Introduction

A first step in framing a new Official Plan for Kitchener was to develop the Big Ideas – the main aspirations for a new Official Plan. They reflect:

What do we mean by Big Ideas?

Our big ideas are the north star guiding our desired future. They will shape the policies of our new Official Plan and preferred approach to planning for growth across our city. They reflect our Community Values, which were developed based on your input in Phase 1 and 2 of the process.

  • Our Neighbourhoods

    If you live in Kitchener or would like to live here, if you rent or own, if you live alone or with others, if you need care or assistance - there will always be a home for you here.

    You and your family, however you define it, will be able to make a home in any of Kitchener’s neighbourhoods. Our neighbourhoods will be places where the community can connect, where people of all ages can learn and play, and where shops and services are close by.

  • Our Economy

    Our economy will be built on businesses of all types in neighbourhoods across the city: from shops and services, to industry, innovation hubs, and offices. Residents and goods will get where they need to go quickly, efficiently and sustainably. Coordinated energy and infrastructure investments in business across the city will create a more competitive, resilient economy.

  • Our Environment

    We value and protect Kitchener’s natural environment so you and your family can be safe, healthy, and comfortable for generations. Kitchener will emit almost no greenhouse gases, and our built and natural spaces will be ready for hotter days and stronger storms. We’ll learn from Indigenous land-based practices and stewardship, in the spirit of reconciliation, to build a stronger, more connected community.

What are the emerging directions?

Emerging directions are different paths we can take to shape our big ideas. They are not actions. Rather they help provide focus on specific areas so that as we work to implement our Official Plan they act as guideposts to develop detailed, concrete actions.

There are 18 emerging directions. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list but rather focused on areas that need more feedback. We want to understand how important and meaningful each one of these directions are to you.

What matters most to you?

  1. Read through the emerging directions.
  2. You have a total of 100 points to distribute amongst the 18 emerging directions. Distribute a portion of your 100 points to each emerging direction. The more points you give to an emerging direction the more important or meaningful it is to you.
  3. Answer the reflection questions below when you're done to help us better understand your responses.
  4. Add your age and postal code with us at the end (this is optional).