Core assumptions

Through Phase 2 of Kitchener 2051, City staff have developed and modelled three different approaches to growth. These will be evaluated based on the community’s input as well as a set of technical evaluation criteria to reach a preferred approach.

Each of the approaches being assessed through Kitchener 2051 will achieve the following objectives:

Accommodating a future population of 446,000 residents and 180,800 jobs by 2051.

Accommodating the projected number of residents and jobs within the existing urban area boundary; directing at least 60% of new growth to already built-up areas; and planning for more compact greenfield development, primarily within southwest Kitchener.

Planning for at least 5,000 units of future residential growth within Kitchener’s existing low-rise neighbourhoods.

Connecting more people and jobs to mobility networks such as transit, trails and complete streets. Also, accommodating significant growth within our Major Transit Station Areas (about 500 to 800 metres around ION station stops) by carrying forward the Growing Together planning framework.

Carrying forward the current Official Plan’s Natural Heritage System and Floodway mapping.

Protecting and planning for new jobs within Kitchener’s Employment Areas by assuming at least 20% growth in these locations; and fostering economic development by supporting job growth outside of employment areas.

Maps related to core assumptions