HomeMy WebLinkAboutCIS Agenda - 2021-04-19Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
Agenda
Monday, April 19, 2021
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Office of the City Clerk
Electronic Meeting
Kitchener City Hall
nd
200 King St. W. - 2 Floor
Kitchener ON N2G 4G7
Page 1
Chair - Councillor B. Ioannidis Vice-Chair - Councillor D. Schnider
Due to COVID-19 restrictions City Hall is not open except for very limited services by appointment only.
Members of public are invited to participate in this meeting electronically by accessing the meeting live-
stream video at kitchener.ca/watchnow.
While in-person delegation requests are not feasible at this time, members of the public are invited to
submit written comments or participate electronically in the meeting by contacting
delegation@kitchener.ca. Delegates must register by 12:00 p.m. on April 19, 2021, in order to
participate electronically. Written comments will be circulated prior to the meeting and will form part of
the public record.
Consent Items
The following matters are considered not to require debate and should be approved by one motion in accordance
with the recommendation contained in each staff report. A majority vote is required to discuss any report listed
as under this section.
1. DSD-2021-18 - Traffic Sign & On-Street Parking Regulations
Delegations
-law, delegations are permitted to address the Committee for a maximum of five
(5) minutes.
None at this time.
Discussion Items
2. DSD-2021-36 - Slow Streets & Food Trucks 2021 (30 min)
3. CSD-2021-2 - 2021 Community Grants (Tier 2) (30 min)
Information Items
None
Dianna Saunderson
Committee Administrator
** Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. If you require assistance to
take part in a city meeting or event, please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 **
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: April 19, 2021
SUBMITTED BY: Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services
519-741-2200 ext. 7738
PREPARED BY: Ivan J Balaban, Traffic Technologist, (519) 741-2200 x7302
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Wards 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
DATE OF REPORT: March 28, 2021
REPORT NO.: DSD-2021-18
SUBJECT: Traffic Sign and On-Street Parking Regulations
RECOMMENDATION:
That a stop sign be installed on the west approach of Viewmont Close at its
intersection with Viewmont Close; and,
That parking be prohibited on the south (odd-numbered) side of Kingsway Drive from
Ninth Avenue to St Jerome Avenue; and,
That parking be prohibited on the east (odd-numbered) side of Woodsmere Drive from
a point 120 metres south of Doon South Drive to a point 15 metres south thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the east (even-numbered) side of McLeod Court from a
point 65 metres south of Biehn Drive to a point 30 metres south thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the west (even-numbered) side of Sophia Crescent from
a point 365 metres south of Woodbine Avenue to a point 15 metres south thereof;
and,
That parking be prohibited on the east (even-numbered) side of Sophia Crescent from
a point 125 metres south of Corsica Drive to a point 15 metres south thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the north (odd-numbered) side of Montana Crescent
from a point 60 metres west of Blackwell Drive to a point 35 metres west thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the south (odd-numbered) side of Montana Crescent
from a point 70 metres west of Blackwell Drive to a point 15 metres west thereof; and
further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to amend the Uniform Traffic By-Law 2019-113 to allow
the installation of a stop sign, and to allow safety-related changes to on-street parking
on several City streets.
The key finding of this report is that safety and operations will be improved through the
installation of the stop sign and parking prohibitions contained within this report
The financial implications are approximately $3,300 and will be taken from the existing
sign maintenance budget
Affected households were engaged through notification letters
This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
Transportation Services has received numerous concerns from residents in the City
regarding general traffic operation, and on-street parking in various neighbourhoods. This
report details these concerns across various wards which have been determined by staff to
be valid, and require bylaw amendments.
REPORT:
Viewmont Close in Ward 2 intersects with itself at an uncontrolled intersection.
Transportation Services was made aware of this condition by a local resident and is
recommending the installation of a stop sign to control the right-of-way at this intersection.
A key plan of the intersection is attached in appendix A.
Kingsway Drive in Ward 3 between Ninth Avenue and St Jerome Avenue currently has a
parking prohibition on the south side of the roadway which prohibits parking from Monday
Saturday; allowing for parking on Sundays. This was installed to allow for church activity.
The church has now transitioned to commercial use and the existing regulation is no longer
valid. This condition was flagged by Operations Roads and Traffic staff, as the current
parking prohibition signs are in poor condition and are due for replacement. In order to better
reflect current conditions, Transportation Services is recommending a full parking prohibition
along this segment of roadway as the exception to allow parking on Sundays is no longer
needed. A key plan of this area is detailed in appendix B
Woodsmere Drive in Ward 4 is a local residential roadway with a 90-degree curve. Parking
of vehicles on the inside of this curve is currently permitted. However, vehicles parked along
the inside of the curve obstruct sightlines and require drivers to encroach into the oncoming
lane when navigating the bend causing safety concerns, particularly an increased risk of
head on collisions. This condition was brought to the attention of Transportation Services
staff by a local resident. Staff conducted a site visit and recommend prohibiting parking
directly along the inside of the curve as detailed in appendix C.
McLeod Court in Ward 4 is a local residential roadway with a 90-degree curve. Parking of
vehicles on the inside of this curve is currently permitted. However, vehicles parked along
the inside of the curve obstruct sightlines and require drivers to encroach into the oncoming
lane when navigating the bend causing safety concerns, particularly an increased risk of
head on collisions. This condition was brought to the attention of Transportation Services
staff by a local resident. Staff conducted a site visit and recommend prohibiting parking
directly along the inside of the curve as detailed in appendix D.
Sophia Crescent in Ward 5 is a local residential roadway with two(2)90-degree curves.
Parking of vehicles on the inside of these curves is currently permitted. However, vehicles
parked along the inside of the curves obstructs sightlines and requires drivers to encroach
into the oncoming lane when navigating the bends causing safety concerns, particularly an
increased risk of head on collisions. This condition was brought to the attention of
Transportation Services staff by a local resident. Staff conducted a site visit and recommend
prohibiting parking directly along the inside of the curves as detailed in appendix E.
Montana Crescent in Ward 7 is a local residential roadway with two (2) 90-degree curves.
Parking of vehicles on the inside of these curves is currently permitted. However, vehicles
parked along the inside of the curves obstructs sightlines and requires drivers to encroach
into the oncoming lane when navigating the bends causing safety concerns, particularly an
increased risk of head on collisions. This condition was brought to the attention of
Transportation Services staff by a local resident. Staff conducted a site visit and recommend
prohibiting parking directly along the inside of the curves as detailed in appendix F.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget The recommendation has the following impact on the Operating Budget.
Signs installations and pavement markings: Viewmont Close, $400; Kingsway Drive, $500;
Woodsmere Drive, $400; McLeod Court, $400; Sophia Crescent, $800; Montana Crescent,
$800; for a total estimated cost of $3,300. These costs will be charged to the existing Sign
Maintenance budget
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM n advance of
the council / committee meeting. Directly affected residents were notified by mail regarding
the proposed parking regulation change, and the Community and Infrastructure Services
Committee meeting date.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
City of Kitchener Uniform Traffic By-law No. 2019-113
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Division
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Key Map Viewmont Close Proposed Traffic Control Device
Attachment B Key Map Kingsway Drive Proposed On-street Parking Regulations
Attachment C Key Map Woodsmere Drive Proposed On-street Parking
Regulations
Attachment D Key Map McLeod Court Proposed On-street Parking Regulations
Attachment E Key Map Sophia Crescent Proposed On-street Parking
Regulations
Attachment FKey Map Montana CrescentProposed On-street Parking
Regulations
Key Map
Appendix A
Viewmont Close Proposed Traffic Control Device
Regulations
Key Map
street Parking
-
Appendix B
Kingsway Drive Proposed On
street Parking Regulations
-
Key Map
C
Appendix
Woodsmere Drive Proposed On
Key Map
street Parking Regulations
-
Appendix D
McLeod Court Proposed On
Regulations
street Parking
-
Key Map
Proposed On
Appendix E
Sophia Crescent
street Parking Regulations
-
Key Map
F
Appendix
Montana Crescent Proposed On
REPORT TO: Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: April 19, 2021
SUBMITTED BY: Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services,
519-741-2200 ext. 7738
PREPARED BY: Darren Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager,
519-741-2200 ext. 7314, and
Helen Fylactou, Manager of Licensing, Legislated Services
519-741-2200, Ext. 7854
WARD (S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: April 8, 2021
REPORT NO.: DSD-2021-36
SUBJECT: Slow Streets & Food Trucks 2021
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
That Slow Streets be reinstated for 2021 on:
Cameron Street (King to East);
Samuel Street (Stirling to Frederick);
Montcalm Drive (Lorraine to Ottawa);
Brybeck Crescent (Westmount to Karn);
Greenfield Avenue (Fifth to Traynor);
Duke Street West (Victoria to Waterloo);
Waterloo Street (Duke to Moore); and
Duke Street East (Pandora to Cedar); and further,
That notwithstanding Section 9(a), Schedule 12, of Chapter 599 of The City of Kitchener
Municipal Code, for the time period July 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, which may be
operate in an area zoned R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 or R9 by the City Zoning By-
law, as amended, in the City of Kitchener, provided they comply with Chapter 599 as
well as the various conditions set out in Report DSD-2021-36; and
That notwithstanding Section 5(a)(v), Schedule 12, of Chapter 599 of The City of
Kitchener Municipal Code, for the time period of May 1 to August 31, 2021, which may
be extended into the fall of 2021 by the Manager of Licensing, that one additional Food
Truck location is permitted at Victoria Park, provided they comply with Chapter 599 as
well as the various conditions set out in Report DSD-21-36.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
This report shares the key findings of a policy paper called Slow Streets Ontario Case
Studies and seeks City Council approval to reinstate Slow Streets in 2021.
Slow Streets were an emergency pandemic response in 2020, with some positive feedback
and room for improvements.
Reinstating Slow Streets in 2021 will cost approximately $16,000, taken from the traffic
calming budget.
Community engagement will include an end-of-year survey.
This report supports People-friendly Transportation.
BACKGROUND:
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted transportation choices and experiences. Cities around
the world are investing in active transportation to provide greater space for physical distancing
required for essential trips and physical activity, and to continue to address climate emission
targets. Slow Streets were implemented by the City of Kitchener in 2020, as part of a multi-
faceted approach to rapidly expand active transportation options during the pandemic.
REPORT:
What are Slow Streets?
Slow Streets are roadways where measures have been put in place to help reduce traffic
volumes and speeds to create more space for people to walk, bike, and run. They help support
the pandemic response and healthy neighbourhoods by allowing residents to make better use
of their own streets. They still allow vehicle access, though it is intended to be for local property
access, deliveries, and emergency response. Lowering the traffic volumes and speeds on these
roadways allow for safer cycling and allow sidewalk users a safer space if they need to use
roadway space to maintain 2 metres distance from others. Through traffic is discouraged from
traveling on slow streets through temporary barricades and signage at entry points.
for ing different measures and plans to
ensure public roadway infrastructure is being utilized in the best way possible to help cities
respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic. NACTO states that cities should cate our streets and
Slow Streets Ontario Case Studies
City of Kitchener Staff developed a policy paper titled Slows Streets Ontario Case Studies on
behalf of the Road Safety Committee of Ontario (ROSCO). Kitchener staff gathered experiences
of Slow Streets from Guelph, Mississauga, Toronto and Waterloo, as well as internal staff. See
Appendix 1: Slows Streets Ontario Case Studies. Key findings of the policy paper include:
Municipalities generally had positive experiences with slow streets, with room for
improvements.
The criteria commonly used in selecting the slow streets implementation locations
include land use, density, the proportion of vulnerable residents in the area, lack of
parks and trails, not being on a transit route or emergency route, already lacking traffic
The infrastructure commonly used in implementing slow streets include barrels/pylon
cones as well as signs on temporary stands with messaging about local traffic only and
that the street is shared with pedestrians and cyclists. This set up allowed a cost
effective and quick implementation of slow streets.
Engagement with residents emerged as a key area for improvement for future
implementation of slow streets.
A recurring issue was movement and vandalism of the signage, with most municipalities
noting/implementing anchors and/or heavier signs as a mitigation measure.
Data collection was challenging as traffic volumes were impacted by stay-at-home
orders and lockdowns making it difficult to measure the success of the program through
empirical data.
The policy paper reflects municipal experiences after a single year of implementation.
Many of the programs were implemented rapidly while municipalities were faced with
unique challenges and conditions related to the COVID pandemic. Follow up reviews
should be considered to obtain representative results over multiple years.
Slow streets was in response to the pandemic, however many municipalities indicated
that these types of initiatives should be planned through regular municipal road safety
programs.
Reinstating Slow Streets in 2021
The need for physical distancing required for essential trips and physical activity on sidewalks
and trails continues, as the pandemic emergency remains in effect. Staff recommend reinstating
the program, utilizing lessons learned from last year and putting in place an effective evaluation
program in terms of motor vehicle speeds, volumes and community feedback.
Primarily using the same equipment on the same streets is cost efficient, provides consistency
in resident experience, and offers an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the program more
effectively. However, the following changes from 2020 are recommended:
Removing Delta Street and Sydney Street from the program, due to impending
construction of boulevard multi-use trails on those streets this spring;
Removing the short stretch of Dunbar Road from the program, because the City of
Waterloo is taking a different approach for that neighbourhood in 2021;
Using flex signs on Waterloo Streety with
;
Addition of an engagement plan to inform and educate residents about slow streets, as
well as gauging their feedback on this program; and
Addition of a data collection plan to measure the effectiveness of slow streets on reducing
vehicle speeds and volumes.
Street selection
In selecting streets last year, preference was given to the neighbourhoods indicated in the
table below using criteria that measured increased user vulnerability relative to the rest of the
City of Kitchener. This vulnerability was determined using population density, age (over 65)
and close proximity to major trails with challenges with physical distancing or distant proximity
to any type of trail.
Streets were also identified by neighbourhood groups and are indicated as a future
Neighbourhood Bikeway in the Cycling and Trails Master Plan. Focusing on neighbourhood
bikeways is a reflection that staff anticipate seeing higher numbers of local cyclists using these
streets, and therefore the reduction in through traffic and traffic speeds should increase cyclist
safety. Slow Streets are not implemented on primary emergency routes or transit routes.
The proposed 2021 slow street locations include:
Neighbourhood Street Boundaries Measure type
Central Cameron King to East
Frederick Street with
Central Samuel Street Stirling to
Frederick Frederick with
Heritage Park Montcalm Lorraine to
Drive Ottawa with
Victoria Hills Brybeck Westmount to Road Closed Loc
Crescent Karn with
Vanier Greenfield Fifth to Traynor
Avenue with
Mount Hope Duke Street Victoria to
Breithaupt Park West Waterloo with
Mount Hope Waterloo Duke to Moore In-road flex stake, with the word
Breithaupt Park Street SLOW
King East Duke Street Pandora to Cedar
East with
Food trucks in residential zones
In 2020, as part of our efforts to support businesses during COVID-19, staff recommended a
pilot project to allow food trucks to operate in more locations including residential zones
approved by Council as part of the Activation of Streets report (DSD-20-073). Annually there
are approximately 37 food trucks that are licensed and operate in Kitchener. In 2020, staff
renewed 25 of the 37 licensed food trucks.
The food truck industry has reached out to staff to request that we once again permit food
trucks to operate in residential zones as an economic tool. Staff are supportive of extending
the pilot project for the 2021 season. Staff did not receive any complaints or have any
concerns raised as a result of permitting food trucks to operate in residential zones in 2020. In
fact, staff heard gratitude from the food truck operators for including their businesses in the
support we offered to the community.
The desirability of this type of operation is evidenced by the fact that residents often inquire if
food trucks can be hired for operation at a personal home or neighbourhood event. Food truck
operators have requested to operate near residential parks, schools, and high-density
neighbourhoods, as they speculate that is where they will have the most exposure and pass-by
traffic. As this has been positive experience for both the food trucks and the community, staff
will review this as a permanent option as part of the 3-year review of the Business Licensing
By-law.
With the continued reduction of special events occurring across the city due to the pandemic,
this initiative will help support food trucks that are currently licensed and operating in the City
of Kitchener. It will increase their visibility and increase the locations that they are permitted to
licence.
In addition to the expansion into residential zones, staff are recommending that one additional
food truck location is permitted in Victoria Park. In the current Business Licensing By-law, there
is only one location permitted in Victoria Park and the spot is located near the playground in a
signed and paved spot. Staff will work with Economic Development, Parks, and Transportation
in selecting the additional spot that will take into consideration proximity to the other food truck
location, the hot dog cart, safety for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the most viable
location for the operators. As food truck events are likely to not occur in Victoria Park this
summer, as well with the Boathouse not currently operating, an additional spot for a food truck
would provide options for food and beverage to park visitors.
In order to ensure public health and safety, nuisance control, and consumer protection, staff
will re-institute the same conditions as in 2020 to ensure proper operation. The conditions
include:
Food truck must have a valid City of Kitchener business licence;
Operate only between the hours of 11:00am 8:00pm;
church or school);
No horns, flashing lights, or amplified sound/music would be permitted;
Parking must be in a legal parking spot and must abide by all parking regulations;
Food truck must be parked in a manner that the serving window is parallel to the
sidewalk;
Parking in one location has a 2-hour maximum limit and then the food truck must move
to a different street;
Food trucks cannot operate within 200 metres of a property with a licensed Food Shop;
Food trucks cannot operate within 500 metres of each other;
Food trucks cannot operate on Regional roads;
Operator must ensure that no waste is left behind;
Operator must ensure that any line-ups are on the sidewalk or boulevard; and
Operator must ensure that line-ups are being managed to comply with current provincial
regulations (including physical distancing measures and face coverings)
Any violation of any of the conditions listed above, the Business Licensing By-law, or another
Municipal by-law will result in revocation of permission by the Manager of Licensing to operate
in residential zones. Food trucks are required to continue to comply with the all other regulations
in the Business Licensing By-law.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports People-friendly Transportation.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget In 2020, the Slow Streets program cost $18,000 for 10 streets. Each street
costs approximately $2,000, depending on the length of street, number of intersections, and
required repairs due to tampering.
Reinstating Slow Streets in 2021 on 8 streets is estimated to cost $16,000, taken from the traffic
calming budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
council / committee meeting. The Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee was informed of the
Slow Streets program in August 2020.
Due to rapid implementation at the start of the emergency order, a proper consultation and
evaluation program was not able to be implemented. Staff received some anecdotal appreciation
for the program, but there were not enough calls and emails to draw clear conclusions on the
. In 2021, an end-of-year survey through Engage
Kitchener is proposed to gather feedback on the program.
PREVIOUS REPORTS:
DSD-20-073 Activation of Streets
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: April 19, 2021
SUBMITTED BY: Michael May, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, ext. 7079
PREPARED BY: Carrie Kozlowski, Executive Assistant, ext. 7395
WARD (S) INVOLVED: All Ward(s)
DATE OF REPORT: March 26, 2021
REPORT NO.: CSD-2021-2
SUBJECT: 2021 Community Grants (Tier 2)
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
That 2021 community grants (Tier 2) in the amount of $141,659 be approved as outlined
in Appendix A attached to Community Services Department report CSD-2021-2; and
That the following organizations be approved to move to the Tier 1 grant process for the
2022 grant cycle:
1. Age of Majority Singers
2. Cycle Waterloo Group
3. Green Light Arts
4. SPECTRUM ; and further,
That the outstanding community grants balance of $71,733 be reallocated to fund a
variety of City and community-led initiatives intended to restore community connections
with one another and commemorate our collective COVID-19 experience once public
health restrictions allow these activities to take place.
BACKGROUND:
Tier 2 community grants assist organizations/groups providing not for profit services intended
for the common good of residents within the City of Kitchener. Tier 2 grants typically fund new
or emerging community organizations, events, and/or initiatives. Organizations providing
municipal services in the following sectors are eligible for funding:
arts and culture
special events
sports and recreation
community support and development
Both previously funded organizations and new applicant groups may apply for Tier 2 community
grants. Tier 1 organizations are only eligible for Tier 2 funding for one-time special projects or
events. Tier 2 grant allocations typically range in amount from $500 to $10,000.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
A Peer and Staff Review Committee (PSRC) composed of three community volunteers and six
staff (from arts/creative industries, special events, sport development, community development
and neighbourhood development) reviews applications against the eligibility criteria set out in
the Council-approved Community Investment policy (FIN-GRA-525). This committee allocates
resources within budget availability and makes funding recommendations to Council.
In November 2018 (CSD-18-088), Council delegated the consideration of appeals to a panel of
staff composed of:
Director, Neighbourhood Programs and Services
Director, Sport
Executive Director, Economic Development
REPORT:
This report outlines the process used to assess the applications, recommends the transfer of
several organizations from Tier 2 to the Tier 1 grant process, lists the organizations/groups that
applied for a 2021 Tier 2 grant, provides the amount of each funding request and details the
PSRCed grant allocations (see Appendix A).
For 2021, staff received 41 Tier 2 grant applications ($236,338 in requested funding). The total
amount of Tier 2 funding available is $213,392. The PSRC recommended funding 33 groups
($141,459). Subsequently, one group declined its recommended grant allocation of $1,800,
reducing the recommended allocation to $139,659 (32 groups). The appeal panel ultimately
recommends funding 32 groups ($141,659, as outlined in Appendix A).
Highlights of the 2021 Tier 2 grant process include:
Information sharing: a new online presentation that was
site introduced applicants to the Tier 2 process and provided tips about how to submit a
strong application: https://youtu.be/b2pApT7AaDA
Extended application deadline: December 16, 2020. Given the uncertainties resulting
from COVID-19, this deadline (2 weeks later than usual) allowed community groups more
time to plan their 2021 proposed activities.
Thorough review of applications: PSRC members completed an independent
review/assessment of the applications against the grant criteria. Then the committee
participated in three virtual sessions (February 2, 3 and 4, 2021) to develop funding
recommendations using an online decision-making platform.
Opportunity for appeals: Applicant organizations have the option to appeal their
recommended funding allocation. The appeal deadline was March 1, 2021, and the
appeal panel met virtually to make funding recommendations regarding the appeal
requests on March 8, 2021.
Communication: applicants were notified of the outcomes of the PSRC/
deliberations (as applicable).
Assessment process
PSRC members, both community volunteers and staff, dedicated considerable time and effort
to reviewing/assessing the applications. Each member spent approximately 20 hours
independently reviewing the applications. Then the committee met virtually three times for a total
of six hours to make funding recommendations as a group. The diversity of knowledge
and expertise, in combination with the detailed review process whereby applications are
considered against the Council-approved eligibility criteria ensures that funding
recommendations are made responsibly, in the context of all the applications received and within
budget availability.
Appeal process
All Tier 2 grant applicants are notified of the PSRCed funding allocations and
advised of the option to appeal the recommended grant allocation via an online appeal form.
Four organizations (Canadian Helpers Society, Caribbean Dreams Concert, Kind Minds Family
Wellness and nmydesign) appealed their allocation for 2021. The total value of the appeal
requests was $27,458. Upon review of the appeal submissions, the appeal panel upheld the
Kind Minds Family Wellness an additional $2,000.
Transfers to Tier 1
FIN-GRA-525 outlines that organizations receiving Tier 2 funding for five or more years may be
considered for Tier 1 funding. To be eligible for Tier 1, organizations must:
be incorporated as a not for profit entity or agree to become incorporated within an agreed
upon timeframe (12 months, for example),
enter into a legal agreement with the City, from one to five years in length. The agreement
outlines the responsibilities of the City and the responsibilities of organization, including
details of services/events for which the grant is provided, financial reporting requirements,
and insurance/indemnity requirements.
The chart below summarizes the organizations recommended to transfer to the Tier 1 grant
process for the 2022 grant cycle. If approved, these groups will move with a base grant amount
equal to their 2021 Tier 2 grant. As a result of this transfer, there will be a corresponding
reduction of $23,900 in available funding for Tier 2 grants in 2022.
previous Tier 2
organization 2021 grant recommendation
funding
Age of Majority Singers $5,900 2016 - 2020
($1,900 cash, $4,000 in kind)
Cycle Waterloo Group $5,000 (in kind) 2014 - 2020
Green Light Arts $8,000 2016 - 2020
($7,000 cash, $1,000 in kind)
SPECTRUM - $5,000 201 - 2020
Rainbow Community Space ($3,500 cash, $1,500 in kind)
Total $23,900
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The budget for 2021 Tier 2 community grants is $213,392.
The PSRC (with subsequent revisions recommended by the appeal panel and accounting for
o), recommends a total 2021 Tier 2 allocation of $141,659
Thus, $71,733 of the Tier 2 grants budget for 2021 remains unallocated.
Explanation of variance
This very rare positive variance is the result of the following factors:
Tier 1 grant allocations (funded from the same source as Tier 2 grants), were down for
2021. Due to the pandemic, some Tier 1 organizations scaled back their planned activities
and corresponding funding requests, while others felt it fiscally responsible to reduce their
funding requests in recognition of the financial impact the pandemic has placed on the
municipality. The reduction in Tier 1 allocations led to a subsequent increase in available
funding for the 2021 Tier 2 grants program.
2021 Tier 2 grant applications are down by 38% year-over-year for several reasons:
o Many activities typically funded through the Tier 2 grants program are ill-advised
due to current COVID-related public health restrictions on gathering.
o The uncertainty surrounding future permissibility to gather made it challenging for
organizations/groups to plan community events for 2021.
o Some organizations in receipt of 2020 Tier 2 funding were forced to amend or
postpone their activities due to the pandemic. As these groups may still be in the
process of delivering their previously planned activities using the 2020 funds, they
have neither the capacity to deliver additional programming nor the need for
additional funding in 2021.
The PSRC carefully considers all applications against the eligibility criteria outlined in the
Council-approved Community Investment policy. Despite that available funding for the
Tier 2 program was higher and the number of applications was lower than usual, the
committee upheld the eligibility criteria and made responsible funding recommendations
in keeping with the intent of the policy. The committee was unwilling to allocate funds to
projects that neither adequately met the grant criteria nor demonstrated need.
Recommendation for the variance
The positive variance is a pandemic-related anomaly. Once the pandemic has passed, staff
believe that many residents will have a strong desire to embrace opportunities to restore
connections with one another and to commemorate our COVID-19 experience as part of the
collective healing process. Examples of these opportunities could include City and community-
led festivals and celebrations, public art installations, and special initiatives to support community
groups as they struggle to return to normalcy following COVID-19.
The City currently has no funding in place to support these initiatives. Therefore, staff propose
that the remaining $71,733 in the 2021 community grants budget be allocated to support the
delivery of future post-pandemic programs and events related to restarting, celebrating and
commemorating as a community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM The 2021 Tier 2 community grant program was advertised on the c website, on
social media and in Kitchener Life. Previous Tier 2 grant recipients were informed of the 2021
application process. The new virtual presentation about Tier 2 grants allowed applicants to learn
about the program at their convenience and in the safety of their own location.
All grant applicants were informed of the PSRCed grant allocations and were
given the opportunity to appeal their allocation via an online form.
This report has been posted to the c
council/committee meeting.
CONSULT The PSRC provided invaluable expertise throughout the assessment process.
Their commitment and dedication are very much appreciated.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services Department
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
CSD-18-088 Community Grants Appeal Process Update
FIN-GRA-525 Community Investment Policy
ATTACHMENTS: CSD-2021-2 Appendix A
Appendix A: CSD-2021-2
2021 Community Grants (Tier 2)
final grant
type of grant recommendation type of final grant
organization namegrant request
request(after appeal recommendation
process)
Age of Majority Singers$5,900($1,900 cash, $5,900($1,900 cash,
$4,000 in kind)$4,000 in kind)
Arts4All$7,000$7,000
(Afterschool Art Program)
Arts4All (Young@rt) $3,000$3,000
Belmont Village Bestival$7,000($5,000 cash, $7,000($5,000 cash,
$2,000 in kind)$2,000 in kind)
Bulgarian Folk Dance School $2,500(in kind)$2,500(in kind)
(Hopa-Tropa, Eha-Ha)
Café Philo (Kitchener)$5,700($5,200 cash, $2,500($2,000 cash,
$500 in kind)$500 in kind)
Canadian Helpers Society$5,916($5,000 cash, $0
$916 in kind)
Caribbean Dreams Concert$11,500($10,000 cash, $5,000($3,500 cash,
$1,500 in kind)$1,500 in kind)
Community Cooking $1,800$0
Collective
Crossroads Productions$1,600($1,000 cash, $1,600($1,000 cash,
$600 in kind)$600 in kind)
Cycle Waterloo Group$5,000(in kind)$5,000(in kind)
Fierce N Fit Special Needs $10,000$0
Boxing Incorporated
Frontier College$5,000$0
Globe Studios (K-W)$5,000$0
Grand River Film Festival$3,500$3,500
Green Light Arts$8,000($7,000 cash, $8,000($7,000 cash,
$1,000 in kind)$1,000 in kind)
Gujarati Cultural Association $3,000$3,000
of the Golden Triangle
HopeSpring Cancer Support $15,000($5,000 cash, $10,000(in kind)
Centre$10,000 in kind)
Independent Living Centre of $2,986$2,986
Waterloo Region (Kids on
the Block program)
Irish Real Life Festival$5,000$4,000
JM Drama Alumni$10,000$10,000
Kind Minds Family Wellness$15,000$9,000
Kitchener Waterloo $5,000$0
Gymnastics Club
Kitchener Waterloo Little $3,213$3,213
Theatre
K-W Musical Productions$5,000$5,000
LAUNCH Waterloo$7,500$0
Levant$14,000$4,000
Mada Theatre Collective$10,000$5,000
Midtown Radio$6,500$4,000
nmydesign$7,042($6,276 cash, $0
$766 in kind)
NoteWorthy Singers$2,000$2,000
Optimist Club of Southwest $1,250(in kind)$1,250(in kind)
Kitchener
Appendix A: CSD-2021-2
2021 Community Grants (Tier 2)
final grant
type of grant recommendation type of final grant
organization namegrant request
request(after appeal recommendation
process)
Personal Community Project$1,800$0
Radio Waterloo Inc.$2,000$2,000
Rainbow Reels Queer and $2,800($2,000 cash, $2,800($2,000 cash,
Trans Film Festival$800 in kind)$800 in kind)
Red Maple Senior Club$1,500$1,500
Region of Waterloo $10,000$7,250
Association of
Cameroonians
Schneider Creek Porch Party$4,731($3,371 cash, $4,360($3,000 cash,
$1,360 in kind)$1,360 in kind)
SPECTRUM - Waterloo $5,000($3,500 cash, $5,000($3,500 cash,
Region's Rainbow $1,500 in kind)$1,500 in kind)
Community Space
Unwrap Theatre$3,000$2,000
Waterloo Organization of $4,600(in kind)$2,300(in kind)
Disc Sports
Totals$236,338$141,659