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?
Street Team Interviewover 1 year 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 comment9LeahYover 1 year agoCollaboration is key
How is the city collaborating with other organizations working to reduce GHG emissions? It appears the city’s climate action plan is only focused on the city’s direct real estate and staff emissions, but it has to be broader than that and encompass all emissions in the city. We have to be bolder and commit to net zero by 2050, or earlier.
0 comment4Kitchener Nativeover 1 year agoSustainability is imperative!
Everyone can see in plain sight the damaging effects on our environment and our lives from climate change. Before it is too late, all decisions made at every level of government need to have consideration for sustainability. As our city seems intent on expansion, consideration of the heat island effect and ways to mitigate it need to be considered when designing and planning. https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/reduce-urban-heat-island-effect
0 comment2Street Team#over 1 year agoA place to enjoy
We have lots of green parks, relaxing environments and we need to preserve it. Kitchener should have places to spent vacations like for hiking and camping and canoeing on grand river with more fun options. We should fully utilize our water resources for recreational activities.
0 comment1Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoMore Trees
We need to focus on more trees in the city. I am seeing more and more taken down just to be replaced by apartments. Yes the city needs more housing but with that housing we should not be losing trees and green spaces we should be adding them. If the city does well addressing this issue, in 20 years I see the city being greener and with a greater number of population. A place where more want to live their whole life.
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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?
mom-of-3over 1 year 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 Interviewover 1 year agoTechnology engagements
Tech has grown over the last 20 years by a huge margin and today I was asked about what the city should plan for in the next 20 years. To that I ask that the city looks into planing technology based engagements year round that are easy access to the public. Maybe look at partnering with the universities and the college to create an app that is directly for the city of Kitchener and it’s residents to discuss, post, and get informed on chances to engage. A social media app for the city in short.
0 comment0Matt Bover 1 year agoQuarterly Survey
Kitcheners Citizens Mandate Survey
1 comment0Kitchener Nativeover 1 year agoThe everyday people living in our region need to be considered
Input is key from residents at all levels (a huge portion of our citizens aren't going to look online or attend meetings in order to contribute their thoughts on what they want their city to be). You need to have outreach to go out and collect ideas from all facets of society. Have an interactive discussion and idea booth at outdoor city events, have one ongoing outside city hall and at malls and community centres, go to where people are and actively ask them questions to ensure engagement in the discussions that affect our city.
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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 Interviewover 1 year 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#over 1 year agoSummer activities
Summer is the time where people are mostly outdoors. And there should be more programs added (it can be outside)like more sport activities for adults and kids.
0 comment0KayJayalmost 2 years agoWellbeing
Healthy people increase everyone's well-being. We should invest in mental well-being since we all will benefit. All of us need support and encouragement to look after our mental health.
0 comment0Street Team#over 1 year agoCovid protocol
Last year, I had to show my vaccine certificate to the city staffs ever time I entered.I don’t understand the logic behind that? Once if I show my ID and vaccine certificate can I change my vaccines status. Doesn’t make sense! But at the same time, I didn’t had that issues when I sign up in my Gym. Don’t make thingscomplicated!
0 comment0Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoMcLennan Park
McLennan Park needs better maintenance. It is used by many residents and most notably for me is that the SkatePark and Basketball courts need maintenance the most. My kids love playing there.
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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?
tgibbonsover 1 year agoKitchener needs a city square
Kitchener lacks a city square, and, although I love the city hall, it is a very small open area. With all the new buildings and people moving downtown, the old bus terminal on Charles Street may be the last chance to add open space to the core of the city. City hall should be connected to this open area by way of a vehicle free walkway from city hall down Gaukel Street.
1 comment1Street Team#over 1 year agoBuild up not out🌆
I come from a place where people had to suffer a lot because the changed farmland to big concrete buildings when we had a major flood.It took days people to come back to life as they lost their houses in a heavy pouring lasted continuously for 2 days. It should be not like sprouts.
0 comment0Kitchener Nativeover 1 year agoNo more highrises!
As a lifetime resident of KW I am not happy about all the highrises going up in our city. We are becoming a mini mississauga and I don't like it at all! We've lost our mid-size city feel due to too many people, too many apartments everywhere towering over us and too much density! Our kids schools are flooded with students way over the provincial averages. We should be only approving lowrise housing in our neighbourhoods from here on in and try to limit any more population growth to save our city before it is too late.
3 comments2Street Team#over 1 year agoCrowded Kitchener
We need more parks, playground and more schools because the city is getting crowded more. The other day I went to Victoria park with my son and it took long time to find a parking spot and even the park was over crowded. I want to see a Silent Kitchener! Helen Dawit
1 comment1Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoGreen spaces for each individual resident
I am sitting here near Downtown Kitchener right now and I am looking around and Apartments that are built and being built, but no green spaces. The only green space I know off around this area is Victoria Park and the issues with that is as we grow more and more as a city and the population grows with it we will need more green space. With that being said, I think over the next 20 years the City should start to plan on a rule that for every resident living within the city they need a certain amount of green space added for that individual. In short a ratio of green space per individual resident. We can not have only the same green space of Victoria Park for all these new apartments. The spaces are getting crowded and people need greens areas for better well being.
0 comment0 - 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 Interviewover 1 year agoRoad Maintenance
Every year we have an issue of not filling potholes after the winter months. The city should work towards attracting potholes around the city right as soon as it is possible to fill them after the snow melts away. Every pone complains about potholes which should make it issue number suppose when they arise. If the city does well addressing this issue over the next 20 years I would see very little potholes due to the city focusing one them for the first month after the snow melts and I would see larger road constructions around the city be started after the potholes are complete.
1 comment0Street Team#almost 2 years agoAppreciate the works of Community centres.
After Covid what the City is doing through Community Centres are great. We don’t want much programs what is now is enough. Too many programs bring back the risk of Covid -19. - Mary McCarthy
0 comment0Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoWater Fountains KEY, shade also important
We really need water fountains in the public parks. With this wether in the summer it can be dangerous to not have and access to water in this high heat. Shade is also very important in these parks. Southwest Optimist has a lot of little trees but not a lot of shade because of it at the moment.
0 comment1Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoMore Free of Charges places for Teens
The City needs more places free of charge for teens. We need more places that are different then activities that are run year round. Something different from basketball courts and services similar to that. Sumer is a time for teens to make memories and more pools and places to hang out with friends in the summer would create those memories.
0 comment0Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoWinter control/snow plows
There needs to be a better way to plow the roads and not throw large boulders of ice and snow back onto driveways that were just shovelled. I have hurt my back to many times trying to remove these boulders and there has to be a more efficient way of plow if city streets to prevent this issue.
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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 Interviewover 1 year agoIncome Geared Housing
The city needs to work towards more income geared housing. Need lower rent to make things more affordable in their life.
0 comment0Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoLess spending on Housing Affordability
We need to spend less money on housing and more to pearls parks and recreation. The city is growing to fast and we are forgetting about the need for recreation services to support this growth.
0 comment0Street team (H)almost 2 years agoCity Services
I believe the city is doing well in terms of services. I appreciate how they have a variety of programs in their community centres, but the majority of these programs are sports or dance. I'd like to see more senior writing and reading programs .
0 comment0Street Team#over 1 year agoJobs for homeless
Business should be encouraged more to hire homeless people to make a way of earning. There should be some subsidies for those business either in taxes or in any other way.
0 comment1Street Team Interviewover 1 year agoApartments Cost to much
My family moved here from Guelph in 2019 and we were very lucky to have moved then. Looking at the cost of an apartment now-a-days is crazy and around $1900 in parts of the city. This is very similar to around the university of Guelph as students are paying the same.
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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