Finding the right fit

Decision 3: Finding the Right Fit

You’ve been thinking a lot about where you live and how it might be time for a change. As you consider what your needs are – whether it’s more or less space, a place of your own or for others, something more affordable, or something closer to the people and things that are important to you - which of the following options would be the best fit?

  • ⏹️Square

    An apartment in a midrise building or stacked townhome near transit, shops, and services, so everything you need is close by and easy to get to.

  • 🔼Triangle

    A backyard home or small walk-up apartment added to a quiet street in your current neighbourhood, so you can stay close to what’s familiar, and stay connected to the people, services, and daily needs that matter most to you.

  • ⏺️Circle

    A home in a new neighbourhood hub, near parks, a Community Centre, and schools -- great for family life with lots of amenities close by. This could be an apartment in a new tall building or townhouse.


Making informed decisions

Housing needs can shift in big and small ways throughout your life. Having access to housing choices that support different household sizes, needs, levels of affordability, and stages of life is key to building an inclusive and caring city. As Kitchener grows, it’s important to create neighbourhoods that offer a mix of homes for people at every stage of life. The right housing—at the right time—can help people stay close to the communities, services, and support systems that matter most.

Key considerations include:

As families grow, age, or shift in size and shape, so do their housing needs. That might mean more bedrooms, fewer stairs, better access to work, school, or medical services, or more affordable rent. Having a variety of options nearby can help people stay in their community, even lives and needs change.

Even if the “right” home exists, it still needs to be within reach. Expanding housing choice helps create more opportunities at different price points. Homes with more space or larger yards may be appealing to some but they often come with higher costs, longer commutes, or fewer transit and active transportation opportunities.

New buildings with a range of unit sizes near transit and services may help more people find housing that fit. They can also change the feel of a street or place over time. Planning for growth requires thoughtful design to ensure new homes are well-integrated.