HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-19-181 - Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) 2019 Annual Monitoring ReportREPORT TO:Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: September 9, 2019
SUBMITTED BY:Alain Pinard, Director of Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7319
PREPARED BY:Sarah Coutu, Planner(Policy), 519-741-2200 ext. 7069
WARD(S) INVOLVED:ALL
DATE OF REPORT:August 22, 2019
REPORT NO.: DSD-19-181
SUBJECT:Kitchener Growth Management Strategy
2019 Annual Monitoring Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That Report DSD-19-181Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2019 Annual Monitoring
Report be received and submitted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in fulfillment
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 Kitchener Growth
Management Strategy 2019 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.This report also fulfills a requirement of the Admin Agreement
between the City of Kitchener and the Region to provide an annual summary of subdivision and
condominium approval activity.
REPORT:
The KGMS provides a long-term framework for planning where and how future residential and
employment growth should occur 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 support the Province’s 2006 Growth 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 2019 Monitoring Report (Appendix A) provides a summary and assessment of growth with
the Built-up Area (intensification areas) and Designated Greenfield Area of the city over the past
year.
Highlights of the 2019 Monitoring Report Include:
Residential Development Rates in 2018
1,302 new dwellingswere created in 2018. This is a decrease from 1,434units in 2017,
and below the 10 and 20-year average of approximately 1,500 units per year. Given that
2016 was the second highest year for new units created through building permits in the
last 30 years,it is not surprising tosee a decrease in permits in the couple of years
following.
Almost half (47%) of new residential units developed were in the form of multiple
dwellings.
Urban Growth Centre (UGC) Density
The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) remained at 189 residents and
jobs per hectarefrom 2018 to 2019.
While there were additional residential units constructed that contributed to increased
residents, the total number of jobs in the UGCdecreased and may continue to dip over
the next year, largely due to the anticipated relocation of a large insurance company.
Over time, jobs areexpected to return as vacatedspace becomes occupied by new
businesses.
Based on planning applications and permits in process, it is estimated that approximately
2,600 units may be built and occupied in the UGC in the next 2-5 years.
Kitchener continues to be well on its way to achieving the Official Plan target of 225
residents and jobs per hectare by 2031.
Built Up Areaand Designated Greenfield Area Development (June 2018 and June 2019)
The intensification level over the past year (new residential construction that occurs within
the Built-up Area) is 63%. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s 37%.
Over the next several years, it is expected that the intensification level will remain steady
or decrease as lands within Kitchener’s Designated Greenfield Area (i.e. newer
subdivision areas) build out. The City’s 5-year average intensification level is 46%, which
meets the Region of Waterloo’s minimum target of 45%.
Building permits issued for new residential units between June 2018 and June2019 within
the Designated Greenfield Area continue to provide a varied and balanced supply of
dwelling types.
42% of new residential units were in ground oriented housing forms (i.e., single detached,
semi-detached, duplex and street townhouse dwellings) and 58% were in multiple
dwellings (including stacked and back-to-back townhouse dwellings).
The number of multiple dwelling permits issued in the Built Up Area far exceed those that
were issues within the Designated Greenfield Area.
Capacity for Growth
The City continues to have the potential to accommodate its current allocated population
and employment growthwithin its urban area.
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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 – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.In addition, monitoring report information was presented to the
Waterloo Region Home Builders Liaison Committee in August.
CONCLUSION:
The 2019 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,519-741-2200 ext. 7648
Tim Donegani, Senior Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7067
Lauren Chlumsky,Economic Development Analyst,519-741-2200 ext. 7072
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman - General Manager, Development Services
Appendix A – Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) Annual Monitoring Report 2019
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Appendix A
KitchenerGrowth
Management Strategy
2019Annual Monitoring Report
September 9, 2019
RE: DSD-19-181
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Executive Summary
In 2009 Kitchener approved its Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) in support of
the City’s Strategic Plan. Kitchener is expected to accommodate a relatively
significant amount of residential and employment growth by 2031. We are also
mandated by the Province to achieve certain numerical targetsand other planning
objectives.
Kitchener is on the leading edge with respect to its ability to track and monitor
specific growth data in a dynamic manner. A snapshot of the data is contained within
this report.
All of the goals and action items of the KGMS are completed or near completion.
The results of the 2019 growth management data continue to be encouraging.
The City’s current intensification level of 63% and 5-year average intensification
level of 46% within its Built-Up Area exceeds the regional intensification target
(45%).
The number of residents and jobs per hectare (RJs/ha) in the Urban Growth Centre
(Downtown) is 194 RJs. With additional intensification projects currently happening
or proposed in the UGC, the city is well positioned to achieving the provincially
mandated target of 200 RJs/ha by 2031, which was further established in the City’s
Official Plan at a minimum target of 225 RJs/ha by 2031.
In 2018, building permits were issued for a total of 1,302 new residential units. This
represents a 10% decrease from 2017and below the 10 and 20-year average of
approximately 1,500 units per year. However, given that 2016 was the second
highest year for new units created through building permits in the last 30 years, it is
not unexpected to see a decrease in issued building permits in the couple years
following. Almost half (47%) of new residential units developed were in the form of
multiple dwellings.
The City’s growth management dynamic tracking and monitoring system will be
updated in future years to reflect the new Official Plan (entirely in effect as of 2019),
new Zoning By-law (Stage 1 under appeal) and changes to provincial legislation.
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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 preparedand 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 bothwithin the
Built-up Area(intensification areas) and in the Designated Greenfield Area. The original data
from the KGMS Background Study wasas of June 16, 2008 (with some of the existing
residential data at the time coming from the 2006Census). The monitoring report also provides
a summary of development applications that have been received and those that have been
approvedin 2018.
This monitoring report captures a snapshot of all data (with the exception of Sections 2 and3)
as ofJune 16, 2019(the anniversary date of the 2006 Growth Plan).
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2.Delegated Approval Authority Summary for 2018
This section provides a summary of the number of plans of subdivision, plans of condominium,
part-lot control applications, and consent applications received and the number and type of
dwelling units (herein after referred to as units) approvedthrough these applications in 2018.
Reporting on those approvalsis a requirement of an agreement between the City of Kitchener
and the Region of Waterloo regarding delegated approval authority.Figure 1 includesthe
number of applications received, approved and registered in 2018.
Figure 1: 2018 Development Applications Received, Approved and Registered
Combination of Multiple
Combination of Singles, Residential, Cluster
# of
Application TypeSemis or Street Fronting Townhouse Units,
Applications
Townhouse UnitsCommercial and Mixed
Use Developments
Received Applications
Subdivision21906729
Condominium894594
Part Lot Control 13N/AN/A
Consents66N/AN/A
Total8920001323
Approved Lots/Units
Subdivision190
Condominium20389
Part Lot Control 1440
Consents6162162
Total 7875551
Registered Lots/Units
Subdivision5509171
Condominium149641
Total 19518812
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9
131866
680688389655136
Total
2,635
-
4
75
/CT
729389
171594641
2018
Multiple
1366
-
9
94141461
509
SST
1,906
and registered
-
29
19*33*
284283603695532371
Total
approved
7
-- -
6
CT
526
222583675
201
Multiple/
19*33*
-
6
62202023
283371
SST
32
25*48*
142449633384673924145
Total
6
nsent applications received,
85
CT5**
124186232384615897
201
Multiple/
25*48*
-
1858276027
263401
SST
4024
20*62*
160186660554498
Total
3,505
Multiple, Cluster Townhouse Dwelling
5
–
-
4
CT
4**
108554
660470
201
1,190
Multiple/
20*62*
- -
52284020
182
SST
2,315
8
851223
18*
676902219
112*
Total
1,013
4
-
-
1212
CT
274
124170981
Subdivision, Condominium, Part Lot Control, and Consent Applications Received, Approved and Registered201
Multiple/
18*
112*
2018
-
-
8
73
493223
402778
SST
.
2018
to
4
Figure 2: 2013
visions
Single, Semi, Street Townhouse Dwelling; Multiple/CT
–
Consents
Subdi
Condominiums
Part Lot Control
Figure 2 compares the number of subdivision, condominium, part lot control, and cofrom 201 ReceivedDraft ApprovedRegisteredReceivedDraft ApprovedRegisteredReceivedApprovedReceivedApprovedSST
*Total number of applications received**Total number of multiple blocks approved
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3.Residential Development Rates
This section provides an overview ofpast development rates in the City through the examination
of building permits fornew residential units by dwelling type.
Figure 3: Residential Development Rates
New Residential Dwelling Units Created
Through Building Permit*
10-year 20-year
5-year AverageAverageAverage
Dwelling Type20172018(2014-2018)(2009-2018)(1999-2018)
Single Detached*299298511493650
Semi-Detached*1030253251
Duplex**1011461018454
Townhouses101216283282299
Multiple Dwellings***923612858621471
Total New Units1,4341,3021,7791,5121,525
*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 2018, building permits were issued for a total of 1,302 new residential units. This represents a
10% decrease from 2017and is below the 10 and 20-year average of approximately 1,500 units
per year. However, given that 2016 was the second highest year for new units created through
building permits inthe last 30 years, it is not surprising to see a decrease in issued building
permits in the couple years following. Almost half (47%) of new residential units developed were
in the form of multiple dwellings. During the first six months of 2019the City issued building
permits for 682new residential units. Compared to the same time in 2018, the numbers are
much higher.
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4.Intensification Level
The Region of Waterloo’s 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). The map below illustrates the location of Kitchener’s BUA, Designated Greenfield Area
(DGA), built boundary line (the limits of the City’s developed urban area as established by the
Province in 2006). It shows the location of new units created within these areasbetween June
16, 2018and June 15, 2019.
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Achieving the minimum intensification level of 45% could be a challenge for some municipalities
that still have a significantamount of Designated Greenfield Area (DGA)lands available and
limited intensification opportunities. The most recent measures of new residential units by type
in the BUAand DGA are indicatedin Figure 4 below.
Figure 4: Intensification and Designated Greenfield Area Development Levels
(June 16/18-June 15/19)
Designated Greenfield Area Built-Up Area
Dwelling Type(New Residential Units)(New Residential Units)Total
Single Detached26321284
Semi-Detached22426
Duplex23151174
Street Townhouses1606166
Cluster Townhouses83442
Multiple Dwellings*124733857
5809691549
Total
Percent of Total37%63%100%
*Includes dwelling units within mixed use buildings
The most recent intensification level of 63% continues to be an indication that the City remains
positioned to both contribute towards, and in some years exceed, the intensification target. As
we have seen in recent years, when there is a substantial number of multiple dwelling units
created in the Built UpArea, the City’s intensification level is higher. Over the next several
years, it is expected that the intensification level will remain steady or decrease as lands within
the Designated Greenfield Area build out.
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Figure 5 illustrates the historic intensification levels, as per the Provincial Built Boundary Line.
Figure 5: Intensification Level (2001 to present)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Intensification Level (%)
Year
The City expects to see “spike” (i.e. 2013, 2019) and “dip” (i.e. 2012) years with respect to the
BUA intensification level as the timing of 2-3 multiple dwelling developments can affectthe
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 the5-yearaverage intensification levels
from June 2003 to June 2019.
Figure 6: 5 Year Average Intensification Levels
5 Year Average
YearIntensification Level
(%)
June 2004 -June 200940
June 2009 -June 201447
June 2014 -June 201946
The 5-year average Intensification Level (June 2014 – June 2019) is now at 46% with the 10-
year average (2009-2019) slightly higherat 47%.
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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 Areaswithin the BUA.
Figure 7: Existing Measures for Current Intensification Areas
Non-
Land
Residential Residents
Intensification AreaArea UnitsResidentsJobs
Floor Space + Jobs/ha
(Ha)
(m2)
Urban Growth Centre1073,068*5,522847,05014,730**189
Primary Node1151,5122,723106,4983,49869
Mixed Use Nodes2943,9727,159216,4826,16742
Mixed Use Corridors1232,2744,299207,8196,91197
Neighbourhood Mixed
4616241010,6931,82652
Use Centres
Comprehensive
27297733126,98229961
Development Areas
Subtotal of
71211,28520,8451,515,52433,430
Intensification Areas
Site Specific
Intensification 1,2332,394744,8137,98654
Opportunities
Grand Total12,51823,2392,260,33741,416
*Source: Region of Waterloo as of mid-year 2019
**UGCjobsdata is based on several data sources, predominately the Region of Waterloo 2018
Workplace Countand the Economic Development downtown employment database.
It is noted that the main data source for reporting jobs within the Urban Growth Centre(UGC)
has changed from previous reporting years. The Region of Waterloo has begun conducting a
Workplace Count Survey for every placeof work in Waterloo Region (except for home-based
businesses and farms) and intend to conduct this survey every two years to update information.
Where Economic Development staff is aware of changes in workplace employment since the
Workplace CountSurvey was conducted, the data has been supplemented with more recent
figures.
As redevelopment continues to occur in the City’s intensification areas, the residential and
employment densities continue to gradually rise as expected.The estimated density of the
Urban Growth Centre (UGC) remained at 189 residents and jobs per hectare from 2018 to
2019. While there were additional residential units constructed that contributed to increased
residents, the total number of jobs in the UGC decreased and may continue to dip over the next
year, largely due to the anticipated relocation of a large insurance company.Over time, jobs are
expected to return as vacated space becomes occupied by new businesses. Based on
planning applications and permits in process, it is estimated that approximately 2,600 units may
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be built and occupied in the UGC in the next 2-5 years. Accordingly, Kitchener continues to be
well on its way to achieving the Official Plan target of 225 residents and jobs per hectare by
2031.
Capacity for New Growth
Figure 8 explores the potential for accommodating new development within each of
intensification areas based on the existing zoning only.
Figure 8: Additional Capacity Measures for Current Intensification Areas
50% Scenario
It is assumed that the intensification opportunities may have a capacity of, on average, up to
50% of their maximum zoned capacity during the planning horizon
Non-
Residential
Floor Residents
Intensification AreasArea (Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m2)Jobs+ Jobs/ha
Urban Growth Centre1071,8473,297219,4549,235117
Primary Node11544691001,17822
Mixed Use Nodes2944,1388,321357,5108,62364
Mixed Use Corridors1236,51312,068439,64913,156181
Neighbourhood Mixed
466812322,1792367
Use Centres
Comprehensive
277871,7052,19927336
Development Areas
Subtotal of
71213,79926,4251,040,99132,701
Intensification Areas
Site Specific
Intensification 2,5074,476238,3284,66841
Opportunities
Grand Total16,30530,9001,279,31937,369
*Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building floor
space).
Buildings and sites within the Urban Growth Centre and the City’s other Intensification Areas are
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 ofthe Zoning By-
law (CRoZBy), Planning AroundRapid Transit Stations (PARTS), and neighbourhood specific
planning reviewswill continue to refine the planning framework and add to the capacity to
accommodate growth in these areas.
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Figure 9 provides an account of the total number of dwelling units,residents, non-residential
floor space and jobs that could result at build-out of the Intensification Areas.
Figure 9: Total Measures (Existing + Additional Capacity) for Current Intensification
Areas
Non-
Residential
Intensification Area Floor Residents
Areas(Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m2)Jobs+ Jobs/ha
Urban Growth
Centre1074,9158,8201,066,50424,965306
Primary Node1151,9583,63304,67691
Mixed Use Nodes2948,11015,480573,99214,790106
Mixed Use
Corridors1238,78716,367647,46820,066278
Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centres4623053332,8722,06258
Comprehensive
Development
Areas271,0842,438129,18157297
Subtotal of
Intensification
Areas71225,08447,2702,556,51566,131
Site Specific
Intensification
Opportunities3,7406,870983,14112,65496
Grand Total28,82354,1403,539,65678,784
Given the additional opportunitiesfor redevelopment, based on existing zoning, there is capacity
and potential to achieve higher densities within Kitchener’s Intensification Areas.
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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.
6.1Potential Built-up Area Supply
The Built-up Arealand 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.
Figure 10: Estimated Built-up Area Supply (capacity of intensification lands inside the
Built Boundary)
Non-Res.
Intensification AreaUnitsResidentsJobs
Space (m²)*
Urban Growth Centre
1,8473,297219,4549,235
Primary Node
44691001,178
Mixed Use Nodes**
4,1388,321357,5108,623
Mixed Use Corridors
6,51312,068439,64913,156
NeighbourhoodMixed Use Centres
6812322,179236
Comprehensive Development Areas
7871,7052,199273
Subtotal of Intensification Areas13,79926,4251,040,99132,701
Site Specific Intensification Opportunities2,5074,476238,3284,668
Total Potential Supply of Current
16,30530,9001,279,31937,369
Intensification Areas
Community Interiors6001,524041
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 323682217,9713,244
Draft Approved13336500
In Circulation0000
Other Designated0000
Subtotal1,0562,571217,9713,285
Total Potential Supply (Current Zoning)17,36133,4711,497,29040,654
*Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building
floor space).
**Does not include Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node which is in the Designated Greenfield
Area.
Figure 10 illustrates that the City’s current estimated Built-up Area land supply includes a
potential capacity of approximately 17,350dwelling units and 1.5 millionsquare metresof non-
residential floor space.
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6.2Potential Designated Greenfield Area Supply
The potential Designated Greenfield Area (DGA)land supplyincludes all lands outside the Built
Boundary Line that are designated for development in the City’s Official Plan. The estimates will
become more refined as land parcels within this area move through the development approval
process. The dwelling unit numbers are primarily based on maximumsfor blocks of land that
have a range of units.
Similar to Figure 10,the DGAland 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.
Non-Res.
Floor Space
2
Greenfield LocationUnitsResidents(m)Jobs
240 430 57,100 1,180
Intensification Areas*
Site Specific Intensification
Opportunities00 44,614 378
Other Designated Lands** 5,780 13,180 112,954 6,016
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 1,154 3,108 87,370 1,514
Draft Approved 6,952 16,722 126 126
In Circulation 4,326 11,055 67,890 461
Total*** 18,452 44,495 370,054 9,676
*Includes Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node (outside Built Boundary Line)
** Using 55 residents+jobs/hectare assumption. Lands are net Provincial constraints only.
No Hidden Valley Community included. Includes Rosenberg lands without a development
application, based on densities in the Rosenberg Secondary Plan.
***Does not include any additional lands added in the Region Official Plan and City Official
Plan to the City Urban Area. Once the land use designations are considered, the DGA
supply estimates will be updated.
Figure 11 illustrates that the City’s current estimated Designated Greenfield Area land supply
includes a potential capacity of approximately 28,500residential units and 370,000square
metres of non-residential floor space.
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6.3Estimated Total Supply
When combined, the potential land supply of both the BUA and DGAprovidesa 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)17,36133,4711,497,29040,654
Designated Greenfield
18,45244,495370,0549,676
Area (DGA)
Total 35,81477,9651,867,34450,329
The estimated supply of dwelling units has decreased inthe BUA and DGA from June 2018.
The total supply of dwelling units and jobs is expected to eventually decrease as development
continues to occur and the city moves towards a “mature state”.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
on existing lands within the City’s urban area as per the 1994 Official Plan and zoning at the
time of the preparation of the KGMS in 2009. It does not include any additional lands added in
the Region’s Official Planand City’s Official Planto the City’s urban area (within the DGA) nor
does it include the intensification areas within the built up area as outlined in the City’s new
Official Plan. Once urban land use designations are assignedto the additional DGA lands, the
DGA supply estimates will be updated. In addition, once updates to zoning in the intensification
areas have been completedand in effectthrough the Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-
law (CRoZBy) and Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS),and neighbourhood
specific planning reviewsthe 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
Existing257,000*82,920**
Capacity77,96550,329
Total334,965133,249
2031 Growth Allocation 319,500132,500
Difference15,465749
*Unofficial interim population estimate as of mid-year 2019, Region
**Based on the 2016 Census. Also includes the incremental increase in UGC
(downtown) jobs since 2016
Kitchener’s 2019mid-year population estimated by the Region is now257,000approximately
3,200more people than reported mid-year 2018. Figure 13 shows that the City has an existing
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supply/capacity of developable land within the BUA and DGA that can accommodate more
residents and jobs than the 2031population and employment allocation from the Region.
8.A Placeto Grow Implementation
The KGMS annual monitoring report will continue to monitor new development and track
Kitchener’s achievements related to the Growth Plan. On May 16,2019 a new Growth Plan(A
Place to Grow)came into effect which, among other things, provides for revised intensification
levelsand densitytargets.The new targets will come into effect upon completion of the
Regional Official Plan review, currently underway. It is expected that theCity’s annual
monitoring report may be revisedpending future Region and City updated growth management
strategiesand/or comprehensive Official Plan reviews.
Growth Forecasts
In response to previousProvincial growth forecasts (and Regional allocation thereof), the City
developed background information in support of the KGMS that analyzesthe 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
Horseshoe. These forecasts are required to be included within the Region’s Official Plan and
the allocations ofthese 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 required that our Urban Growth Centre be planned to achieve a
minimum of 200 RJs/ha by 2031. The City’s new Official Plan setthis target at 225 RJs/ha by
2031. The present density is 189RJs/ha. With additional intensification projects currently
happening or proposed in the UGC, the city is well positioned to meet and exceed these targets
before 2031.
Intensification
The 2006 Growth Plan required that 40% of residential development be directed to the BUA by
2015. The target within the Regional Official Planis a minimum of 45% of all new residential
development to be located within the BUA. The 2019 Growth Plan has a higher intensification
leveltarget, anddetermining 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 was63% while the five-year average
intensification level is now at 46%. 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 Planmandates 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’sminimum density target of 50 residents and jobs combined
per hectare for the entire Designated Greenfield Area shown in the Regional Official Plan,
Kitchener’s targetis 55 residents and jobs per hectare in residential subdivisions. Kitchener is
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well positioned to meet this target. There are several plans ofsubdivision that are in areas
served, or to be served, by transit that meet or exceed the overall target. The Kitchener Growth
Management Plan (KGMP) provides a tool for identifying and tracking the Designated
Greenfield Area density.
Planning Principles
Planning a city is not just about achieving certain numerical targets. The majority of the Growth
Plan includes policy direction to achieve healthy and complete communities. Kitchener has long
been a leader in promoting walkable, transit-supportive development. Kitchener’s efforts 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 10below
support the implementation of the RGMS as well. Additional initiatives that support the RGMS
include the new Five Best Bets for Air Qualityprogram, the City’s new Economic Development
Strategy – “Make It Kitchener”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 statusof the 1 remaining itemis
providedbelow.
ActionItemStatus
Goal 1Enhance our valued natural and cultural heritage resources
Update Urban Design New Urban Design Manual scheduled for
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Manual: “Green”consideration in September 2019.
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 (2017-2019+) was
adopted by City Council in November 2017. The next KGMP for 2019-2021+ will beconsidered
by Committee of Council in Fall 2019.
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