HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-16-058 - Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2016 Annual Monitoring Report
REPORT TO: Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: September 12, 2016
SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7319
PREPARED BY: Natalie Goss, Senior Planner,519-741-2200 ext. 7067
WARD(S) INVOLVED: ALL
DATE OF REPORT: August 19, 2016
REPORT NO.: CSD-16-058
SUBJECT: Kitchener Growth Management Strategy
2016 Annual Monitoring Report
______________________________________________________________________
That Report CSD-16-058Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2016 Annual
Monitoring Report be received for information, and;
That Report CSD-16-058be submitted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in
fulfilment of Clause 22.1 of the Administrative Agreement between the City of
Kitchener and the Region regarding delegated approval authority.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this report is to provide Committee and Council with the 2016 Kitchener
Growth Management Strategy Annual Monitoring Report (Monitoring Report). The
Monitoring Report is an action item of the 2009 Kitchener Growth Management Strategy
(KGMS) which requires tracking of the general supply of land and the achievement of
intensification and density targets on an annual basis.
REPORT:
The KGMS provides a long-term framework for planning where and how future
residential and employment growth can be accommodated in Kitchener. To ensure that
growth contributes positively to our quality of life, the KGMS coordinates the provision of
infrastructure and services with new development. The KGMS goals and actions
and Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS).
The KGMS introduced a number of goals, one of which was to develop and facilitate an
ongoing growth management program to manage growth-related change in an effective
and co-ordinated manner (Goal 6). One of the action items of this goal is to prepare an
annual monitoring report to track the supply of development opportunities and the
achievement of intensification and density targets. Monitoring reports have been
prepared annually since 2010.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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The 2016 Monitoring Report (see Appendix A) provides a summary and assessment of
growth within the Built-up Areas (intensification areas) and Designated Greenfield Areas
of the City over the past year (June 2015 to June 2016).
Highlights of the 2016 Monitoring Report include:
The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) increased from 169
residents and jobs per hectare (2015) to 180 residents and jobs per hectare (2016).
Kitchener continues to be well on its way to achieving the new Official Plan target of
225 residents and jobs per hectare by 2031;
The intensification level over the past year (new residential construction that occurs
within the built-up area) is 44% and over the past 5-years is an average of 46%;
2015 saw a decrease in the number of new dwelling units created from 2014. This
was expected as 2014 saw the second highest number of new dwelling units created
in the last 30+ years. Despite this, the number of new units created in 2015 remains
on par with the five, ten and twenty year averages;
The City continues to have the potential to accommodate its current allocated
population and employment growth within its urban area.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Priority 3 Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods
Strategy 3.3 - Manage growth, curb urban sprawl, and foster more mixed-use
development, ensuring new development is integrated with the diversity and character
of the surrounding community.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no new or additional capital budget requests with this recommendation.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
advance of the council / committee meeting. In addition, this report was discussed with
the Waterloo Region Homebuilders Liaison Committee in mid-August. The discussion
continued to raise several considerations for how the data is potentially used along with
commentary regarding the availability and timing of primarily greenfield development.
CONCLUSION:
The 2016 Monitoring Report demonstrates that Kitchener continues to be well
positioned to accommodate growth and achieve identified targets.
REVIEWED BY:
Brandon Sloan, Manager, Long Range and Policy Planning
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Michael May, Deputy CAO (Community Services)
Appendix A
Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) Annual Monitoring
Report - 2016
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Appendix A
Kitchener Growth
Management Strategy
(KGMS) Annual
Monitoring Report - 2016
September 12, 2016
RE: CSD-16-058
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Executive Summary
In 2009 Kitchener approved itsGrowth Management Strategy (KGMS) in support of
significant amount of residential and employment growth over the next twenty years.
We are also mandated by the Province to achieve certain numerical targets and
other planning objectives.
Kitchener is on the leading edge with respect to its ability to track and monitor
specific growth data in a dynamic manner. A snapshot of the data is contained within
this report.
All of the goals and action items of the KGMS are completed or are within the
Corporate Business Plan to be completed over the next few years. The results of
the 2016 growth management data continue to beencouraging. The number of
residents and jobs per hectare (RJs/ha) in the Urban Growth Centre (Downtown) is
gradually increasing from approximately 169 RJs/ha in 2015to approximately 180
RJs/ha in 2016. This is an excellent step towards achieving the provincially-
mandated target of 200 RJs/ha by 2031, which was further established in the new
Official Plan at a minimum target of 225 RJs/ha by 2031
intensification level of 44% and 5-year average intensification level of 46%within its
Built-Up Area continues to be within reach of contributing to achieving the intended
regional intensification target (45%).
In 2015, building permits were issued for a total of 1,323 new residential units.
Although a decrease from 2014 (which was the second highest year for new units
created through buildings permits in the last 30 years), the number of new units
created remains on par with the five, ten and twenty year averages. In contrast to
2014 where the majority of new units created were multipledwellings; there was an
expected shift in 2015 to single detachedand townhouse dwellingswhich combined
comprised 80% of new units.
updated in future years to reflect the new Official Plan and pending new Zoning By-
law.
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1. Introduction
In 2009, Kitchener approved its Growth Management Strategy (KGMS). The KGMS provides a
framework for planning where and how future residential and employment growth can be
accommodated in Kitchener while positively contributing to our quality of life. The goals and
actions outlined in the KGMS support the provincial Places to Grow Growth Plan for the Greater
Horseshoe(Growth Plan) and the Regional Growth Management Strategy(RGMS).
The KGMS introduced an ongoing growth management program to manage growth-related
change in an effective and coordinated manner (Goal 6). One of the action items of this goal is
to prepare an Annual Growth Management Monitoring Report to track the supply of
development opportunities and the achievement of intensification and density targets.
Monitoring Reports have been prepared and presented to Council and the development industry
annually since 2010. The Monitoring report provides an update on the progress of implementing
the KGMS action items along with provincial and regional growth plans.
The primary purpose of the Monitoring Report is to update data from the KGMS Background
Study: Current Baseline Report (Parts 6-9) annually. It presents a summary of recent residential
development rates and updates the potential capacity to accommodate growth both within the
Built-up Area (intensification areas) and in the Designated Greenfield Area. The original data
from the KGMS Background Study was as of June 16, 2008 (with some of the existing
residential data at the time coming from the 2006 Census). The monitoring report also provides
a summary of development applications that have been received and those that have been
approved in 2015.
This monitoring report captures a snapshot of all data (with the exception of Sections 2 and3)
as of June 16, 2016 (the anniversary date of the Growth Plan).
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2. Delegated Approval Authority Summary for 2015
This section provides a summary of the number of plans of subdivision, plans of condominium,
part-lot control applications, consent applications received and the number and type of dwelling
units (herein after referred to as units) created through the approval of these applications in
2015. This is a requirement of an agreement between the City of Kitchener and the Region of
Waterloo regarding delegated approval authority.
Figure 1: 2015 Development Applications Received
Subdivisions130T-15201710 Huron Rd52108
30CDM-1520170 Willowrun Dr091
30CDM-15202185 Windale Cres036
30CDM-15203445 King St W0212
30CDM-152041 Adam St085
30CDM-1520550 Bryan Crt056
Condominiums10
155Commonwealth
30CDM-152060138
St
30CDM-15207806 Doon Village Rd018
30CDM-1520858 Howe Dr024
30CDM-1521085 Duke St W0203
30CDM-152111989 Ottawa St S0202
Part Lot Control20
Consents62
TOTAL93521173
The number of development applications (for new lot creation) received in 2015 (93) decreased
from the number received in 2014(136).While the number of condominium applications
doubled, the number of consent applications decreased from 112 in 2014 to 62 in 2015. The
number of consent applications received in 2014 was well above the average that the City
typically receives.
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Figure 2A: 2015 Development Applications Approved
Combination of Combination of
Singles, Semis or Multiple Residential
Application Type
Street Fronting and Cluster
TownhouseUnitsTownhouse Units
Subdivision Draft Approved Units*2,3151,190
Condominium Draft Approved Units**0554
Subdivision Registered Units1824
Condominium Registered Units**28470
Part Lot Control400
Consents204***
Total5,0823,412
*All Subdivisions were draft approved by the Ontario Municipal B
**Includes condominium conversions
***Total number of multiple blocks created. Units not created th
Through lots and blocks created in draft approved plans of subdivision in 2015, there is an
estimated total of 3,505 dwelling units. All of these subdivisions were approved through Ontario
Municipal Board processes. This is significantly higher than 2014 (58 units). 554 dwelling units
were draft approved in plans of condominium in 2015 which is again a significant increase from
2014 (12 dwelling units).
Figure 2B:2011-2015 Subdivision Applications Received, Draft Approved and Registered
20112012201320142015
Subdivision
Application
Status
Subdivisions
N/AN/A149464018740227452108
Received
Subdivisions
07714311683170073122,3151,190
Draft Approved
Subdivisions
335152432775487657781241824
Registered
Figure 2B shows the estimated number of new units as part of received, draft approved and
registered plans of subdivision from 2011 to 2015. The five year average number of estimated
subdivision units received is 304, draft approved is 1,390 and registered is 679.
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3. Residential Development Rates
This section provides an overview of past development rates in the City through the examination
of building permits for new residential units by dwelling type.
Figure 3: Residential Development Rates
New Residential Dwelling Units Created
Through Building Permit*
201420155-year 10-year 20-year
AverageAverageAverage
(2011-2015)(2006-2015)(1996-2015)
Dwelling Type
503615489560668
Single Detached*
1829225965
Semi-Detached*
8792792621
Duplex**
2754362956340
Townhouses
1,534151352474354
Multiple Dwellings***
2,4171,3231,2381,1821,148
Total New Units
*Gross new units (conversion/additions included, demolitions not subtracted)
**Includes additions that create new units
***Includes additions that create new units and stacked townhouses
In 2015, building permits were issued for a total of 1,323 new residential units (units). This is a
decrease of 1,094 units compared to 2014. 2014 saw the second highest number of new units
created in the last 30+ years. The number of new units created through building permits in 2015
is more in line with the five, ten and twenty year averages. Single detached and townhouse
dwellings accounted for the majority of new dwellings (80%).
Building permits issued during the first six months of 2016 created 1,330 units. Compared to the
same time in 2015,the numbers are significantly higher which is mainly due to an increase in
the number of multiple dwellings.
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4. Intensification Level
The Official Plan requires the achievement of a region-wide target of
a minimum of 45% of all new residential development to be located within the Built-up Area
(BUA).Designated Greenfield Area
(DGA), built boundary line
Province in 2006) and shows the location of new units created within these areas between June
16, 2015 and June 15, 2016.
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Achieving the minimum intensification level could be a challenge for some municipalities that
still have a significant amount of Designated Greenfield Area (DGA) lands available and limited
intensification opportunities. Kitchener however, is well positioned to achieve this target.The
most recent measures of new residential units by type in the BUA and DGA are indicated in
Figure 4below.
Figure 4: Designated Greenfield Area andBuilt-up Area Development Levels
(June 16/15 - June 15/16)
Designated
Greenfield Area Built-Up Area
(New Residential (New Residential
Dwelling TypeUnits)Units)Total
Single Detached65217669
Semi-Detached101020
Semi-Detached Duplex268
Duplex49397
Street Townhouses20519224
Cluster Townhouses78103181
Multiple Dwellings*232668900
11839162099
Total
Percent of Total56%44%100%
*Includes multiple dwellings within mixed use buildings
As expected, there were more multiple dwellings in the BUA and more single detached and
street townhouse dwellings in the DGA. Overall, the City continues to achieve a balance in new
residential units between the DGA and BUA.
The most recent intensification level of 44%, although slightly below the region wide 45%
intensification level target, continues to be an indication that the City remains positionedto
contribute towards, and in some years exceed the intensification target. As we have seen in
recent years, when there is a substantial number of multiple dw
intensification level is higher. ,
Huron South and Doon South Phase 2), it is expected that moving forward over the next few
years Kitchener may not achieve as high an intensification level.
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Figure 5 illustrates the historic intensification levels, as per the Provincial Built Boundary Line.
Figure 5: Intensification Level (2001 to present)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Year
The City (i.e. 2013) (i.e. 2012) years with respect to the BUA
intensification level as the timing of 2-3 multiple dwelling developments can impact the reported
rate in a given year for a municipality the size of Kitchener. An average provides a better
understanding, for monitoring purposes, of whether the City is on track to achieving the required
intensification level. Figure 6 below illustrates the 5 year average intensification levels from June
2001 to June 2016.
Figure 6: 5 Year Average Intensification Levels
5 Year Average
YearIntensification Level
(%)
June 2001 -June 200647
June 2006 -June 201141
June 2011 -June 201646
The 5-year average Intensification Level (June 2011 June 2016) is now at 46% with the 10-
year average (2005-2015) slightly lower at 43%.
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5. Intensification Areas Existing Measures and Additional Capacity
for New Growth
Existing Measures
Figure 7 quantifies the existing number of dwelling units, residents, jobs and density measure
(residents and jobs per hectare) for the currently identified Intensification Areas within the BUA.
Figure 7: Existing Measures for Current Intensification Areas
Non-
Land
Intensification Residential Residents
Area UnitsResidentsJobs
AreaFloor Space + Jobs/ha
(Ha)
(m2)
Urban Growth
1072,6524,774846,57714,445180
Centre*
Primary Node1151,7923,227122,0873,51576
Mixed Use Nodes2943,9107,047205,0825,99241
Mixed Use
1231,7493,369189,8076,28488
Corridors
Neighbourhood
4616241410,6951,82852
Mixed Use Centres
Comprehensive
27115224126,98235125
Development Areas
Subtotal of
Intensification 71210,38019,0541,501,23032,414
Areas
Site Specific
Intensification 1,0902,149748,3188,04054
Opportunities
Grand Total11,47021,2032,249,54840,455
**UGC data is based on several data sources including the Economic Development
downtown employment database
The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) increased from 169 RJs/ha in 2015 to
180 RJs/ha in 2015. As redevelopment continues
residential and employment densities continue to gradually rise as expected. This is observed
for the Comprehensive Development Areas as one of the two locations, Victoria Commons, is
now being occupied so the existing measures are increasing compared to 2015.
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Capacity for New Growth
Figure 8 explores the potential for accommodating new development within each of
intensification areas based on the existing zoning only.
Figure 8: Additional Capacity Measures for Current Intensification Areas
50% Scenario
It is assumed that the intensificationopportunities may have a capacity of, on average, up to 50%
of their maximum zoned capacity during the planning horizon
Non-
Residential
Area FloorResidents
Intensification Areas(Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m2)Jobs+ Jobs/ha
Urban Growth Centre1071,8503,294220,0669,288117
Primary Node11530465501,16818
Mixed Use Nodes2944,2628,555358,8118,57967
Mixed Use Corridors1236,97612,682447,86013,266184
Neighbourhood Mixed Use
466812322,1002347
Centres
Comprehensive
278431,8722,19927338
DevelopmentAreas
Subtotal of Intensification
71214,30227,1811,051,03832,809
Areas
Site Specific Intensification
2,6304,686233,5144,62443
Opportunities
Grand Total16,93231,8671,284,55237,433
Buildings and si
well positioned with existing land use, density, design approvals and amenities in place which
can help the existing capacity to grow in these areas. New development applications and
updates to the zoning in these areas as a result of the Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-
law (CRoZBy) and Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) will continue to refine the
planning framework and add to the capacity to accommodate growth in these areas. These
types of projects not only help achieve the provincial numerical target but, perhaps more
importantly, they contribute positively to the social, environmental, economic and cultural well-
being of the community.
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Figure 9 provides an account of the total number of dwelling units, residents, non-residential
floor space and jobs that could result at build-out of the Intensification Areas.
Figure 9: Total Measures (Existing + Additional Capacity) for Current Intensification
Areas
Non-
Residential
Intensification Area FloorResidents +
Areas(Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m2)JobsJobs/ha
Urban Growth
Centre1074,5028,0681,066,64323,733297
Primary Node1152,0963,88104,68394
Mixed Use Nodes2948,17215,602563,89314,571108
Mixed Use
Corridors1238,72516,051637,66719,550272
Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centres4623053732,7952,06359
Comprehensive
Development Areas279582,096129,18162463
Subtotal of
Intensification
Areas71224,68246,2352,552,26865,223
Site Specific
Intensification
Opportunities3,7206,835981,83212,66498
Grand Total28,40253,0703,534,10077,888
Given the additional opportunities for redevelopment, based on existing zoning, there is capacity
and potential to achieve
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6. Estimated Land Supply
The estimated land supply for Kitchener is a total of the potential capacity within the BUAand
the DGA. As development moves from raw land through the development approvals stage and
eventually to construction, the land supply estimates become more accurate.
6.1 Potential Built-up Area Supply
The Built-up Area land supply includes lands within the Built Boundary Line that are within
intensification areas, are site specific intensification opportunities, include a minor intensification
factor within existing communities (community interiors) and the potential supply from
registered, draft approved and in-circulation subdivisions.
Figure10: Estimated Built-up Area Supply (capacity of land inside the Built Boundary)
Non-Res.
Intensification AreaUnitsResidentsSpace Jobs
(m²)*
Urban Growth Centre
1,8503,294220,0669,288
Primary Node
30465501,168
Mixed Use Nodes**
4,2628,555358,8118,579
Mixed Use Corridors
6,97612,682447,86013,266
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
6812322,100234
Comprehensive Development Areas
8431,8722,199273
Subtotal of Intensification Areas14,30227,1811,051,03832,809
Site Specific Intensification Opportunities2,6304,686233,5144,624
Total Potential Supply of Current
16,93231,8671,284,55237,433
Intensification Areas
Community Interiors7501,899051
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 8781,986223,1023,207
Draft Approved13136900
In Circulation0000
Other Designated0000
Subtotal1,7594,254223,1023,258
Total Potential Supply (Current Zoning)18,69136,1211,507,65340,691
*Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building
floor space).
**Does not include Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node which is in the Designated Greenfield
Area.
Figure 10 illusBuilt-up Area land supply includes a
potential capacity of approximately 18,700 dwelling units and 1.5 million square metres of non-
residential floor space.
6.2 Potential Designated Greenfield Area Supply
The potential Designated Greenfield Area (DGA) land supply includes all lands outside the Built
Boundary Line thTheestimates will
become more refined as land parcels within this area move through the development approval
process. The dwelling unit numbers are primarily based on maximums for blocks of land that
have a range of units.
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Similar to Figure 10, the DGA land supply includes intensification areas, site specific
intensification opportunities, lands which have been designated in the Official Plan but do not
currently have development applications (e.g. portions of the Rosenberg Community) and the
potential supply from registered, draft approved and in-circulation subdivisions.
Figure 11: Estimated Designated Greenfield Area Supply (land outside the Built
Boundary)
Non-Res.
Floor
2
Greenfield LocationUnitsResidentsSpace (m)Jobs
24043057,1001,180
Intensification Areas*
Site Specific Intensification
Opportunities--44,773383
Other Designated Lands**8,95921,725120,1546,477
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory)1,8855,16585,5701,402
Draft Approved7,37918,10877,900796
In Circulation2,2395,71252,090126
Total***20,70251,139437,58710,364
*Includes Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node (outside Built Boundary Line)
** Using 55 residents+jobs/hectare assumption. Lands are net Provincial constraints only. No
Hidden Valley Community included. Includes Rosenberg lands without a development
application, based on densities in the Rosenberg Secondary Plan.
***Does not include any additional lands added in the Region Official Plan to the City Urban
Area. Once the lands have been incorporated into the City's Official Plan, and once urban
land use designations are assigned, the DGA supply estimates will be updated.
Figure 11Designated Greenfield Area land supply
includes a potential capacity of approximately 20,700 residential units and 438,000 square
metres of non-residential floor space.
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6.3 Estimated Total Supply
The potential land supply of both the BUA and DGA can be combined to provide a total estimate
for residential and employment land in Kitchener.
Figure12: Estimated Total Supply: Intensification and Designated Greenfield Area
Non-Res.
LocationUnitsResidentsJobs
Space (m²)
Built-up Area (BUA)18,69136,1211,507,65340,691
Designated Greenfield
20,70251,139437,58710,364
Area (DGA)
Total 39,39387,2611,945,24151,055
The estimated supply of dwelling units has decreased in the BUA and DGA from June 2015.
The total supply of dwelling units and jobs is expected to eventually decrease as development
continues to occur . The timing of development from
the estimated supply of units is influenced by many factors including infrastructure timing, land
owner priorities and market forces.
As previously discussed throughout this report, the estimated land supply for Kitchener is based
as per the 1994 Official Plan and zoning at the
time of the preparation of the KGMS in 2009. It does not include any additional lands added in
nd once urban land
use designations are assigned, the DGA supply estimates will be updated. In addition, once
updates to zoning in the intensification areas have been completed through the Comprehensive
Review of the Zoning By-law (CRoZBy) and Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS),
the supply numbers for the BUA will also be updated.
7. Current Capacity for Growth
This section compares the current population and employment capacity with the population and
employment allocations provided by the Region of Waterloo.
Figure 13: Population and Employment Allocations vs. Estimated Capacity
PopulationEmployment
Existing244,200*87,804**
Capacity87,26151,055
Total331,461138,859
***2029 Growth Allocation 313,000130,000
Difference18,4618,859
*Unofficial interim population estimate as of mid-year 2016, Region
** Based on the 2011 Census household survey which was conducted in a different format.
Also includes the incremental increase in UGC (downtown) jobs since 2011
***Once the 2031 Population Allocation has been incorporated into the City's Official Plan it
will be reported in future monitoring reports
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2016 mid-year population estimated by the Region is now 244,200; approximately
5,800 more people than reported mid-year 2015. Figure 13 shows that the City has an existing
supply/capacity of developable land within the BUA and DGA that can accommodate more
residents and jobs than the 2029 population and employment allocation from the Region. The
allocations to 2031 were recently identified and considered through the Ontario Municipal Board
The Region is currently in the process of drafting a
will be to incorporate the 2031 population and employment allocations for Kitchener. Following
monitoring reports will be updated to reflect
the change.
8. Places to Grow Implementation
In June 2014 Kitchener City Council adopted a new Official Plan. The new Official Plan has
been approved by the Region of Waterloo and is currently under appeal. The new Official Plan
includes policies that implement the Growth Plan. The KGMS annual monitoring report will
the Growth Plan
targets. In 2016 the Province released a draft new Growth Plan which, among other things,
provides for new intensification level, and designated greenfield area targets. Until such time as
continue to track
Growth Forecasts
In response to the Provincial growth forecasts (and Regional allocation thereof), the City
developed background information in support of the KGMS that analyzes the growth capacity of
various areas of the City. As indicated in Section 7.0, Kitchener still has the capacity to
accommodate the allocated growth into appropriate areas.
The Province continues to update long-term growth forecast scenarios for the Greater Golden
the allocations of these forecasts within local Official Plans. At such time as the Region of
Waterloo considers a future amendment to their Plan to identify any different/further allocation of
the forecasts for Kitchener, an update to the growth management assessment and the
Kitchener Official Plan may be required.
Urban Growth Centre
The Growth Plan requires that our Urban Growth Centre be planned to achieve a minimum of
200 RJs/ha by 2031. sets this target at 225 RJs/ha by 2031.The
present density is 180 RJs/ha. With additional intensification projects currently happening or
proposed in the UGC, an opportunity exists to exceed these targets.
Intensification
The Growth Plan requires that 40% of residential development be directed to the BUA by 2015.
According to the recently approved ROP, the target within the Region is a minimum of 45% of
all new residential development to be located within the BUA (it is to be determined if each
municipality will have the same or different targets in order to achieve the overall region-wide
target). To monitor new development, the City has a dynamic system that tracks building permit
issuance for new residential units inside and outside the Built Boundary Line. The most recent
intensification level over a one year period was 44%.
Designated Greenfield Area Densities
The Growth Plan mandates that future development within the Designated Greenfield Area
should achieve specific, transit-
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new Region Official Plan, is 55 residents and jobs per hectare in residential subdivisions.
Kitchener is well positioned to meet this target. There are several plans of subdivision that are in
areas served, or to be served, by transit that meet or exceed the overall target. The Kitchener
Growth Management Plan (KGMP) provides a tool for identifying and tracking the Designated
Greenfield Area density.
Planning Principles
Planning a city is not just about achieving certain numerical targets. The majority of the Growth
Plan includes policy direction to achieve healthy and complete communities. Kitchener has long
been a leader in promoting walkable, transit-
continue to revitalize the Urban Growth Centre, clean up brownfield sites and achieve mixed
use developments that are pedestrian-oriented are significant. We are further striving to
enhance the linkages between land use planning and other community considerations such as
transportation options, community infrastructure, social dynamics, economics and
environmental conservation. Ultimately, the goal is to help achieve a higher quality of life in a
healthy and complete community.
9. Regional Growth Management Strategy Implementation
The goals outlined in the Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS), are largely reflected
in the goals of the KGMS. Many of the KGMS action items described in Section 10 below
support the implementation of the RGMS as well.Additional initiatives that support the RGMS
include the new Five Best Bets for Air Quality program
Strategy and, the new Official Plan.
10. Kitchener Growth Management Strategy Implementation
The KGMS encompasses six goals that facilitate managing growth and development within the
City of Kitchener. These goals support the RGMS and have been adapted to the City of
Kitchener context. A significant portion of the objectives, initiatives and recommendations of the
KGMS have been completed in previous years and the status of remaining items is listed below.
ActionItemStatus
Goal 1Enhance our valued natural and cultural heritage resources
Update Urban Design Will be part of the comprehensive update scheduled in
3
the work plan to start in 2017.
Goal 5Strengthen communities
Prepare a Neighbourhood Community engagement well underway and this priority
4
Strategyproject is making significant progress.
11. Kitchener Growth Management Plan
The Kitchener Growth Management Plan (KGMP) is an evolution of the former Staging of
Development program and is used as a tool to assist with the implementation of the KGMS. The
KGMP establishes priority levels for development and infrastructure projects for each growth
area within the City. It includes the prioritization and allocation of resources towards completing
initiatives that are required to move lands from the draft approval stage to registration,
construction and developing complete communities. The current KGMP (2015-2017+) was
adopted by City Council in 2015.The next KGMP for 2017-2019+ will be considered by
Committee of Council in Fall 2017.
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