Charles Street Terminal Visioning

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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

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:

  1. Affordable housing options
  2. Climate action
  3. Equity, diversity and inclusion
  4. 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.

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. A Modified Generic Risk Assessment (MGRA) was submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) in spring 2024. The MECP will review the MGRA submission and provide feedback regarding analysis of the on-site environmental conditions and future mitigation measures to be incorporated in the redevelopment of the site.

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.

Visioning the future use of Charles Street Terminal

Community engagement beginning in 2021, including community-inspired feedback led by Land Back Camp, included aligned support for the project’s guiding priorities, emphasized community needs and ambitions across downtown Kitchener, and provided site-specific features to be reflected in preliminary design concepts.

Engagement phases to date include:

Phase 1: Project Priorities - Public Engagement

Phase 2: Identifying Needs - Community Engagement

Phase 3: Identifying Site-Specific Features - Equity-focused Engagement, Community and Interest Holder Consultation

Engagement activities to date include:

  • Guiding priorities public survey
  • Street teams outreach across downtown Kitchener community spaces and events
  • Postcards mailed to DTK residents and businesses)
  • Equity-focused interviews connected by community connectors
  • Outreach to local Indigenous Organizations
  • Visioning Labs, including youth committees and citizen advisory committees
  • Advisory meeting on Indigenous cultural context and community-led engagement with O:se Kenhionhata:tie LandBack Camp

Phase 4 - Designing the Vision

Phase 4 focuses on creating preliminary design concepts for the Terminal Lands, guided by community input, that reveals the potential for a sustainable, human-scale redevelopment vision around Charles Street and downtown Kitchener.

The established preliminary design concepts will guide future decision-making and redevelopment plans in early 2025.

Design Firm

Brook McIlroy (BMc), an award-winning and interdisciplinary design firm, is leading Phase 4 of the Charles Street Terminal Visioning Project. For more information on Brook McIlroy, please visit their website https://brookmcilroy.com/

Leveraging the diverse building fabric surrounding Charles Street and downtown Kitchener, the project will ensure that future buildings and open spaces promote a memorable, people-focused, sustainable, and human scale community environment. The Charles Street Terminal Lands offers an extraordinary contemporary growth opportunity, that will have a positive regenerative effect on the surrounding mixed-use neighbourhood within downtown Kitchener.

Design Process

BMc has thoroughly reviewed existing policies, frameworks and community feedback from earlier engagement phases, ensuring the designs are informed by the extensive efforts from community and City and Regional staff. The developed design concepts will ensure to reflect community input and the local context. In addition, BMc will conduct engagement for Phase 4 of the project, which will continue to inform the visioning for the project.

Incorporating Indigenous Cultural Knowledge and Placekeeping

A key part of this project is the involvement of Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio. BMc and its Indigenous Design Studio is committed to embedding Indigenous feedback, honoring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. This work includes:

  • Indigenous Space Needs Assessment Review
  • Incorporate Indigenous cultural knowledge and community-led engagement work conducted by O:se Kenhionhata:tie LandBack Camp
  • Conduct Indigenous-Focused Workshops: These workshops aim to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and practices into the design process.

Community Engagement and Public Feedback – Upcoming Activities

The public will have several opportunities to provide comments and feedback on the draft design concepts for the Terminal Lands in the upcoming months. Phase 4 will include the following opportunities for public feedback:

  • Workshops and Open Houses: These sessions will gather feedback from the community to ensure the designs meet local needs and aspirations.
  • Interest Group Sessions & Presentations: BMc will host a series of both virtual and in-person sessions, to gather diverse perspectives from interest groups.
  • Online Feedback: Design concepts will be available online for public comment in late September/early October.

More information on dates for these sessions will be provided as they become available.

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  • Share Charles St. survey is broken. Unable to enter postal code. on Facebook Share Charles St. survey is broken. Unable to enter postal code. on Twitter Share Charles St. survey is broken. Unable to enter postal code. on Linkedin Email Charles St. survey is broken. Unable to enter postal code. link

    Charles St. survey is broken. Unable to enter postal code.

    Sheldon asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for letting us know. We've updated the survey to resolve the issue. 

  • Share Is the team still on track to present a proposed design in spring/summer 2024 for the Charles St Terminal site? Thanks! on Facebook Share Is the team still on track to present a proposed design in spring/summer 2024 for the Charles St Terminal site? Thanks! on Twitter Share Is the team still on track to present a proposed design in spring/summer 2024 for the Charles St Terminal site? Thanks! on Linkedin Email Is the team still on track to present a proposed design in spring/summer 2024 for the Charles St Terminal site? Thanks! link

    Is the team still on track to present a proposed design in spring/summer 2024 for the Charles St Terminal site? Thanks!

    skf asked 7 months ago

    The Region of Waterloo is currently in the process of contracting an architect to produce initial visualizations for the Charles Street redevelopment in Spring/Summer 2024. 

  • Share Is the footprint of the Charles Street terminal large enough to contain a new hockey arena/events centre along the lines of the one in London (i.e. 9000-seater)? If not, could Joseph Street be closed (it's not that heavily used anyways) and the footprint be thus extended over to Victoria Park? The Aud is starting to show her age, and it's in a perfect spot for it, right smack downtown and next to an ION stop. I believe that it would bring alot of revenue into the downtown core (especially the hospitality sector) and keep the momentum that we've gained the past couple of years in this neighbourhood up! on Facebook Share Is the footprint of the Charles Street terminal large enough to contain a new hockey arena/events centre along the lines of the one in London (i.e. 9000-seater)? If not, could Joseph Street be closed (it's not that heavily used anyways) and the footprint be thus extended over to Victoria Park? The Aud is starting to show her age, and it's in a perfect spot for it, right smack downtown and next to an ION stop. I believe that it would bring alot of revenue into the downtown core (especially the hospitality sector) and keep the momentum that we've gained the past couple of years in this neighbourhood up! on Twitter Share Is the footprint of the Charles Street terminal large enough to contain a new hockey arena/events centre along the lines of the one in London (i.e. 9000-seater)? If not, could Joseph Street be closed (it's not that heavily used anyways) and the footprint be thus extended over to Victoria Park? The Aud is starting to show her age, and it's in a perfect spot for it, right smack downtown and next to an ION stop. I believe that it would bring alot of revenue into the downtown core (especially the hospitality sector) and keep the momentum that we've gained the past couple of years in this neighbourhood up! on Linkedin Email Is the footprint of the Charles Street terminal large enough to contain a new hockey arena/events centre along the lines of the one in London (i.e. 9000-seater)? If not, could Joseph Street be closed (it's not that heavily used anyways) and the footprint be thus extended over to Victoria Park? The Aud is starting to show her age, and it's in a perfect spot for it, right smack downtown and next to an ION stop. I believe that it would bring alot of revenue into the downtown core (especially the hospitality sector) and keep the momentum that we've gained the past couple of years in this neighbourhood up! link

    Is the footprint of the Charles Street terminal large enough to contain a new hockey arena/events centre along the lines of the one in London (i.e. 9000-seater)? If not, could Joseph Street be closed (it's not that heavily used anyways) and the footprint be thus extended over to Victoria Park? The Aud is starting to show her age, and it's in a perfect spot for it, right smack downtown and next to an ION stop. I believe that it would bring alot of revenue into the downtown core (especially the hospitality sector) and keep the momentum that we've gained the past couple of years in this neighbourhood up!

    Scott Kush asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback. We have made note of your comments.  

  • Share I am under the impression that a petition was circulated, requesting that the space become a cultural centre for Indigenous people. Am I correct with this info ? on Facebook Share I am under the impression that a petition was circulated, requesting that the space become a cultural centre for Indigenous people. Am I correct with this info ? on Twitter Share I am under the impression that a petition was circulated, requesting that the space become a cultural centre for Indigenous people. Am I correct with this info ? on Linkedin Email I am under the impression that a petition was circulated, requesting that the space become a cultural centre for Indigenous people. Am I correct with this info ? link

    I am under the impression that a petition was circulated, requesting that the space become a cultural centre for Indigenous people. Am I correct with this info ?

    Molly asked almost 3 years ago

    On November 1, 2021 Land Back Camp attended a Regional Council meeting to bring this idea forward. The minutes of the meeting can be found here:  https://calendar.regionofwaterloo.ca/Council/Detail/2021-11-01-1800-2022-Plan-and-Budget-Public-Input-Meeting/e157e418-5383-40cb-83d0-addc01623dcf

  • Share I agree with Caron and Evelyn, This centrally located property should be used for the good of the community and could be used as temporary housing for homeless people. on Facebook Share I agree with Caron and Evelyn, This centrally located property should be used for the good of the community and could be used as temporary housing for homeless people. on Twitter Share I agree with Caron and Evelyn, This centrally located property should be used for the good of the community and could be used as temporary housing for homeless people. on Linkedin Email I agree with Caron and Evelyn, This centrally located property should be used for the good of the community and could be used as temporary housing for homeless people. link

    I agree with Caron and Evelyn, This centrally located property should be used for the good of the community and could be used as temporary housing for homeless people.

    CSC asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback. We have made note of your comments.  

  • Share Will the property remain municipally owned? Or is sale of the property for private development being considered as well? on Facebook Share Will the property remain municipally owned? Or is sale of the property for private development being considered as well? on Twitter Share Will the property remain municipally owned? Or is sale of the property for private development being considered as well? on Linkedin Email Will the property remain municipally owned? Or is sale of the property for private development being considered as well? link

    Will the property remain municipally owned? Or is sale of the property for private development being considered as well?

    Philip C asked almost 3 years ago

    The Charles Street property is jointly owned by the Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener. The working assumption behind the public engagement process is that the property will be declared surplus and placed for sale through a RFP process to a third party developer. The inputs received through the public engagement process will help to shape the development requirements for the site that will be included as requirements in the sale of the property.

  • Share When will Kitchener-Waterloo & the region get serious about providing a permanent home for the homeless people? This seem like a perfect place for them close to the LRT. & Victoria Park. on Facebook Share When will Kitchener-Waterloo & the region get serious about providing a permanent home for the homeless people? This seem like a perfect place for them close to the LRT. & Victoria Park. on Twitter Share When will Kitchener-Waterloo & the region get serious about providing a permanent home for the homeless people? This seem like a perfect place for them close to the LRT. & Victoria Park. on Linkedin Email When will Kitchener-Waterloo & the region get serious about providing a permanent home for the homeless people? This seem like a perfect place for them close to the LRT. & Victoria Park. link

    When will Kitchener-Waterloo & the region get serious about providing a permanent home for the homeless people? This seem like a perfect place for them close to the LRT. & Victoria Park.

    Evelyn Crawford asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback. We have made note of your comments. Please take the recently launched survey to have your feedback included in the process: https://www.engagewr.ca/embeds/projects/26004/survey-tools/24446

  • Share Why change a good location , Close to Victoria park, down town, City Hall as a senior this location was excellent. Now a new location will limit me to visit Victoria park and downtown as will many of my senior friends. Upgrade bit do not move the location on Facebook Share Why change a good location , Close to Victoria park, down town, City Hall as a senior this location was excellent. Now a new location will limit me to visit Victoria park and downtown as will many of my senior friends. Upgrade bit do not move the location on Twitter Share Why change a good location , Close to Victoria park, down town, City Hall as a senior this location was excellent. Now a new location will limit me to visit Victoria park and downtown as will many of my senior friends. Upgrade bit do not move the location on Linkedin Email Why change a good location , Close to Victoria park, down town, City Hall as a senior this location was excellent. Now a new location will limit me to visit Victoria park and downtown as will many of my senior friends. Upgrade bit do not move the location link

    Why change a good location , Close to Victoria park, down town, City Hall as a senior this location was excellent. Now a new location will limit me to visit Victoria park and downtown as will many of my senior friends. Upgrade bit do not move the location

    Yvette Eykens asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback. We have made note of your comments. Please take the recently launched survey to have your feedback included in the process: https://www.engagewr.ca/embeds/projects/26004/survey-tools/24446

  • Share With lack of housing in this Community, I would like to see the Downtown Bus Terminal be renamed "We Care About Everyone" This could be used as a holding place for people who have no where to go during this time, and would require constant monitoring by professionals, like psychiatrists, employment specialists, cooks and financial professionals, etc. Beds, one side for men, another for women with their children would be great; possible expanding of the property would be a high necessity. on Facebook Share With lack of housing in this Community, I would like to see the Downtown Bus Terminal be renamed "We Care About Everyone" This could be used as a holding place for people who have no where to go during this time, and would require constant monitoring by professionals, like psychiatrists, employment specialists, cooks and financial professionals, etc. Beds, one side for men, another for women with their children would be great; possible expanding of the property would be a high necessity. on Twitter Share With lack of housing in this Community, I would like to see the Downtown Bus Terminal be renamed "We Care About Everyone" This could be used as a holding place for people who have no where to go during this time, and would require constant monitoring by professionals, like psychiatrists, employment specialists, cooks and financial professionals, etc. Beds, one side for men, another for women with their children would be great; possible expanding of the property would be a high necessity. on Linkedin Email With lack of housing in this Community, I would like to see the Downtown Bus Terminal be renamed "We Care About Everyone" This could be used as a holding place for people who have no where to go during this time, and would require constant monitoring by professionals, like psychiatrists, employment specialists, cooks and financial professionals, etc. Beds, one side for men, another for women with their children would be great; possible expanding of the property would be a high necessity. link

    With lack of housing in this Community, I would like to see the Downtown Bus Terminal be renamed "We Care About Everyone" This could be used as a holding place for people who have no where to go during this time, and would require constant monitoring by professionals, like psychiatrists, employment specialists, cooks and financial professionals, etc. Beds, one side for men, another for women with their children would be great; possible expanding of the property would be a high necessity.

    Caron Joanne Thomas asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback. We have made note of your comments. Please take the recently launched survey to have your feedback included in the process: https://www.engagewr.ca/embeds/projects/26004/survey-tools/24446

  • Share I would like to be on the committee. How do I go about applying to get on the committee. I am a life time resident of Kitchener. I currently live on Patricia Ave. Most of my life I have lived in the areas surrounding downtown. I am a Realtor and have a strong desire to be part of this project. on Facebook Share I would like to be on the committee. How do I go about applying to get on the committee. I am a life time resident of Kitchener. I currently live on Patricia Ave. Most of my life I have lived in the areas surrounding downtown. I am a Realtor and have a strong desire to be part of this project. on Twitter Share I would like to be on the committee. How do I go about applying to get on the committee. I am a life time resident of Kitchener. I currently live on Patricia Ave. Most of my life I have lived in the areas surrounding downtown. I am a Realtor and have a strong desire to be part of this project. on Linkedin Email I would like to be on the committee. How do I go about applying to get on the committee. I am a life time resident of Kitchener. I currently live on Patricia Ave. Most of my life I have lived in the areas surrounding downtown. I am a Realtor and have a strong desire to be part of this project. link

    I would like to be on the committee. How do I go about applying to get on the committee. I am a life time resident of Kitchener. I currently live on Patricia Ave. Most of my life I have lived in the areas surrounding downtown. I am a Realtor and have a strong desire to be part of this project.

    Elleeen9 asked almost 3 years ago

    While a formal, public committee will not be created, there will be broad public engagement taken on the redevelopment of this site. In addition to this survey, additional public engagement opportunities are being planned for early 2022. We would welcome your voice at these consultations. Subscribe to this page to keep up to date on upcoming opportunities. 

Page last updated: 21 Aug 2024, 02:01 PM