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!
Please subscribe for email updates using the ‘Subscribe’ button.
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!
Please subscribe for email updates using the ‘Subscribe’ button.
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Sustainability
5 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.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?
Andrea C6 months agoBeautify city, address fresh fruit shortage and combat global warming at the same time
I know we're invested in improving our canopy. I'd like to plant fruit trees (specifically tree guilds) rather than non-fruit bearing trees. Tree guilds improve soil health and help with carbon recapture (i.e. solve global warming). In addition, we could partner with a volunteer organization to collect the fruit and donate the majority to the food bank. As a home owner, I'd happily replace my front lawn with a tree guild. 0 maintenance as guilds are self-regulating. 0 chemicals. No mowing. Better soil. Better air. More food. What's not to like?
0 comment3Street Team#6 months agoMental health resources
Me and my family recently moved from Toronto just to get that homely experience from here. I wanted a peaceful life and Kitchener has not put me down until now. When city plans , let them plan giving more importance to mental health resources. That will help people’s output to the society. Mental health programs should be motivated in community centres, schools even at work place bring a good results.
0 comment2Street Team Interview5 months agoI keep improving on what is working
If we have achieved the goal of 8% already 4 years prior to the date we wanted, keep at it. Look at what is successful and improve on that.
0 comment1Street Team#6 months agoMore Electric scooters🛴
Let down town see people with more electric scooter. Make it affordable for everyone
0 comment3Megan Murray5 months agoMore Green in Architecture
Kitchener has a ton of new developments (particularly condo buildings) going up all over the city. New build high rises should be required to have either a green roof or a solar powered one.
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Public Engagement
5 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.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?
Street Team Interview6 months agoFreedom of interviews
We need a more free interview style like so. There is less influence on controlled answers and people will feel more comfortable not having their opinions challenged by others in a way they change their views because they are made uncomfortable.
0 comment0Street Team Interview6 months agoFree in the moment
I decided to take part in todays interview with the Street Team because I had the free time well watching my kids at the splash pad. I saw it as an opportunity in the moment where if I didn’t participate now I would forget to go online and miss my chance at getting my word out there.
0 comment0Street Team#5 months agoDemocracy
Canada is a democratic nation and we experience the same in our city too. Everyone is considered equally and things need to transparent. If these two are there then residents will be more than happy to contribute to their community.There we build a bridge between public and government so everyone is obligated to do their role.
0 comment0Matt B5 months agoQuarterly Survey
Kitcheners Citizens Mandate Survey
1 comment0Street Team Interview6 months agoLess tech based interviews
Over the next 20 years we are going to get more and more advanced in the tech world BUT we need to focus on the person to person interviews. I feel those are the most influential. It give the feeling of understanding to the residents that their voices are being heard.
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Recreation and Leisure Programs and Services
5 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.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?
Street Team Interview6 months agoSmiles on faces are important to life’s well-being
I love to see a smile on others faces as it brings on to mine. This Blues Fest event is great as it succeeds that need. I see so many people having fun. Over the next 20 years I would love more events and activities likes this one. So much ease of access and everyone can enjoy it together.
0 comment0Street Team#6 months agoImmigrant students leisure access
When I heard I can participate in programs through leisure access. But unfortunately I couldn’t apply for leisure access as I am on my study permit. I would like the city to have a look to leisure access requirements for study/work permit holders.-Gurleen
0 comment0KW Citizen5 months agoPave pathway areas that are gravel. Many more users can access- rollerbladers especially, but it's also safer for cyclists and strollers.
Paved Pathways
0 comment0Kitchener Native6 months agoCreative ways to fund free recreation and leisure for youth
Engagement in recreation and leisure programs for youth in our city would improve mental health, reduce youth crime and encourage positive outcomes long term for youth. In order to do this the programs need to be expanded, have proper oversight to ensure quality and be free. To cover the costs, make new developers in the city pay a levy for this. These developers are getting rich by building in our city and the result of their building here is an increased population with increased needs to ensure the well-being of our growing population. So requiring them to make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of youth in our community makes sense. Big businesses could also be required to do the same - Amazon for example!
0 comment0Street Team#5 months agoEligibility 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.?
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Urban Growth
5 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.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?
Street Team#6 months agoPotholes and accidents a concern at Highland / Ira needles
0 comment0Street Team Interview6 months agoBike Trails
Over the next 20 years The city should plan for more bike trials. More paved bike trails that rollerbladers (like myself) electric scooters and others new not vehicle transportations can used regularly. Now if the city does well addressing this issues over the next 20 years, I feel we would see more foot traffic and more trials connecting to Victoria park from the outer regions of the city (where I live). I would love to roller blade at Victoria Park but it is a difficult to get there without going on public roads. Just opining trials in 20 years would help the outer residents get to Victoria park.
2 comments2Street Team#6 months agoLess preferred to visit Down town Kitchener
With parking issue, homeless people, drug addicts it’s no longer a safe place to go with kids there.
0 comment0mom-of-36 months agoEnsure that each community has equal access to amentities. Families shouldn't have to drive across town to use a swimming pool/tennis court.
0 comment3Street Team Interview6 months agoFresh mind within City Council
What I mean by saying a fresh mind for city council is wanting the pot stirred a little bit. Different views within the council. These views include views from all ages and all backgrounds. For example, the seniors have a wealth of knowledge that they could input towards the cities views and directions.
0 comment0 - When it comes to urban growth, what is the most important for us to focus on and why?
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Delivering City Services
5 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.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?
Street team (H)6 months agoDowntown Parking
Most of us enjoy supporting small businesses in downtown, but finding parking is difficult. The city should promote free parking in downtown, which will bring more customers to our city's small businesses.
0 comment0Street Team#6 months agoAnimal park
I love all animals I and would like to see in the near future an animal park in our city. So that we don’t have to travel a lot to visit them
0 comment0Kitchener Native6 months agoParks and Trails improvement
I don't use any trails anymore in the city as the larger the city has become there are more people committing crimes on these trails as well as living in tents in the bushes. I no longer feel safe. More open park spaces and walking trails that are out in the open rather then within bush space could be a better solution to encourage people to be out in nature but in a safe space.
0 comment0Street Team Interview5 months agoBetter paved roads
The city needs to make a plan that ensures that pot holes are dealt with a.s.a.p. It is dangerous and more costly when they are left to get bigger and really bad. The city needs a plan that has these pot holes reported fixed within a week of them forming. Any later is to long.
0 comment0Street Team Interview6 months agoPlaces to sit down with shade
Parks in the city need more places to sit down and relax with shade. Here at Southwest Optimist park there are 2 small picnic shelters within the whole huge park. 1 of those shelters are located far from the playground and close to the parking lot. More around the playgrounds would be nice.
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Housing Affordability
5 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.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?
Anthony6 months agoMore public music and family events
I'd love to see more casual public music, art, and local market events, downtown, similar to the events held regularly in the uptown square. I hardly see any families walking around and the streets are empty in the afternoon and evenings. It would be great if the downtown was more of a destination for people to take their kids to enjoy. I think it would bring a lot more positive life to the area.
0 comment0Street team (H)5 months agoHomelessness in KW
Our city has seen an increase in the number of homeless people. I want the city to take attention of this and devise a plan to deal with it. Winter is almost here, we pay taxes every day, and it makes me so unhappy to see people sleeping outside in the cold.
0 comment0Noor R.O6 months agoWilliamsburg Public School Transit Options/Parking Spots
Parents struggle every morning and afternoon to secure a parking spot to drop off/pick up their kids [because only JK/SK are allowed on buses]. Almost every parent has received a parking ticket due to this issue. This could easily be solved if more kids were allowed to use the school bus, or if the school implemented staggered drop off times to reduce the traffic in the area, or maybe we could use stickers on cars that say 5 mins drop off that allows us to park in empty driveways. There has to be an alternative to the chaos that happens every.single.day. Not allowing kids grad 1 - 6 to use the bus not only strains working parents schedules, it is also bad for carbon footprint, fuel consumption. It just does not make sense whatsoever. No Child in grade one will walk 17 mins (weather permitting) on their own - this dismisses the parents' schedules and let's not forget snowy winters.
0 comment0Street Team Interview6 months agoHomeless situation needs serious and companionate attention
I am looking for understanding on the homelessness plan. Looking for more involvement about ideas with the community. For the Weber encampment are they moving them out of town or moving them to a different part of the city.
0 comment0Street team (H)6 months agoAffordable housing for all
Kitchener's population is increasing, and housing is becoming a major issue. The city government should establish a plan to address this issue, as well as investigate those dealers who profit from overselling their homes or increasing rents by a large percentage each year. Elaine
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Lifecycle
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Open for contributions
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageWhat’s most important to our community right now? And what should we work to achieve over the next 20 years? Share your ideas and vision for Kitchener’s future.
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Under review
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 has finished this stageContributions to this project are now closed for review. We will report back on key outcomes.
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Resident panel
Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026 is currently at this stageThe panel is underway. Panel members are collaborating to learn about issues, review your feedback, and recommend goals and actions for the strategic plan.
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Under review
this is an upcoming stage for Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026The resident panel has closed and we are reviewing their contributions. We will report back on the result and share the draft strategic plan and 20-year vision.
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Open for comment
this is an upcoming stage for Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026Share your feedback on the draft strategic plan and 20-year vision.
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Under review
this is an upcoming stage for Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026We are creating the final version of the strategic plan to recommend to City council.
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Vision and strategic plan approved
this is an upcoming stage for Plan with us! Kitchener's Strategic Plan 2023-2026City Council has approved the strategic plan and 20-year vision. The final outcomes of our engagement are documented here.
Who's Listening
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Phone 519-741-2200 x 7059 Email Angie.Fritz-Walters@kitchener.ca