Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026
This project is complete. Kitchener Council has approved a citizen-informed plan to guide the City’s priorities over the next four years. The 2023-2026 strategic plan was developed after extensive engagement. Thank you to everyone who took our surveys, talked to us on the street or joined our resident panel! For more information, visit kitchener.ca/OurPlan
Plan the future of Kitchener with us!
Kitchener’s strategic plan is our community’s shared vision for the future of our City. We’re working on our 2023-2026 strategic plan and want you to be part of the planning process.
What should we focus on 4 years and even 20 years from now? Have your say and share your vision with us. Your input will help us build a strategic plan that best reflects the unique needs of our community – and develop a 20-year vision for the future of our City.
The vision will guide future City priorities and decisions that will move us toward a shared long-term future. The strategic plan will identify key goals and actions the City will take over the next four years to move us closer to achieving that vision.
Engaging you in this important work ensures that we are aligning our efforts with the needs of the community. And equally important, it builds trust with residents, knowing they can count on their local government to deliver the valued programs and services that they need.
Hearing what is most important to you has never been more important than it is today. Plan with us, Kitchener needs your voice, join the conversation!
Please subscribe for email updates using the ‘Subscribe’ button.
Plan the future of Kitchener with us!
Kitchener’s strategic plan is our community’s shared vision for the future of our City. We’re working on our 2023-2026 strategic plan and want you to be part of the planning process.
What should we focus on 4 years and even 20 years from now? Have your say and share your vision with us. Your input will help us build a strategic plan that best reflects the unique needs of our community – and develop a 20-year vision for the future of our City.
The vision will guide future City priorities and decisions that will move us toward a shared long-term future. The strategic plan will identify key goals and actions the City will take over the next four years to move us closer to achieving that vision.
Engaging you in this important work ensures that we are aligning our efforts with the needs of the community. And equally important, it builds trust with residents, knowing they can count on their local government to deliver the valued programs and services that they need.
Hearing what is most important to you has never been more important than it is today. Plan with us, Kitchener needs your voice, join the conversation!
Please subscribe for email updates using the ‘Subscribe’ button.
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Sustainability
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Sustainability has to do with our ability to meet environmental, economic, and social needs now and into the future.
In the survey, we heard that residents are interested in addressing climate change and sustainability. A majority (59%) said the city should use more of its budget to address climate change.
Our Corporate Climate Action Plan is a strategy for reducing our corporate level greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to the effects of climate change on our community. Our goal was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% by 2026. We have already achieved that goal, and are continuing to make progress on further reductions.
Help us understand what is important about this topic. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
Why does sustainability matter to you?
Why is sustainability important for our community?
If over the next 20 years we made major improvements in sustainability, how would Kitchener have adapted? What has changed for the better?
JbPalmost 2 years agoNeed More Street Trees!
Kitchener should facilitate a program that includes door-to-door canvassing of existing houses without front-yard trees to provide free new trees. It's well established that the reductions in storm water runoff and heat island effects would pay for this program in the long run.
0 comment5Sandra Wismerover 1 year agoIncrease the tree canopy to over40% and create a bylaw for cutting down trees
Increasing Kitchener’s tree canopy has long term benefits for all!!! Citizens should not be allowed to cut trees down unless they go through a regulated process. Every tree down should be replaced!!!
0 comment7Street Team Interviewalmost 2 years agoGreener Downtown
Victoria park is a great green space for the city but let’s not just stop there let’s add green spaces all over downtown. Over the next 20 years I would like to see green spaces on major streets. Especially where special events (like Blues Fest) are held to have green spaces for resting and getting away from the concrete areas. Green spaces bring a spark of joy to everyone’s day as we mostly see buildings and concrete normally.
0 comment9Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoImprove Public Transportation
Improving public transportation will improve the cities carbon footprint. Right now as I see the city, you almost need a car to get anywhere. Meaning everyone needs a car and due to the weak transportation system.
0 comment3Street Team#over 1 year agoLife of tree
Trees are good in our community but we have to be also aware of tree life. There are trees in some parks and trails that doesn’t have leaves on it all durin spring and summer. Those trees need to cut it down . If not when we have a storm it can cost even life too- Lianne Chean
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Public Engagement
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Resident involvement in planning for Kitchener’s future is important and is a key part of democracy.
The City of Kitchener’s community engagement policy describes our commitment to ensuring residents play a meaningful role in municipal decision-making.
In the survey, 58% said they are interested in taking part in city decision-making, but 69% said they do not believe their input makes a difference.
We’d like to understand what this means to you and why this is important. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
Why did you decide to take part in this ideas board today? What motivates you to engage with the city? What else might help you take part in decision-making?
Why is public engagement important to our community?
Why do you think people don’t find their input makes a difference? How might we earn your trust?
If over the next 20 years we improved our public engagement practices, how would our community change for the better?
Street Team#over 1 year agoOur view can change our City !!
Appreciate city is asking the residents here to contribute to the planning. Not everyone thinks the same way and plan the same way and execute the same way. Even if it’s a minor thing that the public notices in the city we can live better in the years to come.
0 comment0mom-of-3almost 2 years agoMaking a difference
I think that people don't think their input is important in part because people share ideas, but changes take a long time to implement, even when they are chosen. Maybe explaining the process for decision making and the timelines that go along with that would help people better understand how their ideas are being used. I chose to share my ideas today because I got an email from engage wr and posting was easy and anonymous. In our rather volatile culture it's easier for shy/quiet people to share ideas in an anonymous way and see that all ideas are valued! This forum seems great for that. I believe that our community can change for the better when people feel heard because it leads to greater feelings of inclusion and value for individuals, shared goals to work towards as a community, and that more voices lead to more varied and better ideas.
0 comment1Street Team#over 1 year agoPublic engagement platforms
There should be multiple ways for councillors and mayor to interact with the people to know how better or worse they are doing once in a year. It need to be advertised in medias so no one missed to participate. And the team should take the same effort when the participated in election campaigns. In this way, we get a productive govt.
0 comment0Street Team Interviewalmost 2 years agoYounger engagement
The city has been built around the older generations as the politicians are the older generation. We need more younger engagement and fresh minds. We can’t keep having the older generation run the city as they see it different then the other half of the younger population does.
0 comment1Street Team#over 1 year agoSurveys doesn’t bring changes.
As far as I know sr yes and interviews doesn’t make things convenient. We had a sidewalks survey. And it didn’t bring forth a good decision. City counsel have plans already and then why they have to show these?
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Recreation and Leisure Programs and Services
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.In the survey, residents told us that it is most important for us to offer recreation and leisure programs that support mental health and wellbeing (63%) and services for vulnerable populations (59%). Addressing homelessness and poverty was also the third most important issue facing our community today.
Also, 53% said city services and programs should be paid for by everyone through tax revenues, while 37% said those who use City programs and services should pay for them through user fees.
We’d like to understand what this means to you and why this is important. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
Why is it important to you that the city provide programs that support mental health and wellbeing? Why is it important to you that the city provide programs that support vulnerable populations? Why does this issue matter for our community?
The pandemic revealed many inequities in our community. Some Kitchener residents can’t get the support they need. We cannot afford to offer all services for free, but we also want everyone to be able to access the services they need. How might we strike a balance between the City’s financial limitations and providing services to those who are more vulnerable?
If over the next 20 years we made major improvements in the programs and services we provide, how would our community change for the better?
Street Team#over 1 year agoProgram spots are unvailable
When it comes to program registration at the community centre mostly programs get full. We don’t know when the registration starts and it’s different dates in different community centres. It’s hard that everyone get spots. But in the future, make sure that each child get opportunity at least once.
0 comment0Street Team#over 1 year agoMore online programs
I see in next 20 years it is all technology so everyone doesn’t prefer to out.
0 comment0Street Team Interviewalmost 2 years agoImprovements over the next 20 years
If the city made improvements over the next 20 years to recreation and leisure services I think we would see the community change for the better in population growth, tourist growth, and resident overall satisfaction and well-being. This is if the improvements include more parks, green spaces, community centres and special events all over the city, not just downtown.
0 comment1Street Team Interviewalmost 2 years agoRecreation in 20 years
Recreation in 20 years will look different for my family as our kids will be adults. I don’t know how the city does it right now but in 20 years it would be nice to see a more structured and accessible way to register for recreation and rep teams of sports. I am interested in Volleyball as I sit here looking at McLennan parks courts. Something to get us out of the house.
0 comment0Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoFamily oriented programs
My little kids are really into baseball and hockey and I am personally into art. Hockey and baseball are more kids play and parents watch oriented and it is hard to form a connection with your kids through these sports/types of programs. So what I am suggesting the city work to plan for is programs that are ‘family’ oriented. Meaning, we have programs parents and kids can participate in together. I see a lot of art programs around that are just for the kids but I feel like we need programs where the parents can join it. Especially on evenings. With all that being said, what I see changing for the better with this idea is the connections between parents and their kids. Kids love to see their parents jointing in on their programs and it builds stronger bonds between the 2 parties. If this is successful and planned for correctly, I see the City of Kitchener having a great well-being in the next 20 years. This is because different generations and ages will have had better connections towards each other.
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Urban Growth
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Urban growth, where it happens and how, is a key concern for Kitchener residents. In the survey, residents said this was the second most important local issue facing our community today.
By urban growth, we mean making improvements to existing neighbourhoods, as well as building new ones. It is estimated that by 2051 there will be about 140,000 more people living in Kitchener. Our city needs to grow to accommodate new neighbours. That will mean more homes, neighbourhoods, parks, community centres, sewers, and other infrastructure.
Help us understand what is important about this topic. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
- When it comes to urban growth, what is the most important for us to focus on and why?
- Space for new homes (examples: how tall the buildings are, where they are located throughout the City))
- Transportation (examples: traffic, bike lanes, sidewalks)
- Public services (examples: parks, community centres, water/sewer, stormwater management )
- Maintenance of roads (examples: potholes, snow removal)
- Other
- Why does urban growth matter to you? Why is this issue important for our community?
- If over the next 20 years we made major improvements to how the city grows, what would change for the better in our community?
Street Team#over 1 year agoCannabis - do we really need this much stores?
We are new to Kitchener and we really liked this city. Staying in downtown one thing that concerns us is the number of Cannabis stores in these streets. We can see lots of these stores more than grocery stores. We think that this is one of the reason why there are more homeless people around Duke street and King street. Why don’t City authorities limit giving licence to such stores. - Swetha and Celeste
0 comment0Street Team#almost 2 years agoCity involving developments
City has to take a major role in development. It need a great amount of involvement. So it’s affordable for common people. Whether it’s buildings, businesses parks or public spaces. City government can plan and accommodate what’s needed in specific areas of city and considering the people there.
0 comment0Street Team#almost 2 years agoKids missing
I am proud that my City is growing but at the same time I concerns are towards the kids. I know cases where kids got missed around Doon area
0 comment0Street Team#almost 2 years agoGrowing Kitchener🌇
I have been in this city for the last 40 years, and from these years I can read that Kitchener has changed over years. In my opinion, high rises are not my concern, how can we accommodate people? If we are growing business, infrastructures, events then who is gonna use it. People from other city.? No ! So there will be more people staying in our city. It doesn’t sounds good but that what we will see in next 10 years.- Rogers
1 comment0mom-of-3almost 2 years agoEnsure that each community has equal access to amentities. Families shouldn't have to drive across town to use a swimming pool/tennis court.
0 comment3 - When it comes to urban growth, what is the most important for us to focus on and why?
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Delivering City Services
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.In the survey, 78% of residents said they are very or somewhat satisfied with the municipal government of the City of Kitchener.
Kitchener is part of the Region of Waterloo, which means some services are the responsibility of the City of Kitchener and others are the responsibility of the Region.
We are interested in your feedback on key areas of responsibility for the City of Kitchener. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Below are key services the City of Kitchener provides to residents:
- Bylaw enforcement for parking, property standards, noise
- Fire department
- Business licensing
- Economic development and business support
- Road maintenance, winter control, leaf collection
- Planning, development and building services
- Water distribution, sanitary water connection, sewage collection
- Parks and trails
- Arenas, pools, community centres and their programs
- Arts, culture and special events
Here are some questions to consider:
How might service in one or more of these areas be improved?
When you imagine Kitchener 20 years from now, how are services being delivered differently?
Street Team Interviewalmost 2 years agoSwimming Pools free of Charge
I would like to see swimming pools be free of charge for the youth in the city. It’s keeps them off of the streets and gives them more areas to hang out for free with friends and away from screens. Ages 12 to 17 should be free of charge within the City of Kitchener.
0 comment0Street Team#almost 2 years agoRecreational programs are wonderful
City run programs are incredible. We get a vast variety of programs accessible. Make it affordable for everyone. No one should sit back because of the fees.
0 comment0Street Team#almost 2 years agoRoad maintenance is poor in few parts of the city
I am a resident at Holborn Drive. When it comes to road maintenance, they come and fill some black stuffs and does patch works. After few weeks it just comes off and makes the road condition more worse😒
1 comment1Street Team#over 1 year agoParks better than Toronto parks🛝🚵🏼
I moved from Toronto city and I find the parks here are clean and safe for kids I am a usual visitor here in Max Becker commons and MCLenan park and I never had any bad experience. There srevmore parks in every community and have a good play structure and play area.
0 comment0Street Team#almost 2 years agoI Love DTK
Spending free time at Downtown brings so much joy inside me. The shops, people around me, the side walks all have developed than what I expected. Thanks to the DTK team and great job - A resident of Waterloo
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Housing Affordability
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Housing affordability is a very important concern for Kitchener residents. In the survey, 33% of Kitchener residents said housing affordability is the single most important local issue facing our community today.
In 2020, the City launched Housing for All, a comprehensive strategy to realize the right to housing and help make housing affordable using the tools and resources available to a local municipality.
We’d like to understand what “housing affordability” means to you and why you feel this issue is important. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
When you hear “housing affordability” what comes to mind? How would you define housing affordability?
How does the issue of housing affordability affect you? Why is this issue important to you? Why does this issue matter for our community?
If we made major improvements in housing affordability over the next 20 years, what would change for our community?
Street Team Interviewalmost 2 years agoWho is paying for the Students Housing
I work in Guelph and I have seen around the University there and here in Kitchener the students driving BMWs and Audi's. This has left me with the idea of housing cost being tailed to the well-off residents. Those that have Mom and Dad pay for their expenses and bills. I almost see the housing affordability be demanded by the universities within the region and city.
0 comment0Street team (H)almost 2 years agoneighborhoods parks
I live on Howe Drive, but I have to travel to McLennan Park or another neighborhoods with an outdoor park for my children to play. The city should build small parks near neighborhoods in order to encourage children to play outside rather than inside with video games. In 20 years, I want to see a city where my children can have a better life than mine and have their own homes together, as this is a major issue for me and many other parents who cannot afford to buy a house in today's economy.
0 comment0Noor R.Oalmost 2 years agoWilliamsburg Public School Transit Options/Parking Spots
Parents struggle every morning and afternoon to secure a parking spot to drop off/pick up their kids [because only JK/SK are allowed on buses]. Almost every parent has received a parking ticket due to this issue. This could easily be solved if more kids were allowed to use the school bus, or if the school implemented staggered drop off times to reduce the traffic in the area, or maybe we could use stickers on cars that say 5 mins drop off that allows us to park in empty driveways. There has to be an alternative to the chaos that happens every.single.day. Not allowing kids grad 1 - 6 to use the bus not only strains working parents schedules, it is also bad for carbon footprint, fuel consumption. It just does not make sense whatsoever. No Child in grade one will walk 17 mins (weather permitting) on their own - this dismisses the parents' schedules and let's not forget snowy winters.
0 comment0Street Team Interviewalmost 2 years agoProperty tax
The property tax is going up with the prices of homes and making housing even more less affordable. It isn’t reflecting the market price like it should be.
0 comment0LeahYalmost 2 years agoSupport Alternative Housing Options
Ensure the “missing middle” is included in the housing strategy, i.e. proactively encouraging infills, tiny homes, 3-6 story apartments in residential neighbourhoods, etc.
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Lifecycle
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Open for contributions
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageWhat’s most important to our community right now? And what should we work to achieve over the next 20 years? Share your ideas and vision for Kitchener’s future.
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Under review
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageContributions to this project are now closed for review. We will report back on key outcomes.
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Resident panel
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageThe panel is underway. Panel members are collaborating to learn about issues, review your feedback, and recommend goals and actions for the strategic plan.
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Under review
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageThe resident panel has closed and we are reviewing their contributions. We will report back on the result and share the draft strategic plan and 20-year vision.
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Open for Feedback
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageShare your feedback on the draft strategic plan and 20-year vision.
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Under review
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageWe are creating the final version of the strategic plan to recommend to City council.
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Report to Council
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageWe are bringing our final report to Council for approval.
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Vision and strategic plan approved
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 is currently at this stageCity Council has approved the strategic plan and 20-year vision. The final outcomes of our engagement are documented here.
Who's Listening
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Phone 519-741-2200 x 7059 Email Angie.Fritz-Walters@kitchener.ca