Kitchener public meetings in 2023

Heritage Kitchener Committee

The Committee approved heritage permits for townhome developments at 30-40 Margaret Avenue and 15 Church Street. It also issued notices of intention to designate properties at 35 & 43 Sheldon Avenue North and 90-92 Queen Street South. Feedback was provided on draft assessments for 628 New Dundee Road and 417 King Street West.

• Approved Heritage Permit HPA-2023-V-015 for eight blocks of townhomes at 30-40 Margaret Avenue (Carried)
• Approved Heritage Permit HPA-2023-V-014 for a 6-storey housing building with 9 affordable units at 15 Church Street (Carried unanimously)
• Approved Notice of Intention to Designate 35 & 43 Sheldon Avenue North under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (Carried)
• Approved Notice of Intention to Designate the front façade of 90-92 Queen Street South under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

City Council met for a special session and approved a motion to hold an in-camera meeting. The closed session was scheduled to discuss labour relations and one commercial information or contractual negotiation.

• Approved authorization for an in-camera meeting to discuss labour relations and commercial negotiations

Council Meeting

Council approved a zoning by-law amendment for Sunset Hills Estates Corp. and designated 64 Water Street North as a heritage site. Several noise exemptions for community events were granted, and new board members were appointed to local Business Improvement Areas.

• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA23/015/Q/ES for 1154 Queen's Boulevard
• Approved Notice of Intention to Designate 64 Water Street North under Ontario Heritage Act
• Approved Terms of Reference for Committee of Adjustment and Property Standards Appeal Committee
• Confirmed board appointments for Belmont and Downtown Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)
• Granted noise exemption for Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church (Sept 2-3, 2023)
• Granted noise exemption for The Falls Road Pub (Sept 19, 2023)
• Granted noise exemption for K-W Oktoberfest Inc. (Sept 22-Oct 14, 2023)
• Granted noise exemption for Burning House Music Festival at Bingemans (Sept 16, 2023)

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee approved minor variance requests for a restaurant patio at 151 Frederick Street, a home addition at 52 Earl Street, and a multi-residential development at 2-56 Benninger Drive. A request for a lot width variance at 204 Fifth Avenue was refused after a motion to approve failed.

• Approved restaurant patio setback variance at 151 Frederick Street
• Approved rear yard setback variance for home addition at 52 Earl Street
• Refused lot width variance for triplex conversion at 204 Fifth Avenue (2-3)
• Approved parking and rear yard setback variances for 28-unit development at 2-56 Benninger Drive

Finance and Corporate Services Committee

The Committee approved funding for leasehold improvements at 280 Joseph St West and set initial actions for the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. It also granted several noise exemptions for community events and updated BIA board appointments. Natural gas supply rates were decreased for system gas customers effective November 1, 2023.

• Approved up to $450,000 from EDIF 2.0 for leasehold improvements at 280 Joseph St West
• Approved initial set of Actions for the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan (unanimous)
• Decreased natural gas supply rate to 16.70 cents per cubic meter effective Nov 1, 2023
• Approved Terms of Reference for Committee of Adjustment and Property Standards Appeal Committee
• Confirmed appointments to Belmont and Downtown BIA Boards of Management
• Granted noise exemption to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church (Sept 2-3, 2023)
• Granted noise exemption to The Falls Road Pub (Sept 19, 2023)
• Granted noise exemptions to K-W Oktoberfest Inc. and Burning House Music Festival

Community and Infrastructure Services Committee

The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting scheduled for August 14, 2023, was cancelled. No decisions were made.

Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Committee approved four zoning by-law amendments, including the removal of holding provisions for three properties and a change for 1154 Queen's Boulevard. It deferred a decision on school zone speed limits pending a regional pilot study and requested a report on increasing the speed limit on Bingemans Centre Drive. A process was also established to finalize the Downtown Kitchener vision and principles.

• Approved removal of Holding Provision 95H for 206, 210 Duke Street East and 46, 50 Madison Avenue North (Carried)
• Approved removal of Holding Provision 15H for 495 Huron Road (Carried)
• Approved removal of Holding Provision 15H for 15 Cedar Street North (Carried)
• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment for 1154 Queen's Boulevard (Carried)
• Directed staff to report back on increasing Bingemans Centre Drive speed limit to 60 km/hr (Carried)
• Deferred decision on school zone speed limits until Region of Waterloo completes pilot program review (Carried)
• Resolved to finalize Downtown Kitchener vision and principles using community engagement and Council feedback (Carried)

Special Council Meeting

City Council approved the acquisition of 2.575 acres of land for the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Mayor B. Vrbanovic also addressed the application of the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act to the City of Kitchener.

• Approved acquisition of 2.575 acres of land for Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (Carried)
• Authorized Mayor and Clerk to execute documentation for land transaction (Carried)
• Approved third reading of By-law 2023-107 to confirm proceedings of August 14, 2023 (Carried)
• Authorized an in-camera meeting to discuss land acquisition, land disposition, and contractual matters (Carried)

Heritage Kitchener Committee

The Committee directed the Clerk to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate 64 Water Street North. Additionally, the Committee unanimously agreed to recognize the cultural heritage value and pursue designation for four other properties.

• Approved Notice of Intention to Designate 64 Water Street North
• Approved pursuit of designation for 40 Chapel Hill Drive (unanimous)
• Approved pursuit of designation for 4-30 King Street East / 1 Queen Street North (unanimous)
• Approved pursuit of designation for 67 King Street East (unanimous)
• Approved pursuit of designation for 66 Queen Street South (unanimous)
• Requested elevation drawings be included in future Heritage Impact Assessments

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment approved three applications for additional dwelling units and one for a rear yard roof structure. Decisions included allowing variances for building size, lot width, and parking requirements.

• Approved minor variance for Additional Dwelling Unit at 35 Maywood Road, conditioned on a Tree Preservation and Enhancement Plan
• Approved minor variance for Accessory Dwelling Unit at 300 Countrystone Crescent, conditioned on driveway modification and a $300 GRCA fee
• Approved minor variance for a 3.0m rear yard setback for a roof structure at 912 Otterbein Court

Audit Committee

The Committee approved the 2022 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements following a presentation by KPMG and City finance staff. The Committee also received the 2nd Quarter 2022 Audit Status Report regarding internal audits of petty cash and facility booking.

• Approved 2022 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council granted draft approval for a subdivision and approved official plan and zoning amendments for properties on Courtland Ave, Palmer Ave, and Vernon Ave. A decision on funding and the future of the Lived Expertise Working Group was deferred to August. The City also received a municipal systems award for the Growing Together project.

• Approved Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T-19201 for 321-325 Courtland Ave, 230 and 240 Palmer Ave, and 30 Vernon Ave
• Approved Official Plan Amendment OPA19/002/C/GS for 321 Courtland Ave Developments Inc.
• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA19/005/C/GS for 321 Courtland Ave Developments Inc.
• Adopted Urban Design Report dated February 2023 for the 321 Courtland Ave project
• Deferred decision on Lived Expertise Working Group (LEWG) funding and partnership to August 28, 2023
• Accepted minutes from May 29, June 5, and June 19, 2023 meetings

Special Council Meeting

City Council met for a special session to authorize an immediate in-camera meeting. The closed session was called to discuss commercial negotiations, matters involving identifiable individuals, and an education and training session.

• Approved motion to hold an in-camera meeting (Carried)

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment approved a minor variance for a car wash expansion on Bleams Road and three residential property requests. Decisions included allowing a detached dwelling unit on Belmont Avenue West and a height variance for a garage on Siebert Avenue.

• Approved driveway width variance to 18.3m at 84 Maple Hill Drive, conditioned on reconstruction by June 9, 2024
• Approved expansion of car wash at 232 Bleams Road to 746.4sq.m Gross Floor Area
• Approved lot width variance to 9.8m for a detached Additional Dwelling Unit at 35 Belmont Avenue West (3-1)
• Approved height variances for a detached garage at 26 Siebert Avenue

Community and Infrastructure Services Committee

The Committee unanimously approved an amended recommendation to update the City's community centre operating model and related policies. The changes focus on expanding fee assistance, updating affiliation requirements for neighbourhood associations, and improving facility access.

• Approved expansion of Leisure Access fee assistance and funding for Inclusion Support Worker program starting Fall 2023
• Required Neighbourhood Association Board members to undergo periodic city-funded EDI training
• Mandated associations generating over $20,000 in annual revenue to publish a net-revenue reinvestment policy and provide annual financial data
• Approved a requirement for associations to turn over unspent funding to the City if they cease to operate
• Directed staff to prepare an issue paper for the 2024 budget on opening centres earlier on weekdays and on weekends
• Approved a five-year review cycle for Facility Booking Guidelines (MUN-FAC-415) and Neighbourhood Association Affiliation policy (MUN-FAC-324)
• Required associations to invite the Ward Councillor and a city staff person to all Board and Annual General Meetings
• Directed staff to provide a status update on these operating model changes before the end of the 2026 Council Term

Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Committee approved the development of a draft Inclusionary Zoning Official Plan policy and Zoning By-law amendments. It also granted draft approval for two condominium and subdivision applications and accepted community input for the Growing Together project.

• Approved draft Inclusionary Zoning Official Plan policy and Zoning By-law amendments (10-1)
• Granted draft approval for Condominium Application 30CDM-23202 at 630 and 690 Benninger Drive
• Approved use of community input from Growing Together Engagement Summary to inform continued work
• Granted draft approval to Plan of Subdivision Application 30T-22202 at 1000 New Dundee Road
• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA22/021/N/KA for 1000 New Dundee Road

Special Council Meeting

Council approved a motion to hold an in-camera meeting to discuss land disposition and an education session. The council also gave third reading to By-Law 2023-080 to confirm the meeting's proceedings.

• Approved in-camera meeting for land disposition and education session
• Approved third reading of By-Law 2023-080 to confirm actions of June 19, 2023

Finance and Corporate Services Committee

The Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting scheduled for June 19, 2023, was cancelled. No decisions were made.

Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee approved three separate development applications involving official plan amendments and zoning by-law changes. These projects include a new subdivision at Bleams Road and Gehl Place, a development at Courtland Avenue East, and a project at Highland Road and Spadina Avenue.

• Approved Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T-18202, Official Plan Amendment OP18/006/B/GS, and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA18/007/B/GS for Bleams Rd & Gehl Pl (Carried)
• Approved Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T-19201, Official Plan Amendment OPA/19/002/C/GS, and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA19/005/C/GS for 321-325 Courtland Ave E, 230 and 240 Palmer Ave, and 30 Vernon Ave (Carried)
• Adopted Urban Design Report for 321-325 Courtland Ave E development (Carried)
• Adopted Official Plan Amendment OPA22/016/H/BB and approved Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA22/028/H/BB for 130, 140 Highland Road and 270 Spadina Avenue, as amended (Carried)
• Endorsed Urban Design Brief for 130, 140 Highland Road and 270 Spadina Avenue (Carried)

Heritage Kitchener Committee

The Committee approved the designation of several downtown properties and granted heritage permits for additions and alterations at three locations. It also selected four winners for the 2023 Mike and Pat Wagner Heritage awards.

• Approved Notice of Intention to Designate 97 Victoria Street North (Carried)
• Approved Heritage Permit HPA-2023-IV-008 for additions at 97 Victoria Street North (Carried unanimously)
• Approved Heritage Permit HPA-2023-IV-007 for a four-storey addition at 369 Frederick Street (Carried)
• Approved Heritage Permit HPA-2023-IV-009 for rear addition at 883 Doon Village Road (Carried unanimously)
• Awarded 2023 Mike and Pat Wagner awards to 87 Scott St, 48 Ontario St N, 1 Queen St N, and 883 Doon Village Rd (Carried)
• Approved pursuing designation for 8 downtown properties including 24 & 26 Courtland Ave E and 73 Young St (Carried unanimously)

Finance and Corporate Services Committee

The Committee authorized the implementation of a traffic calming plan for Manchester Road and updated the city's gas purchase policy. It also directed staff to develop a Community Benefits Charge strategy and a budget issue paper for the 44 Gaukel Creative Hub.

• Approved traffic calming plan for Manchester Road
• Approved updates to Policy No. FIN-ACQ-560 (Gas Purchase Policy)
• Directed staff to develop a Community Benefits Charge (CBC) strategy and bylaw
• Directed staff to prepare a 2024 budget issue paper for Creative Hub at 44 Gaukel Street operations
• Directed staff to assess long-term location options for the Creative Hub
• Authorized Manager of The Aud to execute talent, suite, and sponsorship agreements
• Authorized Director of Sport to execute sponsorship agreements for The Aud
• Appointed Councillors P. Singh, S. Davey, and A. Owodunni to the Licensing Appeal Tribunal

Special Council Meeting

Council approved a motion to hold an in-camera meeting to discuss confidential information from a government agency and a labour relations matter. The council also gave third reading to a by-law confirming the meeting's actions.

• Approved in-camera meeting for confidential government information and labour relations (Carried)
• Approved third reading of By-law 2023-079 to confirm actions and proceedings for June 5, 2023 (Carried)

Community and Infrastructure Services Committee

The meeting scheduled for June 5, 2023, was cancelled. No decisions were made.

Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee approved an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for 97-101 Park Street and 186-194 Victoria Street South. The decision permits a 42-storey mixed-use development by 1928393 Ontario Inc.

• Adopted Official Plan Amendment OPA/23/003/V/CD to change land use designation to ‘Mixed Use Corridor with Special Policy Area 2’ (Carried)
• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA23/007/V/CD for 1928393 Ontario Inc. (Carried)

Council Meeting

Council approved an Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment for a development at 528-550 Lancaster Street West and 26 Bridge Street West. The approval included specific community benefits and a requirement to explore an alternate entrance toward Riverbend Drive.

• Approved Official Plan Amendment OPA21/010/L/AP and Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA21/015/L/AP (9-2)
• Approved Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA22/023/B/AP (9-2)
• Accepted community benefits in lieu of relocating homes at 544 and 546 Lancaster St (9-2)
• Endorsed Urban Design Brief by MHBC Planning (9-2)
• Approved minutes from May 8 and May 15, 2023 meetings
• Approved motion to continue council proceedings beyond 11:00 p.m.

Special Council Meeting

Council met briefly to authorize an immediate in-camera session. The session was scheduled to cover litigation, labour relations, and land acquisition and disposition.

• Approved authorization for an in-camera meeting to discuss litigation, labour relations, and land acquisition/disposition