Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026
Plan the future of Kitchener with us!
Kitchener’s strategic plan is our community’s shared vision for the future of our City. We’re working on our 2023-2026 strategic plan and want you to be part of the planning process.
What should we focus on 4 years and even 20 years from now? Have your say and share your vision with us. Your input will help us build a strategic plan that best reflects the unique needs of our community – and develop a 20-year vision for the future of our City.
The vision will guide future City priorities and decisions that will move us toward a shared long-term future. The strategic plan will identify key goals and actions the City will take over the next four years to move us closer to achieving that vision.
Engaging you in this important work ensures that we are aligning our efforts with the needs of the community. And equally important, it builds trust with residents, knowing they can count on their local government to deliver the valued programs and services that they need.
Hearing what is most important to you has never been more important than it is today. Plan with us, Kitchener needs your voice, join the conversation!
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Sustainability has to do with our ability to meet environmental, economic, and social needs now and into the future.
In the survey, we heard that residents are interested in addressing climate change and sustainability. A majority (59%) said the city should use more of its budget to address climate change.
Our Corporate Climate Action Plan is a strategy for reducing our corporate level greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to the effects of climate change on our community. Our goal was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% by 2026. We have already achieved that goal, and are continuing to make progress on further reductions.
Help us understand what is important about this topic. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
Why does sustainability matter to you?
Why is sustainability important for our community?
If over the next 20 years we made major improvements in sustainability, how would Kitchener have adapted? What has changed for the better?
View All Ideas8 months ago
Less spending on climate change
I feel that we should be spending less on climate change and more towards recreational services. We have already achieved our goal for 2026 in the year of 2022 so let’s put more attention to the recreation servicies such as parks/playgrounds.
7 months ago
A place to enjoy
We have lots of green parks, relaxing environments and we need to preserve it. Kitchener should have places to spent vacations like for hiking and camping and canoeing on grand river with more fun options. We should fully utilize our water resources for recreational activities.
8 months ago
Sustainability is imperative!
Everyone can see in plain sight the damaging effects on our environment and our lives from climate change. Before it is too late, all decisions made at every level of government need to have consideration for sustainability. As our city seems intent on expansion, consideration of the heat island effect and ways to mitigate it need to be considered when designing and planning. https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/reduce-urban-heat-island-effect
8 months ago
Use unused parking lots for new low income or affordable housing, instead of an existing green space.
For example, there is a new building going up on the corner of Victoria and Westmount on land that was just a paved over parking lot. It was hardly ever used. To me that makes sense. But there is a green space on the corner of Westmount and Fischer-Hallman that has a lease sign. Why can't that stay as a green space or add trees to it. I am worried that intensification and sustainability might collide and the balance will be off.
8 months ago
Kitchener go green🌳🌳
I want to see more pollinator garden in our city. Being a horticulturist, I see the positive impact that other cities have from it.It not only for beautification but also foresee environmental sustainability. Make public spaces more green spaces. Make King street a walking street all year around so no one is worried about parking spots in downtown. These are two things I want to see in Kitchener after 20years.- Marwa
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Resident involvement in planning for Kitchener’s future is important and is a key part of democracy.
The City of Kitchener’s community engagement policy describes our commitment to ensuring residents play a meaningful role in municipal decision-making.
In the survey, 58% said they are interested in taking part in city decision-making, but 69% said they do not believe their input makes a difference.
We’d like to understand what this means to you and why this is important. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
Why did you decide to take part in this ideas board today? What motivates you to engage with the city? What else might help you take part in decision-making?
Why is public engagement important to our community?
Why do you think people don’t find their input makes a difference? How might we earn your trust?
If over the next 20 years we improved our public engagement practices, how would our community change for the better?
View All Ideas7 months ago
Advertising and Educating
There should be proper advertisements of city programs and events. Publish city jobs and volunteering opportunities.Not everyone watches city news but younger people are using social media like instagram and Facebook. Old people uses television and telephone and seniors mostly hear from radio and news. When time changes we need to upgrade too. In the next 20 years I can see people with technology.
7 months ago
Surveys doesn’t bring changes.
As far as I know sr yes and interviews doesn’t make things convenient. We had a sidewalks survey. And it didn’t bring forth a good decision. City counsel have plans already and then why they have to show these?
8 months ago
Street Team Interviews ensure voices get through to where they need to go
This street team interview is a great way to get the public engaged. I was informed by the street interviewer that the city conducted phone interviews earlier to narrow down the public interest into a few topics. Now if I was phoned about this interview I would have denied to participate as I feel it isn’t as big of an impact as this person to person street interview is. It was clear that my thoughts and points were getting heard by the street interview and being written down and made sure to get to where it is intended to go. I feel more comfortable doing person to person interviews as I feel my thoughts actual get through.
7 months ago
Technology engagements
Tech has grown over the last 20 years by a huge margin and today I was asked about what the city should plan for in the next 20 years. To that I ask that the city looks into planing technology based engagements year round that are easy access to the public. Maybe look at partnering with the universities and the college to create an app that is directly for the city of Kitchener and it’s residents to discuss, post, and get informed on chances to engage. A social media app for the city in short.
7 months ago
Our view can change our City !!
Appreciate city is asking the residents here to contribute to the planning. Not everyone thinks the same way and plan the same way and execute the same way. Even if it’s a minor thing that the public notices in the city we can live better in the years to come.
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In the survey, residents told us that it is most important for us to offer recreation and leisure programs that support mental health and wellbeing (63%) and services for vulnerable populations (59%). Addressing homelessness and poverty was also the third most important issue facing our community today.
Also, 53% said city services and programs should be paid for by everyone through tax revenues, while 37% said those who use City programs and services should pay for them through user fees.
We’d like to understand what this means to you and why this is important. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
Why is it important to you that the city provide programs that support mental health and wellbeing? Why is it important to you that the city provide programs that support vulnerable populations? Why does this issue matter for our community?
The pandemic revealed many inequities in our community. Some Kitchener residents can’t get the support they need. We cannot afford to offer all services for free, but we also want everyone to be able to access the services they need. How might we strike a balance between the City’s financial limitations and providing services to those who are more vulnerable?
If over the next 20 years we made major improvements in the programs and services we provide, how would our community change for the better?
View All Ideas8 months ago
Services catered more towards new immigrants and toddlers to make friends and get to know the community.
I landed here about 1 month ago and am very new to the city. I am here today at the Victoria Hills community centre looking to find a recreation service for my 4 year old daughter. I am finding it hard to find a program for her to get to learn the language of English and a program that is affordable for a new immigrant like my wife and myself. We are not that good at speaking English right now and would like to find affordable services for our family to participate in to make friends and get to know the community. I would like to have a program where I can leave my 4 year old daughter and be able to feel comfortable with where she is when I am not around. I would like to be able to make this city feel like a home for my family as my wife studies in school.
8 months ago
People are free to do what they want
I like the freedom the people have to accessing recreation services in the city. This event (Blues Fest) is a great event and everyone is welcome. Back in my country the ease of access to events like this are hard and it’s nice to have the option here.
7 months ago
Adult Programs
The community centres need to plan on programming more adult based programs, especially in the winter. When our kids are in programming there should be a program for the adults too. We love being together as a family and this would help build our bonds if we participated in programs together.
7 months ago
Eligibility for leisure access
I am an immigrant with work visa here . I wish my kids take program here but leisure access is only available for per me and resident or for citizen. What are my other options to participate in programs with less cost.?
8 months ago
Recreation and leisure services paid by everyone
I think recreation and leisure services should be paid by everyone as everyone needs them. Not all the service will be for your needs but if we spend this money on service such as mental health and physical activities for all ages you might find an activity for you. And with mental health we all suffer in someway and it is already paid for and accessible to everyone, the cities well-being will increase over the next 20 years.
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Urban growth, where it happens and how, is a key concern for Kitchener residents. In the survey, residents said this was the second most important local issue facing our community today.
By urban growth, we mean making improvements to existing neighbourhoods, as well as building new ones. It is estimated that by 2051 there will be about 140,000 more people living in Kitchener. Our city needs to grow to accommodate new neighbours. That will mean more homes, neighbourhoods, parks, community centres, sewers, and other infrastructure.
Help us understand what is important about this topic. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
- When it comes to urban growth, what is the most important for us to focus on and why?
- Space for new homes (examples: how tall the buildings are, where they are located throughout the City))
- Transportation (examples: traffic, bike lanes, sidewalks)
- Public services (examples: parks, community centres, water/sewer, stormwater management )
- Maintenance of roads (examples: potholes, snow removal)
- Other
- Why does urban growth matter to you? Why is this issue important for our community?
- If over the next 20 years we made major improvements to how the city grows, what would change for the better in our community?
View All Ideas7 months ago
Less high rise construction
While I understand more housing is needed, putting high rise buildings in every possible location downtown is killing the wonderful look and feel of Kitchener's roots and history. Smaller buildings using similar architecture would help preserve what I love about the city.
8 months ago
Growing Kitchener🌇
I have been in this city for the last 40 years, and from these years I can read that Kitchener has changed over years. In my opinion, high rises are not my concern, how can we accommodate people? If we are growing business, infrastructures, events then who is gonna use it. People from other city.? No ! So there will be more people staying in our city. It doesn’t sounds good but that what we will see in next 10 years.- Rogers
7 months ago
Build more
The city needs to build more homes for the most offer of houses. Make share there are houses for everyone to buy. Building more as the population grows. Everyone needs a home.
8 months ago
Creative real-estate
There is a great potential for creative real-estate within the city for the upcoming years. The idea of putting the 4 churches downtown into 1 place for services to all be in that building was great and building apartments above the existing build was also very creative. I am looking for the city to build off of this idea and create more creative real-estate ideas. I would like creative real-estate over the current real-estate where it is more about the money then the people. Greed is driving the real-estate here and it would be nice for a change. This would also help the housing affordability issue we are facing.
7 months ago
Huron Community Centre
My family is really excited about the completion of the Huron Community Centre. With this community centre we hope they can provide something different for the community. Huron and very cultural based in my area and something based on culture at the community centre would be great.
- When it comes to urban growth, what is the most important for us to focus on and why?
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In the survey, 78% of residents said they are very or somewhat satisfied with the municipal government of the City of Kitchener.
Kitchener is part of the Region of Waterloo, which means some services are the responsibility of the City of Kitchener and others are the responsibility of the Region.
We are interested in your feedback on key areas of responsibility for the City of Kitchener. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Below are key services the City of Kitchener provides to residents:
- Bylaw enforcement for parking, property standards, noise
- Fire department
- Business licensing
- Economic development and business support
- Road maintenance, winter control, leaf collection
- Planning, development and building services
- Water distribution, sanitary water connection, sewage collection
- Parks and trails
- Arenas, pools, community centres and their programs
- Arts, culture and special events
Here are some questions to consider:
How might service in one or more of these areas be improved?
When you imagine Kitchener 20 years from now, how are services being delivered differently?
View All Ideas7 months ago
Road Maintenance
Every year we have an issue of not filling potholes after the winter months. The city should work towards attracting potholes around the city right as soon as it is possible to fill them after the snow melts away. Every pone complains about potholes which should make it issue number suppose when they arise. If the city does well addressing this issue over the next 20 years I would see very little potholes due to the city focusing one them for the first month after the snow melts and I would see larger road constructions around the city be started after the potholes are complete.
7 months ago
Victoria park not clean and safe
I am a mother for 2 kids. Usually during summer I take my kids to Victoria park. But this year, I didn’t take them there because it’s no longer a safe place to go and enjoy the weather because of homeless people intervention.Victoria park is losing its beauty. The water in the lake is getting dirty. It’s high time for city council to act. Get them a open space outside downtown and rehabilitate them.
8 months ago
Winter control/snow plows
There needs to be a better way to plow the roads and not throw large boulders of ice and snow back onto driveways that were just shovelled. I have hurt my back to many times trying to remove these boulders and there has to be a more efficient way of plow if city streets to prevent this issue.
7 months ago
Engage homeless people
Not every homeless people are lazy to work. Give jobs for those who wants to contribute to there life like grass cutting in the City or winter road maintenance, fixing Christmas lights in the street.
8 months ago
Conservation Areas
Down the road, Conservation Areas should be free. The City has no beach’s or lakes that people can go to and if you want to have a water front place it is privately owned and not open to the public. Pools would be an easy possibility for this issue as well as free conservation areas.
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Housing affordability is a very important concern for Kitchener residents. In the survey, 33% of Kitchener residents said housing affordability is the single most important local issue facing our community today.
In 2020, the City launched Housing for All, a comprehensive strategy to realize the right to housing and help make housing affordable using the tools and resources available to a local municipality.
We’d like to understand what “housing affordability” means to you and why you feel this issue is important. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.
Here are some questions to consider:
When you hear “housing affordability” what comes to mind? How would you define housing affordability?
How does the issue of housing affordability affect you? Why is this issue important to you? Why does this issue matter for our community?
If we made major improvements in housing affordability over the next 20 years, what would change for our community?
View All Ideas8 months ago
There should be stringent rules around downtown condo developments. It happens in other cities, why not here?
Developers have one buyer in mind -- investors. Who could blame them? -- making money is their only aim. And as evidenced in developers' marketing, the downtown offers investors the "ideal" tenant in case they want to rent while waiting to flip: young tech workers who 1) can afford higher rents and 2) are willing to get by with a small unit. It's up to the City to envision a downtown for real people -- people who actually enjoy urban living, people committed to building a better community. Condo developers should be forced to include some larger units and some geared-to-income units. The current trend for developers to shell out a bit of money for subsidized housing just seems like an effort to ghettoize poorer people somewhere else -- some where far away from their precious developments.
8 months ago
Understanding that Affordability Means Different Things to Different People
As others have already touched on, increasing diverse housing stock is critical. Although I am fortunate to be part of a modest two-income household, I still cannot afford to purchase a home in Kitchener. I currently rent, which is also becoming increasing unaffordable. However, as I walk around the downtown core, I am reminded how many people do not have access to even the most basic of housing. I think the topic of affordable housing often falls into one of two categories: subsidized social housing or housing for lower/middle class households. I think it's critical that the City of Kitchener prioritize both.
8 months ago
Effective affordable housing
Change the building standards so that affordable housing that are highly energy efficient so that their operating cost is close to 0$.
8 months ago
Living wages
Adopting living wages to get rid of housing affordability seems to be a good thing like in other cities.
8 months ago
Less spending on Housing Affordability
We need to spend less money on housing and more to pearls parks and recreation. The city is growing to fast and we are forgetting about the need for recreation services to support this growth.
Who's Listening
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Phone 519-741-2200 x 7059 Email Angie.Fritz-Walters@kitchener.ca