Charles Street Terminal Visioning
The Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener are working towards a vision for a mixed-use development on the former Charles Street Terminal site, in the heart of downtown Kitchener. This vision will be informed by environmental and technical findings, financial modeling and community engagement.
Located at 15 Charles Street West, the property occupies a key location in downtown Kitchener. With a footprint of 10,470 square meters (1.047 hectare / 2.59 acres in size), the size and location of the property make the future use of this site an important discussion point for the community.
Based on the strategic directionContinue reading
The Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener are working towards a vision for a mixed-use development on the former Charles Street Terminal site, in the heart of downtown Kitchener. This vision will be informed by environmental and technical findings, financial modeling and community engagement.
Located at 15 Charles Street West, the property occupies a key location in downtown Kitchener. With a footprint of 10,470 square meters (1.047 hectare / 2.59 acres in size), the size and location of the property make the future use of this site an important discussion point for the community.
Based on the strategic direction of the Region of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener, and determined by the community, the site's four guiding priorities include:
- Affordable housing options
- Climate action
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- A thriving economy
Technical studies to date include completion of a property boundary survey to understand current physical infrastructure on the site, as well as Environmental and geotechnical work to understand the make-up of the soil, and the presence of any contaminants in the ground or groundwater as a result of previous and/or surrounding uses.
Visioning the future use of Charles Street Terminal: what we've heard
Community-Wide Engagement to date
- The Region of Waterloo’s Charles Street Terminal community engagement initiatives have received over 1500 community responses to date.
- A community-wide survey launched in winter 2021 determined the project's four main guiding priorities:
1. affordable housing, 2. climate action, 3. equity, diversity and inclusion, and 4. a thriving economy. Community feedback also emphasised the importance of equity, and a desire for community-based, community-driven engagement opportunities. - On-the-ground outreach teams in summer 2022 engaged community members at festivals and in community spaces in Downtown Kitchener, along with an online survey to determine current needs across downtown. The summarized insights indicated the desire for affordable and supportive housing options; space for Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ peoples groups; community space with indoor and outdoor options (with a majority of responses emphasizing need for an Indigenous Community Space); creation of a multi-use site with housing, healthcare services, retail and community space.
- Coming summer 2024: Summary of Phase 3 Community Engagement insights, design process details and public input opportunities.
Community-Inspired Engagement
- Following community-led dialogue and visioning, Indigenous community leaders and co-founders of Land Back Camp Amy Smoke and Bangishimo Johnston presented a proposal to Regional Council on Nov. 21 2021 outlining the Terminal redevelopment as an opportunity to invest in an Indigenous community hub based on current Indigenous community space needs. In addition to the presentation at council, the group created a short film, Recollections and Imaginings, featuring stories from community members about their memories, experiences and future vision of the Charles Street Terminal.
- The Region of Waterloo acknowledges and thanks the community leaders who continue to support and enable discussion on the future of the Charles Street Terminal. All community feedback that is shared with the Region of Waterloo will be considered in this visioning process.
Technical Considerations
MTE Consultants Inc. were engaged to complete both Environmental and Geotechnical analysis of the site in the summer of 2022. The work program commenced on site in September 2022, with final on site sampling and analysis completed in November 2022. Draft reports issued have identified environmental concerns in both soil and groundwater at the site. These results are not considered dissimilar to other urban infill sites with former industrial uses either on, or in proximity, but do verify the complexity of the redevelopment program, and the need for a Remediation Action Plan.
Environmental & Geotechnical Findings to date include:
- Shallow soil contamination related to lead and hydrocarbons, generally at depths of less than 1.5m below surface.
- Deeper soil contamination at one location attributed to waste from past demolition of buildings.
- Road salt impacts also present in soil throughout site.
- Excess soil management during future construction will need to involve disposal of contaminated soil to landfill.
- Groundwater contamination related to chlorinated solvents (no on site source
- identified) as well as localized metals and acid/base/neutral compounds.
Geotechnical Considerations
The MTE report provided recommendations related to site preparation, excavations, dewatering, foundation design, site servicing, and pavement structure. These recommendations will inform future design analysis. The final report will be provided through the formal RFP process, to inform submissions.
Technical Study Work Plan
Technical design and landscape studies, along with financial modelling, disposition strategy, and market analysis will commence in the spring to help guide the path toward re-development. This work will occur concurrent to the ongoing multi-stakeholder and community engagement work over the course of the spring and summer. Regional staff will bring back recommendations to Council at key milestones including the approach to environmental remediation, and disposition to the market.
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New Short-Term Parking
Share New Short-Term Parking on Facebook Share New Short-Term Parking on Twitter Share New Short-Term Parking on Linkedin Email New Short-Term Parking linkThe Region of Waterloo has opened short-term parking at the former Charles Street Terminal (15 Charles Street West) to support visitors attending summer festivals, events, and patios in downtown Kitchener. The lot has been added to the HONK parking app, with rates matching those of the City of Kitchener's paid lots.
Planning for the Charles Street Terminal Redevelopment project continues, with the next phase of community engagement starting this fall to gather public input on initial designs for redevelopment.
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Downtown Kitchener Community Survey live until March 1, 2024
Share Downtown Kitchener Community Survey live until March 1, 2024 on Facebook Share Downtown Kitchener Community Survey live until March 1, 2024 on Twitter Share Downtown Kitchener Community Survey live until March 1, 2024 on Linkedin Email Downtown Kitchener Community Survey live until March 1, 2024 linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.The Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener are working towards a vision for a mixed-use development on the former Charles Street Terminal site, in the heart of downtown Kitchener, and are actively seeking input from the downtown Kitchener community. This vision will be informed by environmental and technical findings, financial modeling and community engagement.
The project is in the third phase of engagement to understand how the downtown Kitchener community and other interest holders envision the project's four guiding principles on the site. These site-specific attributes will inform the design phase of the project.
Your informed survey response will enable staff to gather ideas across the community to ensure the successful redevelopment of the Charles Street Terminal site.
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Design Consultant - Request for Proposals
Share Design Consultant - Request for Proposals on Facebook Share Design Consultant - Request for Proposals on Twitter Share Design Consultant - Request for Proposals on Linkedin Email Design Consultant - Request for Proposals linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.The Region of Waterloo on October 27th, 2023, has initiated a Request for Proposals to procure a qualified architectural firm that will join the public consultation process to help guide the visioning process for the Charles Street Terminal Site in downtown Kitchener. The successful architect will assist the region and the city in developing the design principles for the site and lead design conversations with the community.
RFP - Bid Details(External link)
Bid Closing Date: Fri Dec 1, 2023 2:00:00 PM -
The Region of Waterloo is currently seeking public applications for Community Connector position(s) for the Charles Street Terminal Working Group
Share The Region of Waterloo is currently seeking public applications for Community Connector position(s) for the Charles Street Terminal Working Group on Facebook Share The Region of Waterloo is currently seeking public applications for Community Connector position(s) for the Charles Street Terminal Working Group on Twitter Share The Region of Waterloo is currently seeking public applications for Community Connector position(s) for the Charles Street Terminal Working Group on Linkedin Email The Region of Waterloo is currently seeking public applications for Community Connector position(s) for the Charles Street Terminal Working Group linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.As described in the June 2022 report to Council, the Region of Waterloo is now accepting applications for community representatives to work alongside Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener staff to strengthen community involvement in the Charles Street Terminal visioning process, and create space for residents to help inform future engagements. These community connectors will join the Charles Street Terminal Working Group, and should represent a diverse mix of expertise and people with lived experiences in priority communities. The Region of Waterloo is currently seeking public applications for Community Connector position(s).
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Second survey now closed
Share Second survey now closed on Facebook Share Second survey now closed on Twitter Share Second survey now closed on Linkedin Email Second survey now closed linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.Thank you to everyone who participated in our second survey – either online or in person throughout downtown Kitchener. The survey is now closed, and we are beginning analysis on the feedback we collected.
In the coming weeks, we will be recruiting for members of the community to join the engagement working group for this project.
Technical studies on the property have been initiated, with preliminary environmental and geotechnical soil sampling completed last week. This work will continue into 2023.
Subscribe to this page to keep to up-to-date.
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Second round of engagement kicks-off August 5, 2022
Share Second round of engagement kicks-off August 5, 2022 on Facebook Share Second round of engagement kicks-off August 5, 2022 on Twitter Share Second round of engagement kicks-off August 5, 2022 on Linkedin Email Second round of engagement kicks-off August 5, 2022 linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.The Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener are working towards a vision for a mixed-use development on the former Charles Street Terminal site, in the heart of downtown Kitchener. Starting Friday, August 5 our Charles Street Engagement Team will be out actively seeking input from the community.
The engagement team can be identified by their blue “Ask me about the Charles Street Terminal Visioning Project” t-shirts.
The team will be in and around downtown Kitchener from August 3 through to mid-September collecting input and ideas on the future vision for the site.
Look for team members at downtown ION light rail transit stops, the Kitchener market, central library branch, local farmers and artists markets, and summer events happening along Gaukel Street and in Victoria Park.
Feedback can be provided:
- In person to a member of our street team
- Online through the survey tab on this page
- By phone at 519-575-4400
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Project Updates
Share Project Updates on Facebook Share Project Updates on Twitter Share Project Updates on Linkedin Email Project Updates linkCLOSED: This discussion has concluded.On behalf the planning teams at the Region of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener, we would like to extend sincere thanks for your response to our initial survey on the future of the Charles Street Terminal site.
We are grateful to have received significant interest in this project and are still working through the data and responses you submitted. We intend for the findings of this survey to inform the next stage of engagement, which we expect to share in the coming weeks. An update on, and invitation for, the next phase will be posted to Engage.
Thank you again for your participation in this process and we look forward to continuing this work with you.
Acknowledging the Land
The Charles Street Terminal located in downtown Kitchener, Ontario is situated on lands within the Haldimand Tract and the traditional territory of the Attawonderonk, Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe Peoples. This area is within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. The Region of Waterloo acknowledge the enduring presence, knowledge and philosophies of Indigenous Peoples and the accomplishments and contributions Indigenous Peoples continue to make in shaping Waterloo Region.
Project Timeline
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Phase 1 - Public Engagement: Project Priorities
Charles Street Terminal Visioning has finished this stageThe public engagement campaign for the redevelopment of 15 Charles Street began in late 2021 with the launch of an online, broad public survey to determine the project's guiding priorities/principles.
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Phase 2 - Community Engagement: Identifying Needs
Charles Street Terminal Visioning has finished this stageThe second phase of the Region-led community engagement took place in summer 2022 and included on-the-ground outreach teams at community members at festivals and in community spaces in Downtown Kitchener, along with an online survey.
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Spring 2022 Report to Regional Council
Charles Street Terminal Visioning has finished this stagehttps://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=2774
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Community Connectors join the Charles Street Terminal Working Group
Charles Street Terminal Visioning has finished this stageFall 2023
Region of Waterloo accepted applications for community representatives to work alongside staff to strengthen community involvement in the Charles Street Terminal visioning process, and create space for residents to help inform future engagements.
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Request for Proposal - Design & Cultural Landscapes (Phase 4 - Design Input)
Charles Street Terminal Visioning has finished this stageRFP - Bid Details
Bid Closing Date: Fri Dec 1, 2023 2:00:00 PMThe successful architect will help produce some initial visualizations for the redevelopment, incorporating the feedback from community that have been shared through the initial phases of engagement.
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Phase 3 - Interest Holder and Community Engagement
Charles Street Terminal Visioning has finished this stageIn the third phase of engagement, we'll explore how the downtown Kitchener community and other interest holders envision how the project's four guiding principles could be incorporated on the site. These site-specific attributes will inform the design phase of the project.
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Phase 4 - Designing the Vision
Charles Street Terminal Visioning is currently at this stageFall 2024
Informed by environmental and technical findings, financial modeling and community engagement insights, an architect will help produce initial visualizations for the redevelopment for additional input, to be reflected in future staff reports for council decision-making at the Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener.
Region of Waterloo Council Reports and Information
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History of Development at 15 Charles Street W in Kitchener, Ontario (89 KB) (pdf)
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March 7, 2023 Region of Waterloo Council Report: Charles Street Terminal Visioning project - Community Consultation and Technical Studies
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March 7, 2023 Region of Waterloo Council Presentation Slide Deck, Planning and Works Committee March 7, 2023.pdf
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March 7, 2023 Region of Waterloo Council Report Appendix - Charles Street Terminal Glossary of Terms.pdf
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June 22, 2022 - Region of Waterloo Council - Charles Street Terminal Report
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Who's Listening
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Land Portfolio (Economic Development & Housing)
Land Portfolio, Region of Waterloo
AG -
Communications & Community Engagement, Planning, Development & Legislative Services
Region of Waterloo
MB
Notice of Collection
To the extent that the foregoing information constitutes personal information as defined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter M.56 as amended, the information is subject to provisions of that Act and will be used to collect community feedback on the topics posted on this forum.
Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to Mistie Brown, Planning, Development & Legislative Services Division, Region of Waterloo at mibrown@regionofwaterloo.ca