Staff recommendations

Kitchener’s strategic plan includes the implementation of a continuous and protected cycling grid that connects adjacent neighbourhoods to the downtown.

Thank you to the 1,250 residents who provided input during this final phase of consultation. Based on your input and additional analysis, city staff is recommending the installation of a Downtown Cycling Grid with 10 km of safe, comfortable and convenient cycling routes for all ages and abilities, including:

  • 2.8 km of separated bike lanes on Joseph Street (Victoria Street to Queen Street), Ontario Street (Joseph Street to King Street), Cedar Street North (Church Street to Lancaster Street), Duke Street East (Cedar Street to Frederick Street), Duke Street West (Victoria Street to Water Street), Queen Street (Joseph Street to Church Street) and Water Street North (Joseph Street to Weber Street);
  • 6.6 km of neighbourhood bikeways on Breithaupt Street (King Street to Margaret Avenue), Maynard Avenue (Margaret Avenue to Young Street), Chapel Street (East Avenue to Lancaster Street), Lancaster Street (Frederick Street to Weber Street), Church Street (Queen Street to Madison Avenue), Madison Avenue (Church Street to the Iron Horse Trail), Benton Street (Iron Horse Trail to Courtland Avenue), Water Street (Jubilee Drive to Joseph Street), David Street, Stirling Lane, Pandora Street (Stirling Lane to Duke Street), Waverly Road (Gage Avenue to Strange Street), and Duke Street West (Victoria Street to Wellington Road); and
  • 0.6 km of boulevard multi-use trail on Margaret Avenue (Victoria Street to Queen Street) and Otto Street (Queen Street to Frederick Street);


A summary of what we heard and changes to the design based on consultations can be found here.

Report DSD-20-203 Protected Downtown Cycling Grid will be presented to the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee on:

Monday, December 7, 2020

9:30 a.m.

Virtual Meeting

You may appear at that time as a delegate either for or against the recommendations in this report. To register as a delegate, click here, or contact Dianna Saunderson of our City Clerks Department at 519-741-2200, extension 7277 or dianna.saunderson@kitchener.ca by the end of Friday, December 4, 2020.


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This project has concluded. On Dec 14, 2020 Kitchener City Council approved the downtown cycling grid, connecting the downtown core to adjacent neighbourhoods and regional cycling arteries. Public consultation showed a strong desire for better-connected cycling options downtown and for more people-friendly transportation options. The population in downtown continues to grow at a rapid pace in the downtown and many are looking for greater mode choice. The pandemic has also highlighted the demand for high quality cycling facilities as we adjust to the new norm. A downtown grid was identified as a necessary step in connecting Kitchener’s neighbourhoods together, and the community identified their preference of which streets would receive cycling upgrades in the downtown. Changes were made to the plan as a result of the latest round of communication, including changes to Joseph, Duke, Ontario and Water Streets. 

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