Council Meeting Agenda

Monday, August 25, 2025 at 7:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Council Chambers - Hybrid

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7

People interested in participating in this meeting can register online using the delegation registration form at www.kitchener.ca/delegation or via email at . Please refer to the delegation section on the agenda below for registration in-person and electronic participation deadlines. Written comments received will be circulated prior to the meeting and will form part of the public record.

 

The meeting live-stream and archived videos are available at www.kitchener.ca/watchnow

 

*Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. If you require assistance to take part in a city meeting or event, please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994.*

---

1.

COMMENCEMENT

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

2.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

Minutes to be accepted as circulated to the Mayor and Councillors (regular meeting held June 23, 2025, and special meetings held June 23, 2025 and  August 11, 2025) - Councillor S. Stretch.

3.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

Members of Council and members of the City’s local boards/committees are required to file a written statement when they have a conflict of interest. If a conflict is declared, please visit www.kitchener.ca/conflict to submit your written form.

4.

COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE - NIL

5.

PRESENTATIONS

5.1

Award Presentations

5.1.a

Growing Together

• 2025 CNU Charter Award by the Congress of New Urbanism
• 2025 Canadian Award for Planning Excellence by the Canadian Institute of Planners

5.1.b

City Hall Service Centre

• 2025 Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario

5.2

Strategic Plan 2023-2026 – Compass Kitchener 2024 Report Card, CAO-2025-366, listed as item 11.2.a

5.2.a

Rodney Gill and Judy Stephen Wells, Compass Kitchener

6.

DELEGATIONS

Pursuant to Council’s Procedural By-law, delegations are permitted to address the Committee for a maximum of five (5) minutes. All Delegations where possible are encouraged to register prior to the start of the meeting. For Delegates who are attending in-person, registration is permitted up to the start of the meeting. Delegates who are interested in attending virtually must register by 5:00 p.m. on August 25, 2025, in order to participate electronically.

6.1

Official Plan Amendment Application OPA25/005/F/AP, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/001/F/AP, 132 Fairway Road North, Maxwell Building Consultants Ltd., DSD-2025-310, listed as Item 7.3.d

6.1.a

Gary Smith

6.1.b

Jenna Wenzel, GSP Group and Peter Maxwell

6.2

Notice of Motion - D. Chapman - Responsible Growth and Opposition to Elements of Bill 5, listed as item 9.5

6.2.a

Alex Latta, Waterloo Region Climate Collaborative

6.3

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-015 and HPA-2025-016 - 11 Roy Street and 68 Queen Street North, DSD-2025-324. listed as item 7.1.a

6.3.a

Judy Hight

6.3.b

Andrew McVicar

6.3.c

Christina Hall, Developmental Services Ontario

6.3.d

Lisa Reitzel, Elmira District Community Living

6.3.e

Dan Currie, MHBC Planning, Steve Burrows, Facet Design Studio and Robert Fewster

7.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

7.1

HERITAGE KITCHENER - AUGUST 5, 2025

7.1.a

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-015 and HPA-2025-016 - 11 Roy Street and 68 Queen Street North, DSD-2025-324

That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-015, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-324, to permit the demolition of the single-detached building located on the property municipally addressed as 11 Roy Street and 68 Queen Street North be refused; and further,

That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-016 to permit the demolition of the single-detached building located on the property municipally addressed as 68 Queen Street North be refused.

7.1.b

Notice of Intention to Designate 14 Irvin Street Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, DSD-2025-279

That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 14 Irvin Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-284.

7.1.c

Notice of Intention to Designate 18 Irvin Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, DSD-2025-284

That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 18 Irvin Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-284.

7.1.d

Notice of Intention to Designate 2219 Ottawa Street South & 808 Bleams Road under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, DSD-2025-243

That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate property described as Part 1 of Lot 129 German Company Tract within a submitted draft Reference Plan, and currently municipally addressed as 2219 Ottawa Street South / 808 Bleams Road as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-243.

7.1.e

Notice of Intention to Designate 35 Roos Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, DSD-2025-302

That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 35 Roos Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-302.

7.2

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE - AUGUST 11, 2024

7.2.a

Idlewood Greenway, INS-2025-321

That 2026 funding of $5.36M be reallocated from the Middle Strasburg Naturalization project to the Idlewood Greenway project, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-2025-321; and further,

That the Idlewood Greenway funding in 2026 be preapproved for tender in 2025.

7.2.b

Property Tax Exemption for Affordable Housing - Union Co-operative, FIN-2025-323

That the draft by-law attached to report Financial Services Department report FIN-2025-323 as Appendix “A”, allowing units qualifying as a Municipal Housing Project Facility (as defined in By-law 2024-152) located at 475-477 Lancaster Street West to participate in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo’s Municipal Housing Facility Property Tax Exemption program and therefore exempting them from the City’s portion of the property tax levy, be approved.

7.2.c

Strategic Plan Check-in Report - Insights and Adjustments at the Midway Mark, CAO-2025-312

"That the following adjustments be made to initiatives contained within the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan as outlined in the jointly authored report between the City of Kitchener and KerrSmith Design, titled Kitchener’s Strategic Plan Check-in: Insights and Adjustments at the Midway Mark, dated July 24, 2025 and attached to Chief Administrative Officers report CAO-2025-312:

(1) Sport and Recreation Master Plan,

(2) City-led Recreation & Leisure Program Review be referred and revisited as part of the development of the 2027-2030 Strategic Plan,

(3) Make it Kitchener 2.0 Scoped Refresh – Supporting Economic Resiliency,

(4) Implementation of the Downtown Safety & Security Action Plan – be added; and further,

That staff be directed to take the following actions aimed at addressing additional strategic plan midway check-in insights, including:

(1) further exploring the theme of social resilience,

(2) supporting innovative and cost-effective service delivery through targeted Lean training and prioritized Innovation Lab projects, and

(3) improving strategic goal reporting via refined indicators."

7.2.d

Kitchener Indoor Recreation Facility Public Artwork Commission, DSD-2025-263

That the commission and installation of a new artwork “Gidinawendimin” by Jackie Traverse, at the City of Kitchener’s new indoor recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park, be approved, as outlined in the Development Services Department report DSD-2025-263; and further,

That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to implement an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the artists’ representative, Highness Global Inc., outlining the obligations of the facility public art commission.

7.3

PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - AUGUST 11, 2025

7.3.a

Private Street Naming – 15 - 105 Mooregate Crescent, DSD-2025-325

That the City of Kitchener acknowledge that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo intends to name a private street: 'Mooregate Way' within a multiple residential development located at 15 - 105 Mooregate Crescent, as shown in Attachment ‘D’ of Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-325; and further,

That the City's Legal Services Division be directed to proceed with the required advertising, preparation, and registration of the necessary By-law for the naming of 'Mooregate Way'.

7.3.b

Draft Plan of Subdivision Modification Application (Stage 4, 30T-08204), Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/015/T/AP, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/010/T/AP, 468 Trussler Road, Activa Holdings Inc., DSD-2025-039 

That the City of Kitchener, pursuant to Section 51 (44) of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P 13, as amended, modify the conditions of draft approval for Draft Plan of Subdivision Application 30T-08204, in the City of Kitchener, for Activa Holdings Inc., for the property municipally addressed as 468 Trussler Road, in the form shown in the Third Modification to Conditions of Draft Approval, attached to Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-039 as Attachment ‘A’; and,

That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/015/T/AP for Activa Holdings Inc. be approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Report DSD-2025-039 as Attachment ‘B’; and further,

That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/010/T/AP for Activa Holdings Inc. be approved in the form shown in the Proposed By-law and Map No. 1, attached to Report DSD-2025-039 as Attachment ‘C’.

7.3.c

Official Plan Amendment Application OPA25/004/L/BB, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/009/L/BB, Block 1, 58A-711 - Sandra Springs Subdivision, 2597316 Ontario Corp., DSD-2025-286

That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA25/004/L/BB for 2597316 Ontario Corp. requesting to change the Land Use on Map 3 from ‘Mixed Use’ to ‘Low Rise Residential’, for Block 1, 58A-711 - Sandra Springs Subdivision,  be approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-286 as Attachments ‘A1’, and ‘A2’; and further,

That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/009/L/BB to change the zoning from ‘MIX-1’ to ‘RES-5’ be approved in the form shown in the ‘Proposed By-law’, and ‘Map No. 1’, attached to Report DSD-2025-286 as Attachments ‘B1’ and ‘B2’.

7.3.d

Official Plan Amendment Application OPA25/005/F/AP, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/001/F/AP, 132 Fairway Road North, Maxwell Building Consultants Ltd., DSD-2025-310

That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA25/005/F/AP for Maxwell Building Consultants Ltd. for the property muncipally addressed as 132 Fairway Road North, requesting to add Specific Policy Area 83 to permit a multiple dwelling with a Floor Space Ratio of 1.33 on the parcel of land specified and illustrated on Schedule ‘A’, be approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-310 as Attachment ‘A’; and,

That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA2/011/F/AP for Maxwell Building Consultants Ltd. for the property municipally address as 132 Fairway Road North, be approved in the form shown in the Proposed By-law and Map No. 1 attached to Report DSD-2025-310 as Attachment ‘B’; and further,

That the Revised Urban Design Brief, prepared by GSP Group Inc., dated July 2025, attached as Attachment ‘C’ to report DSD-2025-310, be endorsed, and that staff be directed to implement the Revised Urban Design Brief through a future Site Plan Application Approval process and, at the discretion of the City’s Director of Development and Housing Approvals, significant changes to the Revised Urban Design Brief will be to the satisfaction of Council.

7.3.e

Kitchener 2051 - Preferred Growth Scenario, DSD-2025-318

That the Preferred Approach to Growth as presented in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-318 be used to inform the development of a draft Official Plan (Kitchener 2051).

7.3.f

Parkland Acquisition Strategy, DSD-2025-331

That staff be directed to develop a Parkland Acquisition Strategy and report back to Council prior to March 31, 2026, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2025-331; and further,

That staff be directed to identify government owned properties of interest in each ward for repurpose to potentially address parkland deficits in identified Critical Needs Areas and circulate this data to Council prior to the end of 2025.

8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NIL

9.

NEW BUSINESS

9.1

- MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC

9.2

Notice of Motion - M. Johnston - Dog Designation Process Enhancements

Councillor M. Johnston has given notice to introduce the following motion for consideration this date:

"WHEREAS the City of Kitchener Municipal Code (“the Code”) Chapter 420 “Dog – Designations” provides for the designation of dogs as “dangerous” and “prohibited” and Chapter 421 “Dog – Responsible Ownership” provides for the role of the Animal Services Provider, the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth (“Humane Society”); and,
WHEREAS the City contracts services to the Humane Society to respond and investigate complaints of dog incidents, including issuing orders to dog owners to designate dogs as “dangerous” and “prohibited”; and,
WHEREAS the dogs’ owner may appeal the order to the Dog Designation Appeal Committee, which has powers under Chapter 420 to affirm, modify, substitute, or rescind the animal services provider's designation of the dog as potentially dangerous, dangerous, restricted, or prohibited, as the case may be; and,
WHEREAS a number of serious dog incidents have recently come to the attention of City Council;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the staff be directed to investigate and report back by September 29, 2025 process enhancements including but not limited to, 

• • Notification from By-law Enforcement Staff to the Ward Councillor, Mayor, Office of Mayor and Council staff when the Humane Society issues a “dangerous” or “prohibited” dog order,
  • Periodic reports from By-law Enforcement staff to Council on actions and investigations undertaken by the Humane Society to ensure Owners of designated dogs are complying with the designation requirements;
  • Revising content on the city’s website to clearly direct search inquiries on reporting dangerous dogs to the Humane Society;
  • Collaborating with the Humane Society on a process to share permitted information once a complaint has been received, in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;  and,
  • Legislative challenges with the Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA) that would improve the city’s ability to obtain an interim order permitting the Humane Society to hold a dog seized under a warrant in a pound until the DOLA hearing." 

9.3

Notice of Motion - S. Davey - Postage Advocacy

Councillor S. Davey has given notice to introduce the following motion for consideration this date:

"WHEREAS Postage costs have seen significant increases, including 25% in 2025 alone,
 
WHEREAS paper billing has a further environmental cost in both materials (trees) and transportation,
 
WHEREAS paper billing is increasingly being displaced by environmentally friendly and cost-efficient e-billing,
 
WHEREAS the Municipal Act indicates the right to a paper bill, and cost-recovery fees for paper billing for tax, and utility bills are unclear,
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Kitchener City Council request the Province of Ontario to amend the Municipal Act to permit municipalities the ability to grandfather-out paper billing as the default option, and to permit municipalities to establish fees for paper billing for new accounts that opt for this method of delivery.
 
THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY BE RESOLVED that a copy of this motion be sent to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Premier of Ontario, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and housing, all other municipalities within Ontario for their consideration and possible endorsement."

9.4

Notice of Motion - D. Chapman - Responsible Growth and Opposition to Elements of Bill 5

Councillor D. Chapman has given notice to introduce the following motion for consideration this date:

"WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has enacted Bill 5: Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, which proposes substantial changes to environmental planning frameworks, including replacing the Endangered Species Act and the creation of Special Economic Zones that may override local planning authority and environmental oversight; and, 

WHEREAS the City of Kitchener is committed to increasing housing supply across the continuum and to economic prosperity but believes that this must be balanced with responsible growth and environmental sustainability; and,

WHEREAS the City of Kitchener has taken proactive steps to streamline development processes while upholding environmental responsibility and public accountability; and, 

WHEREAS Bill 5 risks weakening protections for natural heritage systems, undermining biodiversity, and diminishing the ability of municipalities to manage growth in a manner consistent with local priorities and long-term planning objectives;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener Council:

1. 1. Opposes the provisions in Bill 5 related to special economic zones that reduce environmental protections or override municipal planning authority;
   2. Urges the Province of Ontario to support housing and infrastructure development in ways that align with sound environmental planning and empower municipalities to develop local planning tools;
   3. Calls on the Province to engage in meaningful consultation with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and environmental stakeholders before implementing measures that affect local governance and environmental integrity;
   4. Directs that a copy of this resolution be sent to:
      • The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario;
      • The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing;
      • The Honourable Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks;
      • The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO);
      • The Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM);
      • All Ontario municipalities."

9.5

Notice of Motion - P. Singh - Kitchener Connect Festival

Councillor P. Singh has given notice to introduce the following motion for consideration this date:

"WHEREAS the City of Kitchener is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and engaged community for all residents – both new and long-standing; and, 

WHEREAS the City has seen significant success in engaging members of the community through the many events and festivals it organizes and supports;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT as part of the Special Event & Festival action plan which is being developed in 2025, staff be directed to consider the addition of a new annual festival known as “Kitchener Connect” which could include the following elements:

• Showcase City Services: Provide information booths and interactive sessions with representatives from various City departments (e.g., Planning, Parks, Bylaw, and others) to answer questions and distribute resources.

• Support Local Not-for-Profit Organizations: Offer exhibition space for local organizations to highlight their services, recruit volunteers, and engage with residents.

• Promote Volunteerism: Host a volunteer fair to connect residents with opportunities to contribute to the community and support local causes.

• Deliver Interactive Learning Experiences: Include workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities related to City initiatives, bylaws, and strategic plans to enhance residents’ understanding of local governance.

• Foster Community Connection: Create a lively and inclusive atmosphere with entertainment, cultural performances, food vendors, and activities for all age groups to encourage engagement and participation."

10.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

11.

STAFF REPORTS

11.1

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

11.1.a

Notice of Intention to Designate 69 Agnes Street and Notice of Intention to Designate 80-86 Union Boulevard/571 York Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, DSD-2025-363

11.2

FOR INFORMATION

11.2.a

Strategic Plan 2023-2026 – Compass Kitchener 2024 Report Card, CAO-2025-366

11.2.b

Summary of Bid Solicitations Approved by the Chief Procurement Officer (Apr 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2025), FIN-2025-307

11.2.c

2025 June Variance Report, FIN-2025-365

12.

BY-LAWS

12.1

THREE READINGS

12.1.a

Being a by law to provide for the widening of part of Pinnacle Drive as a public highway in the City of Kitchener.

(By-law 2025-086)

12.1.b

Being a by-law to name a private road as Bridlewood Crescent, in the City of Kitchener.

(By-law 2025-087)

12.1.c

To further amend By-law No. 2019-113, being a by-law to regulate traffic and parking on highways under the jurisdiction of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener.

(By-law 2025-088)

12.1.d

Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 241-247 Duke Street West and 55 Victoria Street North, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or interest.

(By-law 2025-089)

12.1.e

Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 1865 Huron Road, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or interest.

(By-law 2025-090)

12.1.f

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

(By-law 2025-091)

12.1.g

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 2025-092)

12.1.h

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 2025-093)

12.1.i

To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for August 25, 2025.

(By-law 2025-101)

12.2

LATE STARTER BY-LAWS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA, PENDING APPROVAL OF THE REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES

12.2.a

Being a by-law to provide a property tax exemption for certain qualifying Municipal Housing Project Facilities located at 475-477 Lancaster Street West pursuant to section 110(9) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

(By-law 2025-094)

12.2.b

Being a by-law to adopt Amendment No. 67 to the Official Plan - 468 Trussler Road.

(By-law 2025-095)

12.2.c

Being a by-law to amend By-law No. 2019-051, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener – Activa Holdings Inc. – 468 Trussler Road.

(By-law 2025-096)

12.2.d

Being a by-law to adopt Amendment No. 65 to the Official Plan - Block 1, 58M-711 - Sandra Springs Subdivision, Lackner/Keewatin.

(By-law 2025-097)

12.2.e

Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener - WM. J. Gies Construction Limited, Block 1, 58M-711, Sandra Springs Subdivision, Lackner/Keewatin.

(By-law 2025-098)

12.2.f

Being a by-law to adopt Amendment No. 66 to the Official Plan - 132 Fairway Road North.

(By-law 2025-099)

12.2.g

Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener – Maxwell Building Consultants Ltd. –132 Fairway Road North.

(By-law 2025-100)

13.

ADJOURNMENT