HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2022-410 - Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2022 Annual Monitoring Report
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: December 12, 2022
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Interim Director of Planning, 519-741-2200
ext. 7070
PREPARED BY: Gaurang Khandelwal, Planner (Policy), 519-741-2200 ext. 7611
Tim Donegani, Senior Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7067
WARD(S) INVOLVED: ALL
DATE OF REPORT: November 24, 2022
REPORT NO.: DSD-2022-410
SUBJECT: Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2022 Annual Monitoring
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Report DSD-2022-410 Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2022 Annual
Monitoring Report be 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 Municipality of Waterloo regarding delegated approval authority.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to highlight key growth trends in the City over the past year,
track the developable land supply and measure progress against density and
intensification targets.
The key findings of this report are that:
o growth in Kitchener remained strong in the last year with 3,036 dwelling units
created.
o a broad range of housing types have been developed with 63% as multiple dwelling
types (67% of multiple dwelling types were in the form of low to mid rise buildings),
5% as townhouses, and 32% in single-detached, semi-detached, and duplex
dwelling types.
o Kitchener has again exceeded its minimum annual intensification target with 51%
of residential growth within the Built-up area in 2021.
o development opportunities in both the Designated Greenfield Area and through
intensification are more than sufficient to accommodate growth to 2031 and beyond.
in advance of the council / committee meeting. In addition, the monitoring report
information will be presented to the Kitchener Developers Liaison Committee in
December.
There are no financial implications arising from this report.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this report is to provide Committee and Council with the Kitchener Growth
Management Strategy 2022 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 should occur in Kitchener. To ensure that growth contributes
positively to quality of life, the KGMS coordinates the provision of infrastructure and services
with new development. The 2009 KGMS goals and actions support the Provincial 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. This is also a requirement of the Growth Plan and the
Regional Official Plan. Monitoring reports have been prepared annually since 2010.
Highlights of the 2022 Monitoring Report include:
Residential Development Rates in 2021
The number of new dwelling units created in 2021 (3,036) was the third highest figure
on record, slightly less than the 2020 and 2019 figures.
63% of the new residential units were in the form of multiple dwellings, a decrease
compared to that in 2020 (66%) and 2019 (75%).
639 multiple dwelling units created in 2021 were within 4 tall buildings (9 storeys or
higher), representing about 21% of the total new units created. The rest of the multiple
dwelling units created (67%) were either additions to existing buildings or in the form
of low to mid rise buildings.
357 duplex dwelling units in single-detached, 19 duplex dwelling units in semi-
detached, and 7 duplex dwelling units in townhouse dwelling types were created in
2021, a continued increase from the historical averages.
Urban Growth Centre (UGC) Density
The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) is 218 residents and jobs
per hectare. 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 Area and Designated Greenfield Area Development
Intensification level (new residential construction that occurs within the Built-up Area)
is seeing a declining trend and has decreased to 51% over the past year. The
minimum intensification target of 45% needs to be met or exceeded every year. The
-year average intensification level is 59%, which continues to be an indication
that the City is on track to contribute towards, and in some years exceed, the Region-
wide minimum intensification target.
Building permits issued for new residential units between June2021and June 2022
within the Designated Greenfield Area continue to provide a varied and balanced
supply of dwelling types.
The number of multiple dwelling building permits issued in the Built-Up Area far
exceed those that that were issued within the Designated Greenfield Area. This is
expected as higher density multiple dwellings are focused in intensification areas
(e.g., Major Transit Station Areas, nodes, and corridors).
11 permits were issued for Detached Additional Dwelling Units (also referred to as
backyard homes) in June 2021-June 2022 reporting period.
Capacity for Growth
The City continues to have the potential to accommodate its current allocated
population and employment growth within its urban area. Increases in zoned capacity
for both residential units and non-residential floor space were realized this year as
the first stage of the Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-law is now in full force
and effect.
Future
program, including the strategy,
framework and dynamic tracking and monitoring system, will be updated in future
years to reflect recent changes to provincial legislation; recent updates to the
and next Official Plan review which
will follow.
Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, and other actions idented through the Housing
Supply Action Plan 2022-2023 have the potential to affect the future of the Growth
Management program if adopted. Bill 23 would see lower-tier municipalities take on
the role of growth allocation and management. Additionally, the Province has
signalled that changes to the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the
Greater Golden Horseshoe are forthcoming which may require further Official Plan
updates. Any changes that come into force will inform a revised growth management
program.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
the council / committee meeting. In addition, monitoring report information will be presented
to the Kitchener Developers Liaison Committee in December.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
DSD-2021-164 Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2021 Annual Monitoring
Report
DSD-19-206 Kitchener Growth Management Plan 2019-2021
DTS-09-011 Kitchener Growth Management Strategy
2010-2021 Annual Monitoring Reports and Biennial Plans available at
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/strategic-plans-and-projects/growth-management.aspx
REVIEWED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager, Policy and Research
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS)
Annual Monitoring Report 2022
Attachment A to DSD-2022-410
Kitchener Growth
Management Strategy
2022 Annual Monitoring Report
November 24, 2022
Executive Summary
In 2009, Kitchener approved its Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) in support of
the Cityexpected and planned to accommodate a
relatively significant amount of residential and employment growth by 2031. The City
is also mandated by the Province to achieve certain numerical targets and other
planning objectives.
Kitchener tracks and monitors specific growth data in a dynamic manner. A snapshot
of the data is contained within this report.
The results of the 2022 growth management data continue to be encouraging. The
number of residents and jobs per hectare (RJs/ha) in the Urban Growth Centre
(Downtown) is 218 RJs/ha, surpassing the provincially mandated minimum target of
200 RJs/ha by 2031, and approaching the higher Official Plan minimum target
of 225 RJs/ha by 203151% and 5-year
average intensification level of 59% exceed the Regional intensification target (45%).
In 2021, building permits were issued for a total of 3,036 new residential units a
decrease from 2020 but higher than historical averages and the third highest figure on
record. 63% of new residential units developed in 2021 were in the form of multiple
dwellings - a decrease compared to that in 2020 (66%) and 2019 (75%). Development
of additional dwelling units (e.g. duplex dwelling units) has seen a considerable
increase compared to historical averages.
It is anticipated t
framework and dynamic tracking and monitoring system, will be updated in future
years to reflect: recent changes to provincial legislation; recent updates to the
follow.
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 quality of life. The goals and
actions outlined in the KGMS support the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006)
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 2021.
This Monitoring Report captures a snapshot of all data (with the exception of Sections 2 and 3)
as of June 16, 2022 (the anniversary date of the 2006 Growth Plan).
2.Delegated Approval Authority Summary for 2021
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) approved through these applications in 2021.
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 includes the number
of applications received, approved and registered in 2021.
Figure 1: 2021 Development Applications Received, Approved and Registered
Combination of Multiple
Combination of Singles, Residential, Cluster
Application # of
Semis or Street Fronting Townhouse Units,
Type Applications
Townhouse Units Commercial and Mixed
Use Developments
Received Applications
Subdivision 1 72 0
Condominium 17 42 1841
Part Lot Control 4
Consents 51
Total 73 114 1841
Approved Lots/Units
Subdivision 0 0 0
Condominium 17 56 1,725
Part Lot Control 3 189 0
Consents 46 39 332
Total 66 284 2,057
Registered Lots/Units
Subdivision 6 1,036 333
Condominium 10 29 841
Total 16 1,065 1,174
0
4*
7251
870189 371
Total
1,3691,8831,781
7
000
CT
333841332
2021
1,8411,725
Multiple/
4*
51
0
39
72425629
189
SST
1,036
registered from 201
00
6*
49 86
661569569565184
Total
-
00
5520
CT
555555564
2020
Multiple/
6*
49
001
141466
184
606
SST
0
7*
7080 71
536632122
Total
2,8181,333
00
1236
CT
746422632
2019
2,818
Multiple/
7*
80
000
5835
122
587114
SST
9
18 66
13*
680688389655136
Total
2,635
04
75
CT
729171594389641
2018
Multiple, Cluster Townhouse Dwelling
Multiple/
66
-
13*
90
14 61
9414
509
SST
1,906
0
32
19*33*
371
284283603695532
Total
000 6
CT
222583675526
2017
2021 Subdivision, Condominium, Part Lot Control, and Consent Applications Received, Approved and Registered
-
Multiple/
19*33*
06
62202023
371
283
SST
Figure 2: 2017
.
21
Single, Semi, Street Townhouse Dwelling; Multiple/CT
-
Subdivision
Figure 2 compares the number of subdivision, condominium, part lot control, and consent applications received, approved and to 20
Application Status
SubdivisionsReceivedDraft ApprovedRegisteredCondominiumsReceivedDraft ApprovedRegisteredPart Lot ControlReceivedApprovedConsentsReceivedApprovedSST *Total number of applications received
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
Dwelling Type 2020 2021 Average Average Average
(2017-2021) (2012-2021) (2002-2021)
1
Single Detached 605 549 419 479 631
1,2
Semi-Detached 61 53 37 31 55
3
Duplex 343 357 232 134 96
2
Townhouses 276 154 217 203 195
4
Multiple Dwellings 2,518 1,918 1,743 1,298 890
5
Detached ADUs - 5 - - -
Total New Units 3,803 3,036 2,648 2,145 1,867
1
Gross new units (conversion/additions included, demolitions not subtracted)
2
Includes duplex
3
Includes additions that create new units
4
Includes additions that create new units and stacked townhouses
5
Detached ADUs have not been reported in previous years
In 2021, building permits were issued for a total of 3,036 new residential units. This is a decrease
from 2020, which saw the highest number of building permits in the last 30 years. However, the
number of residential building permits issued in 2021 are the third highest on record. There has
been a steady increase in the development of duplex dwelling units in the last 5 years. Although
majority of new residential units in 2021 were in the form of multiple dwelling (63%), this is a
decrease from 2020 (66%) as well as 2019 (75%). 639 multiple dwelling units created in 2021
were within 4 tall buildings (9 storeys or higher), representing about 21% of the total new units
created. The rest of the multiple dwelling units created were either additions to existing or new
low to mid rise buildings, representing about 42% of the total new units created.
New mid-rise multiple dwelling construction
4. Intensification Level
the region-wide target of a
minimum of 45% of all new residential development to be located within the Built-up Area (BUA).
Map 1 below illustr) and
in 2006). It also shows the location of new units created within these areas between June 16,
2021 and June 15, 2022. The minimum intensification target is subject to change through the
Regions Official Plan review which is now awaiting a decision by the Province.
Map 1 Current Benchmarks Intesification Levels
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 Designated Greenfield Area Development Levels
(June 16/21- June 15/22)
Designated Greenfield
Area Built-Up Area
Dwelling Type (New Residential Units) (New Residential Units) Total
Single Detached 440 30 470
Semi-Detached* 8 55 63
Duplex 167 261 428
Street Townhouses* 203 2 205
Cluster Townhouses 6 39 45
Multiple Dwellings** 553 1,051 1,604
Detached ADUs 0 11 11
1,377 1,449 2826
Total
Percent of Total 49% 51% 100%
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The intensification level over the past year (new residential construction that occurs within the
Built-up Area) was 51%. This continues to indicate that the City is on track to contribute towards,
and in some years exceed, the minimum region-wide intensification target of 45%. As we have
seen in recent years, when there is a substantial number of multiple dwelling units created in the
Built-Up Aer greenfield areas are
opening up in the coming years, it is expected that the intensification rate may be lower in future
years.
Current Greenfield Subdivision under construction
Figure 5 illustrates the historic intensification levels, as per the Provincial Built Boundary Line.
Figure 5: Intensification Level (2001 to present)
80
70
60
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%
50
(
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e
40
L
n
o
i
30
t
a
c
i
f
i
20
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n
e
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I
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Year
, 2020, 2018) years with respect to
the BUA intensification level as the timing of 2-3 multiple dwelling developments can affect the
reported rate in a given year for a municipality the size of Kitchener. A multi-year average
provides a better understanding, for growth 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 2007 to June 2022.
Figure 6: 5 Year Average Intensification Levels
Year 5 Year Average Intensification Level (%)
June 2007 - June 2012 39
June 2012 - June 2017 48
June 2017 - June 2022 59
The 5-year average Intensification Level (June 2017 June 2022) is now at 59% with the 10-year
average (2012-2022) at 53.5%.
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 Area Units Residents Jobs
Area (Ha) Floor + Jobs/ha
Space (m2)
Urban Growth Centre 107 5,019 8,086 841,264 15,233 218
Primary Node 115 1,512 2,723 106,587 3,500 69
Mixed Use Nodes 294 4,602 8,297 214,254 6,167 46
Mixed Use Corridors 123 2,417 4,547 197,727 6,643 104
Neighbourhood Mixed Use
46 163 413 10,693 1,826 52
Centres
Comprehensive
27 411 938 126,982 299 76
Development Areas
Subtotal of
712 14,124 25,002 1,497,507 33,668
Intensification Areas
Site Specific Intensification
1,273 2,461 721,568 7,676 53
Opportunities
Grand Total 15,397 27,463 2,219,075 41,344
UGC data is provided by the Region based on Census, building permit and workplace count
statistics. Job estimate for the UGC has not been updated for this year due to 2021 Census data on
place of work being scheduled for release later this year. As such, job estimate for UGC is from the
previous year.
Outside of the UGC, population estimates are based on City and MPAC land use data and census
persons per unit estimates. Job estimates are based on business directory or MPAC floor area and
jobs per unit floor area assumptions.
The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) is 218 RJs/ha in 2022. These figures
have not been adjusted to account for changes in office and work from home trends brought on
by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent to which pandemic-related changes will continue in the
long term is uncertain. Nevertheless, interest in residential development within the UGC has
remained robust during the pandemic period.
Capacity for New Growth
Figure 8 explores the estimated potential for accommodating new development within each of the
intensification areas based on the existing zoning only.
Figure 8: Additional Capacity Measures for Current Intensification Areas
50% Scenario
The maximum amount of development permitted in the as-of-
capacity to accommodate growth given current planning tools. It is anticipated that only some
parcels within intensification areas will be redeveloped within the short or medium term for a variety
of reasons. Some parcels will be developed at lower densities than the maximum permitted by
zoning. Still others will receive zoning by-law amendments to exceed these maximums. In order to
account for these factors, this report evaluates 50% of the maximum permitted by zoning as a
reasonable estimate or proxy of opportunities for growth.
Non-
Residential
Floor Residents
Intensification Areas Area (Ha) Units Residents Space(m2) Jobs + Jobs/ha
Urban Growth Centre 107 1,894 3,380 237,898 9,664 121
Primary Node 115 592 1,171 0 1,116 28
Mixed Use Nodes 294 7,073 13,596 683,491 18,884 117
Mixed Use Corridors 123 6,291 11,687 426,404 12,274 166
Neighbourhood Mixed Use
46 1,673 3,011 64,730 393 85
Centres
Comprehensive
27 705 1,563 2,199 273 39
Development Areas
Subtotal of Intensification
712 18,228 34,408 1,414,721 42,603
Areas
Site Specific Intensification
2,493 4,458 218,901 4,211 41
Opportunities
Grand Total 20,721 38,866 1,633,623 46,814
*Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building floor
space).
Buildings and sites within the Urban Growth
are well positioned with existing land use,
density, design approvals and amenities in place
to accommodate some of the projected growth.
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 Major Transit Station Area land
use/zoning reviews will continue to refine the
planning framework and add to the capacity to
accommodate growth in these areas.
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) Units Residents Space(m2) Jobs + Jobs/ha
Urban Growth
Centre 107 6,913 11,466 1,079,162 24,897 339
Primary Node 115 2,104 3,893 106,587 4,616 97
Mixed Use Nodes 294 11,675 21,892 897,745 25,051 163
Mixed Use Corridors 123 8,708 16,234 624,131 18,917 270
Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centres 46 1,836 3,424 75,423 2,218 137
Comprehensive
Development Areas 27 1,116 2,500 129,181 572 115
Subtotal of
Intensification
Areas 712 32,352 59,410 2,912,228 76,271
Site Specific
Intensification
Opportunities 3,766 6,919 940,469 11,887 94
Grand Total 36,118 66,329 3,852,698 88,157
Given the additional opportunities for redevelopment, based on existing zoning, there is capacity
and potential to accommodate more people and jobs
An example of current downtown intensification
6. Estimated Land Supply
The estimated land supply for Kitchener is a total of the potential capacity within the BUA and 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.
Figure 10: Estimated Built-up Area Supply (capacity of intensification lands inside the
Built Boundary)
Non-Res.
Intensification Area Units Residents Jobs
Space (m²)*
Urban Growth Centre
1,894 3,380 237,898 9,664
Primary Node
592 1,171 0 1,116
Mixed Use Nodes**
7,073 13,596 683,491 18,884
Mixed Use Corridors
6,291 11,687 426,404 12,274
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
1,673 3,011 64,730 393
Comprehensive Development Areas
705 1,563 2,199 273
Subtotal of Intensification Areas 18,228 34,408 1,414,721 42,603
Site Specific Intensification Opportunities 2,493 4,458 218,901 4,211
Total Potential Supply of Current
20,721 38,866 1,633,623 46,814
Intensification Areas
Community Interiors 450 1,149 0 32
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 303 657 238,272 3,967
Draft Approved 121 328 0 0
In Circulation 0 0 0 0
Other Designated 0 0 0 0
Subtotal 874 2,134 238,272 3,999
Total Potential Supply (Current Zoning) 21,595 40,999 1,871,894 50,813
*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.
-up Area land supply includes a potential
capacity of approximately 21,068 dwelling units and 1.87 million square metres of non-residential
floor space.
6.2 Potential Designated Greenfield Area Supply
The potential Designated Greenfield Area (DGA) land supply includes all lands outside the Built
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 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 Location Units Residents (m2) Jobs
240 430 57,100 1,180
Intensification Areas*
Site Specific Intensification
Opportunities 0 0 41,428 316
Other Designated Lands** 5,780 13,180 112,954 6,016
Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 3,383 8,523 77,992 1,097
Draft Approved 3,614 7,534 168 168
In Circulation 3,670 9,381 24,300 168
Total*** 16,687 39,048 313,942 8,945
*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.
includes a potential capacity of approximately 16,700 residential units and 314,000 square
metres of non-residential floor space.
6.3 Estimated Total Supply
When combined, the potential land supply of both the BUA and DGA provides 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
Location Units Residents Jobs
(m²)
Built-up Area (BUA) 21,595 40,999 1,871,894 50,813
Designated Greenfield
16,687 39,048 313,942 8,945
Area (DGA)
Total 38,282 80,048 2,185,837 59,758
The estimated supply of dwelling units has increased in the BUA and decreased in the DGA from
June 2021. The total supply of dwelling units and non-res space is expected to eventually
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
4 Official Plan. It does not include any
2015 Official Plan
urban area (within the DGA) nor does it include the intensification areas within the built-up area
as outlined in the 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 and are in effect through the
Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-law (CRoZBy), and Major Transit Station Areas land
use/zoning reviews, 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
Population Employment
Existing* 274,014 104,775
Capacity 80,048 59,758
Total 342,048 150,758
2031 Growth Allocation 319,500 132,500
Difference 22,548 18,258
*Unofficial interim population as of mid-year 2022 and employment estimate as of
mid-year 2021, Region
2022 mid-year population estimated by the Region is now 274,000 approximately
6,000 more people than reported mid-year 2021. Figure 13 estimates 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.
Maintaining capacity beyond these forecasts is important to meet the housing and employment
needs of our growing community because not all sites within intensification area will be
redeveloped within the 2031 planning horizon.
8. A Place to Grow Implementation
On May 16, 2019 a new Growth Plan (A Place to Grow) came into effect which, among other
things, provides for revised intensification levels and density targets. A Place to Grow was
amended in 2020. The new targets will come into effect upon approval of the Regional Official
Plan by the Province. It is expected that the growth management strategy and framework
as well as the annual monitoring report may be revised following changes to the Region Official
Plan currently awaiting a decision by the Province
review.
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 of this report, 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
allocations of these forecasts within local Official Plans. The Regions Official Plan is currently
awaiting decision by the Province. At such time as the Regional Official Plan Amendment is
approved by the Province to include 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 the Downtown Kitchener Urban Growth Centre be planned
to achieve a minimum density of 200 RJs/ha by 2031. T this target at
225 RJs/ha by 2031. The present density is estimated at 218 RJs/ha. The UGC has exceeded
the provincial minimum target and, with additional intensification projects currently happening or
proposed in the UGC, the City is well positioned to meet and likely exceed the Official Plan
minimum density target before 2031 providing continued opportunities for new housing and jobs
. The minimum density target for the UGC is one way that Kitchener
is required to track and report achievement of the Growth Plan target. Current work is underway
to update the land use, zoning and design framework in the UGC and surrounding MTSAs to
ensure complete, transit supportive communities.
Intensification
The 2006 Growth Plan required 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 2020 Growth Plan and the Regional Council
adopted Regional Official Plan policies include a higher intensification level target. 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 51% while the five-year average intensification level is now at 59%.
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 achieve 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
for the entire Designated Greenfield Area shown in the Regional Official Plan,
is 55 residents and jobs per hectare in greenfield areas (residential subdivisions). This same
target applies to other urban areas within the Region. Kitchener is well positioned to meet this
target. There are several plans of subdivision that are in areas served, or will be served, by transit
that meet or exceed target. The Kitchener Growth Management Plan (KGMP)
provides a tool for identifying and tracking the Designated Greenfield Area density. Higher
Designated Greenfield Area density targets are proposed through the Regional Official Plan
awaiting decision from the Province and will need to be addressed in future monitoring reports.
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-
continue to revitalize the Urban Growth Centre, clean up brownfield sites and achieve mixed use
developments that are pedestrian-oriented are significant. Planning for a full range and mix of
housing to meet the needs of households in all stages of their lives is also critical. 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
complete and healthy 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.
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. All of the objectives, initiatives and recommendations of the KGMS have been completed
in the past 12 years, with the most recent being the delivery of the new urban design manual in
September 2019.
11. Kitcheners Growth Management Program
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 (2019-2021+) was
adopted by City Council in November 2019.
This is the 13th edition of the annual growth monitoring report, and it has remained largely
unchanged since the first version. This report tracks development and capacity in Intensification
Areas and Designated Greenfield Areas established in the 1994 Official Plan. This report does
not include statistics for the Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and many other intensification
areas that were
I
and dynamic tracking and monitoring system, will be updated in future years to reflect: recent
changes to provincial legislation; recent ; and, subsequently
Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act and other actions idented through the Housing Supply Action
Plan 2022-2023 have the potential to affect the future of the Growth Management program if
adopted. Bill 23 would see lower-tier municipalities take on the role of growth allocation and
management. Additionally, the Province has signaled that changes to the Provincial Policy
Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe are forthcoming which may
require further Official Plan updates. Any changes that come into force will inform a revised growth
management program.
Staff are currently reviewing Kitcheners Growth Management Program, including the KGMP in
light of the adoption of the Regions Official Plan and potential changes in provincial legislation
through Bill 23 and anticipated changes to the Growth Plan and Provincial Policy Statement.