HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-17-069 - Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2017 Annual Monitoring Report
REPORT TO: Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: September 11, 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7319
PREPARED BY: Lauren Nelson, Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7072
Sarah Coutu, Planner
WARD(S) INVOLVED: ALL
DATE OF REPORT: August 31, 2017
REPORT NO.: CSD-17-069
SUBJECT: Kitchener Growth Management Strategy
2017 Annual Monitoring Report
______________________________________________________________________
That Report CSD-17-069Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2017 Annual
Monitoring Report be received and submitted to the Regional Municipality of
Waterloo in fulfilment of Clause 22.1 of the Administrative Agreement between
the City of Kitchener and the Region regarding delegated approval authority.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this report is to provide Committee and Council with the 2017 Kitchener
Growth Management Strategy Annual Monitoring Report (Monitoring Report). The
Monitoring Report is an action item of the 2009 Kitchener Growth Management Strategy
(KGMS) which requires tracking of the general supply of land and the achievement of
intensification and density targets on an annual basis.
REPORT:
The KGMS provides a long-term framework for planning where and how future
residential and employment growth can be accommodated in Kitchener. To ensure that
growth contributes positively to our quality of life, the KGMS coordinates the provision of
infrastructure and services with new development. The KGMS goals and actions
2006Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Growth
Plan) and Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS).
The KGMS introduced a number of goals, one of which was to develop and facilitate an
ongoing growth management program to manage growth-related change in an effective
and co-ordinated manner (Goal 6). One of the action items of this goal is to prepare an
annual monitoring report to track the supply of development opportunities and the
achievement of intensification and density targets. Monitoring reports have been
prepared annually since 2010.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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The 2017 Monitoring Report (see Appendix A) provides a summary and assessment of
growth within the Built-up Area (intensification areas) and Designated Greenfield Area
of the city over the past year (June 2016 to June 2017).
Highlights of the 2017 Monitoring Report include:
The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) increased from 180
residents and jobs per hectare (2016) to 187 residents and jobs per hectare (2017).
Kitchener continues to be well on its way to achieving the new Official Plan target of
225 residents and jobs per hectare by 2031;
The intensification level over the past year (new residential construction that occurs
within the Built-upArea) is 37%. This is a decrease from the previous year and is
expected over the next several years as lands in
5-year average
intensification level is 48%, which is greater than the Regional target of 45%;
The number of new dwelling units created in 2016 (2,417) increased significantly
from 2015 (1,323).This is the second highest year for new units created through
buildings permits in the last 30 years (tied with 2014). The majority of new
residential units developed were in the form of multiple dwellings and townhouse
dwellings, which combined comprised 60% of new units;
The City continues to have the potential to accommodate its current allocated
population and employment growth within its urban area.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Priority 3 Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods
Strategy 3.3 - Manage growth, curb urban sprawl, and foster more mixed-use
development, ensuring new development is integrated with the diversity and character
of the surrounding community.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no new or additional capital budget requests with this recommendation.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
advance of the council / committee meeting. In addition, monitoring report information
was circulated to the Waterloo Region Homebuilders Liaison Committee in mid-August.
CONCLUSION:
The 2017 Monitoring Report demonstrates that Kitchener continues to be well
positioned to accommodate growth and achieve identified targets.
REVIEWED BY:
Brandon Sloan, Manager, Long Range and Policy Planning
Natalie Goss, Senior Planner
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ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Michael May, Deputy CAO (Community Services)
Appendix A Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) Annual Monitoring
Report - 2017
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Appendix A
Kitchener Growth
Management Strategy
2017 Annual Monitoring
Report
September 11, 2017
RE: CSD-17-069
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Executive Summary
In 2009 Kitchener approved itsGrowth Management Strategy (KGMS) in support of
significant amount of residential and employment growth over the next twenty years.
We are also mandated by the Province to achieve certain numerical targets and
other planning objectives.
Kitchener is on the leading edge with respect to its ability to track and monitor
specific growth data in a dynamic manner. A snapshot of the data is contained within
this report.
All of the goals and actionitems of the KGMS are completed or are within the
Corporate Business Plan to be completed over the next fewyears. The results of
the 2017growth management data continue to beencouraging. The number of
residents and jobs per hectare (RJs/ha) in the Urban Growth Centre (Downtown) is
gradually increasing from approximately 180RJs/ha in 2016to approximately 187
RJs/ha in 2017. This is an excellent step towards achieving the provincially-
mandated target of 200 RJs/ha by 2031, which was further established in the new
Official Plan at a minimum target of 225 RJs/ha by 2031
intensification level of 37% and 5-year average intensification level of 48% within its
Built-Up Area continues to be within reach of contributing to achieving the intended
regional intensification target (45%).
In 2016, building permits were issued for a total of 2,417 new residential units. This
represents a 220% increase from 2015and is the second highest year for new units
created through buildings permits in the last 30 years(tied with 2014). The majority
of new residential units developed were in the form of multiple dwellings and
townhouse dwellings, which combined comprised 60% of new units.
ystem will be
updated in future years to reflect the new Official Plan and pending new Zoning By-
law.
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1. Introduction
In 2009, Kitchener approved its Growth Management Strategy (KGMS). The KGMS provides a
framework for planning where and how future residential and employment growth can be
accommodated in Kitchener while positively contributing to our quality of life. The goals and
actions outlined in the KGMS support the provincial Places to Grow Growth Plan for the Greater
Horseshoe(2006Growth Plan) and the Regional Growth Management Strategy(RGMS).
The KGMS introduced an ongoing growth management program to manage growth-related
change in an effective and coordinated manner (Goal 6). One of the action items of this goal is
to prepare an Annual Growth Management Monitoring Report to track the supply of
development opportunities and the achievement of intensification and density targets.
Monitoring Reports have been prepared and presented to Council and the development industry
annually since 2010. The Monitoring report provides an update on the progress of implementing
the KGMS action items along with provincial and regional growth plans.
The primary purpose of the Monitoring Report is to update data from the KGMS Background
Study: Current Baseline Report (Parts 6-9) annually. It presents a summary of recent residential
development rates and updates the potential capacity to accommodate growth both within the
Built-up Area (intensification areas) and in the Designated Greenfield Area. The original data
from the KGMS Background Study was as of June 16, 2008 (with some of the existing
residential data at the time coming from the 2006 Census). The monitoring report also provides
a summary of development applications that have been received and those that have been
approved in 2016.
This monitoring report captures a snapshot of all data (with the exception of Sections 2 and3)
as of June 16, 2017 (the anniversary date of the 2006 Growth Plan).
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2. Delegated Approval Authority Summary for 2016
This section provides a summary of the number of plans of subdivision, plans of condominium,
part-lot control applications, consent applications received and the number and type of dwelling
units (herein after referred to as units) approved through these applications in 2016.Reporting
on those approvals is a requirement of an agreement between the City of Kitchener and the
Region of Waterloo regarding delegated approval authority.
Figure 1: 2016 Development Applications Received
ions
Location
File Number
# of Applicat
Application Type
and Cluster Townhouse Units
Street Fronting Townhouse Units
Combination of Singles, Semis or
Combination of Multiple Residential
Subdivisions130T-17201731 Huron Rd18124
155 St. Leger St
30CDM-16201077
115 South Creek Drive
30CDM-16202094
242 Kehl Street
30CDM-16203045
Condominiums5
690 King Street West
30CDM-162040138
659 Stirling Avenue
30CDM-16205030
South
Part Lot Control25
Consents48
TOTAL7918508
The number of development applications (for new lot creation) received in 2016 (79) decreased
from the number received in 2015(93).There were half as many condominium applicationsin
2016 as in 2015. The number of consent applications decreased from 62 in 2015 to 48in 2016.
The number of consent applications received in 2016is consistent with the average that the City
typically receives.
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Figure 2A: 2016 Development Applications Approved
Combination of
Combination ofMultiple
Singles, Semis or
Application TypeResidential and Cluster
Street Fronting
Townhouse Units
Townhouse Units
Subdivision Draft Approved Units263186
Condominium Draft Approved Units*58615
Subdivision Registered Units401232
Condominium Registered Units*27897
Part Lot Control6085
Consents275**
Total8362,020
*Includes condominium conversions
**Total number of multiple blocks approved.
One subdivision was draft approved by Council in 2016 for an estimated total of 449 dwelling
units.This is substantially less than the total number draft approved in 2015 (3,505 units).
However, the total number of draft approved subdivision units in 2015 was unusually high and
the totals from 2016 are more in line with the average numbers draft approved annually.
Further, 2016 saw an increase in the number of units registered through subdivision and
condominium. In 2015, 684 units were registered and in 2016, 1,557 were registered.
Figure 2B: 2012-2016 Subdivision Applications Received, Draft Approved and Registered
20122013201420152016
Subdivision
Application
sidential and
Status
Singles/Semis/Street Singles/Semis/Street Singles/Semis/Street Singles/Semis/Street Singles/Semis/Street
Multiple Residential and Multiple Residential and Multiple ReMultiple Residential and Multiple Residential and
Cluster Townhouse UnitsCluster Townhouse UnitsCluster Townhouse UnitsCluster Townhouse UnitsCluster Townhouse Units
Fronting Townhouse UnitsFronting Townhouse UnitsFronting Townhouse UnitsFronting Townhouse UnitsFronting Townhouse Units
Subdivision
14946401874022745210818124
Received
Subdivisions
143116831700731223151190263186
Draft Approved
Subdivisions
432775487657781241824401232
Registered
Figure 2B shows the estimated number of new units as part of received, draft approved and
registered plans of subdivision from 2012 to 2016. The five year average number of estimated
subdivision units received is 332, draft approved is 1,465 and registered is 709.
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3. Residential Development Rates
This section provides an overview of past development rates in the City through the examination
of building permits for new residential units by dwelling type.
Figure 3: Residential Development Rates
New Residential Dwelling Units Created
Through Building Permit*
5-year 10-year 20-year
AverageAverageAverage
Dwelling Type20152016(2012-2016)(2007-2016)(1997-2016)
Single Detached* 615 842 540 572 679
Semi-Detached* 29 37 24 49 60
Duplex** 92 80 79 32 24
Townhouses 436 255 322 63 40
Multiple Dwellings*** 151 1203 610 474 354
Total New Units 1,323 2,417 1,575 1,191 1,157
*Gross new units (conversion/additions included, demolitions not subtracted)
**Includes additions that create new units
***Includes additions that create new units and stacked townhouses
In 2016, building permits were issued for a total of 2,417 new residential units (units). This is a
significant increase compared to 2015. This is the second highest year for new units created
through buildings permits in the last 30 years (tied with 2014).The majority of new residential
units developed were in the form of multiple dwellings and townhouse dwellings, which when
combined comprised 60% of new units.
Building permits issued during the first six months of 2017 created 1,022 dwelling units.
Compared to the same time in 2016, the numbers are slightly lower.
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4. Intensification Level
The Official Plan requires the achievement of a region-wide target of a
minimum of 45% of all new residential development to be located within the Built-up Area
(BUA).
Province in 2006) and shows the location of new units created within these areas between June
16, 2016 and June 15, 2017.
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Achieving the minimum intensification level could be a challenge for some municipalities that
still have a significant amount of Designated Greenfield Area (DGA) lands available and limited
intensification opportunities. Kitchener however, is well positioned to achieve this target. The
most recent measures of new residential units by type in the BUA and DGA are indicated in
Figure 4 below.
Figure 4: Intensification and DesignatedGreenfield Area Development Levels
(June 16/16-June 15/17)
Designated Greenfield Built-Up Area
Area (New Residential
Dwelling Type(New Residential Units)Units)Total
Single Detached634259893
Semi-Detached21416
Semi-Detached Duplex10010
Duplex33336
Street Townhouses1360136
Cluster Townhouses74074
Multiple Dwellings*127282409
9865881574
Total
Percent of Total63%37%100%
*Includes multiple dwellings within mixed use buildings
As expected, there were more multiple dwellings in the BUA and more single detached and
townhouse dwellings in the DGA. Overall, the City continues to achieve a balance in new
residential units between the DGA and BUA.
The most recent intensification level of 37%, although below the region wide 45% intensification
level target, continues to be an indication that the City remains positioned to contribute towards,
and in some years exceed the intensification target. greenfield areas are
opening up (i.e. Rosenberg, Huron South and Doon South Phase 2), it is expected that
Kitchener may not achieve as high an intensification level.
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Figure 5 illustrates the historic intensification levels, as per the Provincial Built Boundary Line.
Figure 5: Intensification Level (2001 to present)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Intensification Level (%)
0
Year
The City (i.e. 2013) (i.e. 2012) years with respect to the BUA
intensification level as the timing of 2-3 multiple dwelling developments can impact the reported
rate in a given year for a municipality the size of Kitchener. An average provides a better
understanding, for monitoring purposes, of whether the City is on track to achieving the required
intensification level. Figure 6 below illustrates the 5 year average intensification levels from June
2002 to June 2017.
Figure 6: 5 Year Average Intensification Levels
5 Year Average
Year
Intensification Level (%)
June 2002 -June 200744
June 2007 -June 201239
June 2012 -June 201748
The 5-year average Intensification Level (June 2012 June 2017) is now at 48% with the 10-
year average (2007-2017) slightly lower at 44%.
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5. Intensification Areas Existing Measures and Additional Capacity
for New Growth
Existing Measures
Figure 7 quantifies the existing number of dwelling units, residents, jobs and density measure
(residents and jobs per hectare) for the currently identified Intensification Areas within the BUA.
Figure 7: Existing Measures for Current Intensification Areas
Non-
Land
Residential Residents
Intensification AreaArea UnitsResidentsJobs
Floor+ Jobs/ha
(Ha)
2
Space (m)
Urban Growth
1072,6914,844845,14815,204187
Centre*
Primary Node1151,7953,232107,0493,51576
Mixed Use Nodes2943,9597,136216,4825,99241
Mixed Use Corridors1231,7403,352208,4546,26188
Neighbourhood
4616241410,6131,82652
Mixed Use Centres
Comprehensive
27171391126,98235137
Development Areas
Subtotal of
Intensification 71210,51819,3681,514,72833,148
Areas
Site Specific
Intensification 1,1052,172747,3428,02854
Opportunities
Grand Total11,62321,5402,262,07041,176
*UGC data is based on several data sources including the Economic Development
downtown employment database
The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) increased from 180 RJs/ha in 2015 to
187 RJs/ha in 2016.
residential and employment densities continue to gradually rise as expected.
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Capacity for New Growth
Figure8 explores the potential for accommodating new development within each of
intensification areas based on the existing zoning only.
Figure 8: Additional Capacity Measures for Current Intensification Areas
50% Scenario
It is assumed that the intensification opportunities may have a capacity of, on average, up to
50% of their maximum zoned capacity during the planning horizon
Non-
Residential
Intensification FloorResidents
2
AreasArea (Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m)Jobs+ Jobs/ha
Urban Growth Centre1071,8493,300219,5219,267117
Primary Node11529664101,16818
Mixed Use Nodes2944,2218,482358,2278,57967
Mixed Use Corridors1236,94412,625434,47813,205183
Neighbourhood Mixed
466812322,1792367
Use Centres
Comprehensive
277871,7052,19927346
Development Areas
Subtotal of
Intensification 71214,16626,8761,036,60432,729
Areas
Site Specific
Intensification 2,6104,650236,5174,68044
Opportunities
Grand Total16,77531,5271,273,12137,409
*Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building floor
space).
well positioned with existing land use, density, design approvals and amenities in place which
can help the existing capacity to grow in these areas. New development applications and
updates to the zoning in these areas as a result of the Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-
law (CRoZBy) and Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) will continue to refine the
planning framework and add to the capacity to accommodate growth in these areas. These
types of projects not only help achieve the provincial numerical target but, perhaps more
importantly, they contribute positively to the social, environmental, economic and cultural well-
being of the community.
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Figure 9 provides an account of the total number of dwelling units, residents, non-residential
floor space and jobs that could result at build-out of the Intensification Areas.
Figure 9: Total Measures (Existing + Additional Capacity) for Current Intensification
Areas
Non-
Residential
Intensification FloorResidents
2
AreasArea (Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m)Jobs+ Jobs/ha
Urban Growth
Centre1074,5408,1441,064,66924,471304
Primary Node1152,0913,87304,68394
Mixed Use Nodes2948,18015,618574,70914,571108
Mixed Use Corridors1238,68415,977642,93219,466271
Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centres4623053732,7922,06259
Comprehensive
Development Areas279582,096129,18162483
Subtotal of
Intensification
Areas71224,68446,2452,551,33265,876
Site Specific
Intensification
Opportunities3,7156,822983,85912,70897
Grand Total28,39853,0673,535,19178,585
Given the additional opportunities for redevelopment, based on existing zoning, there is capacity
and potential to achieve
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6. Estimated Land Supply
The estimated land supply for Kitchener is a total of the potential capacity within the BUAand
the DGA.As development moves from raw land through the development approvals stage and
eventually to construction, the land supply estimates become more accurate.
6.1 Potential Built-up Area Supply
The Built-up Area land supply includes lands within the Built Boundary Line that are within
intensification areas, are site specific intensification opportunities, include a minor intensification
factor within existing communities (community interiors) and the potential supply from
registered, draft approved and in-circulation subdivisions.
Figure10: Estimated Built-up Area Supply (capacity of intensification lands inside the Built
Boundary)
Non-Res.
Intensification AreaUnitsResidentsJobs
Space (m²)*
Urban Growth Centre
1,8493,300219,5219,267
Primary Node
29664101,168
Mixed Use Nodes**
4,2218,482358,2278,579
Mixed Use Corridors
6,94412,625434,47813,205
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
6812322,179236
Comprehensive Development Areas
7871,7052,199273
Subtotal of Intensification Areas14,16626,8761,036,60432,729
Site Specific Intensification Opportunities2,6104,650236,5174,680
Total Potential Supply of Current
16,77531,5271,273,12137,409
Intensification Areas
Community Interiors7001,774048
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 436923213,1183,077
Draft Approved12134000
In Circulation0000
Other Designated0000
Subtotal1,2573,037213,1183,124
Total Potential Supply (Current Zoning)18,03234,5641,486,23940,533
*Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building floor
space).
**Does not include Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node which is in the Designated Greenfield Area.
Figure 10Built-up Area land supply includes a
potential capacity of approximately 18,000 dwelling units and 1.5 million square metres of non-
residential floor space.
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6.2 Potential Designated Greenfield Area Supply
The potential Designated Greenfield Area (DGA) land supply includes all lands outside the Built
Boundary Line that are designate
become more refined as land parcels within this area move through the development approval
process. The dwelling unit numbers are primarily based on maximums for blocks of land that
have a range of units.
Similar to Figure 10, the DGA land supply includes intensification areas, site specific
intensification opportunities, lands which have been designated in the Official Plan but do not
currently have development applications (e.g. portions of the Rosenberg Community) and the
potential supply from registered, draft approved and in-circulation subdivisions.
Figure 11: Estimated Designated Greenfield Area Supply
(lands outside the Built Boundary)
Non-Res.
Floor Space
Greenfield LocationUnitsResidents(m2)Jobs
240 430 57,100 1,180
Intensification Areas*
Site Specific Intensification
Opportunities - - 44,615 378
Other Designated Lands** 8,663 20,537 152,854 6,351
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 1,361 3,627 92,968 1,644
Draft Approved 8,310 19,969 5,330 844
In Circulation 2,362 5,606 27,990 126
Total*** 20,936 50,169 380,856 10,523
*Includes Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node (outside Built Boundary Line)
** Using 55 residents+jobs/hectare assumption. Lands are net Provincialconstraints only. No
Hidden Valley Community included. Includes Rosenberg lands without a development
application, based on densities in the Rosenberg Secondary Plan.
***Does not include any additional lands added in the Region Official Plan and City Official
Plan to the City Urban Area. Once the land use designations are considered, the DGA supply
estimates will be updated.
Figure 11Designated Greenfield Area land supply
includes a potential capacity of approximately 20,900 residential units and 381,000 square
metres of non-residential floor space.
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6.3 Estimated Total Supply
The potential land supply of both the BUA and DGA can be combined to provide a total estimate
for residential and employment land in Kitchener.
Figure 12: Estimated Total Supply: Built-up Area and Designated Greenfield Area
Non-Res. Space
LocationUnitsResidentsJobs
(m²)
Built-up Area (BUA)18,03234,5641,486,23940,533
Designated Greenfield Area (DGA)20,93650,169380,85610,523
Total 38,96884,7331,867,09551,057
The estimated supply of dwelling units has decreased in the BUA and DGA from June 2016.
The total supply of dwelling units and jobs is expected to eventually decrease as development
continues to occur and the city moves to The timing of development from
the estimated supply of units is influenced by many factors including infrastructure timing, land
owner priorities and market forces.
As previously discussed throughout this report, the estimated land supply for Kitchener is based
time of the preparation of the KGMS in 2009. It does not include any additional lands added in
and City
Official Plan. Once urban land use designations are assigned to the additional DGA lands, the
DGA supply estimates will be updated. In addition, once updates to zoning in the intensification
areas have been completed through the Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-law
(CRoZBy) and Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS), the supply numbers for the
BUA will also be updated.
7. Current Capacity for Growth
This section compares the current population and employment capacity with the population and
employment allocations provided by the Region of Waterloo.
Figure 13: Population Allocation vs. Estimated Capacity
PopulationEmployment
Existing251,200*88,563**
Capacity84,73351,057
Total335,933139,620
2031 Growth Allocation 319,500132,500
Difference16,4337,120
*Unofficial interim population estimate as of mid-year 2017, Region
** Based on the 2011 Census household survey which was conducted in a different format.
Also includes the incremental increase in UGC (downtown) jobs since 2011
mid-year population estimated by the Region is now 251,200; approximately
7,000 more people than reported mid-year 2016. Figure 13 shows that the City has an existing
supply/capacity of developable land within the BUA and DGA that can accommodate more
residents and jobs than the 2031 population and employment allocation from the Region.
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8. Places to Grow Implementation
The KGMS annual monitoring report will continue to monitor new development and track
related to the Growth Plan. On July 1, 2017 an updated Growth Plan
came into effect which, among other things, provides for new intensification levelsand
Designated Greenfield Area targets. It is expected that themay
berevised pending future Region and City updated growth management strategies.
Growth Forecasts
In response to previous Provincial growth forecasts (and Regional allocation thereof), the City
developed background information in support of the KGMS that analyzes the growth capacity of
various areas of the city. As indicated in Section 7.0, Kitchener has the capacity to
accommodate the allocated growth into appropriate areas.
The Province continues to update long-term growth forecast scenarios for the Greater Golden
the allocations of these forecasts within local Official Plans. At such time as the Region of
Waterloo considers a future amendment to their Plan to identify any different/further allocation of
the forecasts for Kitchener, an update to the growth management assessment and the
Kitchener Official Plan may be required.
Urban Growth Centre
The 2006 Growth Plan requires that our Urban Growth Centre be planned to achieve a
2031. The present density is 187 RJs/ha. With additional intensification projects currently
happening or proposed in the UGC, an opportunity exists to exceed these targets.
Intensification
The 2006Growth Plan requires that 40% of residential development be directed to the BUA by
2015. The target within the Regional Official Plan is a minimum of 45% of all new residential
development to be located within the BUA. The 2017 Growth Plan has a higher intensification
level target, and determining how to implement the target in our region is expected over the next
several years.To monitor new development, the City has a dynamic system that tracks building
permit issuance for new residential units inside and outside the Built Boundary Line. The most
recent intensification level over a one-year period was 37% while the five-year average
intensification level is now at 48%. As indicated in Section 4.0, a multi-year average provides a
better understanding, for monitoring purposes, of whether the City is on track to achieving the
required intensification level.
Designated Greenfield Area Densities
The Growth Plan mandates that future development within the Designated Greenfield Area
should achieve specific, transit-supportive density targets. Based on the 2006 Growth Plan, to
contribute to meeting the Region minimum density target of 50 residents and jobs combined
per hectare for the entire Designated Greenfield Area shown in the Regional Official Plan,
is 55 residents and jobs per hectare in residential subdivisions. The 2017
Growth Plan has a higher DGA density target, and determining how to implement the target in
our region is expected over the next several years. Kitchener is well positioned to meet DGA
density targets. There are several plans of subdivision that are in areas served, or to be served,
by transit that meet or exceed the overall target. The Kitchener Growth Management Plan
(KGMP) provides a tool for identifying and tracking the Designated Greenfield Area density.
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Planning Principles
Planning a city is not just about achieving certain numerical targets. The majority of the Growth
Plan includes policy direction to achieve healthy and complete communities. Kitchener has long
been a leader in promoting walkable, transit-to
continue to revitalize the Urban Growth Centre, clean up brownfield sites and achieve mixed
use developments that are pedestrian-oriented are significant. We are further striving to
enhance the linkages between land use planning and other community considerations such as
transportation options, community infrastructure, social dynamics, economics and
environmental conservation. Ultimately, the goal is to help achieve a higher quality of life in a
healthy and complete community.
9. Regional Growth Management Strategy Implementation
The goals outlined in the Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS), are largely reflected
in the goals of the KGMS. Many of the KGMS action items described in Section 10 below
support the implementation of the RGMS as well. Additional initiatives that support the RGMS
include the new Five Best Bets for Air Quality
Strategy and, the new Official Plan.
10. Kitchener Growth Management Strategy Implementation
The KGMS encompasses six goals that facilitate managing growth and development within the
City of Kitchener. These goals support the RGMS and have been adapted to the City of
Kitchener context. A significant portion of the objectives, initiatives and recommendations of the
KGMS have been completed in previous years and the status of the 2 remaining items is
provided below.
ActionItemStatus
Goal 1Enhance our valued natural and cultural heritage resources
Update Urban Design Manual:
3Comprehensive update initiated in June 2017.
Goal 5Strengthen communities
Love My Hood' endorsed by Council in
4Prepare a Neighbourhood Strategy
February 2017.
11. Kitchener Growth Management Plan
The Kitchener Growth Management Plan (KGMP) is an evolution of the former Staging of
Development program and is used as a tool to assist with the implementation of the KGMS. The
KGMP establishes priority levels for development and infrastructure projects for each growth
area within the City. It includes the prioritization and allocation of resources towards completing
initiatives that are required to move lands from the draft approval stage to registration,
construction and developing complete communities. The current KGMP (2015-2017+) was
adopted by City Council in 2015. The next KGMP for 2017-2019+ will be considered by
Committee of Council in October 2017.
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