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Home My WebLink AboutCAO-14-014 - 2015-2018 Strategic Plan - Community Priorities & Strategic Directions REPORT TO: Council DATE OF MEETING: September 15, 2014 SUBMITTED BY: Laurie Majcher, Manager of Strategy and Business Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7817 PREPARED BY: Laurie Majcher, Manager of Strategy and Business Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7817 WARD (S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: September 9, 2014 REPORT NO.: CAO-14-014 SUBJECT:2015-2018 Strategic Plan - Community Priorities & Strategic Directions __________________________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: For Discussion BACKGROUND: On October 21, 2013, the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee received report CAO- 13-027, entitled Components of the 2015-2018 Strategic Planning Process. This report provided an overview of the four phases to the City of Kitchener’s strategic planning process, including: Phase 1 - community Assessment, Phase 2 - Environmental Scan, Phase 3 - Strategic Options, and Phase 4 - Confirmation of Direction.The 2015-2018 Strategic Planning Roadmap is attached. The first phase of the strategic planning process involves extensive consultation with the community. In keeping with their mandate, Compass Kitchener has taken the lead to effectively engage a statistically representative sample of the community in a survey to capture an objective citizen perspective on the priorities for the future. Environics Research Group was retained by the City to work with the advisory committee to design and execute the survey. Darren Karasiuk, Vice President of Municipal Affairs and Project Director for the project gave a brief presentation on the process and responded to questions and concerns raised at Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee on October 21, 2013. A telephone survey of 1,002 citizens, including 100 cell phone surveys, was completed between November 26th and December 10th of 2013. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1% at a 95% confidence level. The sample for this survey matches the statistics Canada profile for the City of Kitchener on key demographic variables and the results can be considered representative of the general population. The results of the survey provide 5.b. - 1 a current pulse on the community as well as important insights for the development of a strategic plan that will align with the views, opinions and wants of residents. On February 3, 2014, following the survey, Environics reported back to the Corporate Leadership Team, City Council and the public on the results. Highlights of the survey include: 87% of citizens say the quality of life in the City of Kitchener is good or excellent. 82% of citizens say they get fairly good or very good value for their tax dollars. 78% of citizens say they are somewhat or very satisfied with the City of Kitchener Government. 61% of citizens say the City of Kitchener Government is on the right track. 61% of citizens would support a tax increase at the rate of inflation in order to maintain services. The majority of residents feel that accountability, economic development, the environment and transportation should be the top priorities for the next four years. Using the insights gained from the survey, a series of engagement events were planned within the community to open up the conversation on strategic themes, to better understand why they are important and what might be expected of the City by the end of 2018. The Community Engagement Strategy was presented to Council on April 14, 2014 for discussion and feedback. Throughout May and June 2014, the citizens of Kitchener were engaged in the Your Kitchener, Your Say! (YKYS) community engagement campaign as a follow-up to the Environics Research. Over the course of the summer, the members of Compass Kitchener, with staff support have been compiling all of the citizen input from all sources, analyzing the results and synthesizing the responses with the Environics survey results and across all themes to identify the key messages coming from that process. REPORT: The results of the community assessment phase (Phase 1) of the strategic planning process for 2015-2018 are presented in the attached report from Compass Kitchener, Community Priorities and Strategic Directions, dated September 8, 2014. Appendix A to the attached report gives a summary of the community engagement activities that were undertaken and the distribution of participation across the city. Appendix B to the attached report gives a summary of community input received in response to the questions they were asked. The following list of strategic directions and community priorities completes the first phase of the strategic planning process, the Community Assessment, and represents the starting point for future work on the strategic plan. This information, along with the results of the environmental scan, will be essential input into to both the work of city staff and council in the spring of 2015 to set goals and strategies for the City of Kitchener 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. The community priorities for the next four years have been summarized into six strategic directions for the future, they are: 5.b. - 2 1. GOVERNMENT - transparent, accountable and responsive government that genuinely engages citizens in dialogue and collaborates on key decisions. 2. ECONOMY - resilient and prosperous local economy that provides a good standard of living for all citizens. 3. ENVIRONMENT - ecologically sound environment with access to natural areas and integration of natural features into urban areas. 4. TRANSPORTATION - environmentally sustainable, safe and affordable options for getting around the city. 5. DEVELOPMENT - distinctive, attractive, walkable development with a strong sense of place, mixed land use, compact urban areas and a range of housing choices. 6. NEIGHBOURHOODS - facilities, amenities, services, programs and initiatives that create quality life experiences, foster inclusion and community well-being. These strategic directions have been developed by Compass Kitchener to provide clear long- term strategic focus for the city that provide the context for the four year goals. They reflect the input received from the community through both the Environics survey and the Your Kitchener, Your Say! Community engagement campaign. For each of the Strategic Directions, there are four or five “priorities for action in 2015-2016” as identified by the community, with 28 in total. The community priorities and strategic directions included in this report represent the completion of the first phase of the strategic planning process for the next term of City Council. They will guide City Council and staff as they make decisions on goals and strategic actions that will respond to citizen concerns and make progress in areas highly valued by the community. With limited resources, the city cannot do everything. Understanding the priorities of the community will help the city decide what to focus public resources on based on those things that will make the most difference to the overall quality of life for citizens. Over the next four to six months city staff, with council input, will review these community priorities and strategic directions and develop options for moving forward. Following the election this fall, the members of City Council will also be engaged in the process of identifying potential goals and possible strategies to achieve those goals over the next four years. A report will be presented to council and the public in the spring of 2015 that recommends high level strategic goals for the organization and supporting action strategies that respond to the community priorities and strategic directions as identified in this report. The community will be asked for feedback on those options before Council makes a decision on the final City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for 2015-2018 in June of next year. Compass Kitchener will continue to provide guidance and feedback to the process as it unfolds over the next nine months to ensure that this work continues to remain focused on the priorities of the community. The City’s Strategic Plan represents the single comprehensive strategy that guides and aligns the city’s work and spending with the community’s priorities and vision for the future. Once 5.b. - 3 approved, the work of all city staff will be aligned to the achievement of the strategic goals and monitor progress to plan every four months through the business planning process. In keeping with the mandate of the Compass Kitchener advisory committee, results will be monitored and the city’s progress on strategic goals will be reported to the public. Members of Compass Kitchener, and citizens in general, are looking forward to seeing the city respond to these priorities, setting clear goals and taking action to make Kitchener a more satisfying place to live. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The development of the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for 2015-2018 aligns to the following areas of the city’s current strategic plan: Community Priorities: Leadership and Community Engagement Effective & Efficient Government: Organizational Governance People Plan: A Culture of Accountablity and A Culture of Learning FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None at this time. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. CONSULT – Almost 3,000 citizens participated in the community engagement process, including the Environics survey in November and December of 2013, and the Your Kitchener, Your Say! community engagement campaign during the months of May and June 2014. COLLABORATE – The community priorities and strategic directions included in the attached report are the result of collaboration between the members of Compass Kitchener and city staff to execute a process to gather community input for the city’s next strategic plan. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer Attachments: 1. 2015-2018 Strategic Planning Roadmap 2. Community Priorities and Strategic Directions, Compass Kitchener 5.b. - 4 5.b. - 5 SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 COMMUNITY PRIORITIES & STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2018 PRESENTED BY: COMPASS KITCHENER 5.b. - 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Community Priorities and Strategic Direction for 2015-2018 include, in priority order: # 1 GOVERNMENT - transparent, accountable and responsive government that genuinely engages citizens in dialogue and collaborates on key decisions. Priorities for action in 2015-2018: 1. Provide more information on city spending, explain why spending decisions are made and communicate in a way that is easy to understand. 2. Have more open and transparent decision making, explain how decisions are made and the rational for key decisions. 3. Develop processes that ensure everyone can be engaged, represented and respected in the city’s decision making. 4. Show that the city is listening and taking what they hear into account, follow-up and follow through. 5. Measure and evaluate performance, deliver on results, continuously improve. # 2 ECONOMY – resilient and prosperous local economy that provides a good standard of living for all citizens. Priorities for action in 2015-2018: 6. Cultivate a local economy that is diverse and resilient. 7. Support the development of an employment base that fully engages the local workforce in jobs where citizens can use their skills and experience. 8. Attract local businesses and industries that offer decent pay for reasonable hours of work, and are both environmentally and socially responsible. 9. Increase the number of people that live downtown, bring more people into the downtown on weekends and in the evenings and generate more activity on the streets. 10. Work with other orders of government and community agencies to influence policy and resource allocation decisions that reduce the number of people that are homeless and living in poverty in the city. # 3 ENVIRONMENT – ecologically sound environment with access to natural areas and integration of natural features into urban areas. Priorities for action in 2015-2018: 11. Develop and implement an effective natural area conservation program; reintroduce, enhance and maintain the natural environment in the urban area; i 5.b. - 7 and promote a culture of stewardship throughout the community and with all of our partners. 12. Plant more trees on city streets and in parks and open spaces to increase the city’s tree canopy and maintain and/or replace existing trees. 13. Introduce green energy initiatives and reduce the environmental footprint of city operations. 14. Increase the number of community gardens and support local food production. #4 TRANSPORTATION – environmentally sustainable, safe and affordable options for getting around the city. Priorities for action in 2015-2018: 11. Improve the condition of the city’s roads and sidewalks. 12. Implement policies, programs, services and products that reduce the use of single occupancy vehicle travel, develop and encourage the use of clean and green transportation options, and increase the use of active transportation modes such as biking and walking. 13. Develop more safe and comfortable bikeways that offer riders an array of route choices and reduce potential conflicts between people cycling and people driving. 14. Work collaboratively with community partners to better manage and enforce safe driving behaviour. 15. Advocate for policy and resource allocation decisions at the Region and other orders of government that improve the quality, availability and affordability of transit service. #5 DEVELOPMENT – distinctive, attractive, walkable development with a strong sense of place, mixed land use, compact urban areas and a range of housing choices. Priorities for action in 2015-2018: 20. Manage growth, curb urban sprawl, and foster more mixed-use development, intensification and transit friendly neighbourhoods. 21. Work with other orders of government, community agencies and developers to develop/influence policy and resource allocation decisions that will increase the range of housing options in the city that support different lifestyles and income levels. 22. Effectively engage neighbourhoods in the design and approval of infill development to ensure it is well integrated within the surrounding neighbourhood. ii 5.b. - 8 23. Improve the way opportunities to participate in the planning process are communicated, engage the community in more effective ways using multiple methods to gather input, and explain to people how their input made a difference. #6 NEIGHBOURHOODS – facilities, amenities, services, programs and initiatives that create quality of life, foster inclusion and community well-being. Priorities for action in 2015-2018: 24. Keep city facilities well maintained, accessible to all, clean and safe. 25. Keep neighbourhood trees, parks, playgrounds and trails clean, safe, and well maintained and add more neighbourhood amenities where possible. 26. Facilitate and promote low or no-cost neighbourhood events and initiatives that encourage inclusion, fellowship and neighbourhood identity. 27. Improve the enforcement of city by-laws, particularly property maintenance standards. 28. Advocate for the Region, the Police and community support agencies to address neighbourhood safety concerns and put measures in place that reduce criminal activity and aggressive, intimidating or disrespectful public behaviour, particularly downtown. iii 5.b. - 9 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………. 1 Background ……………………………………………….………………………………… 2 Environics Research ……….....………………………………………….…………... 3 Your Kitchener Your Say! Campaign ……………………………..……………. 5 Community Priorities & Strategic Directions ………………………………. 7 Next Steps ………………………………………………………………………….....…. 20 iv 5.b. - 10 INTRODUCTION On behalf of the citizens of Kitchener, Compass Kitchener is honoured to present the community priorities and strategic direction for the next term of city council. They have been developed based on extensive community consultation, with input from almost 3,000 participants: the Environics survey completed in December 2013 and the Your Kitchener, Your Say! community engagement campaign held in May and June of 2014. As this city continues to evolve and change over time, so too do the expectations and priorities of citizens. There are many themes presented in these results that are consistent with previous research, and some new themes have emerged. These changes are a reflection of the progress the city has made in the past and the important issues of the day. Some of these issues are complex, and a number of them fall within the jurisdiction of other orders of government or are the responsibility of other agencies within the community. However, it is not acceptable to citizens for the city to say ‘it’s not our job”. In both an advocacy role and working in collaboration with other organizations, the city can influence both policy decisions and resource allocation to work towards results citizens are expecting. By following through in this way, we can continue to make progress on the City of Kitchener’s vision for the future: “Together, we will build an innovative, caring and vibrant Kitchener with safe and thriving neighbourhoods.” These community priorities and strategic directions will guide City Council and staff as they make decisions on goals and strategic actions for the next four years. With limited resources, the city cannot do everything. Understanding the priorities of the community will help the city decide what to focus public resources on based on those things that will make the most difference to the overall quality of life for citizens. In keeping with the mandate of the Compass Kitchener advisory committee, results will be monitored and the city’s progress on strategic goals will be reported to the public. Members of Compass Kitchener, and citizens in general, are looking forward to seeing the city respond to these priorities, setting clear goals and taking action to make Kitchener a more satisfying place to live. Members of Compass Kitchener: Holly Duff Moni Lagonia Scott Harris Sarah Marsh Sharon Hartigan Mark Paul Chris Hyde Bojana Savic Krishna Khetani Tristan Wilkin Theron Kramer, Chair 5.b. - 11 BACKGROUND In 1999, Compass Kitchener began a dialogue with citizens to develop a vision for the future of the City of Kitchener. Kitchener citizens were invited to talk about their vision for the city 20 years out. Kitchener City Council adopted the vision, values and directions they articulated in June 2000. Compass Kitchener reached out to the community again in 2003 through a community survey and focus group sessions. The City’s vision and directions were re-evaluated and updated against the backdrop of the issues of the day. In 2006, the results of the city’s Healthy Community Plan Working Group and the results of the community consultation underway by Compass Kitchener at the time were merged into a single document, A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener 2007 – 2017. The Healthy Community Plan Working Group introduced the ‘made in Kitchener’ healthy community model. It is based in large part on the World Health Organization model with three overlapping circles depicting relationship between social, environmental and economic wellbeing situated within a fourth circle that represents community values and culture. The Plan for a Healthy Kitchener updated the 20-year vision for the City of Kitchener (Compass Kitchener Vision 2000), and for the first time included specific recommendations for actions for the following four-year term of Council. Those recommendations included provisions for the identification of community priorities at the outset of each of Council's terms of office. Compass Kitchener has been given the mandate to evaluate and recommend strategic priorities with the community’s input and 2 5.b. - 12 participation, to monitor and evaluate progress against strategic goals and to report on progress to Council and the community. The City of Kitchener Strategic Plan: 2011-2014 was also developed through extensive community consultation. Input from the Compass Kitchener community survey and focus group sessions was used to validate the community priorities included in the Plan for a Healthy Kitchener and identify strategic directions to guide progress. In addition to Community Priorities, The Strategic Plan also includes priorities for Effective and Efficient Government and priorities for the People Plan as critical foundations and the underpinnings of the plan. Overall, there are 17 Strategic Priorities included in this plan and 69 different strategic directions. The City’s Strategic Plan represents the single comprehensive strategy that guides and aligns the city’s work and spending with the community’s priorities and vision for the future. The process of engaging the community, city staff and members of council in setting the direction of the City for 2015 – 2018 is well underway in preparation for the next term of Council. There are four phases to the City of Kitchener’s strategic planning process, including: Phase 1 - Community Assessment, Phase 2 - Environmental Scan, Phase 3 - Strategic Options, and Phase 4 - Confirmation of Direction. This process is expected to result in an innovative and practical strategic plan for the City of Kitchener that is valued by the community, achievable by the organization, and politically relevant for City Council. Once the plan is approved, work will begin to ensure the business plans across the organization fully support the achievement of the strategic goals and they will continue to be monitored to manage progress on approved strategies. PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 Phase 4 CommunityEnvironmentalStrategicConfirm AssessmentScanOptionsDirection ENVIRONICS RESEARCH: Work began on the Community Assessment phase of the strategic planning process in October 2013. Compass Kitchener engaged a statistically representative sample of the community in a survey to capture an objective citizen perspective on the priorities for the future. Environics Research Group was retained by the City to work with the advisory committee in the design of the survey questions, execute the survey and report on the results. A telephone survey of 1,002 citizens, including 100 cell phone surveys, was completed between November 26th and December 10th of 2013. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1% at a 95% confidence level. The sample for this survey 3 5.b. - 13 matches the statistics Canada profile for the City of Kitchener on key demographic variables and the results can be considered representative of the general population. The results of the survey provide a current pulse on the community as well as important insights for the development of a strategic plan that will align with the views, opinions and wants of residents. The results of the Environics survey were presented to Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee on February 3, 2014 for discussion, Report number CAO-014-001. A summary of key findings from the survey are as follows: 87% of citizens say the quality of life in the City of Kitchener is good or excellent. 78% of citizens say they are somewhat or very satisfied with the City of Kitchener Government. 82% of citizens say they get fairly good or very good value for their tax dollars. 61% of citizens say the City of Kitchener Government is on the right track. 61% of citizens would support a tax increase at the rate of inflation in order to maintain services. Environics results indicate that 69% of residents feel that the following ten key priority areas cover all of the important issues or areas of focus for the City of Kitchener: accountability; economic development; the environment; transportation; growth management and development; community engagement; developing downtown; recreation and leisure services; diversity; and arts and culture. The majority of residents feel that accountability, economic development, the environment and transportation should be the top priorities for the next four years. These four areas of strategic focus have the broadest impact on all residents, and represent the most basic foundations of quality of life in cities. The remaining areas of focus are confirmed as priorities by the majority of residents, and between 49% and 23% of residents consider them to be top priorities. These areas of City responsibility do not typically have as broad an impact on the majority of the population relative to those noted above. However, City responsibilities for growth management, downtown development, recreation and leisure services, arts and culture, diversity and community engagement are important contributors to the overall quality of life in the City of Kitchener and are highly valued by those segments of the population that have come to expect the opportunities the city provides in these areas. While the primary focus is on the top four priority areas listed above, the expectations of the community in all ten priority areas were explored in more depth through the follow- up community consultation process “Your Kitchener, Your Say!”. As the community priorities and strategic directions were prepared, the relative importance of each, as priorities for the future within the community as a whole, have been taken into account. 4 5.b. - 14 Chart 1: Environics Results – Priorities for the Future Top PrioritySecondary PriorityNot a Priority 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 YOUR KITCHENER, YOUR SAY! CAMPAIGN: The results of the Environics survey provided a high level view of community priorities in broad areas of city responsibility. There are limits to the insights a 15- minute telephone survey can provide however, particularly when it comes to more detailed information required to develop a strategic plan. Additional community engagement focused on qualitative research adds value to the process as it allows open-ended exploration of issues in citizen’s own voices. It provides a greater understanding of the level of awareness, issues and expectations that were not fully revealed through the Environics survey. Throughout May and June 2014, the citizens of Kitchener were engaged in the Your Kitchener, Your Say! (YKYS) community engagement campaign as a follow-up to the Environics Research. Opportunities to participate were advertised on local radio, in local newspapers and on city buses as well as online and through social media. Citizens had opportunities to share their point of view on the priorities for the 5 5.b. - 15 next term of council in a variety of different ways, including: an online forum, social media, multiple choice surveys and paper workbooks. During May and June, members of Compass Kitchener and city staff attended a variety of festivals and events throughout the city to promote the campaign and gather citizen input through short theme specific surveys. This approach was successful in reaching a broad cross-section of the community with a good demographic mix. Workshop discussions were held with specific stakeholder groups, including: seniors, youth, young families, new Canadians, the business community, and all advisory committee members. In total, input was received from 1,948 YKYS campaign participants from across the city, in addition to the 1,002 that participated in the Environics survey. Due to the structure of the engagement process, not all participants provided input in all areas, and it is estimated that approximately 20% of participants contributed in more than one activity. Table 1: Summary of Citizen Participation Activity Participants Environics Survey 1002 Workbooks 90 Workshops 120 Themed Survey 1010 Social Media 724 Online Forum 4 Total Participants 2950 Throughout the campaign, postal codes were tracked for all participants except those contributing through social media. Special effort was made to reach out to residents in those wards that were the most difficult to engage. As a result, all wards are represented in the results with a minimum of 60 participants from each ward, and residents outside of the downtown core account for more than 60% of the overall input that was received. A summary of engagement activities and distribution of participation by ward can be found in Appendix A. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS & COMMUNITY PRIORITIES: All of the input that was received from the various engagement events and activities have been compiled and reviewed by Compass Kitchener with the support of city staff. The results have been summarized for each question that was asked for each of the strategic themes and key messages were identified. The summary of 6 5.b. - 16 community input can be found in Appendix B. Conclusions from the Your Kitchener, Your Say! campaign were then blended with the findings from the Environics survey to ensure consistency and completeness. The following list of strategic directions and community priorities completes the first phase of the strategic planning process, the Community Assessment, and represents the starting point for future work on the strategic plan. This information, along with the results of the environmental scan, will be essential input into to both the work of city staff and council in the spring of 2015 to set goals and strategies for the City of Kitchener 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. The community priorities for the next four years have been summarized into six strategic directions for the future, they are: I. GOVERNMENT - transparent, accountable and responsive government that genuinely engages citizens in dialogue and collaborates on key decisions. II. ECONOMY - resilient and prosperous local economy that provides a good standard of living for all citizens. III. ENVIRONMENT - ecologically sound environment with access to natural areas and integration of natural features into urban areas. IV. TRANSPORTATION - environmentally sustainable, safe and affordable options for getting around the city. V. DEVELOPMENT - distinctive, attractive, walkable development with a strong sense of place, mixed land use, compact urban areas and a range of housing choices. VI. NEIGHBOURHOODS - facilities, amenities, services, programs and initiatives that create quality life experiences, foster inclusion and community well-being. These strategic directions have been developed by Compass Kitchener to provide clear long-term strategic direction for the city that provide the context for the four year goals. They reflect the input received from the community through both the Environics survey and the Your Kitchener, Your Say! Community engagement campaign. Four of the six areas of focus are new for this term of Council, including: Government, Economy, Transportation, and Neighbourhoods, incorporating those areas citizens said should be a top priority for the next four years. All six strategic directions incorporate to some degree those areas previously listed as priorities but not specifically identified on this list, including: Quality of Life, Leadership and Community Engagement, Dynamic Downtown and Diversity. 7 5.b. - 17 Quality of life continues to be an important priority for citizens and Compass Kitchener recognizes that all of these strategic directions together contribute to the quality of life across the city and within individual neighbourhoods. The Government concept fully incorporates Leadership and community engagement principles and ties them in with accountability and transparency that have become important priorities for citizens. The development of a dynamic downtown is now recognized as an essential component of the economic vitality of the city, and priorities for the downtown are now part of that strategic direction. Diversity, like quality of life, is not separate from all of the other things the city does. The unique challenges and diverse needs of the many different people within the community must be taken into account in economic development as much as in neighbourhood services, and these priorities are included in multiple strategic directions for the future. The most important way for the city to identify and respond to the diversity in the community is through effective community engagement that specifically reaches out to different stakeholder groups for input and concerns. #1 GOVERNMENT - transparent, accountable and responsive government that genuinely engages citizens in dialogue and collaborates on key decisions. In the Environics survey, 74% of residents said that accountability should be a top priority. When asked what the city should focus on to be more accountable the most common response was to provide more information on city spending, explain why spending decisions are made and make the information easier to understand. Citizens want more open and transparent decision making and the city to be upfront about how decisions are made and provide the rationale for key decisions. Community engagement has always been a priority for the community. Over the next four years citizen want to see that the city is listening to their input and taking it into account before decisions are made. Citizens want to be assured that the city is using public resources prudently, reducing waste and improving efficiency on an ongoing basis. Typical comments on this theme include: “Transparency. We should be able to know where our money goes and how and why it goes there.” “Being more transparent in where money is spent, and what the priorities are.” “The City needs to develop a concrete accountability model. When residents give input at public meetings, this information needs to be collected, and answered to. The residents often have great ideas. … If you can't continue the engagement past a meeting, how is anyone going to be accountable for anything?” “Encourage the public to be part of decision making” “The community (at least my area) has totally lost faith. You really don’t want to hear our thoughts – we’re just complainers. If anyone reads online surveys they certainly don’t act. Open Houses are simply patronizing – anything said falls on deaf ears.” 8 5.b. - 18 “I don’t feel that open houses are a good means because the couple I have attended in the past didn’t seem to be open to what people say. They just seemed to want to tell us what was going to happen. I don’t get the Record so I don’t find out about them until the decisions are made. Questions like this and online surveys work best.” “The city website is unacceptable. It needs to be made more user friendly, as it seems to be the information portal of choice for the majority of the population.” “Speak in plain language, but give fulsome answers. If the city is spending money on something explain why. Don't just let complainers sabotage the conversation.” “Of course, public expenditures are to be made available to the public. These reports should show the exact amounts spent and any increase or decrease in expenditures from the previous years. If tax savings are realized, publicize it!!!” “Shock everyone by truly being more than honest about what it does. And remember that every question deserves an answer not just a form letter. If we screw-up we will fess up and say sorry.” “Infographics are much more accessible than sharing documents full of spreadsheets and figures, so while sharing the budget is fine, making that information relatable is key. Sharing it on social media would also be fantastic.” “When there is a new budget or major decision - SPAM, SPAM, SPAM!” “Be clear and upfront about all issues that affect the decision-making process.” “It should move towards an 'open data' model. We pay for everything, so we should know how much it costs.” “Make it easier for people to understand where the money goes every year, and demonstrate that we are getting value for our money”. “Adopt an attitude that openness is essential and mandatory. Secrecy, silence and evasiveness are confidence killers to the public.” “Listen to what members of the public are saying and act accordingly. People generally feel they have no voice and that many big budget decisions are made without adequate input.” Priorities for action in 2015-2018: Provide more information on city spending, explain why spending decisions 1. are made and communicate in a way that is easy to understand. Regularly communicate with the public on a pro-active basis to share information on city activities, services, issues, decisions and projects. Make it easier for citizens to navigate the city’s website to find information, make sure the information is accurate and up-to-date. Have more open and transparent decision making, explain how decisions are 2. made and the rational for key decisions. 9 5.b. - 19 Develop processes that ensure everyone can be engaged, represented and 3. respected in the city’s decision making. Consult with the community on important decisions. Hold regular consultation in all neighbourhoods to promote ongoing dialogue, build trust and learning. Reach out to those people who are less likely to speak out. Use a mix of approaches, including online surveys, forums and Q&A, as well as more traditional pen and paper and face-to-face methods. Show that the city is listening and taking what they hear into account. 4. Acknowledge input received from the public and explain how it influenced the decision at hand, or why it didn’t. Measure and evaluate performance, deliver on results, continuously improve. 5. Communicate regularly and effectively on performance, efficiencies, and service improvements. Be honest and open about issues that need to be addressed. Show that services are efficient and tax dollars are spent wisely. #2 ECONOMY - resilient and prosperous local economy that provides a good standard of living for all citizens. The results of the Environics survey show that 73% of citizens feel that economic development should be a top priority for the next four years. When asked what a healthy economy means, most people said an economy that is diverse, resilient and sustainable so that if jobs are lost, new ones are created and people impacted continue to have opportunities to use their skills in a comparable job in another company or industry. Citizens understand that the local economy is changing. They see the benefits of investing in growth industries, supporting entrepreneurs in creating innovative new business and small businesses. Citizens want to know that new jobs in the community pay a decent wage that provides for more than the necessities, working conditions that are safe and healthy and hours of work that allow for work/life balance. Youth, new graduates and new Canadians have a more difficult time entering the workforce. These citizens would like to see progress on breaking down the barriers and think the city should be a role model in this regard. Downtown is the focus of future economic development in the city and an important symbol of the overall prosperity of our community. Citizen appreciate the progress made in this area and highly value all of the events that make this city such an interesting place to live. The city has invested a lot into the downtown over the years and some people feel that the city should shift its focus to other parts of Kitchener. When asked “If the city could do one single thing related to improving the downtown, what would that be?”, many people want to see more interesting shops and services that would draw people from outside of the core. The cost and inconvenience of parking downtown is a disincentive for many people. The evidence of poverty and homelessness has a negative impact on the downtown experience for many people. Further, evidence of criminal activity as well as the behaviour of people with untreated alcoholism, addiction and mental health issues make people feel unsafe. 10 5.b. - 20 Typical comments on this theme include: “In a healthy economy - everyone works GOOD jobs, can pay their way and stay out of poverty. In a city as abundant financially as Kitchener, anyone can work anywhere. There is no excuse for poverty” “Jobs for all people, and systems in place to support those people who cannot provide for themselves or are marginalized.” “A diversified economy that can withstand shock and change.” “Healthy jobs too. Time off, workplace safety, good jobs that are secure, environmentally friendly jobs. Support the green economy.” “Support start-ups and the growing trend of tech companies. Offer resources for entrepreneurs (and promote those resources).” “Encouraging a vibrant cultural scene, affordable housing options and attracting new business. Form Partnerships with the universities, Communitech and Creative Enterprise. More great restaurants needed!” [Downtown is] “on the right track, less tattoo parlours would be nice. Diverse niche shops, live music scene, the arts.” “It sounds awful, but less poverty in the core - but I don't know how you would fix that. It may mean a focus of community support funds to get homeless people more mental support.” “I would like to attend evening functions & then walk home alone via King St. An increased police presence in the evening would be appreciated. One sees them during the day (non-intimidating..just doing their rounds). I would like to see the same presence at night. It would be reassuring. Also, better lighting on Queen St. (from KPL to Ellen St.) - a bit eerie walking alone past park at night.” “More greenery, music outside stores, painting sidewalks, murals.” “There is a lack of interest in fixing the downtown streetscape (example – moveable bollards are damaged). People are more likely to practice good behaviour in a physical environment that is clean and well maintained.” “Events like summer lights festival were a great example of bringing the streets back to citizens & exposing small business arts & entertainment to citizens. I believe more annual/semi-annual & large events should be held. After 8pm is a great time to engage all demographics.” “Continue to green the downtown core, encourage more trees, flowers, upgrade store fronts to make them more inviting. Give us a space where we want to come down and walk the streets, pop in and out of shops etc.” “Homelessness is a problem in this town. People keep saying it and the public has been posting this in the Facebook comments. From my perspective, Kitchener City Hall has no plans to address and seems to not want to bring up the subject.” 11 5.b. - 21 “Think more creatively about how to make everyone feel welcome downtown (homeless included).” Priorities for action in 2015-2018: Cultivate a local economy that is diverse and resilient. 6. When someone loses their job they should be able to find another one before too long. Support small business, entrepreneurs in creating innovative new businesses and attract new investment in growth industries. Develop a strong brand and follow through on effective marketing of the city’s strengths to attract new employers and keep the talent here. Invest in quality of life amenities to ensure Kitchener is an attractive place to live, not just a good place to find a job. Support the development of an employment base that fully engages the 7. local workforce in jobs where citizens can use their skills and experience. Break down the barriers and develop job opportunities for youth, new graduates and new immigrants. The City should be a role model in these areas, putting programs in place to help people overcome the barriers to entry into the workplace. Attract local businesses and industries that offer decent pay for reasonable 8. hours of work, and are both environmentally and socially responsible. A good standard of living should be affordable and citizens should have adequate income to contribute to support the less fortunate. Attract businesses and industries that are not only socially and environmentally responsible in the way they operate, but offer goods and services that contribute to a healthier community and more active and fulfilling lifestyles. Increase the number of people that live downtown, bring more people into 9. the downtown on weekends and in the evenings and generate more activity on the streets. Continue to improve the streetscape and storefronts, keep it clean and well maintained and introduce more trees, greenery, flowers, murals and music. Attract a better selection of shops and services that are appealing to people throughout the city and make it worth it to make the special trip downtown. Offer more affordable parking downtown and better parking signage. Improve lighting so people feel safe walking alone at night. Work with other orders of government and community agencies to 10. influence policy and resource allocation decisions that reduce the number of people that are homeless and living in poverty in the city. Focus on community support. Think more creatively about how to make everyone feel welcome and safe downtown, including the homeless. 12 5.b. - 22 #3 ENVIRONMENT - ecologically sound environment with access to natural areas and integration of natural features into urban areas. The environment has been a community priority for many years and the most recent Environics survey shows that 70% of residents feel that the environment should continue to be a top priority for the next term of council. When asked “If the city could do one single thing related to the environment in the next four years, what should that be?”The most common response related to planting more trees to increase the city’s tree canopy and maintain or replace existing trees. 93% of citizens said that it is very important to have healthy, mature trees throughout the city. Of the seven areas of focus in the City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for the Environment, the one area most people said they would like the city to focus on was natural heritage system, recreational amenity areas and the urban forest. 84% of residents say that preserving Kitchener’s natural areas should be a top priority, with a strong focus on growth management and intensification. Encouraging clean and green transportation alternatives to improve air quality and mitigate climate change impacts of CO2 emissions. Many citizens would like to see the city implement more green energy initiatives like the solar roof on the Kitchener Operations Facility, and support for community gardens and local food production. Typical comments on this theme include: “Protect existing trees and plant more, with an eye to trees that will withstand climate changes.” “One single thing, manage growth and intensify, this will benefit all ends, increase efficiency, improve sustainable transportation options, minimize our environmental footprint, and provide an example for other cities around us and around the world to follow.” “Community gardens should be focused on more heavily; creating large public green spaces for parkland or community gardens should be relatively cheaper and easier than other initiatives.” “Solar panels on the roofs of public buildings are a great idea. I would keep doing that. Also, more trees and natural spaces within new developments would be good. Too often new developments clear cut an area and leave little room for nature.” Continue to be a bold leader in trying green technologies and sharing openly the success (or failure). I love what the city has been doing!” “Stricter laws and enforcement on littering and implementing better contamination prevention as best as possible, although for our natural areas to stay beautiful everyone needs to work together to make it work!” “I think the city is doing a great job in taking care of our natural areas.” “I would say 'encourage the community in the stewardship of natural areas', but worry that this might be interpreted as saying the city's role should be reduced, which is not what I mean.” 13 5.b. - 23 “Very important [to have a healthy mature tree canopy throughout the city]. We need to protect them and plant more. Look at new subdivisions and they have few to no matter trees. Trees provide shade help reduce the need to run A/C. Help clean the air. Etc.” “Keep supporting the LRT & other mass transit initiatives. Too many people drive to work - it's shameful how much pollution they are creating.” “More public transit options, better bike lanes (perhaps separate from the road). For instance, when we want to use bikes as a mode of transportation, it is difficult to have my young daughter ride on the road. it would be nice to be able to use this other transport mechanisms on safer bike lanes.” “Trails should be serviced, made safe with lighting (solar lighting?), they should be well marked and residents should have maps of trails that are easily accessible.” Priorities for action in 2015-2018: Develop and implement an effective natural area conservation program; 11. reintroduce, enhance and maintain the natural environment in the urban area; and promote a culture of stewardship throughout the community and with all of our partners. Provide more trails and educational signage so that citizens can use and enjoy them, leaving them largely untouched. Increase four season access to trails and natural areas. Plant more trees on city streets and in parks and open spaces to increase the 12. city’s tree canopy and maintain and/or replace existing trees. Ensure a healthy mature urban forest that can withstand the stress of extreme weather events. Introduce green energy initiatives and reduce the environmental footprint of 13. city operations. Develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies to better prepare the city for the increase in extreme weather and potential flooding due to climate change. Increase the number of community gardens and support local food 14. production. #4 TRANSPORTATION - environmentally sustainable, safe and affordable options for getting around the city. In the Environics Survey, 55% of residents say that transportation should be a top priority for the city in the next four years. 69% of residents feel that road maintenance and paving should be a top priority for transportation as well as improving road safety. Deteriorating road conditions surfaced frequently as a concern for those consulted, even when the question was on an unrelated topic. Driver behaviour is seen as the primary contributor to unsafe road conditions. The focus on environmental sustainability is reinforced when citizens talk about transportation. Getting people out of their cars and using public transit is important to many people. When asked ”If the 14 5.b. - 24 city could do one single thing related to improving how we get around the city, what should that be?”, promoting sustainable modes of transportation and creating opportunities that support different travel choices was mentioned by the most people. There is strong support for improving the cycling infrastructure throughout the city, and concern about the safety of cyclists on the road in mixed traffic. Citizens that rely on transit to get around would like to see improvements in the frequency of service, particularly in newer parts of the city and after hours. Typical comments on this theme include: “More red-light cameras and safety zones around schools, hospitals public buildings. Also strict enforcement of the highway traffic act and proactive bylaw enforcement not reactive.” “Repairing and upgrading infrastructure is to be a primary objective. Potholes, unsafe curbs and crumbling sidewalks are not acceptable. If the City can’t look after essential city services, they have failed in the most fundamental duty to their citizens.” “Advocate for areas that are poorly served by GRT. Most people don't consider the bus because of cost and time. If there are efficiencies taking the bus from anywhere as opposed to driving, people will use it.” “Need more sidewalks to encourage transit use - so people can get to their stops safely and continue their journey as a pedestrian once they get off!” “Making streets for walking. Improve lighting levels of commercial areas such as downtown and around Centre in the Square.” “Better and more bike lanes - keep them consistent and clear of debris and actually enforce people (cyclists and vehicles) that aren't following the rules.” “Allocate funds to implement approved Cycling Master Plan!” “In Europe and some other North American cities, bike lanes are separate from road infrastructure and divided from them. Sometimes by just a small raised section on the road between the bike lane and roadway. This seems to work very well as often drivers do not make room for cyclists and cyclists can drift way into the road, making passing difficult. So segregated bike lanes is my suggestion.” “Maintain trails and parks to encourage people to want to use them, lighting. Regular visits by Bylaw & Police on bikes.” “It is a very long walk in city heat and winter cold from Farmer Market to Bus station. Little shade and places to sit when needed. Pedestrian crossings region wide are person vs vehicle as drivers are distracted by music, rushing to get home, can't see past signs so pulling out to block sidewalks. Winter...snow removal and salting. Tired of falling. Tired of trudging through sidewalks full of snow.” “It is essential that if you want to be a pedestrian in Kitchener that your will is in order. Kitchener is an unsafe city to be a pedestrian in. Drivers are not accommodating to a pedestrian culture. On the positive side, my sprinting abilities have improved significantly so that I can safely get across a crosswalk!” 15 5.b. - 25 “Slowly evolve the city from a car dependent place to a mixed transportation place by removing emphasis on bigger faster moving roads. Those that are necessary should have timed traffic light sequences to move traffic well, but alternative thoroughfares should provide direct options for cyclists to travel the city without having to sacrifice directness and increase the danger factor. I would love to cycle more, but Kitchener is too scary a place for cyclists to do so.” “More traffic calming on side streets. As the city is growing the side streets are getting busier as a means to avoid large intersections. As a result the streets are becoming less safe with more traffic and speeding.” Priorities for action in 2015-2018: Improve the condition of the city’s roads and sidewalks. 15.Fix potholes promptly so they don’t become a serious safety hazard. Provide more sidewalks and ensure prompt snow removal in the winter. Implement policies, programs, services and products that reduce the use 16. of single occupancy vehicle travel, develop and encourage the use of clean and green transportation options, and increase the use of active transportation modes such as biking and walking. Develop more safe and comfortable bikeways that offer riders an array of 17. route choices and reduce potential conflicts between people cycling and people driving. Increase the number of bike lanes on city streets. Consider physical separation or barriers between bike lanes and the rest of the road. Provide a clean, safe and interesting environment for pedestrians. Work collaboratively with community partners to better manage and 18. enforce safe driving behaviour. Address problems with speeding, aggressive and careless driving. Provide more education to drivers on how to use roundabouts and safety rules when cyclists are on the road. Advocate for policy and resource allocation decisions at the Region of 19. Waterloo and other orders of government that improve the quality, availability and affordability of transit service. #5 DEVELOPMENT - distinctive, attractive, walkable development with a strong sense of place, mixed land use, compact urban areas and a range of housing choices. In the Environics survey 49% of residents said that growth management and development should be a top priority for the city during the next four years. The concern for environmental sustainability shows up in citizens’ input on growth management too. Most people expressed concern about urban sprawl noting the environmental consequences, the waste of land and the long-term impact on the structure of the city. When asked “What should the city pay attention to in order to manage growth and development in the city?” most people mentioned intensification 16 5.b. - 26 and increasing the range of housing options that support different lifestyles and income levels. 56% of residents say that providing opportunities to participate in the planning process should be a top priority for the next term of council. Many feel that the city could improve the way community engagement opportunities are communicated, and would like to see the city use a variety of different approaches to engage the public on planning decisions. Citizens are unsatisfied with the current approach to community engagement on planning issues because they feel that they are only being informed and not genuinely consulted before key decisions are made. Typical comments on this theme include: “Make sure that development is not just more suburban mazes with no amenities. Continue to focus on infill and densification rather than sprawl.” “Strongly limit sprawl of developers, focus on urban intensification; Preservation and re-use of heritage buildings and places.” “New growth isn't bad, but it needs to be planned out well and with transportation, environment, transit, schools, shopping, leisure and natural areas in mind. Suburban communities need some more density such as low rise apartments or brownstones. Also we need to create more apartments in Downtown and along the light rail route. Right now a lot of condos are being built, but new rental builds and low income housing is not. Light rail will raise property values and I fear low income families will be driven out of areas it services.” “Development should be quality infill that creates a sense of place. We don't want to become 'anyplace North America' through the development of soul-less, cookie cutter big-box development. A focus on mid-rise mixed use development, particularly at neighbourhood nodes is vital to future proofing Kitchener socially, economically and environmentally.” “Advertise in a variety of ways to those in the affected neighbourhood...via email, notices, mobile signs, radio announcements etc. With a lot of notice so people can plan to attend. Ways to provide feedback if they cannot attend.” “Make opportunities to get involved known through social media.” “Provide easy access to planning meetings. This means more posters & billboards around neighbourhoods, especially around important entrances/exits. Online discussion boards & feedback - make lives easier & increase meaningful participation.” “More local info sessions. On-line surveys. Go door to door if needed together imput. People want to have say, but live very busy lives and cannot always make the one or two info sessions.” “I don't even know my ways to get involved now! I tried to go to a planning board meeting once, only to find that the website was so confusing I showed up at the wrong time (or it just started late?) there was no way to follow along with the agenda 17 5.b. - 27 (was there even an agenda?) and no one seemed concerned with how much time was passing - I don't have that kind of time to burn on a daily basis! I would love to be engaged on issues I care about, but I just don't see how that is possible for the average citizen. I'm also not a citizen (but lived here for 3 years and want to stay!) so voting is not an option :(.” “The City needs a standardized input system to answer resident complaints and ideas. This system needs to give direct answers to questions and input. The resident needs to get a result of their idea.” “Talk to people. Stop open houses where we are told what has already been decided. Have City officials tour neighbourhoods to get grass roots input.” Priorities for action in 2015-2018: Manage growth, curb urban sprawl, and foster more mixed-use 20. development, intensification and transit friendly neighbourhoods . Work with other orders of government, community agencies and 21. developers to develop/influence policy and resource allocation decisions that will increase the range of housing options in the city that support different lifestyles and income levels. Effectively engage neighbourhoods in the design and approval of infill 22. development to ensure it is well integrated within the surrounding neighbourhood. Improve the way opportunities to participate in the planning process are 23. communicated, engage the community in more effective ways using multiple methods to gather input, and explain to people how their input made a difference. #6 NEIGHBOURHOODS - facilities, amenities, services, programs and initiatives that create quality of life, foster inclusion and community well-being. Kitchener citizens want to live in neighbourhoods that are clean, safe and well cared for. Public spaces, such as neighbourhood parks, gardens, playgrounds and trails contribute to the overall quality of life for citizens and promote community interaction and identity, but they need to be safe and welcoming if people are going to use them. The importance of trees and the integration of natural features into neighbourhoods is clear. Neighbourhood amenities, such as pools and splash pads are mentioned frequently, and citizens expect that the city will assess the needs of individual neighbourhoods and provide amenities that meet those needs. Neighbourhood associations were identified as important facilitators of community development within neighbourhoods. Citizens would like to see more neighbourhood events and initiatives that encourage people to interact with their neighbours. People that live in the downtown neighbourhoods would like to see more “neighbourhood 18 5.b. - 28 stores and services” like a grocery store and a hardware store. Further, the behaviour and associated activities of people with untreated alcoholism, addiction and mental health issues make people feel unsafe. This is of particular concern to people who live in the downtown neighbourhoods. Most citizens understand the challenges associated with addressing these issues, and people are divided on the necessary action required to see change. However, there are strong sentiments in the community that the city should make a commitment to reducing the prevalence of these issues in the city. Typical comments on this theme include: “Children are our future, and the city should be putting energy to this end. Important to offer free or reasonably priced options for children’s workshops, splash pads, events, etc.” “Share info on events and offerings with residents more effective. Communications is key, and finding better ways to communicate is very important.” “More adult activities close to home- pair up with local businesses in a sponsorship role for local activities, such as a fundraising BBQ.” “More Jane’s walks, more doors open events, more neighbour hood cleanup days, a budget for street parties, like the Dejay street party.” “Ensure new developments have the amenities which create neighbourhood, like parks and stores and libraries and schools.” “Safety in parks and public spaces – swift removal of inappropriate waste ie. needles, etc. Large parks seem to be kept fairly clean, however this is not the case in smaller parks. Garbage containers could also assist with this. Lighting in parks would also make them feel safer.” “I haven’t walked after dark in my neighbourhood for years. Perhaps better lighting but some kind of program like "neighbourhood watch" is better. No sense knocking on a door for help if the people on the other side are afraid to open it.” “Provide more areas where people can sit & rest or relax. Parks of Victoria Park are unusable because of all the goose droppings.” “All 3 main community centres, Breithaupt, Downtown, Rockway, are all out dated (realize that Rockway is due for upgrades). Auditorium complex with walking track and more multi-purpose.” “Make it more attractive for residents to walk or bicycle in their neighbours so that they get out of their cars and houses. Do this by more paths, more parks, more trees, etc.” “Increasing promotion of rain barrel use, gardening, recycling & composting. Community gardens could bring together a small neighbourhood without lost cost - especially if the food is sold.” “Drug use, vandalism, domestics and squatting is more important to reduce before all the other listed points.” 19 5.b. - 29 “Visible police walking the streets during peak dinner and bar hours. Better security at and around city buildings (garages especially). Patrols down alleys directly around downtown area, really focused around local retailers and restaurants. Also, creating safe walking zones that connect local walkable neighbourhoods (i.e. Aud neighbourhood).” “More people living downtown, assist those who have mental health issues, ensure adequate enforcement. “Safety - I often need to plan how I'm going to get safely back to my car after dinner out downtown.” Stress that there is a strong political will to make and keep neighbourhoods safe. Citizens must feel that their concerns about their neighbourhoods will be a priority. Priorities for action in 2015-2018: Keep city facilities well maintained, accessible to all, clean and safe. 24. When new facilities are planned or existing ones are renovated, ensure they are multifunctional and designed to encourage social interaction and inclusion. Facilities should be open, welcoming and accessible to all. Keep our trees, parks, playgrounds and trails clean, safe, and well 25. maintained and add more neighbourhood amenities where possible. Make progress on the Kitchener South District Park. Facilitate and promote low or no cost neighbourhood events and initiatives 26. that encourage inclusion, fellowship and neighbourhood identity . Recognize and celebrate the diversity within the community. Provide programs that are affordable and allow everyone to be engaged. Consider partnering with other organizations. Focus on recreation programs for children as a top priority. Improve the enforcement of city by-laws, particularly property maintenance 27. standards. Advocate for the Region, the Police and community support agencies to 28. address neighbourhood safety concerns and put measures in place that reduce criminal activity and aggressive, intimidating or disrespectful public behaviour throughout the city and particularly downtown. Show people that downtown Kitchener is a safe place.Improve lighting in specific areas of the downtown that seem unsafe and eerie at night. NEXT STEPS The community priorities and strategic direction included in this report represent the completion of the first phase of the strategic planning process for the next term of City Council. They will guide City Council and staff as they make decisions on goals and strategic actions that will respond to citizen concerns and make progress in areas 20 5.b. - 30 highly valued by the community. With limited resources, the city cannot do everything. Understanding the priorities of the community will help the city decide where to focus public resources based on those things that will make the most difference to the overall quality of life for citizens. Over the next four to six months city staff, with council input, will review these community priorities and strategic direction and develop options for moving forward. Consideration will be given to the following factors: Existing plans and strategies that will deliver on citizen expectations when fully implemented; Ideas and options being used by other cities to address similar priorities; Action required to address pressures and challenges associated with changes in the operating environment; Financial and other resource constraints that may limit options for the future or the pace at which options can be implemented; New ways of using existing resources to deliver expected results; Options to work collaboratively with community partners to achieve results; Innovative new ideas for responding to the needs of the community. Following the election this fall, the members of City Council will also be engaged in the process of identifying potential goals and possible strategies to achieve those goals over the next four years. A report will be presented to council and the public in the spring of 2015 that recommends high level strategic goals for the organization and supporting action strategies that respond to the community priorities and strategic directions as identified in this report. The community will be asked for feedback on those options before Council makes a decision on the final City of Kitchener Strategic Plan for 2015-2018 in June of next year. Compass Kitchener will continue to provide guidance and feedback to the process as it unfolds over the next nine months to ensure that this work continues to remain focused on the priorities of the community. The City’s Strategic Plan represents the single comprehensive strategy that guides and aligns the city’s work and spending with the community’s priorities and vision for the future. Once approved, the work of all city staff will be aligned to the achievement of the strategic goals and monitor progress to plan every four months through the business planning process. In keeping with the mandate of the Compass Kitchener advisory committee, results will be monitored and the city’s progress on strategic goals will be reported to the public. Members of Compass Kitchener, and citizens in general, are looking forward to seeing the city respond to these priorities, setting clear goals and taking action to make Kitchener a more satisfying place to live. 21 5.b. - 31 Your Kitchener, Your Say! AppendixA:Community EngagementActivities 5.b. - 32 Promotion of Engagement Opportunities DATEEvent th 1.April14StrategySessionwithCouncilPublicMeeting th 2.April16RecordArticle Stepback,councillorstold,andletcitizenshavesay th 3.April25AdvertisementinthePost th 4.April25Websitelaunched,includingonlineWorkbook&ThemedSurveys th 5.April26OpenHouseattheKitchenerMarket th 6.April28EmailtoallCityEmployeestojointheconversation stth 7.April29toMay1Dropped500InvitationstoMay6workshopinneighbourhoodmailboxes th 8.April30CouncillorsinvitedtoreachouttotheirnetworkdistributeWorkshopeinvitations st 9.May1Interviewwith570NewstopromoteYKYS st 10.May1MediaRelease Kitchenerresidents:{wÝ;youräg| stthth 11.May1toMay5Dropped500InvitationstoMay7workshopinneighbourhoodmailboxes st 12.May1WindowStickers,Posters,BrochuresandWorkbooksdistributedtoCityHall, CommunityCentres,Arenas,poolsandGolfCourses nd 13.May2CommunityWorkshopsaddedtotheKitchenerEventsCalendar ArticleinExchangeMagazine Kitchenerresidents:{wÝ;youräg| nd 14.May2 rd 15.May3OpenHouseattheKitchenerMarket rd 16.May350OnbusadvertisementsonGrandRiverTransit rd 17.May3FacebookandTwitteradsPostsonFacebookeverysecondday rd 18.May3KitchenerRecordAdvertisement rd 19.May3PromotionofYKYSImmigrationWaterlooRegionWebsite rdthth 20.May3toMay5Dropped500InvitationstoMay8workshopinneighbourhoodmailboxes ththth 21.May5Radioadson570andCHYMFMbetweenMay5&May30 th 22.May6OpenHouseatCountryHillsCommunityCentre th 23.May7OpenHouseatStanleyParkCommunityCentre th 24.May8OpenHouseatCentervilleChicopeeCommunityCentre th 25.May8KitchenerCitizenAdvertisement 1 5.b. - 33 th KitchenerPostAdvertisement 26.May9 th 27.May10KitchenerWaterlooRecordAdvertisement th 28.May10OpenHouseattheKitchenerMarket th 29.May13OpenHouseatForestHeightsLibrary th 30.May14OpenHouseatBreithauptCommunityCentre th 31.May15OpenHouseatWaterlooRegionalMuseum th 32.May16RadioInterviewswith570News th 33.May20RadioInterviewwithCBC th 34.May20NewspaperInterviewswiththeKitchenerPostandKWRecord th 35.May20PresentationtotheStanleyParkNeighbourhoodAssociationandpromotionofYKYS nd 36.May22ArticleintheKitchenerPostHaveyoursayonthefutureofKitchener th 37.May26ArticleintheRecord Downtownsafety,parkingtopprioritiesinKitchenersurvey th 38.May29OpenHouseattheConcordiaClub th 39.May30RelaunchoftheYKYSWebsitewitheasieraccesstoengagementoptions th 40.June5ArticleinKitchenerCitizenKitchenerResidents:{wÝ;youräg| 41.OngoingBookmarks,TShirts,Buttons,Magnets&YKYScookies 2 5.b. - 34 YKYS Workshops and Outreach Activities DATEEvent th 1.May6CommunityWorkshopatCountryHillsCommunityCentre(CANCELLED) th 2.May7CommunityWorkshopatStanleyParkCommunityCentre th 3.May8CommunityWorkshopatCentervilleChicopeeCommunityCentre(CANCELLED) th 4.May13CommunityWorkshopatForestHeightsLibrary(CANCELLED) th 5.May14CommunityWorkshopatBreithauptCommunityCentre th 6.May15CommunityworkshopatWaterlooRegionalMuseum(CANCELLED) st 7.May21CompassKitchenerAllCommitteesGatheringYKYSWorkshop th 8.May29CommunityworkshopattheConcordiaClub st 9.May31CommunityworkshopattheKitchenerMarket(CANCELLED) st 10.June1OutreachattheKitchenerBikefestCivicSquare th 11.June5Distributed100WorkbookstoCommunitySupportConnections th 12.June5WorkshopatCountryHillsCommunityCentreEZDoesitSeniorsFitness th 13.June7OutreachatTriPrideinCivicSquare th 14.June8OutreachatHenrySturmGreenFestival th 15.June10OutreachatDoonValleyGolfCourse th 16.June10YouthWorkshopafterBaseballCountryHillsCommunityCentre th 17.June11OutreachatWilliamsburgCommunityCentre th 18.June12WorkshopattheMulticulturalCentre th 19.June12OutreachatRockwaySeniorsCentre th 20.June12OutreachatWilliamsburgCommunityCentre th 21.June14OutreachatHuronNaturalArea th 22.June16OutreachatOurPlaceEarlyYearsCentre th 23.June17OutreachatCentralFredrickNeighbourhoodAssociationAGM th 24.June18WorkshopatOurPlaceEarlyYearsCentre st 25.June21OutreachatMulticulturalFestivalVictoriaPark st 26.June21OutreachatFestivalofSummerLights 3 5.b. - 35 nd OutreachatMulticulturalFestivalVictoriaPark 27.June22 th 28.June25WorkshopfortheEconomicDevelopmentAdvisoryCommittee 4 5.b. - 36 Distribution of Participation by Ward 7% 17% 9% 18% 13% 7% 8% 6% 8% 7% 5 5.b. - 37 Your Kitchener, Your Say! AppendixB: SummaryofCommunityInputby Question 5.b. - 38 Accountability and Good Governance Q1.Overthenextfouryears,whatdoyouthinkisthemostimportantareafor theCitytofocusontobemoreaccountable? 1.Measureandevaluateperformance,deliveronresults,continuouslyimprove,showthat servicesareefficientandthattaxdollarsarespentwisely. {!--Ò·,zz·äandgooduseofresourcestobetterourCitywithavisionthatislong·;©| {/z7;©reducingtheneedlessduplicationofgoverningbodiesandmunicipal;©Ýz-;| 2.Providemoreinformationoncityspending,explainwhyspendingdecisionsaremade andcommunicateinawaythattheaveragecitizencanunderstand. {Transparency.Weshouldbeabletoknowwhereourmoneygoesandhowandwhyitgoes ·w;©;u| {.;zmmoretransparentinwheremoneyisspent,andwhatthepriorities©;u| 3.Consultwiththecommunityonimportantdecisionsandshowthatthecityistakingthat inputintoaccount. {TheCityneedstodevelopaconcreteaccountabilitymodel.Whenresidentsgiveinputat publicmeetings,thisinformationneedstobecollected,andansweredto.Theresidents oftenhavegreatideas.vIfyoucan'tcontinuetheengagementpastameeting,howis anyonegoingtobeaccountableforä·wzmj| {9-Ò©m;thepublictobepartofdecisionzm| 4.Havemoreopenandtransparentdecisionmaking,explainhowdecisionsaremadeand therationaleforkeydecisions. {Cz7zmwaystobemoreopenindecisionmakingwouldbegreat.RightnowIdon'tthink it'sverycleartopeoplehowdecisionsare7;u| {a;iteasiertofindinformationonthecitywebsiteaboutwhatthecityisdoingespecially atkeydecisionmakingpointslikewhensomethingisgoingtoaCouncilCommitteesothat peoplecangetinvolvedindecisionmakingwithoutneedingtounderstandtheinner workingsofthe-z·äu| 1 5.b. - 39 Q2.HowcouldtheCityprovidemorewaysforyoutoaskquestionsandshare yourthoughts? 1.ShowthattheCityislisteningandtakingwhattheyhearintoaccount. {w;community(atleastmyarea)hastotallylostfaith.Youreally7x·wanttohearour thoughtsÞ;x©;justcomplainers.Ifanyonereadsonlinesurveystheycertainly7x·act. OpenHousesaresimplypatronizinganythingsaidfallsondeaf;©u| {L7x·feelthatopenhousesareagoodmeansbecausethecoupleIhaveattendedinthe past7z7x·seemtobeopentowhatpeoplesay.Theyjustseemedtowanttotelluswhat wasgoingtohappen.I7x·gettheRecordsoI7x·findoutaboutthemuntilthe decisionsaremade.Questionslikethisandonlinesurveyswork,;·u| 2.Continuetouseonlinesurveysshortisbest.Usesocialmediatogenerateawareness ofopportunities,introduceonlineQ&Aanddiscussionforumsorblogsthatareward specificorneighbourhoodfocused. {C©me,onlinesurveysareaveryaccessibletooltoprovidefeedback.Thisisalsoacost effectiveoption.OnethingIreallylikeabouttheYourKitchener,YourSaysurveyisthe presenceatfestivalsandeventsincombinationwithanoptiontofilloutthesurveyz;u| {!blogthattalksabouttheinnerworkingofthecitywouldbem©;·g| {{;·upanelectronicforumdivided(bywardorneighbourhood)forresidentstodebate highlylocalissues.Eachneighbourhoodcouldhaveanynumberofsubtopics.Use wonderfulwaterloo.comasanexampleofhealthydebate.Wenaturallyseekoutthose opinionsthatagreewithourown,butitisgoodtoseeandhearadiversityofviewsina healthyandconstructiveÞäu| Continuetoofferoptionsforfacetofaceengagementandfindwaystohearfrom 3. peoplewhoareleastlikelytospeakout.Openhousesaregood,holdtownhallsand regularconsultationeventsatCityHallandwithinneighbourhoodsforongoing dialogue,buildingtrustandlearning. {azmw·benicetohavedropinhoursatCityhalltoaskquestionsorgive¦zzu| {tÒ,z-halltypemeetingswithcouncillorannuallyincommunitycentreswithineachÞ©7| {t;¦;needtofeelliketheyhaveenoughinformationinordertomakeinformed mationandan suggestions.Engagepeopleinalongerprocessthatprovidesinfor opportunityforsharedlearningaswellastrustbuildingbeforeyouaskfortheirz¦Ò·u| 2 5.b. - 40 Q3.Whatcouldthecitydotoprovidemoreinformationabouthowitworks andoperates? 1.Makeiteasierforcitizenstonavigatethe-z·äxwebsitetofindinformation,provide moreinformation,particularlyonspending,makesuretheinformationisaccurate, timelyanduptodate. {w;citywebsiteisunacceptable.Itneedstobemademoreuserfriendly,asitseemstobe theinformationportalofchoiceforthemajorityofthe¦¦Ò·zu| {w;websiteisveryoutofdateandoutoftouch,noteasytonavigate,unintuitive.That wouldbeoneareatoad7©;u| {D©;·;©Transparency.Showmoneyandwhereitgoeseachmonth.Online.Showdecision making·©zãu| {{¦;inplainlanguage,butgivefulsomeanswers.Ifthecityisspendingmoneyon somethingexplainwhy.Don'tjustletcomplainerssabotagethe-Ý;©·zu| 2.Regularlycommunicatewiththepubliconaproactivebasistoshareinformationoncity activities,servicesandprojects. {{;·wzmlikethe{w;mzb;Þ|butwithacityfocus.Iliketheinformationthe{b;Þ| ¦©Ýz7;u| {h¦;houses.QandAwithcounciloutsideofthenormalcouncilmeetings.Ensure councillorsrespondtoall;zu| {LamfollowingtheRockwayFeasibilityStudyandwehaven'theardaboutprogressfindinga privatepartnerfortoolong.IshouldbeabletologintoCofKwebsiteandeasilyfindalink bytypingin'RockwayFeasibilityStudy'withlatest;Þu| 3.Provideeducationresourcesforcitizenstobuildawarenessandunderstanding {D©;·question.Woulditbepossibletoofferfreecivicscoursesfor©;z7;·j| {b·much,thisisprettywelldone.Makeitmandatoryforhighschoolstudentstoattendon council;;·zmj| {zÒmapofflowofcommittees,functions,anddecisionzm| Q4.WhatcouldtheCitydotoshowthattaxdollarsarebeingspent responsibly? 1.Providemoreinformationtothepubliconwherethemoneygoes. {hEcourse,publicexpendituresaretobemadeavailabletothepublic.Thesereports shouldshowtheexactamountsspentandanyincreaseordecreaseinexpendituresfrom thepreviousyears.Iftaxsavingsarerealized,publicizez·ggg| 3 5.b. - 41 {IÝ;aliveupdatingsummarywebpageofspendingfortheyear.Startwithbroad categoriesandallowuserstoexpandeachcategoryintosubcategoriesandtheninto specificprojects.Showthedollaramountsandpercentageoftotal,Ò7m;·u| 2.Communicatebudgetandspendinginformationinsimplelanguage. {LEm©¦wz-aremuchmoreaccessiblethansharingdocumentsfullofspreadsheetsand figures,sowhilesharingthebudgetisfine,makingthatinformationrelatableiskey.Sharing itonsocialmediawouldalsobeE··z-u| {{wÞcostperresidentwithcomparator/z·z;u| 3.Beaccountableforhowpublicfundsarespentandtheresultsthatareachieved showingthecommunitybenefitswithinthecontextofbigpicturestrategiclongterm goals. {I7citymanagersanddepartmentstrulyaccountablefortheservicestheyprovideandthe budgets.Anyprivatecompanydoesthis.AndasIhavesaidinthepast,allservicesshould haveasunshine-Ò;u| {{wÞstats:jobs,whatkindofjobs,aretheyallminimumwage?Whatisour environmentalfootprint,areweleadersorslackersintermsofsustainability?Arewe recycling,composting,andharvestingrainwater?Whatisthehomelessorpovertyrate?Are weimprovingqualityoflifemarkersforthepeopleatbottomoftheeconomic77;©j| {v,;abletoexplainthelinkagesbetweendecisions.Ifpeopleinthesuburbsdon'tlike moneybeingspentinthedowntowncore,demonstratehowithashelpedtheentirecity,the economyandwhatthecityhasbeenabletoleveragewiththeinitialzÝ;·;·u| Q5.Howcanthecityreportonperformance? 1.Establishperformancemeasuresandmonitorresults. {{··gAndmoredetailsifwewanttolookthat-;u| {;needtohavesomesortofmeasurableandquantifiablebenchmarksthatmakesenseto theaveragepersonandcanbecomparedover·z;u| {5;·;©z;appropriatemetrics&showhowclosetothetargetinkeyareasyou©;| 2.Implementwaystoencouragecontinuousimprovementandinnovation {aboutlessonslearnedmaybewherethingsdidn'tgoasexpectedandhowit/theywill beaddressedinEÒ·Ò©;u| {{·©;linecityoperations,reduce-·u| {LthinkyoushoulddoacommunityWellbeingsurveyevery3yearsorsomeothershared measurementsystem.Thiswillenableyoutomonitorprogressovertimeanddobetter evidencebased¦zmu| 4 5.b. - 42 3.Communicateregularlyandeffectivelyonperformance,efficienciesandservice improvements {!annualdashboardthatreportsongoalsvs.©;Ò·u| {C©;¨Ò;·(biweekly,monthly,whathaveyou)blogpostsorsomethingsimilar(online and/orinprint,perhapsthroughtheKWRecordorotherpopularmediumratherthansimply thecitywebsite)thatallowthecitytocommunicateitsrecentperformance,progress,future goals,andplanstoachievethosegoalswouldbeagreatwayforthepublicto;mm;u| {{wÞyearoveryearchanges,openthebooksandputitinpapers,online,etc.Golooking forwaystocommunicateitratherthanwaitfornewsreports;·-u| Q6.Ifthecitycoulddoonesinglethingtoimproveitsaccountabilitytothe public,whatwouldthatbe? Havemoreopenandtransparentdecisionmaking,beupfrontabouthowdecisionsare 1. madeandtherationaleforkeydecisions. {a©;openness&holdpeopleaccountablefortheirmistakesandbad7;-zzu| {9ã¦zresultsinawaythatdoesn'tmakeitsoundasifsomeonewasrunningforre ;;-·zu| {w;thereisanewbudgetormajordecisionSPAM,SPAM,{t!ag| {.;clearandupfrontaboutallissuesthataffectthedecisionmaking¦©-;u| 2.Providemoreinformationoncityspending,explainwhyspendingdecisionsaremade andcommunicateinawaythattheaveragecitizencanunderstand. {w;¦©·exact,notprojectedÔxfrom$;ã¦;7z·Ò©;u| {L·shouldmovetowardsan'opendata'model.Wepayforeverything,soweshouldknow howmuchit-·u| {a;iteasierforpeopletounderstandwherethemoneygoeseveryyear,and demonstratethatwearegettingvalueforour;ä| {!7¦·anattitudethatopennessisessentialandmandatory.Secrecy,silenceand evasivenessareconfidencekillerstothe¦Ò,z-u| 3.Consultwiththecommunityonbigdecisionsandshowthatthecityistakingthatinput intoaccount. {[z·;towhatmembersofthepublicaresayingandactaccordingly.Peoplegenerallyfeel theyhavenovoiceandthatmanybigbudgetdecisionsaremadewithoutadequatez¦Ò·u| {{wÞthatthecityislisteningandtakingwhattheyhearintoaccountbyproviding summariesoftheinputprovided,andexplanationsofhowitisincorporated(or·u| {{w-everyonebytrulybeingmorethanhonestaboutwhatitdoes.Andrememberthat everyquestiondeservesananswernotjustaformletter.Ifwescrewupwewillfessupand say©©äu| 5 5.b. - 43 Jobs, Growth & Prosperity Q1.Whatdoesahealthyeconomymeantoyou? 1.Everyonehasaccesstoagoodjobwheretheycanusetheirskillsandtalentandearn enoughmoneytoaffordagoodqualityoflifethatallowsformorethanjustthe necessities. {LahealthyeconomyeveryoneworksGOODjobs,canpaytheirwayandstayoutof poverty.InacityasabundantfinanciallyasKitchener,anyonecanworkanywhere.Thereis noexcusefor¦Ý;©·ä| {t;¦;beingabletosupportthemselves/theirfamiliesoffofthejobstheyhave&notwork somuchthattheycannotparticipatein;zÒ©;u| {W,security/qualityoflifeoverincome.Maintainservicesthathelp'QualityofLife'foras manycitizensaspossibleinsteadofjustfocusingonwealth-©;·zu| 2.Adequateincometocontributetothesocialsupportnetworktohelpthosethatdonot havethemeanstoearnadecentliving. {W,forallpeople,andsystemsinplacetosupportthosepeoplewhocannotprovidefor themselvesorare©mzzé;7u| {a©;(relevant)jobsandmoreresourcesforthoseinpovertyorw;;u| {{Ò¦¦©·ourlessfortunate;zmw,Ò©u| Aneconomythatisdiverse,resilientandsustainablesothatifjobsarelost,newones 3. arecreatedandpeopleimpactedcontinuetohaveopportunitiestousetheirskillsina comparablejobinanothercompanyorindustry. {!healthyeconomymeansaccesstojobsindiversefieldsthatprovidepersonal opportunitiesforindividualsandcansustainanindividualandtheirdependents.Newly createdjobsarenotdiverse(i.e.manynewjobsintechnology,noneinmanufacturing)and arenotsustainable(i.e.manyareparttime,forcingindividualstoworkmorethanonejobin anunfairÞäu| {!diversifiedeconomythatcanwithstandshockand-wm;u| 4.Businessesandindustriesthatarenotonlysociallyandenvironmentallyresponsiblein thewaytheyoperate,butoffergoodsandservicesthatcontributetoahealthier economyandmoreactive,fulfillinghealthylives. {!healthyeconomymeansonethattakessocialandenvironmentalconsiderationsinto accounttoprovideprosperityforallcommunity;,;©u| {I;·wäjobstoo.Timeoff,workplacesafety,goodjobsthataresecure,environmentally friendlyjobs.Supportthegreen;-äu| 6 5.b. - 44 Q2.Thecity'sroleineconomicdevelopmentcanincludesupportingexisting businesses,attractingnewbusinessesandworkers,andretainingbusinessesso thatjobscanstayinthecommunity.Whatdoyouthinkthecityshouldfocuson foreconomicdevelopmentoverthenextfouryears? 1.Supportentrepreneursincreatinginnovativenewbusinesses. {/·zÒzmtostrengthentheclusterintheinnovationdistrictandsupportsmallscalebusiness m©Þ·wu| {{Ò¦¦©·startupsandthegrowingtrendoftechcompanies.Offerresourcesforentrepreneurs (andpromotethose©;Ò©-;u| 2.AttractInvestmentingrowthindustries. {/·zÒ;topromoteKitcheneronaglobalscale.Keepaheadofthe-Ò©Ý;g{alwaysbethinking ahead.Whatisthenextbigthingafterhightech;-·©j| 3.Focusonqualityoflifeandamenitiestoattract,developandkeeptalentedpeople. {9-Ò©mzmavibrantculturalscene,affordablehousingoptionsandattractingnewbusiness. FormPartnershipswiththeuniversities,CommunitechandCreativeEnterprise.Moregreat restaurants;;7;7g| {;havejobs,butwhenpeoplearelookingatlocatingtheyareusuallyinterestedinwhatthe communityhastoofferwalkingpathsandcommunityreccenters,community¦u| Q4.Inthe[Environics]survey,79%saiddowntownKitchenerwasimportant. Howcanthecitymakedowntownmoreinterestingandinviting? 1.Betterselectionofshopsandservicesthatarelivelyandappealingtopeoplethroughout thecityandmakeitworthittotakeaspecialtripdowntown.Reducethenumberof sportsbars,secondhandshops,massageparlours,drugshops,andtattooservices. {htherighttrack,lesstattooparlourswouldbenice.Diversenicheshops,livemusicscene, the©·u| {Y;;¦thingsopenlongerhours.Thefestivalsandsucharegreat,buti'dlikemorechoicesto occupymyshoppinginclinationsparticularlyintheeveningsandonÞ;;;7u| {I!9SOMEONEPUTSOMETHINGDOWNTOWNTHATRESIDENTSWILLWANTTOGOTO! RightnowthereisabsolutelynothingbetweenCedarandVictoriathatmakesmewantto visitmorethanoncea·wu| {w;©;isalackofpeopleonthestreetsafter5pmandonSundays,becausethereisnothing tododowntown.Howdowebringpeopleoutsidefromtheirofficestoexperienceandenjoy Yz·-w;;©j| 7 5.b. - 45 2.AttractaGrocerystoretothedowntownandmoreshopsandservicesforthepeople wholivedowntown. {.©zmagrocerystorerightdowntownmaybeintheGRTterminalwhenitis©;7;Ý;¦;7| Getagrocerystore...moreshops.Lessoffice¦-;u| 3.Showpeoplethatitisasafeplace.Addresssocialissuesandtheimpacttheyhaveon theoverallwz¦©;zxofdowntownmanageaggressiveanddisrespectfulbehaviour resultingfromsubstanceabuseandunmanagedmentalhealthissues.Improvelighting inspecificareasofthedowntownthatseemunsafeandeerieatnight. {L·soundsawful,butlesspovertyinthecorebutIdon'tknowhowyouwouldfixthat.It maymeanafocusofcommunitysupportfundstogethomelesspeoplemoremental Ò¦¦©·u| {5©Òmuse,vandalism,domesticsandsquattingismoreimportanttoreducebeforeallthe otherlistedpoin·u| {Lwouldliketoattendeveningfunctions&thenwalkhomealoneviaKingSt.Anincreased policepresenceintheeveningwouldbeappreciated.Oneseesthemduringtheday(non intimidating...justdoingtheirrounds).Iwouldliketoseethesamepresenceatnight.It wouldbereassuring.Also,betterlightingonQueenSt.(fromKPLtoEllenSt.)abiteerie walkingalonepastparkatzmw·u| 4.Continuetoimprovethestreetscapeandstorefrontimprovements.Keepexisting improvementswellmaintainedreplacedamagedandbrokenbollards,granite,etc., keepthedowntownclean.Introducemoretrees,greenery,andflowers,musicand murals. {a©;greenery,musicoutsidestores,paintingsidewalks,Ò©u| {w;©;isalackofinterestinfixingthedowntownstreetscape(examplemoveable bollardsaredamaged).Peoplearemorelikelytopracticegoodbehaviourinaphysical environmentthatiscleanandwellz·z;7u| Q5.Inthe[Environics]survey67%saidimprovingsafetyinKitchener's downtownisimportant.Whatwouldyouliketoseethecitydotoimprove downtownsafety? 1.Makeprogressonaddressing(reducing)thenumberofhomeless,thosewithsubstance abuseandmentalhealthissuesthatarenotundermedicalcare,andthosethatlivein poverty. {a©;communityprogramstogetthepeoplethatwoulddoharmoffthestreetsandback intoregular-z;·äu| 8 5.b. - 46 {hÒ©downtowninmadeupofalotofpovertyorlowincomepeople,andthemhangingout andbeggingformoneymakespeoplefeelÒE;u| {5Þ·Þisawesome.Ilivenearitandloveit.Peopleareconcernedwithsafetybecause ofsomeofthecharactersdowntown.Idon'tthinkthepeoplearedangerous,butIthink peoplethinktheyare.Thesearefolkswhoarehavingahardtimeinsocietyandeffort shouldbemadetohelpthemgetontheirfeet,;·-u| Bettermanageandreducetheaggressiveanddisrespectfulbehavioursothatpeopledo 2. notfeelthreatenedorunsafe . {D©;·;©policevisibility,I'veseendrugdealsinbroaddaylight...thereshouldbeofficers walkingupanddownKingSt.all7äu| {zz,;policewalkingthestreetsduringpeakdinnerandbarhours.Bettersecurityatand aroundcitybuildings(garagesespecially).Patrolsdownalleysdirectlyarounddowntown area,reallyfocusedaroundlocalretailersandrestaurants.Also,creatingsafewalkingzones thatconnectlocalwalkableneighbourhoods(i.e.Aud;zmw,Ò©w7u| {{;-Ò©z·ä¦z-;patrolling.Enforceconsequencesforexclusionandhate-©z;u| 3.Generatemoreactivityinthestreets,bringmorepeopleintothedowntownand increasethenumberofpeoplethatlivedowntown.Thiswillmakethew-zzÒ;x lessevidentandwillmakepeoplefeellessisolated. {Llivedowntown,andwalkthestreetsoftenduringthedaytime,andasidefrom panhandlersandcongregationsofunemployedyoungpeople,(bothofwhichareharmless) wejustneedtoseeabroadermixofpeopleonthestreetstomakeeveryonefeel -E©·,;u| {a©;peoplelivingdowntown,assistthosewhohavementalhealthissues,ensureadequate ;E©-;;·u| {t;©äIthinkthecitymayseemunsafebecauseitisemptyandnotenoughpeopleon thestreets.Bringmorebusinessesandeventstoattractmorepeopleonthestreet...itis E;ggg| 4.Improvelightinginthedowntownandcreatemorepublicplaces. {9Ò©;lightingisgoodinallareas.LightingontheIronHorseTrailwouldbeniceasÞ;u| {[zmw·zminparking·u| Q6.Inthe[Environics]survey,78%saidencouragingarts,cultureand entertainmentinKitchener'sdowntownisimportant.Howcanthecitymakeit easiertoattendartsandentertainmenteventsdowntown? 1.Parkingandtransitneedtobeaffordableandaccessible.Transitschedulesneedtorun latertosupporteventschedules. 9 5.b. - 47 {t©·;ordiscountpublictransportationtotheevents.Haveshuttlebusesforthe KitchenerAudtodowntownforeventssopeoplecanparkthere(providingthereisnoevent atthe!Ò7u| {C©;;unlimitedparkingindowntowncoreduringmajorartsandculture;Ý;·u| 2.Moreeffectivepromotionforartsandentertainmenteventsthatiswellinadvance.If people7x·knowaboutit,they©;x·goingtoattend. {!7Ý;©·z;themmore.IlivedowntownandIdon'tevenknowabouthalfofthestuffthat goesonuntilafterithashappened.Youarenotengagingyourresidents;Òmwu| {!7Ý;©·z;andorganizethembetter...reachouttoabroaderaudience.engagesmaller businessesandgroupsinsteadofthesameones.planaheadandgetthewordoutmuch moreinadvancesopeoplecanhaveachancetohearaboutthemandparticipate.findmore effectivewaystoengagepeopleto¦©·z-z¦·;u| 3.Increasethenumberofevents,particularlyintheevening. {9Ý;·likesummerlightsfestivalwereagreatexampleofbringingthestreetsbackto citizens&exposingsmallbusinessarts&entertainmenttocitizens.Ibelievemore annual/semiannual&largeeventsshouldbeheld.After8pmisagreattimetoengageall 7;m©¦wz-u| eshowsthatareinterestingandaffordablefor|u {a©;arts&cultur Q7.Ifthecitycoulddoonesinglethingrelatedtoimprovingtheeconomy, whatwouldthatbe? 1.Increasethenumberofjobsinthecommunity,focusedonbuildingadiverseand resilienteconomywithsupportforsmallbusiness,innovativenewbusinessesand attractinginvestmentingrowthindustries. {w;©;needstobeasenseofurgency.WaterlooRegionisnotunique.Ourstoryisvery similartomanyothercitiesacrossNorthAmericaandweareallcompetingform©Þ·wu| {/·zÒ;tosupportinnovationandfocusonkeepingtalentdevelopedfromlocaluniversity and-;m;u| 2.Focusonjobsthatofferadecentpayandreasonablehoursofwork,increasethe averagewagesothatagoodlivingisaffordableandwecanaffordtosupporttheless fortunate. {a©;affordabilityandlessgentrification(stoppushingpoorpeopleoutofthe-©;| {L-©;;theminimumwagetoalivingÞm;u| {a©;taxesformoresocialspendingonthingsthatenrichlifeandthe;-äu| 10 5.b. - 48 3.Reduceunemploymentforyouth,newgraduatesandnewimmigrants.TheCityshould bearolemodelintheseareas. {9-Ò©m;opportunitiesforyouth;¦ä;·| {Iz©zmprocesseswiththeCity,Regionandmunicipalitiesneedtobereconsideredsotheydo notscreenoutnewcomers.Requirementsshouldalsohavealternativesor;¨ÒzÝ;·u| 4.Developastrongbrandandfollowthroughoneffectivemarketingofthe-z·äxstrengths toattractnewemployersandkeepthetalent.Investinqualityoflifeamenitiesto ensureKitchenerisanattractiveplacetolive,notjustagoodplacetofindajob. {·;©Regionisstillatanevolutionarystageearnedmediawillpayoffbygenerating greaterinterestandattractingnewzÝ;·;·u| {;needtosharesuccessstoriesfromdifferentsectors,notjustthetech;-·©u| 5.Provideincentives,suchasreducedfeesandtaxbreakstoencouragenewbusinessto locateinKitchenerandexistingonestostayandgrow. {LhaveheardissuesaboutnotextendingcertaintaxbreaksalongKingStreetoutsidethe currentarea.Ithinkthisshouldbeconsideredtopromotebusinesses,housing;·-u| {w;7Ò-;smallbusinesstaxesforthefirst14months.Asweknowmostsmall(new) ttimeofopening.Alittlelesstopaycouldmakeabig businessesthatfaildosowithinashor differencetoapersonwhoisonashoestringbudgettobeginÞz·wu| {[Þ;©thetaxesforbusinessesinthecoretoencouragenewandinterestingstartÒ¦u| Q8.Ifthecitycoulddoonesinglethingrelatedtoimprovingthedowntown, whatwouldthatbe? Betterselectionofshopsandservicesthatarelivelyandappealingtopeoplethroughout 1. thecity,makeitworthittotakeaspecialtripdowntown. {Czuptheemptyspaceswithnewshopsandbusinesses.Thiswillbringmorepeopleand jobs.Alsoprovideincentivesfornewbusinessownerstostarttheirventuresdowntown. SupportsmallbusinessÞ;©u| {Y;;¦encouragingdowntownredevelopmentandattractnew,diverseandinterestingfood, drink,artsandentertainmentvenues.Maybenotmorecafe'sorcoffeew¦g| Generatemoreactivityinthestreets,bringmorepeopleintothedowntownand 2. increasethenumberofpeoplethatlivedowntown. {[·ofpeopleandactivitiesonthestreet,morepeopleandactivitiesthatappealtoabroad rangeof¦;¦;u| {/©;·zmmoreresidentialopportunitiesdowntown,needpeopletolivedownhereand businesseswill·w©zÝ;u| 11 5.b. - 49 3.Continuetoimprovethestreetscapeandstorefrontimprovements.Keepexisting improvementswellmaintainedreplacedamagedandbrokenbollards,granite,etc., keepthedowntownclean.Introducemoretrees,greenery,andflowers,musicand murals. {/·zÒ;togreenthedowntowncore,encouragemoretrees,flowers,upgradestorefronts tomakethemmoreinviting.Giveusaspacewherewewanttocomedownandwalkthe streets,popinandoutofshops;·-u| {t©¦;©·ämaintenancestandards,urbanart,beopentoideasthatcreateuniquespacesin downtown.Forexample,IthinkitwouldbeamazingtohavemuralsALLoverthedowntown areas.Notcommissioned,butmuralsdonebylocals.Themuralwouldlastaslongasit lookednice.Afterthatpointit'stimeforanewone.Setsimpleguidelinesandletcreativity EÞu| 4.MakeprogressonreducingsocialIssuesandmakepeoplefeelsafe. {{E;·äIoftenneedtoplanhowI'mgoingtogetsafelybacktomycarafterdinnerout downtown u| {w;streetpopulationbothdoesandsellstheirdrugsinfrontofCityHallduringdaylight hours.ThesecurityguardsatCityHallconfirmthatthisisaregularoccurrence.Iam disgustedtobelivinginacitythatallowsthis.Youmustdevelopanotolerancepolicyto bothcriminalandunseemlybehaviourdowntown.Thestreetpopulationbecomesmore emboldenedwitheachpassingä;©u| {wzmorecreativelyabouthowtomakeeveryonefeelwelcomedowntown(homeless included)u| 5.Offermoreaffordableparking,betterparkingsignagesothatz·xeasiertofind,and providesaferparking. {t©·;parkinginthedowntowncoretoinvitepeopletovisit.Citycouldholdatrialperiod offreeparkingonSaturdays.Citycouldalsoholdafestivalin/neartheparkinggarageto bringattentiontothem©m;u| {/w;¦;©parking!WhyisthereaparkingfeeattheCityHallparkinggarageonweekends& after5pm?IfjustkeepspeopleÞäu| {hEE;©morefree2hourparking,orlifttheparkingwithindowntownwithin5hoursrule.I amconstantlygettingparkingticketstryingtoshop/eat/play7Þ·Þu| 12 5.b. - 50 Caring for Our Environment Q1.TheCityofYz·-w;;©xStrategicPlanfortheEnvironmentincludesthe followingsevenareasoffocus:naturalheritagesystem,recreationalamenity areasandtheurbanforest;waterresources;airquality;landresourceand growthmanagement;energysystems;resourceconsumptionandwaste management;andenvironmentaleducationandpublicawareness.Whichareas wouldyouliketoseethecitymakethemostprogressoninthenextfouryears? Topthreechoicesinclude: 5.NaturalHeritagesystem,recreationalamenityareasandtheurbanforest. 6.LandResourceandgrowthmanagement. 7.EnvironmentalAwarenessandpubliceducation. Q2.Asustainableenvironmentcaninvolveimplementingcleantransportation, havingmorecommunitygardens,orusinggreenproducts.Inthepast,theCity ofKitchenerhasinstalledsolarroofpanels,builtcommunitycentresto environmentalstandardsandreducedofficewastethroughrecyclingprograms. WhatelsedoyouthinktheCityofKitchenercouldbedoing? 1.EncourageGreenandcleantransportationoptions. {Y;;¦supportingtheLRT&othermasstransitinitiatives.Toomanypeopledrivetoworkit's shamefulhowmuchpollutiontheyare-©;·zmu| {a©;publictransitoptions,betterbikelanes(perhapsseparatefromtheroad).Forinstance, whenwewanttousebikesasamodeoftransportation,itisdifficulttohavemyyoungdaughter rideontheroad.itwouldbenicetobeabletousethisothertransportmechanismsonsaferbike ;u| {tÒwtogetthebigbossesatCityHallusingmethodsoftransportationotherthantheirfancy carsforafewweekseachyear.Notonlywoulditreduceemissions,butitwouldalsoreinforce theircommitmenttopublictransitinitiatives.Youneverrealizehowbadsomethingreallyisuntil youaredependentonityourself.Makethempayfortheirbuspassesoutoftheirownpocket too!Ican'tafforda$76buspassformyselfletalonepayingtaxestopayforsomeoneelse's ¦u| 2.Encouragecommunitygardensandlocalfoodproduction. {/Òz·ägardensshouldbefocusedonmoreheavily;creatinglargepublicgreenspacesfor parklandorcommunitygardensshouldberelativelycheaperandeasierthanotherzz·z·zÝ;u| {Lthinkwecouldtomoretopromotelocalfood.Iknowwearealreadyveryfortunatetohave suchastrongcommunityforlocalfoodbutitcanbebetter!Moreincentives/supportfor farmers,outreachcampaignstogetintolocalbusinesses,;·-u| 13 5.b. - 51 3.Greenenergyprojectsandreducetheenvironmentalfootprintofcityoperations. {©zmonreducingenergyconsumption,beingcarbonneutralincityofKitchener,Òz7zmu| {{©panelsontheroofsofpublicbuildingsareagreatidea.Iwouldkeepdoingthat.Also, moretreesandnaturalspaceswithinnewdevelopmentswouldbegood.Toooftennew developmentsclearcutanareaandleavelittleroomfor·Ò©;u| Continuetobeaboldleaderintryinggreentechnologiesandsharingopenlythesuccess(or failure).Ilovewhatthecityhasbeen7zmg| Q3.Howimportantisittoyouthatthecityhasaplantomanagetheimpactsof climatechange?ANDwhatdoyouthinkthecityshouldfocusonforthenext fouryearstobepreparedfortheimpactofclimatechange? 78%ofrespondentssayitisVeryImportantthatthecityhasaclimateadaptationplan. Prioritiesforfocus: 1.Increaseinthefrequencyofextremeweather(45%) 2.Wintermaintenanceduetosnowfall(22%) 3.Floodingduetoheavyrainfall(16%) {Lhopethecityhaspoliciesinplacefortheconsequencesofclimatechange.Thefocusshouldbe onstorms,consideringthecostofcleaningupafterboththesummerandwinterevents.Be proactiveinremovingtreesthatarenolongerviablesothatthey-x·bringdownpowerlines anddamagebothpublicandprivate¦©¦;©·äu| {L·isveryimportantasweallenduppayingforitthroughincreasedinsurancepremiums,higher taxes,andlessproductiveinfrastructure.Thecoststhatthecityhadtodealwithbecauseofthe icestormsthispastwinterarereasonenoughtolookforÒ·zg| {w;äimportant!Wewon'tknowweneedaplanuntilsomedisasterstrikes!Iwouldpreferto haveaplanbeforeweneedz·g| Q4.PreservingYz·-w;;©xnaturalareaswasidentifiedasatoppriorityforthe environmentby84%ofresidents.Whatdoyouthinkcouldbedonetotake bettercareofournaturalareas? 1.Involvethecommunityinthestewardshipofnaturalareas. {/Òz·ägroupcleanupssimilartoadoptahighway.MoresignsinVictoriaParktonot feedthe7Ò-u| {Lwouldsay'encouragethecommunityinthestewardshipofnaturalareas',butworrythat thismightbeinterpretedassayingthecity'sroleshouldbereduced,whichisnotwhatI ;u| {IÝ;moregarbagecansaroundandrecyclingbins,encouragepeopletotakewhatthey bringinbackoutwiththemevenin¦©u| 14 5.b. - 52 ClearoutthedeadtreesinBreithauptPark.StepslikehiringJoshSheaanddeveloping Stewardshipprogramsarecriticaltogettingthenextgenerationtoprotectthenatural areas. 2.Encourageyearroundenjoymentanduseofnaturalareas. {©zshouldbeserviced,madesafewithlighting(solarlighting?),theyshouldbewell markedandresidentsshouldhavemapsoftrailsthatareeasily--;z,;u| {b;Þtrailsandeducationalsignage.LeavingthemlargelyÒ·Ò-w;7u| {a·naturalareascanwithstandsomeuseifthepublicisguidedtousetrails,severely dealtwithforabusinganaturalarea.Ihaveseenidiotsemptytheirprivatepoolsdownthe GrandRiverBluffs,ridingtheirscreamingdirtbikesonclearlymarkedNOMOTORIZED VEHICLEtrails,defacingconcreteonbridges,signsandbuildings.Makethefinehugeand postitonthe'Don't'zmu| 3.Managenaturalareastomaintainthesite. {{·©z-·;©lawsandenforcementonlitteringandimplementingbettercontamination preventionasbestaspossible,althoughforournaturalareastostaybeautifuleveryone needstoworktogethertomakeitÞ©g| {Lthinkthecityisdoingagreatjobintakingcareofournatural©;u| llthem.Letthemgrowlocalspeciesofplants,clearlydesignatedareasfor¦;¦;u| {5³·se {/·zÒ;toallownaturalizationinsomeparkareasandalongbike¦·wu| Q5.Howimportantisittoyoutohavehealthy,maturetreesthroughoutthe city?ANDwhatwouldyouliketoseethecityfocusonforthenextfouryears? 93%ofrespondentssaythatitisVeryImportanttohavehealthy,maturetreesthroughoutthe city.Prioritiesforfocus: 1.Theplantingofnewtreesalongstreetsandinparkstoincreasethe-z·äxtreecanopy. (45%) 2.Thecareprotectionandreplacementofexistingtreesalongstreetsandinparks.(25%) 3.Theimpactofclimatechangeandincreasedstormevents.(16%) {;©äimportant.Weneedtoprotectthemandplantmore.Lookatnewsubdivisionsandthey havefewtonomattertrees.TreesprovideshadehelpreducetheneedtorunA/C.Helpcleanthe air.9·-u| {;©äimportant.Itisimportantthatwehaveamixoftypesofnativespeciesandthereshould beastrongfocusonincreasingtheurbantree-¦äu| {w;focusshouldbeontreesthatcanadapttowindierconditionsandmorefrequenticestorms, whichiswhatisexpectedunderclimatechangeconditions.Also,moredroughttoleranttreesis tywaterÒ;u| keyforreducingci 15 5.b. - 53 Q6.Ifthecitycoulddoonesinglethingrelatedtotheenvironmentinthenext fouryears,whatwouldthatbe? 1.Plantmoretreestoincreasethe-z·äxtreecanopyandmaintaintheurbanforest. {t·moretreesandensurealltreeshaveongoing-©;u| {t©·;-·existingtreesandplantmore,withaneyetotreesthatwillwithstandclimate -wm;u| {t·moretrees.Especiallyonprivate/vacantlandhighwaybanks,railcorridors, commercialbuildinglawns.>SeeLondonh·©zx1milliontreesch;m;u| 2.Developandencouragetheuseofcleantransportationoptions,includingpublictransit andcyclingasalternativestodriving. {9ã¦7thewaysthatcitizenscanmovethroughthecitythroughsustainablewaysi.e. trailsconnectingmajornodesoneexamplewouldbetofinishthetrailtonowhereoffIra NeedlestoconnecttoHuckParkenablingthatcommunity(andacontinuoustrailfrom klyconnecttotheBoardwalk7;Ý;¦;·u| centralKitchener)toquic {L-©;;andencourageuseofpublictransportation.Morebusesandtrainsandtrails (somepavedtoencouragecommuteruse)andnotjustdothecommuterchallengeinJune, Julyor!ÒmÒ·u| {a7·;toimprovecyclinginfrastructurewhilegraduallyweaningcitizensawayfromthe ncedmultimodaltransportationsystem).Keygoalstoaimforhere car(towardsamorebala includedoublingtheexistingkmofcyclinginfrastructureover4years,doublingthenumber ofbikeparkingspaces,doublingthenumberofcarandbikesharestationsavailableand, mostambitiously,halvingthenumberofparkingspacesforcarsthroughoutthecity, especiallyinmallsandbusiness¦©u| 3.GrowthManagementandIntensification {C-Òlessonsprawlandmoreintensificationofurbanareas.LRTdevelopment,high densityhousingcenteredontransitwÒ,u| {h;singlething,managegrowthandintensify,thiswillbenefitallends,increaseefficiency, improvesustainabletransportationoptions,minimizeourenvironmentalfootprint,and daroundtheworldtoEÞu| provideanexampleforothercitiesaroundusan {{htTHESPRAWL.Moremixeduseneighbourhoodsandnomoreunwalkableresidential only;zmw,Ò©w7u| 16 5.b. - 54 Getting Around Kitchener Q1.Inthesurvey,69%saidimprovingroadsafetyisimportant.InKitchener, somestreetsarecitystreetsandsomeareregionalroads.Whatdoyoufeel makesaroadunsafe,andwhatcanthecitydotohelpimproveroadsafetyin general? 8.Enforcesafedrivingbehavior,includingspeeding,aggressivedriving,andunsafedriving atintersections,inroundaboutsandnexttocyclists. {w7arenotunsafe...DRIVERS!w9g| {w7aremadeunsafebythew;Ez©·xattitude/cultureofallroadusers(carandcyclists alike).Buildingmutualrespectandunderstandingthatifeveryoneworkstogether,cooperates andobeysthelawseveryonegetshomefasterandE;©u| {5©zÝ;©rprimarily,makearoadunsafe.Educationandenforcementare;äu| {a©;redlightcamerasandsafetyzonesaroundschools,hospitalspublicbuildings.Alsostrict enforcementofthehighwaytrafficactandproactivebylawenforcementnot©;-·zÝ;u| 9.Improvetheconditionsoftheroads,fixpotholespromptly. {w;¦z©zmandupgradinginfrastructureistobeaprimaryobjective.Potholes,unsafecurbsand crumblingsidewalksarenotacceptable.IftheCity-x·lookafteressentialcityservices,they havefailedinthemostfundamentaldutytotheir-z·zé;u| {.;··;©roadmaintenance,esp.fix¦·w;u| {t·holesaredangerous.It'sverygoodwhentheCityputsupconestowarn·©z·u| Q2.Whatdoyouthinkthecitycoulddotoencouragetheregiontoenhance publictransitandencouragemorepeopletotakethebus? 1.AdvocateatRegionalCouncilforimprovedTransitService. {!7Ý-·;forareasthatarepoorlyservedbyGRT.Mostpeopledon'tconsiderthebus becauseofcostandtime.Ifthereareefficienciestakingthebusfromanywhereasopposed todriving,peoplewillusez·u| {!7Ý-·;forbetterservicetocityfacilitiessuchastheActivaSportsplexandCountryHills [z,©©äu| {C©-;regionalhigherupstobuyabuspassandbedependentonGRTforafullmonthwith absolutelynoaccesstotheircars.Oncetheyrealizehowlongittrulytakestogetaroundthe cityandhowdamnexpensiveitistotaketransit,theymightstarttoclueinonhowto modifythingssuchastheroutestomakethingsbetter.Maybeallofthecitiesandtowns thatareconnectedbyGRTshouldbuyafewsharesinthecompanysothattheiropinions ·;u| holdsomeweightwiththetransitsy 17 5.b. - 55 2.Encouragetransitfriendlydevelopmentandprovidesafe,cleanattractiveandaccessible publicspacesaroundtransitstops. {w;©;wasastudydoneonurbansprawlthatIreadaboutthatsuggestedthatcitiesarenot buildingsuburbanareaswithtransitinmind.Thereneedstobeasynergybetweenhowa neighborhoodislaidoutandtransit.Inshortweneedtoplanourneighborhoods,;··;©u| {b;;7moresidewalkstoencouragetransitusesopeoplecangettotheirstopssafelyand continuetheirjourneyasapedestrianoncetheygetEEg| {azmstreetsforwalking.Improvelightinglevelsofcommercialareassuchasdowntown andaroundCentreinthe{¨Ò©;u| Q3.Howcanthecityhelpmakecyclingaroundthecityeasier? 1.Increasethenumberofbikelanesoncitystreets. {.;··;©andmorebikelaneskeepthemconsistentandclearofdebrisandactuallyenforce people(cyclistsandvehicles)thataren'tfollowingthe©Ò;u| {!-·;fundstoimplementapprovedCyclingMastertg| {.z;lanes.Ihatedrivingbehind,z-ä-;u| 2.Considerphysicalseparationorbarriersbetweenthebikelaneandtherestoftheroad. {LEuropeandsomeotherNorthAmericancities,bikelanesareseparatefromroad infrastructureanddividedfromthem.Sometimesbyjustasmallraisedsectionontheroad betweenthebikelaneandroadway.Thisseemstoworkverywellasoftendriversdonot makeroomforcyclistsandcyclistscandriftwayintotheroadmakingpassingdifficult.So segregatedbikelanesismyÒmm;·zu| {5;Ezz·;ämoredesignatedlaneswithsomekindofraiseddividetokeepcarsfromusing them(andI'mnota-ä-z·u| {I'mdrivinga20lbbicyclegoing20kph,andIdon'twanttodriverightnextto4000lbcars going70kph.Experiencedcyclistswilldothis,butit'sahugeleapfornewcyclists.Itmakes cyclistsmorenervous,anditmakesdriversmorenervous.Separatebikersfromtheroads, widensidewalkstomultiusetrails(likeonFischerHallman)socyclistscanuse·w;u| 3.Moreofroadbiketrails. {az·ztrailsandparkstoencouragepeopletowanttousethem,lighting.REgularvisits byBylaw&Policeon,z;u| {{E;©trailsoffthe©7Þäu| {9Ý;©änewsubdivisionneedsatrailconnectortotherestofthecity.Startbuildingatrail anttorideontheroadsdon'thaveto.I'minOttawaright networkwherepeoplewhodon'tw nowandcanbikefor50kmonpavedtrailswithouteventouchingamain©7u| 18 5.b. - 56 WhatdoyouthinkthecitycoulddotomakeKitchenermorepedestrian friendly? 1.Provideaclean,safeandinterestingenvironmentforpedestrians. {L·isaverylongwalkincityheatandwintercoldfromFarmerMarkettoBusstation.Little shadeandplacestositwhenneeded.Pedestriancrossingsregionwidearepersonvsvehicleas driversaredistractedbymusic,rushingtogethome,can'tseepastsignssopullingouttoblock sidewalks.Winter...snowremovalandsalting.Tiredoffalling.Tiredoftrudgingthrough sidewalksfullofÞu| {L·isessentialthatifyouwanttobeapedestrianinKitchenerthatyourwillisinorder.Kitchener isanunsafecitytobeapedestrianin.Driversarenotaccommodatingtoapedestrianculture. Onthepositiveside,mysprintingabilitieshaveimprovedsignificantlysothatIcansafelyget acrossa-©Þg| {{z7;Þareveryimportanttoyoungfamiliesinourcommunity.Withoutsidewalks,z·xnear impossibletowalkanywhereinthewinter,andverydangerousallyear©Ò7u| {{ÞdowndriversthroughVictoriaPark.Ensureapedestrianrouteismaintainedwhenroads areclosedforreconstructionandsignthisroute.Addpedestriancrossoverswheretrailscross roadsandmakesurethesignageiscorrectfordriverstoyieldtopedestrians u| Q5.Ifthecitycoulddoonesinglethingrelatedtoimprovinghowweget aroundthecity,whatshouldthatbe? 1.ImplementtheTransportationDemandManagementPlanandtheCyclingMasterPlan topromotesustainablemodesoftransportationandcreateopportunitiesthatsupport differenttravelchoicesforcitizens. {{Þäevolvethecityfromacardependentplacetoamixedtransportationplaceby removingemphasisonbiggerfastermovingroads.Thosethatarenecessaryshouldhave timedtrafficlightsequencestomovetrafficwell,butalternativethoroughfaresshould providedirectoptionsforcycliststotravelthecitywithouthavingtosacrificedirectnessand increasethedangerfactor.Iwouldlovetocyclemore,butKitcheneristooscaryaplacefor cycliststodou| {w;7Ò-;thenumberofdrivers.Thiscouldbedonebysubsidizingpublictransport,making cyclingsafer,makingwalkingsaferwithmorelighting.Getpeopletochangetheirhabit, theymightfindthatthisnewwayisactuallyeasier,cheaperandamorepositive ;ã¦;©z;-;u| 2.ImproveRegionaltransitservice,includingthequalityandaffordabilityoftheservice. {IÝ;busesgomoreoften&m;©u| {/w;¦;©rbetterbusservice.Themobilebusinformationishorrible,doesn'tÞ©u| {a©;busstopswithw;·;©u| 19 5.b. - 57 Safe & Active Neighbourhoods Q1.Overthenextfouryears,whatwouldyouliketoseethecityfocusonto createsafeandactiveneighbourhoods? 10.Trees,parks,playgroundsandaccesstogreenspaces. {;thegreenspaceinthecity(ieVictoriaPark)forprogramming.Utilizeschoolsand churches.Smallism7vu| {Y;;¦ourgreenspacesgreenandaddmorewherepossible.Trailsareézmg| {D©;;spaceswithgardens,flowers,placesforpeopletomeet,gettoknoweachother, shipwiththeareainwhichtheylive.Offleashdogrunsareimportantfordog developakin lovers.Idon'townadog.ExaminationofEuropeantypesquaresforneighbourhoodswhich enhancethequalityofzE;u| 11.Facilitateandpromotefreeorinexpensiveneighbourhoodeventsandinitiativesthat encourageinclusion,fellowshipandneighbourhoodidentity.LandResourceandgrowth management. {/wz7©;areourfuture,andthecityshouldbeputtingenergytothisend.Importantto offerfreeorreasonablypricedoptionsfor-wz7©;xworkshops,splashpads,events,;·-u| {{w©;infooneventsandofferingswithresidentsmoreeffective.Communicationsiskey, andfindingbetterwaystocommunicateisveryz¦©··u| {a©;adultactivitiesclosetohomepairupwithlocalbusinessesinasponsorshiprolefor localactivities,suchasafundraising..vu| 12.Increasethesafetyofstreets,parksandpublicplaces. {{E;·äinparksandpublicspacesswiftremovalofinappropriatewasteie.needles,etc. Largeparksseemtobekeptfairlyclean,howeverthisisnotthecaseinsmallerparks. Garbagecontainerscouldalsoassistwiththis.Lightinginparkswouldalsomakethemfeel E;©u| {LwÝ;xtwalkedafterdarkinmyneighbourhoodforyears.Perhapsbetterlightingbut somekindofprogramlike"neighbourhoodwatch"isbetter.Nosenseknockingonadoorfor helpifthepeopleontheothersideareafraidtoopenz·u| Q2.Arethereanycitybuildingsoropenspaceslikeparksthatthecityshould improveandhow? 1.Improveparks,trailsandgreenspaces. {!lotofparksaroundthecityhaveveryfewtreesinthem.I'dlovetoseesomemoreurban forests.Also,thedowntownhasalotofcommunityfestivalsinit,I'dlovetoseeVictoriaPark getabandstandinthelargeopenareanexttotheclocktowerforconcertsandfestivals. Alsomoreelectricaloutletsandotherinfrastructuretohelpoutthesefestivalswouldbe super u| 20 5.b. - 58 {t©Ýz7;moreareaswherepeoplecansit&restorrelax.ParksofVictoriaParkareunusable becauseofallthegoose7©¦¦zmu| {LlovetheKitchenerCityHallbecauseitisopentothepubliceverydayoftheweek.More greeneryatthefrontwouldbebeneficial.DittofortheKitchenerMarket.Ilikethecolourful tables&chairs=onefeelinvitedtostayawhile.Someshadeisneededinsummerhowever. MyfavouritecityownedfacilityistheparkinggarageonDukeStreet.Ilovethefunkycolour! Itwassodark&uglybefore...nowz·xanarchitecturaltreasure,justbecauseofitscolour.It brightensupthecity.Pleasecontinuetodomoreofthis.ItgivesKitchenerayouthfullook.(I neveruseitbutIliketheu| 2.Keepourfacilitieswelllookedafter,cleanandsafe. {w;BreithauptCentreisadisturbingexampleofcityneglect.Therearedrapesinthegym thatdon'topen,athicklayerofdirtonwindowsillsoverlookingthegym.Thefurniture upstairsisripped.Therearenoiseabsorbingmaterialin206thataredisintegrating.There aretileshangingfromtheceilingwithhugeblackmarksonit.Thereisalsoducttape holdingaradiatorshieldinplace.AsparentspointouttomeduringtheclassIteachthere, theclockwasnotresetfor3months.Agenerallackofsparkexists·w;©;u| {!3maincommunitycentres,Breithaupt,Downtown,Rockway,arealloutdated(realize thatRockwayisdueforupgrades).Auditoriumcomplexwithwalkingtrackandmoremulti ¦Ò©¦;u| Q3.WhichofthefollowingNeighbourhoodserviceswouldyouliketoseethe cityputmorefocusoninthenextfouryears? Topfourresponsesincluded: 1.Maintenanceoflocalparksandplaygrounds 2.BylawEnforcement,particularlypropertymaintenancestandards 3.Maintenanceoflocalstreetsandsidewalks 4.WinterRoadMaintenance Q4.Whatshouldthecitypayattentiontoinordertomanagegrowthand developmentinthecity? 1.Intensification,curburbansprawlandincreasetherangeofhousingoptionsthat supportdifferentlifestylesandincomelevels. {a;surethatdevelopmentisnotjustmoresuburbanmazeswithnoamenities.Continue tofocusoninfillanddensificationratherthan¦©Þu| {{·©mälimitsprawlofdevelopers,focusonurbanintensification;Preservationandreuse ofheritagebuildingsand¦-;u| {b;Þgrowthisn'tbad,butitneedstobeplannedoutwellandwithtransportation, environment,transit,schools,shopping,leisureandnaturalareasinmind.Suburban 21 5.b. - 59 communitiesneedsomemoredensitysuchaslowriseapartmentsorbrownstones.Alsowe needtocreatemoreapartmentsinDowntownandalongthelightrailroute.Rightnowalot ofcondosarebeingbuilt,butnewrentalbuildsandlowincomehousingisnot.Lightrailwill raisepropertyvaluesandIfearlowincomefamilieswillbedrivenoutofareasit;©Ýz-;u| 2.Theintegrationofnewdevelopmentwithinthesurroundingneighbourhoodintermsof shape,sizeandcharacter,includingthepreservationofheritagebuildings. {5;Ý;¦;·shouldbequalityinfillthatcreatesasenseofplace.Wedon'twanttobecome 'anyplaceNorthAmerica'throughthedevelopmentofsoulless,cookiecutterbigbox development.Afocusonmidrisemixedusedevelopment,particularlyatneighbourhood d;Ýz©;·äu| nodesisvitaltofutureproofingkitchenersocially,economicallyan Environmentallyresponsiblenewdevelopment;Preservationandreuseofheritage buildingsand¦-;u| 3.Provideleadershipandclearvisionforthedevelopmentofthecity,takeresponsibility formakingthoseplansrealityandholddevelopersaccountablefordoingtheirpart. {!7w;©;toadefinitiveurbanboundary.Becomemoreproactiveinbrownfielddevelopment asgreenfieldpropertiesbecomemore-©-;u| {t©¦;©planningonhowlandshouldbeusedtobenefitthecommunityasaÞw;u| {azmsuretheroadsarereadybeforethewÒ;g| Q5.Whatcouldthecitydotoprovidemorewaystogetinvolvedinthe planningprocess? 1.Improvethewayopportunitiestoparticipatearecommunicated. {!7Ý;©·z;inavarietyofwaystothoseintheaffectedneighbourhood...viaemail,notices, mobilesigns,radioannouncementsetc.Withalotofnoticesopeoplecanplantoattend. Waystoprovidefeedbackiftheycannot··;7u| {a;opportunitiestogetinvolvedknownthroughsocial;7zu| {t©Ýz7;easyaccesstoplanningmeetings.Thismeansmoreposters&billboardsaround neighbourhoods,especiallyaroundimportantentrances/exits.Onlinediscussionboards& feedbackmakeliveseasier&increasemeaningful¦©·z-z¦·zu| 2.Engagethecommunityinmoreeffectiveways,usingmultiplewaystogatherinput. {a©;localinfosessions.Onlinesurveys.Godoortodoorifneededtogetherimput.People wanttohavesay,butliveverybusylivesandcannotalwaysmaketheoneortwoinfo ;zu| {·äuItisalwaysbettertogetideasfrommany.Thisdoesnotmeanthateveryonewill behappy,butatleastthepeoplefeeltheirvoice/ideaswerew;©7u| {Ldon'tevenknowmywaystogetinvolvednow!Itriedtogotoaplanningboardmeeting once,onlytofindthatthewebsitewassoconfusingIshowedupatthewrongtime(oritjust startedlate?)therewasnowaytofollowalongwiththeagenda(wasthereevenan 22 5.b. - 60 agenda?)andnooneseemedconcernedwithhowmuchtimewaspassingIdon'thavethat kindoftimetoburnonadailybasis!IwouldlovetobeengagedonissuesIcareabout,butI justdon'tseehowthatispossiblefortheaveragecitizen.I'malsonotacitizen(butlived herefor3yearsandwanttostay!)sovotingisnotanoptiontu| {I·designcharrettesbutrecognizethattherewillalwaysbe'NIMBY'attitudesandthese cannottrumptheneedtointensifyandgrowupratherthanÒ·u| 3.Explaintopeoplehowtheirinputmadeadifference. {w;Cityneedsastandardizedinputsystemtoanswerresidentcomplaintsandideas.This systemneedstogivedirectanswerstoquestionsandinput.Theresidentneedstogeta resultoftheirz7;u| {topeople.Stopopenhouseswherewearetoldwhathasalreadybeendecided.Have Cityofficialstourneighbourhoodstogetgrassrootsz¦Ò·u| Q6.Ifthecitycoulddoonesinglethingrelatedtoimprovingneighbourhoodsin thenextfouryears,whatshouldthatbe? 1.Providemoreneighbourhoodamenitiessuchastrees,parks,playgrounds,pools, splashpads,etcandkeeptheexistingonescleanandwellmaintained. {.©zmasportsfacilitytoHuron/FischerHallman©;u| {9Ò©;neighbourhoodslikemine(huronandStrasburg)don'tgowithoutaplayground withinwalkingdistancefor7+ä;©u| {a©;trees!Larger;v7keepingthemwateredinthesummersohalfofthemdon't die.TheparksalsocouldusemorelawnÞzmu| 2.Facilitatecommunityeventsandinitiativesthatwillbringpeopletogetherandcreatea senseofcommunityandbelongingintheneighbourhood. {a©;Janeswalks,moredoorsopenevents,moreneighbourhoodcleanupdays,abudget forstreetparties,liketheDeKaystreet¦©·äu| {I;¦createasenseofcommunitybetween;zmw,Ò©u| {/©;·zmcommunitymeeting¦-;u| {9-Ò©m;smallerlocalcommunityevents.Blockmovienights,smallparkBBQ's...work withlocalchurchesuuuuuuu| 3.Improveneighbourhoodsafetythroughbetterpoliceenforcementandvisibility, addressingneighbourhoodconcerns. {.;··;©availabilityoftz-;u| {a©;policepresenceandenforcementonthe·©;;·u| {{E;·äuIlovemyneighbourhoodandfeelsafeinit(inspiteofsufferingadaytimebreakin ayearago)however,exceptduringtheday,Iwouldneverventureintothedowntowncore. EvenduringthedayIamnotcomfortablelikeIaminUpTownWaterloo.I'veneverworried aboutmysafetyinUpTownWaterloomyentirelife.(wemovedtoWaterloowhenIwas8 andIlivedtheretilIwas40;stillworkin¦Þu| 23 5.b. - 61 4.Enforcethe-z·äxbylaws,particularlypropertymaintenancestandardsandthenoise bylaw. {9E©-;peoplekeepingupwiththemaintenanceoftheirw;u| {9E©-;propertystandards,especiallyinregardstoabsenteelandlordsand roomingwÒ;u| {{·©z-·;©enforcementofproperty·7©7u| 24 5.b. - 62 Community Engagement & Inclusion Q1.Inthe[Environics]survey,30%saidtheyarenotsatisfiedwithhowthecity providesinformationaboutcityissuesanddecisions.Whatdoyouthinkthe citycoulddotoprovideinformationthatiseasytounderstand,easytofindand uptodate? 13.Makemoreinformationavailabletothepublicandmakeiteasiertofindbyimproving navigationonthe-z·äxwebsite. {a;thecitywebsitemoreuserfriendly.Itisdifficulttonavigateandcanbevery frustratingtoÒ;u| {L·isnotthatweneedmorewaysbuthowtheexistingonesarebeingutilized.Ivisitthe websitequiteoften.Theinformationisoftenhardtofind,thirdpartyapplicationsdon'twork well.Mostpeoplearevisualthereforethesiteneedstocontainmoremapsand;·-w;u| {.;abletopushcertaininformationtomeIdon'twanttofollowyouonTwitterbutthe websiteisaquiteamessifyouwanttoknowwhatisactuallygoingoninthecity.Ialways havetoremembertocheckfornewmeetingagendasandminutes.Thereisnowaytobe notifiedwhenthereissomethingpostedthatmightinterestme.Forexample,Iam interestedinchangeswithinmypartofthecityaswellasdowntownandnewsubdivision proposalsandanythingthatwillvotedonbycouncil.Thereisnowaytogetanyofthis informationÒ··z-äu| 14.Makeinformationeasiertounderstand.Providebackgroundinformationonissues, ensureaccesstoallrelevantdocumentsandinformationinacentralizedlocation,and usevisualstoconveycomplexdataandconcepts. {wzistrue.LikeIsaidbefore,fewpeoplerealizethatthecityworkersreallydoworkhard alreadytomakeroadssafeandkeepthepoweron,etc.Ifthegeneralpublicknewmoreof whatourcitydoesforus,theymightnotviewthemasthebigmoneyÒ-w;©u| {/z·äofKitchener7;x·alwayspresentinformationinaclearmanner(examplelinkto citywebsiteleadstoablankpagewhenusingaSmartphone.Itdiscouragespeoplefrom searchingforthecorrectinginformationandtheylosez·;©;·u| {/·zÒ;tousesocialmedia.Useinfographicsandshortvideostocommunicatecomplex ideas.Makepartnershipswithlocalbusinessessotheycan-,©·;u| 15.Keepinformationuptodateandprovideinformationinatimeliermanner. {WÒ·keepthewebsiteupto7·;u| {t©Ýz7;informationinamoretimely;©u| Focusoninstantcommunicationservices;we'reallgoingthatwayeventually.Also,targeted releases...whetherthere'saneventorissuethatappliesgeographicallyorbyinterest,send infotothosegroups...wehavethetechnology! 25 5.b. - 63 Q2.Inthe[Environics]survey,29%saidtheyarenotsatisfiedwithhowthey canparticipateinthe-z·äxdecisionmakingprocess.Whatdoyouthinkthecity coulddotoimprovehowthepubliccanbeinvolved? 4.Communicateandeducatethepubliconhowandwhentogetinvolved. { Letthepublicknowhowtogetengaged.Dotheyspeaktotheircouncillor?Dotheyemailcity hall?NeedtoknowwhattodotogetzÝÝ;7u| {[;·thepublicknowwhenadecisionisbeingmadeonanissuerelevanttothemisbeingby contactingthosewithademonstratedinterestandneighbourhood-z·zu| 5.Designengagementactivitiessothatmorepeoplecanparticipate. {9-Ò©m;broader,moreindepthandlongertermengagementstrategies.What'sinitforthe public?Ithinkyouneedtoofferopportunitiestoengagewithadiversegroupofpeoplefromall walksoflife.Whatabouttheopportunitytotalktothemayorandcouncillor'saboutzÒ;j| {L¦©Ý;howthepubliccanprovideinputBEFOREdecisionsare7;u| {D;·youthinvolvedatanearlyageandkeepthemzÝÝ;7u| 6.Listentotheinputreceived,takeitintoaccountwhenmakingdecisionsandtellpeoplehow theirinputmadeadifference,orwhyitdidnot. {[z·;7tothepeoplewhenyouhavepublicmeetings.Thishasnothappenedinthepast.The peoplespokebutthecitywentaheadwithwhattheywantedtodoanyway.ThatiswhatIcalla notdemocratic7;-zzu| {[z·;ractually©;¦7u| ¨Òz©z;u| {/Ò-zandstaffmustrespondtoALLi Q3.Inthe[Environics]survey,27%saidtheywerenotsatisfiedwithhowthey canvoicetheiropinionsoncityissuesanddecisions.Whatdoyouthinkthecity coulddotoimprovehowthepubliccanprovideinput? 1.ShowthattheCityislisteningandtakingwhattheyhearintoaccount. {IÝ;meaningfulengagement.Ifourconcerns/supportisneveractedonbythecity,what'sthe pointof¦©·z-z¦·zmj| {Lamansweringquestions2and3:Ihavetriedtogivefeedbacktoimproveservices.WhatIget inreturnare2kindsofanswers:1Weareworkingtofixthisissue,2Wedonothavemoney. Andnothingorveryminimumhappens.So,itputsusbacktoquestionsone:wheredoesmy moneygo?Perhapswedonothavetoimprovehowthepubliccanprovideinputbutwhatshould beimprovedishowthepublicisheardbythe-z·äu| 26 5.b. - 64 2.Thecityhastomakeagreaterefforttoreachoutandengagepeople,particularlythose whoareleastlikelytospeakout. {L·isnotclearwhenyourvoiceisheardonanissueandnoteveryonecanmakeittocouncil meetings.IftherewasawayofknowingwhensomethingthatIaminterestedonneedsinputI ontinuouslymonitorforit.Ithink wouldbemorelikelytoprovidethatinputthanifIhavetoc thecurrentwayemphasizespotentiallyonesidedopinionssincenegativesituationsaretheones thataremostlikelytoupset-z·zé;u| {v·voiceanopinionyouneedtoknowanissueexistsstumblingonaflyeratKingsdale advisingoftheRockwayclosuremeetingwaspoor&smackedofsabotage.Seeingthisworkbook thereamongsttheotherflyerswasalsopoorandleavesmewiththeimpressionyoureallydon't wantourparticipationoropinionbutsimplytheabilitytosay:wellwegavethemthe opportunity&theydidn't"engage"letscarryu| {.;welcoming.Alwaysstresstocitizensthatitisimperativethattheyunderstandtheirvoices willbeheard.Havethematuritytoacceptnegativecommentswithgrace.Letthepublicknow thatanemailisasacceptableasapresentationtocouncil.Allinputisvaluable,whateverthe formittak;u| 3.Thecityneedstoprovidebetterwaysforpeopletosharetheirviews. {!¦¦;©zmbeforeCouncilisanarduousexercise!HaveCouncillorsappearatinfosessionsat CityHallortheMarket,onetableforeachCouncillor,monthly,tohearfromtheirconstituents maybeona{·Ò©7äu| nbea {b·everyoneiscomputersavvy.Tohavetouseapowerpointorcomputerscreenca deterrence,especiallytoourseniors.So,voiceshouldbeadequate.Simplepenandpapershould stillhaveÝÒ;u| {/;·oneverypageofthewebsiteareagoodwaytogainfeedback.Keepinmindthat peopledon'tliketoregisterjusttoleaveacomment.Theseshouldbemadepublic,offensive onescanbetrackedand©;Ý;7u| Q4.TheCityofKitchenercelebratesthemanydifferentpeopleinour communitythroughthingslikemulticulturalfestivalsandequalaccesstocity programsandservices.Whatelsecouldthecitydotomakeallcitizensfeel included,regardlessoftheirabilities,culture,sexuality,economicstatusorany otherdifferencesthatmaysetusapart? 1.Recognizeandcelebratethediversitywithinthecommunity. {aÒ·zculturalfestivalisgreatmaybehavemoreoftheseevents,aswedoinVictoriat©u| {9-Ò©m;morefestivalsinthedowntownandotherneighborhoods.Maybemakeiteasierfor festivalstoopperatewithaneasytousepackageoutliningbylaws,applicationprocesses,and potentialEÒ7zmm©·u| 27 5.b. - 65 2.Providemoreopportunitiesforallcitizenstobeengagedinthecommunity.Programsand activitiesmustbeaccessibletoallbyremovingfinancialandphysicalbarriers. {Lwouldliketotalkabouttheaccesscard.TheLICOisextremelylow,Thecitysaysithasno fundstosupportmoresubsidizedresidents.Iwouldliketoseethispoint©;Ýz;Þ;7u| {!--;tospaceinfacilities,CommunityCentres,Pools,!©;xetcasitisquiteexpensiveto rentspacesforcommunitygroups.SometimesnewgroupswillapplyforaTrilliumGrantorother grant,onlytoendupusingthatmoneyonspacerental.Process7;x·seemtomakealotof senseasthesedollarsaregrantedtobeusedfordevelopmentofsaid¦©m©u| {L¦©Ý;sidewalkqualityforelderlyandpeoplewhoareinwheelchairs.Alsomakethecity easiertogetaroundwithoutacarsothatlowincomepeoplecanhavethesameaccesstojobs, activities;·-u| Q5.Whatisthesinglemostimportantthingyouwouldliketoseethecitydo overthenextfouryearsintheareaofcommunityengagementandinclusion? 1.Developprocessesthatensureeveryonecanbeengaged,representedandrespectedinthe -z·äxdecisionmaking. {9mm;peopleincodesigningandimplementingstrategiesthatuseacollectiveimpact structure(commonagenda,mutuallyreinforcedactivities,sharedmeasurementsystem, continuouscommunicationandbackboneorganization).Engagepartnersfromdifferentsectors toworktogethertowardsacommonvision.Providemeaningfulopportunitiesfor;mm;;·u| lyrepresentedestablishfirmguidelinesforhowgroupsare {ensurethatallareequal representedandwhere(avoidtherainbowflagflapof | {LlovethatthemanyculturesofNewCanadiansarecelebratedbutsometimesfeelthattheold Canadiansareforgotten.Let'scelebratethat·g| 2.Solicitinput,listentowhatpeoplearesayingandrespondtotheirinput. {{;·anexampleandstartwithyourstaff.Noonewillengageorfeelinclusivewhenpast experiencesprovednothingbutlipservice,excusesorfranklyrude,bullying,;wÝzÒ©u| {w;Citydoesnotappearinterestedinhearing-z·zé;xopinions(exampleCitystaffheldan informationsession,collectedresponses,andthendidnottakethemintoconsiderationwhen planningfornewparks).Residentsonlyknewwhere$250of$35,000wasbeingspentthe processwasnottransparent.{LEnoonelistens,whatmotivationistheretogetinvolvedthenext ·z;j| {w;Cityshouldhavea{·7©7zé;7wayofcollectinginputand©;¦;r|andthensharing themwiththepublic.TheRegionprovidesanamazingexampleoftransparency.Theycollectall input,andthendistributeitalongwithcommentsandresponsestoconcernsexplainingtheir 7;-zzu| 3.Holdavarietyofevents,bigandsmall,incoreandaroundthecitysothateveryonecan participateandinteract. 28 5.b. - 66 {!aresidentofthedowntowncoreIwouldlovetoseemorestreetperformersaswellasstreet vendors.IbelievethatmoreperformersandvendorswouldbeattractedtothecityofKitchenerif thecitywouldmakeitmoreaffordableandlesscomplicatedtoobtaintherequired¦;©z·u| {Cz7waysthatmakingtherunningandplanningofcommunityfestivalseasierandmorestream lined.Alotofthepeoplerunningthemarejustuntrainedvolunteerswhodon'tknowhowto workthesystem.Nothingdrivesawaygoodvolunteerslikethestressofdealingwith ,Ò©;Ò-©-äu| {9-wneighbourhoodshouldhostaparty,ononeday:YourNeighbourhoodDayabigpartyin Kitchenertocelebrate;zmw,Ò©w7u| 4.Provideprogramsthatareaffordableandalloweveryonetoengage,includingpartnering withotherorganizations. {t©Ýz7;moreopportunitiesforallcitizenstobeengagedinthe-Òz·äu| {Moreaffordable,inclusivecommunity&recprograms.Freewherepossibletrypartnering withlocalprivateserviceproviderstoofferasamplingoffreeclasses/lessonsaroundthecity (yoga,dance,language,guitar).Afewfreelessonscouldeasilybetradedforthepublicityand accesstopotentialnewclientstheyreceive.Costoflivingiseverincreasing,ifourprogramming istooexpensive,thenthepeoplewhowouldbenefitmostfromaffordablerecaretheonesthat get;ã-Ò7;7u| mpsmoreaffordabletolower {a;recreationalprogramssuchasswimminglessons&dayca incomefamilies.IunderstandthereisaLeisureCardbutthemaximumfamilyincomeneedsto beraisedasthecostoflivinghasz-©;;7u| 29 5.b. - 67