HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK - 2018-09-04 - Item 5 - Urban Design Manual Update MemoDate:
August 10, 2018
To:
Heritage Kitchener Committee
From:
Dayna Edwards, Senior Planner (Urban Design), 519-741-2200, ext. 7324
cc:
Subject:
Urban Design Manual Update –Project Update & Priorities for 2018-2019
It has been 8 years since the previous update to the Urban Design Manual and nearly 20 years
since the manual’s approval. City staff has identified areas within the Manual where more current
best practices could be reflected, and areas where there is duplication or efficiencies that could
be gained.An updated Urban Design Manual also provides greater certainty to what is expected
from the development industry which can result in a more efficient design review. The manual
will help achieve a level of urban design that is appropriate for the different locations within the
city, in alignment with the vision for Kitchener and consistent with standards found in other
Ontario cities.
Over the past few years the planning framework in Kitchener has changed. Council recently adopted a
new Official Plan, three station area plans (PARTS Central, Midtown and Rockway), and the Residential
Intensification in Established Neighbourhoods Study (RIENS).
A final draft of the Zoning By-law (CRoZBy) has been tabled before Council; therefore the timing is right
to bring forward a first draft of the new Urban Design Manual. The manual is an important implementation
tool for the new Official Plan and other recently approved policy documents, including the PARTS plans
and RIENS.
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At the September 4meeting of Heritage Kitchener, staff will provide the committee with a project
overview of the Urban Design Manualupdate.
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