; and, highlighted upcoming events that the City may be interested in partnering in. S. McCormick then responded to questions from Council. Cory Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development and Brian Bennett, Manager, Business Development, were also in attendance to respond to questions from Council.

Mayor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time and Councillor S. Davey assumed the role of the Chair.

6.

DELEGATIONS

6.1

Snow Removal - Enforcement Practices

Charanjit Singh Bawa was not in attendance. 

Mayor B. Vrbanovic returned to the meeting at this time and assumed the role of the Chair.

6.2

Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM, Hidden Valley Land Use, DSD-2024-292 and Addendum Report DSD-2025-225, listed as item 8.1

Council considered Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM, Hidden Valley Land Use, DSD-2024-292 and Addendum Report DSD-2025-225, listed as item 8.1. It was noted that this matter was initially considered at Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee on January 27, 2025, then at Council on February 10, 2025, where Council opted to defer consideration of the decision pending a site visit with the property owner. It was further noted staff prepared an addendum report, with a revised recommendation included in the agenda this date, at the request of staff the recommendation was amended to substitute the staff report in the recommendation to reflect DSD-2025-225.

Peter Benninger and Dave Aston, MHBC Planning and addressed Council in opposition to the staff recommendation as outlined in DSD-2025-225 and requested Council consider amending the recommendation related to Map 6 identifies an overlay area previously determined with City staff to not be an environmental concern and this is not a constraint and requested the area be removed from mapping; to adjust Map 2 as proposed; to make adjustments to the RES-4, RES-5 and COM-2 Zoning as proposed. D. Aston indicated the proposed modifications support the City’s objectives identified in the staff report on providing lands for future housing and jobs through additional residential lands and commercial lands.

A motion was brought forward by Councillor P. Singh and seconded by Councillor S. Stretch to approve the subject application as outlined in staff report DSD-2025-225.

Councillor J. Deneault brought forward an amendment, which was seconded by Councillor S. Davey, as follows:

"That City Initiated Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, for the purpose of implementing recommendations contained within the Hidden Valley Land Use Implementation Project, including amendments to mapping and text amendments, be approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department report DSD-2025-225 as Attachment ‘A’; and, with the following amendments:

• • That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
  • That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
  • That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System;
  • That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
  • That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
  • That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System; and,

That City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/008/K/CM to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051, be approved in the form shown in the “Proposed By-law” attached to Report DSD-2025-225 as Attachment ‘B’; and, with the following amendments:

• • That the land identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be zoned RES-5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 241;
  • That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be zoned RES-5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 242; and,

That the Hidden Valley Residential Community Plan (as approved June 14, 1990) and Hidden Valley Industrial Community Secondary Plan (as approved October 19, 1981) be repealed in their entirety; and further, 

That pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13, as amended, that further notice is not required to be given in respect to minor changes made to Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM."

Councillor Deneault’s amendment was then voted on and was Carried.

The following motion was then voted on and was Carried. 

• Moved by Councillor P. Singh
  Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch

  "That City Initiated Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, for the purpose of implementing recommendations contained within the Hidden Valley Land Use Implementation Project, including amendments to mapping and text amendments, be approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department report DSD-2025-225 as Attachment ‘A’; and, with the following amendments:

  1. 1. That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
     2. That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
     3. That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System;
     4. That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
     5. That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
     6. That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System; and,

  That City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/008/K/CM to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051, be approved in the form shown in the “Proposed By-law” attached to Report DSD-2025-225 as Attachment ‘B’; and, with the following amendments:

  1. 1. That the land identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 4/2B” be zoned RES-5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 241;
     2. That the lands identified in Report DSD-2025-225 as “Area 3/2A” be zoned RES-5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 242; and,

  That the Hidden Valley Residential Community Plan (as approved June 14, 1990) and Hidden Valley Industrial Community Secondary Plan (as approved October 19, 1981) be repealed in their entirety; and further, 

  That pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13, as amended, that further notice is not required to be given in respect to minor changes made to Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM."

  Carried, as amended

6.3

Places and Spaces Parks Master Plan, INS-2025-142, listed as item 7.2.d

Council considered Places and Spaces Parks Master Plan, INS-2025-142, listed as item 7.2.d on the agenda this date. In addition, Council was in receipt of a written submission from G. Wheeler and P. Nickels related to this matter. Mark Parris, Manager, Parks and Open Space Design and Development and Jeff Silcox-Childs, Director, Parks & Cemeteries were in attendance to respond to questions from Council.

Peggy Nickels address Council in support of Places and Spaces. P. Nickels highlighted some further suggestions and requested Council to further consider prioritizing multipurpose spaces, maximizing green space and trees; prioritize parks for city-own land; re-imagine and greening the potential of gray alternative spaces, and not substituting them for parks; and, continuing to listen to community members from all backgrounds.

• Moved by Councillor D. Schnider
  Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch

  "That the Parks Master Plan - Places, as provided in Attachment 'A' of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2025-142 be approved; and further,

  That staff be directed to carry out the recommendations as outlined by the near-, mid-, and long-term implementation framework in report INS-2025-142."

  Carried

7.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

7.1

HERITAGE KITCHENER - MAY 6, 2025

• Moved by Councillor C. Michaud
  Seconded by Councillor B. Ioannidis

  "That the report of Heritage Kitchener, dated May 6, 2025, listed as items 7.1.a to 7.1.e on the agenda this date, be adopted."

  Carried

7.1.a

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-010 - 60 Victoria Street North, Demolition of Additions with Retention in Full of 1913 Building, DSD-2025-173

• "That pursuant to Sections 33 and 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-010 for the property municipally addressed as 60 Victoria Street North be approved, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-173, to permit the demolition of three additions while retaining in full the 1913 building, in accordance with the supplementary information submitted with this application and subject to the following conditions:

  1. 1. That the final Cultural Heritage Conservation Plan be submitted and approved by the Director of Development and Housing Approvals prior to the issuance of a heritage permit;
     2. That the final Structural Condition Assessment Report be submitted and approved by the Director of Development and Housing Approvals in consultation with the City’s Chief Building Official prior to the issuance of a heritage permit;
     3. That the Final Risk Management Plan be submitted and approved by the Director of Development and Housing Approvals prior to the issuance of a heritage permit;
     4. That the final Temporary Protection Plan, including Demolition and Stabilization Plan, be submitted and approved by the Director of Development and Housing Approvals in consultation with the City’s Chief Building Official prior to the issuance of a heritage permit;
     5. That the retained Heritage Consultant inspect and certify that the measures outlined in the approved Conservation Plan, Risk Management Plan, and Temporary Protection Plan have been undertaken prior to and after demolition in accordance with good conservation practice and to the satisfaction of the Direction of Planning;
     6. That the final demolition permit be reviewed, and heritage clearance provided by Heritage Planning staff prior to the issuance of a demolition permit; and
     7. Should the Owner suspect or become aware of any structural damage to the retained portion of 60 Victoria Street North during the demolition, the Owner agrees to stop work in the vicinity and notify the Consulting Engineer, the Heritage Consultant, and the City’s Heritage Planner so that corrective action can be taken to the satisfaction of the City’s Heritage Planner."
  Carried

7.1.b

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-005 - 122 Frederick Street (The Registry Theatre), Alterations to Exterior Limestone Steps, DSD-2025-192

• "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-005 be approved, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2025-192, to permit the repair and/or replacement of the exterior limestone steps at The Registry Theatre on the property municipally addressed as 122 Frederick Street, in accordance with the supplementary information submitted with the application, subject to the following condition:

  1. 1. That prior to commencing work on site, the following be reviewed and approved by Heritage Planning staff:
        1. 1. the scope of work;
           2. the methods and materials, including sample replacement stone; and,
           3. a test panel showing replacement stone and new mortar."
  Carried

7.1.c

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-006 - 122 Frederick Street (The Registry Theatre), Alterations to Interior Marble Steps, DSD-2025-193

• "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-006 be approved, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2025-193, to permit the repair of the interior marble steps at The Registry Theatre on the property municipally addressed as 122 Frederick Street, in accordance with the supplementary information submitted with the application, subject to the following condition:

  1. 1. That prior to commencing work on site, the following be reviewed and approved by Heritage Planning staff:
        1. the scope of work;
        2. the methods and materials; and,
        3. a test panel showing repaired marble."
  Carried

7.1.d

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-007 - 279 Queen Street South, Replacement of Windows and Repainting of Exterior Elements, DSD-2025-172

• "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-007 on the property municipally addressed as 279 Queen Street South, be approved in accordance with the supplementary information submitted with the application, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-172, to permit:

  1. 1. The replacement of the glass panes within the second-floor front window;
     2. The replacement of a non-original window on the ground floor south façade with a replica of the original window in aluminum-clad wood; and
     3. Repainting of exterior elements, including brick, planter wall with wood boards, soffits and fascia, columns, and window frames."
  Carried

7.1.e

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-009 - 1404 Doon Village Road, Minor Demolition and Rear Yard Addition, DSD-2025-189

• "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-009 be approved, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-189, to permit demolition of the existing sitting room and covered deck and the construction of a rear yard addition and deck on the property municipally addressed as 1404 Doon Village Road, in accordance with the supplementary information submitted with the application, subject to the following conditions:

  1. 1. That samples of the building materials and colours be submitted for review and approval by Heritage Planning staff prior to issuance of a building permit; and further,
     2. That the final building permit drawings be reviewed and approved by Heritage Planning staff prior to issuance of a building permit."
  Carried

7.2

COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE - MAY 12, 2025

Councillor S. Davey left and returned to the meeting at this time.

It was requested that item 7.2.e Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS-2025-132 be dealt with separately.

It was moved by Councillor P. Singh and seconded by Councillor D. Schnider that Item 7.2.e Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS-2025-132, be approved.

Item 7.2.e Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS-2025-132, was then voted on and was Carried.

The balance of the Community and Infrastructure Committee report was then considered by Council.

• Moved by Councillor D. Schnider
  Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch

  "That the report of the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee, dated May 12, 2025, listed as items 7.2.a to 7.2.c on the agenda this date, be adopted."

  Carried

7.2.a

Noise Exemption, Downtown Special Events, CSD-2025-139

• "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted for all Downtown Special Events as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-2025-139."

  Carried

7.2.b

Noise Exemption, Greek Food Festival, CSD-2025-196

• "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to the Greek Orthodox Community of Saints Peter and Paul Kitchener-Waterloo & District for their Annual Greek Food Festival at 527 Bridgeport Road, to be held on June 7^th 2025 from 12pm -11pm and June 8^th 2025 from 12pm to 10pm as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-2025-196."

  Carried

7.2.c

Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) By-law Amendment, COR-2025-199

• "That a By-law be enacted to amend By-law 2024-01 as well as Chapters 553 and 599 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, to facilitate the transition of enforcement and adjudication of Licensing violations to the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System in accordance with Corporate Services Department report COR-2025-199."

  Carried

7.2.d

Places and Spaces Parks Master Plan, INS-2025-142

• Carried, under Delegations

7.2.e

Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS-2025-132

• "That the revised Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program be approved as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2025-132."

  Carried

7.3

PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - MAY 12, 2025

It was noted that there was a written submission from Duane Freeman related to item 7.3.a Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/16/A/BB, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/031/A/BB, 2597316 Ontario Corp., 44-50 Arlington Boulevard, DSD-2025-203 on the agenda this date.

• Moved by Councillor P. Singh
  Seconded by Councillor S. Davey

  "That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated May 12, 2025, listed as item 7.3.a on the agenda this date, be adopted."

  Carried

7.3.a

Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/16/A/BB, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/031/A/BB, 2597316 Ontario Corp., 44-50 Arlington Boulevard, DSD-2025-203

• "That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/016/A/BB for 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard for 2597316 Ontario Corp. and Brandon Robert Corman be approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-203 as Attachment ‘A’; and further,

  That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/031/A/BB requesting to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051 for 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard for 2597316 Ontario Corp. and Brandon Robert Corman be approved in the form shown in the ‘Proposed By-law’ and ‘Map No. 1’ attached to Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-203 as Attachment ‘B’."

  Carried

8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

8.1

Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM, Hidden Valley Land Use, DSD-2024-292 and Addendum Report DSD-2025-225

• Carried, as amended, under Delegations

9.

NEW BUSINESS

9.1

- MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC

Mayor B. Vrbanovic advised of several new pieces of provincial legislation that have been brought forward recently as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference and throne speech being delivered by His Majesty King Charles III. 

10.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Councillor S. Stretch advised of missing train signal equipment at the intersection of Victoria Street North and Lancaster Street East requiring the blowing of whistles and questioned whether the City had options to seek a timely resolution and received a response from Michael May, General Manager, Community Services/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. 

Councillor P. Singh gave notice of his intent to bring matter forward to Council regarding streetlight outage communication between Enova Power and transportation staff.

11.

STAFF REPORTS - NIL

12.

BY-LAWS

At the request of A. Fusco, Director, Legislative Services and City Clerk, now that the Reports of the Committees have been formally approved, it was agreed to formally add the By-laws listed on the agenda under the heading of Late Starters to the agenda for Council’s consideration. 

12.1

THREE READINGS

• Moved by Councillor J. Deneault
  Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud

12.1.a

Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 53 Church Street, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or interest.

(By-law 2025-005)

12.1.b

To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohibit unauthorized parking of motor vehicles on private property.

(By-law 2025-056)

12.1.c

To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon.

(By-law 2025-057)

12.1.d

To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain on-street and off-street parking of vehicles for use by persons with a disability, and the issuing of permits in respect thereof.

(By-law 2025-058)

12.1.e

Being a by-law to Amend City of Kitchener By-law 2024-01, Chapter 553 and Chapter 599 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code with respect to a System of Administrative Monetary Penalties within the City of Kitchener.

(By-law 2025-059)

12.1.f

Being a by-law to adopt Amendment No. 63 to the Official Plan - 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard.

(By-law 2025-060)

12.1.g

Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener – 2597316 Ontario Corp. and Brandon Robert Corman – 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard.

(By-law 2025-061)

12.1.h

Being a by-law to adopt Amendment No. 64 to the Official Plan - Hidden Valley Land Use Master Plan Implementation.

(By-law 2025-062)

12.1.i

Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener – Hidden Valley Land Use Master Plan Implementation.

(By-law 2025-063)

12.1.j

To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for May 26, 2025.

(By-law 2025-064)

Carried

13.

ADJOURNMENT

On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.