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On Monday, Nov. 6, Kitchener City Council approved a vision for downtown Kitchener created by a working group supported by staff and made up of dozens of residents from across the City. The vision was also informed by a wider public engagement process. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this new vision for our downtown.
Downtown Kitchener is at a critical point in its evolution due to unprecedented growth, housing affordability challenges, social factors and the lingering effects of the pandemic on businesses. As a result of these converging factors, staff approached the community to shape a new vision for downtown Kitchener. The three guiding principles of the vision are:
- Radiating vibrancy
- Cultivating connection
- Belonging
Read the full report here.
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Thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation on the Downtown Kitchener Vision this year. This process included two engagement phases. In Phase One, the Downtown Community Working Group (DCWG) shaped and helped deliver a fulsome community engagement process to gather input from over 2,600 individuals on their hopes and aspirations for Downtown Kitchener. The DCWG then used input collected in Phase One to draft a vision and set of guiding principles. Phase Two of engagement presented the draft vision and principles to the community for feedback, which took place this past summer.
A full report on the outcomes of the second phase of our engagement process is now available in the Downtown Kitchener Vision and Principles Phase Two Engagement Summary.
Here are a few key messages that emerged throughout, in no specific order:
- A human-centric lens is the correct approach to revitalizing downtown.
- Improved access to affordable housing is integral to the success of downtown.
- Access to clean and safe green space is a priority for most community members.
- Connections to downtown and within downtown, must be safe, affordable, and accessible.
- The vision and principles should be unique to downtown Kitchener.
We expect to present the final vision for downtown Kitchener to City Council in the coming weeks. We will add a link to the agenda and staff report on this page once they are available.
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Last year, about 2,659 people contributed to a city-wide conversation about our vision for the future of downtown Kitchener. Based on this process, we have a draft of the vision and principles that will guide how the downtown area looks and feels over the next 15-20 years.
A full report on the outcomes of the first phase of our engagement process is available in the Downtown Kitchener Vision and Principles Phase One Engagement Summary.
Key messages that emerged throughout the engagement process include:
- The need for community-building efforts, strengthening the connection between neighbours.
- The importance of public spaces and green space, especially as density grows within the downtown.
- Strong support for more connected and continuous active transportation and public transportation networks.
- Greater efforts to support the unhoused/precariously housed and those in crisis who live in Kitchener.
- Downtown Kitchener was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and requires investment and rejuvenation to support existing local businesses and attract new ventures.
- The importance of integrating climate adaptation and resiliency actions into the city’s day-to-day functions.
- Strengthened support, advocacy, and action towards an inclusive, equitable and accessible downtown, that also helps to advance Truth and Reconciliation.
Share your thoughts
We are now looking for your feedback on the draft and ideas on how to make the vision and principles a reality. Answer our 10-minute survey by August 18, 2023.
Answer the survey
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Host a DIY workshop
As part of the Downtown Community Working Group's outreach, a do-it-yourself kit workshop kit has been prepared! Gather your community, organization, neighbours or friends for a conversation about the future of the downtown core! Our do-it-yourself kit offers step-by-step instructions plus tips on facilitating a discussions, key questions, and what to do with all the great ideas you hear. Host your own workshop and send us the results by April 16.
The feedback will be shared and reviewed with the Downtown Community Working group to help inform the vision and principles for DTK. The workshop works best with groups of 10 people and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Download the DIY kit
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There are plenty of ways to share your vision and ideas for the future of downtown Kitchener.
Join us at a pop-up
In February and March we will be downtown having conversations about the future of downtown Kitchener. Enjoy a hot chocolate and share your thoughts on the future of downtown Kitchener! Play DTK scrabble. Share your thoughts about DTK’s great places. All are welcome! Come find us:
- Feb. 25, 2023 – Kitchener Market indoors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Feb. 25, 2023 – Carl Zehr Square from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Mar. 18, 2023 – Kitchener Market indoors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Mar. 18, 2023 – Carl Zehr Square from 3 to 6 p.m. (UPDATED TIME) Due to the current Weather Warning in effect for Kitchener the event today will start at 3 p.m. and will run as along as the weather cooperates.
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NEW Mar. 25, 2023 - Kitchener Market indoors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Host a DIY workshop
Gather your community, organization, neighbours or friends for a conversation about the future of the downtown core! Our do-it-yourself kit offers step-by-step instructions plus tips on facilitating a discussions, key questions, and what to do with all the great ideas you hear.
The feedback will be shared and reviewed with the Downtown Community Working group to help inform the vision and principles for DTK. The workshop works best with groups of 10 people and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Download the DIY kit
Share your ideas online
Take part anywhere, anytime by sharing your thoughts and ideas on this page:
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Downtown Kitchener is at a key point in its evolution, and it’s time to develop a new, community-led vision for the future. The City of Kitchener and the Downtown Community Working Group are looking for your input, your vision and your ideas to help shape and transform Downtown Kitchener into a downtown for all.
We’re calling on all residents, visitors, businesses, educational institutions, and property owners, to help shape a new vision and set of principles for Downtown Kitchener that reflects the unique characteristics of our community.
Over the past 20 years, Downtown Kitchener has evolved into a thriving centre of great places to live, amazing companies to work for, delicious places to eat and awesome venues to enjoy events with family and friends! Downtown Kitchener’s renewal has been built on strategic investments in innovation, education and expansion - fueled by the ION LRT, post-secondary educational institutions, a growing technology and knowledge-based economy, and the continuing growth of people and housing. There is still much more to be achieved, and that is where community involvement is crucial.
"Downtown Kitchener is the foundation upon which our community is built upon – its where you find the beating heart and soul of our community and its people,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Whether you live, work or play in the Downtown – as Downtown Kitchener continues to evolve and grow, it's crucial that we work together to establish a shared vision for DTK both for today and far into the future.”
Share your ideas by taking the online survey until Mar. 31, 2023.
In addition to the online survey, there will be pop-up events in March, where members of the community can share their ideas and input in person.
