What you said

What we’re doing

Interest in tree removals at nearby properties and a request for an arborist to check current tree health.

An arborist inspected the site during the pre-design phase. 10 trees must be removed to make way for construction access and the facility itself. These trees are shown in the Idlewood Pre-Construction Presentation Boards (November 2025).

Interest in planting more diverse tree species, such as native deciduous and fruit-bearing trees. Some participants wanted to avoid plants that lead to excessive plant debris.

20 trees will be planted once the underground stormwater facility is built. Currently, the design shows all these trees as White Spruce. The City is working to include more diverse species. Kitchener’s Forestry department will consider trees that produce minimal debris. We will share updates once the revisions are finalized.

Some people preferred mowed grass, while others wanted a larger pollinator habitat.

The pollinator habitat will be added above the underground stormwater facility, as shown in the Idlewood Pre-Construction Presentation Boards (November 2025). The area outside the underground stormwater facility’s footprint will be restored with grass.

What you said

What we’re doing

Residents asked that the trail stay open throughout construction.

Some parts of the trail will need to be closed during construction. We will share a trail closure timeline in the next few weeks. Sections of the trail will be open if it is safe to do so.

Some wanted improvements to the Darlington Place cycle entrance.

The City is reviewing this request and will post an update if this request can be added to the project.

Some wanted trail lighting and seating options.

Trail lighting is not within the budget for this project. Lighting is usually reserved for high-traffic routes such as the Iron Horse trail. Seating is also outside the scope of this project. Interested residents could apply for neighbourhood seating through LoveMyHood: www.lovemyhood.ca

Participants wanted to address the drainage issue in the trail.

Trails will be re-designed to ensure they drain properly.

What you said

What we’re doing

Participants asked where storage and utility buildings for the new stormwater system will be.

The facility will be underground. There will be no storage or utility buildings on site once construction is complete.

Concerns about dirt and dust, and requests to improve truck safety in the neighbourhood.

Measures will be taken to reduce the effects of the construction in the community. Safety will always be top priority. Details will be shared in an upcoming post.

Requests to receive updates on the timeline, and any changes to access.

These updates will be first shared in the upcoming pre-construction post, and periodically as the project progresses.