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Home My WebLink AboutFCS Agenda - 2024-06-131 KiTc�ivER Finance and Corporate Services Committee Agenda Thursday, June 13, 2024, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers - Hybrid City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 People interested in participating in this meeting can register online using the delegation registration form at www.kitchener.ca/delegation or via email at delegation@kitchener.ca. Please refer to the delegation section on the agenda below for registration in-person and electronic participation deadlines. Written comments received will be circulated prior to the meeting and will form part of the public record. The meeting live -stream and archived videos are available at www.kitchener.ca/watchnow. *Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. If you require assistance to take part in a city meeting or event, please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994.* Chair: Councillor S. Davey Vice -Chair: Councillor B. loannidis Pages 1. Commencement 1.1 Waive Notice - Procedural By-law - Agenda Publishing Timeline "That pursuant to Section 13.1.4 of Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code, Committee agreed to shorten publishing timeline for the Committee agendas." 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof Members of Council and members of the City's local boards/committees are required to file a written statement when they have a conflict of interest. If a conflict is declared, please visit www. kitchener. ca/conflict to submit your written form. 3. Consent The following matters are considered not to require debate and should be approved by one motion in accordance with the recommendation contained in each staff report. A majority vote is required to discuss any report listed as under this section. 3.1 Increase to Purchase Order 213285 - Dundee North Secondary Plan, 3 DSD -2024-254 3.2 2025 Budget Process and Timelines, FIN -2024-285 4. Delegations Pursuant to Council's Procedural By-law, delegations are permitted to address the Committee for a maximum of five (5) minutes. All Delegations where possible are encouraged to register prior to the start of the meeting. For Delegates who are attending in-person, registration is permitted up to the start of the meeting. Delegates who are interested in attending virtually must register by 3: 00 p.m. on June 13, 2024 in order to participate electronically. 4.1 Item 5.1 - Dave Hannam, Zelinka Priamo 5. Discussion Items [.1 5.1 Sign Bylaw Amendment Application SVA2023- 20 m 10 009, 1495 Victoria Street North, DSD -2024-204 (Staff will provide a 5 -minute presentation on this matter.) 5.2 Bramm Yards Master Plan Visioning, DSD- 45 m 31 2024-240 (Staff will provide a 5 -minute presentation on this matter.) 6. Information Items 6.1 None. 7. Adjournment Dianna Saunderson Manager of Council/Committee Services & Deputy Clerk Page 2 of 72 Staff Report r NJ :R Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 17, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Rosa Bustamante, Director, Planning and Housing Policy & City Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7319 PREPARED BY: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7068 Matt Rodrigues, Senior Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7433 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Wards 4 and 5 DATE OF REPORT: May 22, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD -2024-254 SUBJECT: Increase to Purchase Order 213285 — Dundee North Secondary Plan RECOMMENDATION That Purchase Order 213285 — Dundee North Secondary Plan, be increased in the amount $150,000, plus HST of $19,500, for a total of $169,500. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: • The purpose of this report is to obtain approval to increase Purchase Order 213285 to reflect the added project scope and extended project timelines. • The Study Area for the Dundee North Secondary Plan has been expanded by 85% and the project timeline extended by over 3 years to accommodate Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 6 (ROPA 6) which added lands in southwest Kitchener to the Study Area. • There is sufficient budget in the Capital Budget — Planning Growth Studies to support this request and additional scope of work. • This report supports Building a Connected City Together: Focuses on neighbourhoods; housing and ensuring secure, affordable homes; getting around easily, sustainably, and safely to the places and spaces that matter. BACKGROUND: On October 23, 2020, proposal P20-140 — Professional Services — Technical Work for New Secondary Plan — Dundee North was awarded to CH2M HILL (now Jacobs) at their proposed price of $378,856.50, including contingencies of $34,441.50, plus HST, for a total of $428,107.85 to prepare a new Secondary Plan for the Dundee North lands in southwest Kitchener. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. Page 3 of 72 The original project schedule in Jacobs' detailed workplan included 19 months of project management time, spanning October 2020 to the end of June 2022. The project schedule was subsequently updated in September 2021 with a revised completion date of July 2023. In April 2023, the project schedule was further extended to June 2024. The project was subsequently put on hold in June 2023 pending a Provincial decision on Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 6 (ROPA 6). To date, Jacobs has completed Phase 1 — Project Planning and Phase 2 — Technical Work. Phase 3, which involves developing land use scenarios alongside City staff, is ongoing. In the time since initiation of the Secondary Plan process, the Region of Waterloo completed work on ROPA 6, which was the Region of Waterloo's comprehensive Official Plan amendment to plan for growth to 2051. In May 2024, through Bill 162, Provincial approval was granted to ROPA 6 which included additional lands for urban development in southwest Kitchener — the Southwest Kitchener Policy Area (SKPA) lands. The SKPA lands are contiguous with the original Dundee North Study Area and warrant inclusion in this planning exercise to comprehensively plan for growth and development in the area. The original Dundee North Study Area (as approved through the settlement of the 2015 ROP) was approximately 242 hectares. The area added to Kitchener's urban area (i.e., the SKPA lands) through Bill 162 equates to an additional 206 hectares — an 85% increase in Study Area size (Figure 1). The approach to including the SKPA lands within this Secondary Plan process has been shared with and supported by the expanded landowners' group through an updated Project Charter. Dundee North (Deferral Area No. 14) riiurv:= Southwest' Kitchener Policy Area (SKPA) Figure 1 — Updated Study Area shown in red outline (Dundee North lands — blue area, SKPA lands — brown area) In response to this updated scope and timeline, Jacobs prepared a scope change request to expand the Study Area to include the SKPA lands and the effort required to resume and extend the project with meaningful community and First Nations engagement. Page 4 of 72 REPORT: In accordance with the Procurement By-law 2022-109 (Chapter 170 Municipal Code), Council's approval is required to increase the scope of this project as it exceeds the delegated authority of the Chief Procurement Officer. An increase of $150,000 is required to expand the scope and timeline of the work currently being undertaken by Jacobs to deliver the remainder of the Dundee North Secondary Plan project and include the SKPA lands. City staff and Jacobs are working to complete the Secondary Plan process by Summer 2025. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports Building a Connected City Together: Focuses on neighbourhoods; housing and ensuring secure, affordable homes; getting around easily, sustainably, and safely to the places and spaces that matter. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There is sufficient budget in the Capital Budget — Planning Growth Studies (#59500166) to support this request. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: • N/A REVIEWED BY: Natalie Goss, Manager, Policy & Research APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services ATTACHMENTS: None. Page 5 of 72 Staff Report Financial Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 17, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Ryan Hagey, Director of Financial Reporting & Asset Management, 519-741-2100 ext. 7353 PREPARED BY: Ryan Hagey, Director of Financial Reporting & Asset Management, 519-741-2100 ext. 7353 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: May 29, 2024 REPORT NO.: FIN -2024-285 SUBJECT: 2025 Budget Process and Timelines RECOMMENDATION: That the 2025 budget timelines outlined in Financial Services Department report FIN - 2024 -285 be approved; and further, That Council shorten the 30 -day period that Council may pass a resolution making an amendment to the Mayor's proposed budget to coincide with the completion of the meeting scheduled on December 12, 2024. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to approve the process and timelines for the 2025 budget. This report supports the delivery of core services. BACKGROUND: In 2023, the Province passed the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act and Part V1.1. of the Municipal Act regarding Special Powers and Duties of the Head of Council. This changed Kitchener's traditional budget process where staff would propose a budget which would be presented to and debated by Committee before being approved by Council. The new process requires the Mayor to propose the budget which would automatically be adopted after 30 days unless it is amended by Council. As was the case for the 2024 budget, staff are proposing to use a timetable for the 2025 budget which complies with Strong Mayors legislation, but still fits within the City's traditional budget calendar and sees Kitchener's budget passed before the end of the year. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. Page 6 of 72 REPORT: The 2024 Council & Committee meeting calendar includes a series of 2025 budget meetings scheduled for November and December. The budget timelines are consistent with Mayoral Direction 2023-DIR-001 which directs staff to: • Prepare a draft budget for the Mayor & Council's consideration • Make the budget publicly available on the City's website • Provide summary presentations that highlight the key elements of the budget (operating & capital) • Consider ways to encourage public input/participation • Convene a meeting where the Mayor, in conjunction with the Chair of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee will propose the budget; and • Convene meetings of Council to consider the budget allow for any amendments to be considered. 2025 Budget Timelines Action . - Date Online Online Budget Engagement September Staff Tables Draft Budget November 15 Committee Meeting — Operating Budget November 19 Committee Meeting — Capital Budget November 25 Mayor Proposes Budget December 2 Council Provides Proposed Amendments in writing to Clerks* December 9 Council Votes on Amendments* December 12 Mayor Decides On Amendments via Veto* Budget Adopted December 12 Automatic (Dec 27) * In order to achieve the timelines noted in the table, Council needs to agree to shorten the 30 -day period for amendments. Council approved this as part of the 2024 budget process, and it is recommended to do the same for the 2025 budget process. For further clarity, a graphical representation of the budget process under Strong Mayors is also included as an attachment to this report. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports the delivery of core services. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There are no financial implications of this report as the proposed timelines will see the budget approved in the planned timeframe, before the end of the calendar year. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: • Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act 2022 and Part V1.1. of the Municipal Act Page 7 of 72 APPROVED BY: Jonathan Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A — Budget Process Under Strong Mayor Legislation Page 8 of 72 c- 0 4--) � .tao (1) I � V) � � u 0 � r 4-j (1) � � � ry) w 2 4� § E3 C E < Staff Report Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 17, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Rosa Bustamante, Director of Planning and Housing Policy 519-741-2200 ext. 7319 PREPARED BY: Joanne McCallum, Coordinator of Planning and Zoning Services 519-741-2200 ext. 7075 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 1 DATE OF REPORT: April 15, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD -2024-204 SUBJECT: Sign Bylaw Amendment Application SVA2023-009 Address: 1495 Victoria Street North Owner: Linda J. Reinhart (Zdeno Cycle) RECOMMENDATION: That Sign By-law Amendment Application SVA2023-009 related to 1495 Victoria Street North for Zdeno Cycle, for the purpose of allowing a billboard sign with automatic changing copy to replace the existing billboard sign without automatic changing copy, requesting the following relief from Section 680 of the Municipal Code ("Sign By-law"): A. Section 680.4.2 to allow a billboard sign in a Commercial zone, whereas the Sign By-law does not permit billboard signs in Commercial zones; B. Section 680.2.7 to allow a billboard sign to be located 135 metres from a residential zone, whereas the Sign By-law requires a minimum distance of 150 metres; C. Section 680.7.4 a) to allow a billboard sign to have a front yard setback of 2 metres and a side yard setback of 2.1 metres, whereas the Sign By-law requires billboard signs to comply with the yard requirements as set out in the applicable Zoning By-law being 6 metres for the front yard setback and 3 metres for the side yard setback; D. Section 680.7.4 c) to allow a billboard sign to have a maximum area of 20.24 square metres per sign face whereas the Sign By-law has a required maximum 20 square metres; and, E. Section 680.7.7 to allow a billboard sign to be located 215 metres from another billboard sign, whereas the Sign By-law requires a minimum of 300 metres from another billboard sign; be refused. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. Page 10 of 72 REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: • The purpose of this report is to make a recommendation on a Sign By-law Amendment application to allow for the replacement of an existing billboard sign at 1495 Victoria Street North with a digital copy billboard subject to site specific regulations. Staff are recommending refusal. • It is Planning staff's opinion that the proposed billboard does not meet the intent of the Sign By-law, and more specifically, is not a permitted sign type in Commercial zones and will promote visual clutter as further described in this report. • There are no financial implications to the City associated with this matter. • Community engagement included circulation of the application to all property owners within 120 metres of the subject property. • This report supports the delivery of core services. BACKGROUND: The Sign By-law regulates signs throughout the city. The intent of the Sign By-law is to: • authorize the appropriate size, number and location of signs to the type of activity or use to which they pertain; • provide reasonable and appropriate means for the public to locate and identify facilities, businesses and services without difficulty or confusion; • be compatible with their surroundings; • protect and enhance the aesthetic qualities and visual character of the city; • be consistent with planning, urban design and heritage objectives; • not create a distraction or safety hazard for the travelling public; • minimize adverse impacts on nearby properties; and, • provide businesses adequate and flexible means to identify themselves, while recognizing that the primary function of signage is to identify rather than advertise. In 1995, Council directed staff to update the Sign By-law to introduce more restrictive regulations for billboard signs, resulting in the Sign By-law limiting billboard signs to industrial / employment zones. A sign variance application was received on December 5, 2023, for the subject property to propose replacing the existing billboard sign containing four panels with a new digital double - sided billboard. In the initial application, the double -sided billboard sign was proposed to be 27.8 square metres of sign area per panel. The application was evaluated by staff, and it was determined that due to the extent of variances requested, along with the fact that billboard signs are not a permitted sign type in a Commercial zone, the request goes beyond the scope of a staff -delegated variance and should be brought to Council as a Sign By-law Amendment. An amended application was received on March 28, 2024, with a reduced sign area as discussed in this report. REPORT: The subject Sign By-law amendment application for 1495 Victoria Street North proposes replacing the existing four-sided static billboard sign with a new double -sided digital billboard sign. The digital portion of a sign is referred to as automatic changing copy in the Sign By-law. The sign area for each of the four faces of the existing billboard sign is approximately 18.9 square metres for a total sign area of approximately 75.6 square metres. The initial application proposed a replacement of the four-sided billboard sign with a double -sided fully digital billboard sign, with a sign area for each side of 27.8 square metres, for a total sign Page 11 of 72 area of 55.6 square metres. The application was subsequently amended when staff notified the applicant that a sign by-law amendment would be required with a reduced sign area from 27.8 square metres per panel to 20.24 square metres per panel. The application is requesting relief from the Sign By-law to: • allow a new billboard sign to be erected in a zone that does not permit billboard signs, • allow a billboard sign to be located 135 metres from a residential zone instead of the required minimum 150 metres, • allow a billboard sign to have a front yard setback of 2 metres and a side yard setback of 2.1 metres instead of the required minimum 6 metres and 3 metres, respectively, • allow a billboard sign to have a maximum sign area of 20.24 square metres instead of the required maximum 20 square metres, and • allow a billboard sign to be located 215 metres from another billboard sign, instead of the required minimum 300 metres. The images in Figure 1 illustrate the existing billboard sign on the left and the proposed digital billboard sign on the right, looking west along Victoria Street North. An aerial image in Figure 2 shows the location of the proposed billboard and its proximity to Victoria Street. IM Replacement Billboard with Electronic Static Copy 2.29 x 934rr (20.24m2� E ti Figure 1: Existing and Proposed billboard sign (from Planning Justification Report in Attachment A) I T 1= T EET TH am •• r r i� � Mfif~'w4• Figure 2: Aerial image showing location of proposed billboard sign (from Planning Justification Report in Attachment A) Page 12 of 72 Applicable Regulations and Planning Analysis Official Plan Kitchener's Official Plan identifies the lands as situated in an Arterial Corridor in the City's Urban Structure and designated Commercial. Arterial corridors are located along arterial streets in locations that have historically developed with a range of auto -oriented and service commercial uses. The planned function for Arterial Corridors is to provide a limited range of service commercial uses intended to serve those traveling, predominantly by automobile, with a limited range of land -extensive retail uses that require outdoor storage or sales. Commercial Designation Commercial designations are intended for areas that serve primarily a commercial function. The objectives for lands designated for commercial use are: • to plan for a sufficient supply and range of commercial goods and services, • to encourage intensification and redevelopment of existing commercial lands, • to retain a viable commercial presence by protecting, improving, and providing flexibility for existing commercial developments. Urban Design The City of Kitchener is committed to achieving a high standard of urban design, architecture, and place -making to positively contribute to quality of life, environmental viability, and economic vitality. Official Plan policy 11.C.1.11 states that the City will support the character of streets through the coordination of site, building and landscape design on and between individual sites with the design of the street. The intent of this policy is to ensure the streetscape is visually attractive, while being safe and functional. Arterial corridors are evolving through the integration of multi -use trails that support active transportation. Non -Conforming and Non -Complying Uses The City recognizes that as policies and regulations change, there are instances of non -conforming or non -complying uses. Where desirable, the non -conforming use may continue to exist where it is tolerable and/or compatible with surrounding lands. Uses that do not conform with the goals, objectives, or policies of the Official Plan, nor with the surrounding lands, may be desirable to cease to exist. Official Plan policy 17.E.21.1 states that any structure that was in existence prior to the approval of the Zoning By-law and continues to be used for such purpose will be recognized and be considered legal non -conforming. If such legal non -conforming use ceases, then the rights derived from such uses will terminate. Official Plan policy 17.E.21.4 states that it is the intention and expectation that legal non -conforming uses, buildings and/or structures will eventually cease and be replaced by uses, buildings and/or structures that conform with the intent of the Official Plan and comply with the Zoning By-law. While the policy does not identify the Sign By-law, it reflects the Official Plan policy intent that non -conforming structures will eventually be phased out over time. Urban Design Manual City-wide guidelines in the Urban Design Manual which pertain to signs include avoiding visual clutter, while allowing for a variety of different media, font styles, colours, and design Page 13 of 72 inspirations; and, locating ground supported signs to complement the character and scale of the area to promote an active, pedestrian -friendly environment. All signs should be integrated into the landscape design and architectural expression of buildings. Corridor guidelines include: • creating a safe, comfortable and attractive streetscape and pedestrian environment that emphasizes walking, cycling and transit; • promoting development patterns that allow for high-quality future intensification; • integrating all signs into the landscape design and architecture of the site; • ensuring signs are consistent in scale and character, but are not identical; • ensuring signs do not dominate other site elements, particularly the public realm and on-site shared spaces. Arterial guidelines state that all signs should be integrated with the building and landscape design. Low-rise commercial and mixed-use building guidelines state that back -lit sign boxes, billboards, free-standing signs and roof signs should be avoided. Zoning By-law The subject property is in the section of Victoria Street North that is zoned Commercial Zone 3 — Arterial Commercial generally located between Lackner Boulevard and Centennial Road. The purpose of this zone is to accommodate the retailing of bulky, space -intensive goods, and service commercial uses. Sign By-law Permitted Signs by Zone Provided all regulations are met, all sign types are permitted in Commercial zones, except for billboard signs. The Sign By-law permits billboard signs to be located only in Employment Zones throughout the city, including Industrial and Business Park zones. The existing billboard was legally established prior to 1995 when the Sign By-law was amended to limit billboard signs to Employment zones. The subject property is located in a Commercial zone, which no longer permits billboard signs. Corridor Analysis There are many signs along Victoria Street North, mainly consisting of fascia signs (attached to walls of buildings), portable signs (located near the street and requiring monthly sign permits), ground supported signs (located near the street and only allows first -party advertising), and legal non -conforming billboard signs (similar to ground supported signs but allows third -party advertising). Staff conducted an analysis of billboard signs along Victoria Street North. Victoria Street North consists of Commercial zones, where only existing billboard signs are permitted, and Industrial/Employment zones, where billboard signs are permitted, and sign regulations have been met. Page 14 of 72 Prior to the 1995 Sign Bylaw changes, there were 23 billboard signs erected along Victoria Street North. Through staff review, there are 17 billboard signs that remain: 14 billboard signs in Commercial zones and 3 billboard signs in Industrial/Employment zones. Section 680.3.4 of the Sign By-law states that signs that will be altered substantially shall be required to comply with all other requirements of the Sign By-law as though the sign was being newly erected. It is expected that as redevelopment occurs or as sign structures are no longer viable, the existing signs that do not conform to the Sign By-law will be removed. Due to the large setbacks of the buildings along Victoria Street North that accommodate parking lots, business owners rely on ground supported signs and portable signs which require monthly permits, to help the public locate and identify their businesses. Many businesses in this area are requesting automatic changing copy either on new ground supported signs or alterations to existing ground supported signs which is permitted subject to regulations. The Sign By-law is designed to provide businesses with adequate and flexible means to identify themselves, their products, and their services. It should be noted that if Council approves the request to allow this existing billboard sign to be replaced with a new digital billboard sign, it will set a precedent for other existing legal non -conforming billboards in Commercial zones to convert to digital copy. Figure 3, below, shows the existing billboard at 1495 Victoria Street North as well as other nearby existing static billboards. Figure 3: Location of billboards along Victoria Street North Distance from Residential Zones The applicant is requesting a distance of 135 metres from a residential zone, whereas the Sign By-law requires billboard signs to be located a minimum distance of 150 metres from a residential zone. The regulation to distance billboard signs from residential zones is to ensure residential areas are not negatively impacted by the industrial nature of billboard signs. Staff recognize this request to be minor and acknowledge that the proposed sign is oriented towards Victoria Street, whereas the nearest residential areas are located south of the sign. Location and Size Requirements The Sign By-law restricts billboard signs to be in line with the building setbacks as set out in the Zoning By-law. The front yard and side yard setbacks stated in the COM -3 zone are 6 metres and 3 metres, respectively. The intent of this regulation is to limit the impact that Page 15 of 72 billboard signs have on the streetscape and ensure that billboard signs do not interfere with or overpower other ground supported signs that support businesses along the corridor. The Sign By-law restricts the sign area for each face of a billboard sign to 20 square metres. This size was determined to be appropriate when advertising in Employment areas throughout the city as it is more proportional to the buildings and lot sizes typically found in those areas. Staff have concerns with allowing reduced setbacks for a billboard sign with automatic changing copy as the billboard sign type is large and the digital illumination will further negatively impact the streetscape by introducing more distraction along Victoria Street North. The low-rise commercial guidelines discourage billboards consistent with the Sign By-law which does not allow new billboards in commercial zones. The proposed billboard's size, scale, digital format, and proximity to the right-of-way overwhelms and dominates the public realm and other site elements, which is inconsistent with the corridor design guidelines. The corridor currently includes a high number of competing signs (ground supported, portable, billboards, etc.). The proposed digital sign has a different user experience due to its backlit nature and changing copy compared to traditional static billboards and freestanding signs, adding to the visual clutter/sign competition of first -party signs along Victoria Street, which may be a distraction to drivers. The illumination and automatic changing copy design of the sign adds visual clutter along Victoria Street North. The reduced setbacks proposed may also limit potential development on the subject property which is inconsistent with the corridor design guidelines. Aside from billboard signs not being permitted in a commercial zone, the table below shows a comparison of the requirements between a digital billboard sign, and a ground supported sign at 1495 Victoria Street North. This comparison further illustrates the difference in scale of billboard signs compared to ground supported signs that advertise businesses on site. Table 1: Comparison of Billboard Signs to Ground Supported Signs Regulation Ground Supported Sign Billboard Sign Maximum height 5.5 metres 7.5 metres Maximum area 12 square metres 20 square metres Digital sign area 30% or 3.6 square metres 100% or 20 square metres Front yard setback 0.4 metres 6 metres The current lighting level regulations for digital signs in the Sign By-law were designed for larger signs to be viewed only from a distance (set back farther on a property). Staff are working towards updating these regulations to ensure lighting on signs in proximity to the public realm are appropriate for pedestrian and multi -modal environments. Staff plan to incorporate this work into a future Sign By-law update. Should Council choose to approve the subject application, refined lighting standards should be considered that identify manufacturers specifications (in a measurement called "nits") and an illumination measurement post -installation that considers various transportation modes including pedestrians and cyclists on the multi -use trail (in a "foot candle" measurement from the right- of-way). Page 16 of 72 Distance from Other Billboard Signs The Sign By-law restricts billboards from being too close to other billboards to ensure the adequate separation between billboard signs and allow a balance with first -party ground supported signs for businesses on-site. Billboard signs advertise businesses, uses, products or ideas which are not located on the same lot as the billboard sign itself. The purpose of the Sign By-law is to allow businesses to identify themselves rather than advertise. By allowing billboard signs in proximity to one another, local businesses face the challenge of their signs not being noticed by patrons due to the visual dominance of billboard signs. Staff are concerned with the precedent that approval of this Sign By-law amendment will set among the other 13 billboard signs in the commercial section of the Victoria Street North corridor in addition to other non -complying billboards in other areas of the city. Community, Staff and Agency Comments The initial Sign Variance application was circulated to all property owners within 120 metres of the subject property. Staff did not receive any comments from the public regarding the requested variance. Urban Design comments have been integrated into this report. Region of Waterloo Traffic Engineering - Regional staff have concerns that any digital display takes the pedestrian, cyclist, and driver's eye away from their path of travel and can result in safety concerns. However, we understand that the sign in question is solely located outside of the Region's right-of-way and falls to City jurisdiction for approval. Conclusions In summary, staff recommend refusal of the subject Sign By-law Amendment for the following reasons: • Billboard signs are not permitted in a Commercial zone and do not the intent of the Sign By-law. Additionally, billboard signs are contrary to the City's low-rise commercial guidelines. • The scale and digital nature of the proposed billboard sign will overwhelm and dominate the streetscape, contrary to the City's corridor guidelines. • The reduced setback will negatively impact the streetscape. • The sign will set a precedent for converting other non -conforming billboards to digital. • Digital signs have a more dominant user experience compared to other sign types causing more visual sign clutter along the Victoria Street corridor which is already experiencing sign competition through excessive signs of all types. Should Council choose to approve this application, staff suggest the following restrictions for the proposed digital billboard: • the luminance of the digital billboard shall not exceed 3000 nits between sunrise and sunset, and 150 nits between sunset and sunrise; • Illuminance shall be measured with the digital screen turned off and again with the digital screen displaying a white image. The difference between the off and white image, measured vertically (parallel to the sign face) shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at any point along the street line or measured a distance of 10 metres from the sign face from an abutting property. The digital billboard sign shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and shall be programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions; Page 17 of 72 • the digital billboard shall comply with the required 6 -metre front yard setback; • the digital billboard shall not exceed 12 square metres in sign area to be consistent with other free-standing signs on lots with similar widths in the commercial corridor. 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 • On January 9, 2024, the initial sign variance application was circulated for comment to internal departments, external agencies, and property owners within 120 metres of the subject lands. • This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: • Chapter 680 ("Sign By-law") of the Municipal Code • City of Kitchener Official Plan • City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual • Zoning By-law 2019-051 REVIEWED BY: Janine Oosterveld — Manager, Customer Experience & Project Management APPROVED BY: Justin Readman — General Manager, Development Services ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A — Planning Justification Report Page 18 of 72 Alp Alk Zelinka Priama Ltd. ine LAND USE PLANNERS VIA EMAIL March 28, 2024 Planning and Housing Policy Division 200 King Street W, 6t" Floor PO Box 1118 Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 Re: Application for Sign By-law Amendment Replacement Third -Party Electronic Ground Sign (Billboard Sign) 1495 Victoria Street North Kitchener, Ontario Our File: STA/KIT/24-01 On behalf of Lisa J Reinhart (the "Owner"), Zelinka Priamo Ltd. is pleased to submit a Sign By-law Amendment application for the lands known as 1495 Victoria Street North (the "subject lands"). Figure 1: Aerial of the subject lands 00 {. Existing/Proposed T + qP { Billboard ,fir i�lk , OZ y 1 The subject lands are approximately 0.5 hectares in size, and front onto the southerly side of Victoria Street North (Highway 7) east the intersection with Lackner Boulevard in the east - end of Kitchener. The subject lands are developed with a 2 -storey commercial building occupied by Zdeno Cycle, a local motorcycle retailer, with surface parking at the front of the 20 Maud Street, Suite 305, Toronto, ON M5V 2M5 1 318 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 4P4 TEL (416) 622-6064 1 (519) 474-7137 Page 19 of 72 Email: zp@zpplan.com March 28, 2024 building and associated outdoor storage areas at the rear. For details, please refer to the enclosed Site Plan. The subject lands include a number of permitted signs, including one (1) first -party ground - supported sign; one (1) portable (temporary) T -frame sign, and one (1) externally -illuminated billboard sign with four (4) static copy sign faces (Figure 2). A portable T -frame sign is also used in the front yard for messaging related to Zdeno Cycle. Figure 2: Existing signage on the subject lands, facing east Figure 3: Existing billboard on the subject lands, facing west Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 2 Page 20 of 72 March 28, 2024 According to the City of Kitchener Official Plan ("OP"), the subject lands are designated Commercial on Map 3, and front along an Arterial Corridor on Map 2. The subject lands are zoned Commercial (COM -3) by Zoning By-law 2019-051, as amended. As per s. 3.C.2.41 of the OP, the function of Arterial Corridors is, "... to predominately serve those travelling by automobile and to accommodate a limited range of land extensive retail uses which require outdoor storage or sales,". The permitted land uses in Arterial Corridors which overlap with the Commercial designation include light industrial uses (e.g., warehousing) and retail uses which are more intensive in nature, such as those requiring large outdoor storage areas (OP s. 15.D.5.20). Figure 4: OP Map 2 - Urban Structure (excerpt) r Subject Lands ! / BING 1 �aS ► ,. M Urban Corridor Arterial Corridor 1 Community Areas Industria! Employment Areas'F Green Areas Planned Transit Corridor Z Figure 5: OP Map 3 - Land Use (excerpt) Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 3 Page 21 of 72 March 28, 2024 SURROUNDING CONTEXT Figure 5 illustrates the surrounding land use designations as per Map 3 of the OP. The dominant land use within the immediate area is designated Commercial, with large areas designated for Business Park Employment and General Industrial Employment nearby. Residential land uses are identified further south on the other side of the community trail and are buffered from the Commercial uses by a Natural Heritage Conservation corridor. As seen in Figure 4, the immediate Victoria Street corridor is also identified as Arterial Corridor, and lands west of Lackner Boulevard are identified as Urban Corridor. Overlapping areas of Urban Corridor with the Commercial are similarly permitted to be developed with auto -oriented uses (OP s. 15.D.5.16). The immediate Victoria Street corridor is correspondingly developed with auto -oriented commercial and employment uses (Figure 6). These uses include: 1. Kitchener Motel 2. Tim Hortons Drive-Thru 3. Auto Dealerships (Kitchener Nissan & Tabangi Motors) 4. Building suppliers 5. Auto repair shop 6. Car wash establishment 7. Self -storage facility 8. Auto repair shop 9. Gas bar Figure 6: Surrounding uses along Victoria Street N Pr r W P\ An extensive range of signage, including ground -supported first- and third -party signs, are common along the corridor for visibility due to the prevailing auto -oriented built form, which generally provides substaintial front yard setbacks. Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 4 Page 22 of 72 March 28, 2024 Figure 7: Victoria Street N approx. 60 metres west of the subject lands, looking east First -Party Subject Lands - Ground Signs Billboard proposed to be replaced i Figure 8: Victoria Street N approx. 330 metres east of the subject lands, looking west L)__7 First -Party Ground Signs qBillboardl Sign faces) Figure 9: Victoria Street N approx. 300 metres west of the subject lands, looking east First -Party Ground Signs Billboard Signs -4 VVi! Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 23 of 72 March 28, 2024 PROPOSAL The proposal is to remove and replace the existing large and aging legally permitted externally -illuminated billboard sign with four (4) sign faces (approx. 72m2 sign face area) with a smaller, modern electronic billboard sign with two (2) sign faces (approx. 40.5m2 sign face area) in the same location and at the same height. The details of the proposed sign are as follows: • The sign will operate between the hours of 6:00 a.m and 11:00 p.m. Outside of these hours, the digital copy will be disabled. • The internal illumination will not exceed 3,000 nits during daytime hours, and 150 nits during the nighttime hours while in operation, and will automatically adjust illumination levels to be consistent with ambient conditions. • Messages will be displayed on the sign faces for no less than ten (10) seconds. • The sign faces are proposed to be angled in a "V" shape so as to limit visibility from the abutting properties to the east and west. • The Proponent is open to providing the City of Kitchener advertising time, for the purpose of displaying notices, public event advertising, and other matters related to the public interest as may be determined through a future agreement with the City. Figure 10: Existing versus proposed elevation (west) Figure 11: Existing versus proposed elevation (east) Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 6 Page 24 of 72 Replacement Billboard with Electronic Static Copy 2.29 x 8.84m (20.24m2) I � Figure 11: Existing versus proposed elevation (east) Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 6 Page 24 of 72 March 28, 2024 REQUESTED AMENDMENT Signage within the City of Kitchener is regulated under Chapter 680 of the Municipal Code ("Sign By-law"). To permit the proposed replacement billboard, this Sign By-law Amendment application seeks relief from the following provisions of the Sign By-law: • S. 680.4.2: Permit a billboard sign with automatic changing copy (electronic, internally illuminated), whereas the sign type is not contemplated by the Sign By-law for Commercial zones; • S. 680.7.2: Permit a billboard sign within 140 metres of a Residential zone, whereas 150 metres is required; • S. 680.7.4(a): Permit a billboard sign to have a front yard setback of 2 metres (as per the existing sign) and a side yard setback of 2.1 metres, whereas 6 metres and 3 metres apply respectively; • S. 680.7.4(c): Permit a maximum sign area of 20.24 square metres, whereas a maximum of 20.00 square metres is permitted; and • S. 680.7.7: Permit a billboard sign within 215 metres of another billboard sign to the west, whereas a minimum distance of 300 metres to other billboard signs is required. Figure 10 and Figure 11 (above) provide a visual comparison of the existing versus proposed site condition. It is important to note that the proposed replacement billboard sign represents a 50% reduction in advertising sign faces, and a 56% reduction in the overall area of advertising copy on the subject lands. It is our opinion that the proposed sign improves upon the existing condition of the Victoria Street North corridor, and is appropriate to consider for the reasons provided herein. I_1►/_1W&IR? The purpose of the Sign By-law is to, "ensure signs are safely installed and won't impede visibility." In the absence of specific provisions within the Kitchener Sign By-law that speak to the "tests" to be used to the assess sign amendments applications, the following section evaluates the proposal against typical best practice planning principles generally used for these types of applications. Land Use Compatibility & Impact to Adjacent Properties As per s. 3.C.2.41 of the OP, the function of Arterial Corridors is, "... to predominately serve those travelling by automobile and to accommodate a limited range of land extensive retail uses which require outdoor storage or sales." The location of the proposed replacement billboard (being the same as the existing lawfully -permitted billboard) is therefore compatible with the long-term planned function of the corridor by locating advertising at an appropriate scale and location for regional vehicular traffic. The abutting property to the west of the subject lands is occupied by the Kitchener Motel (a Commercial use). The existing externally -illuminated billboard has been in operation for almost 30 years with no known undue impacts to the motel use. The vertical clearance of the existing/proposed signs assists with limiting potential light trespass. To further limit visual impacts, the proposed digital billboard faces are to be angled in a "V" shape so as to be oriented toward the street. To avoid potential undue impacts to all surrounding lands, including the street, the sign will be equipped with an ambient light monitor to automatically adjust the sign's illumination levels as outdoor conditions change, in accordance with 680.3.31. Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 7 Page 25 of 72 March 28, 2024 Further, the digital sign faces are proposed to operate within a limited range of 150-3,000 nits, and will be disabled between the hours of 11:00pm-6:00am. It is noted that s. 680.3.24 of the Sign By-law, which restricts sign illumination hours, is only applicable to signs that are adjacent to Residential zones. This voluntary limitation is proposed to further mitigate any perceived impacts from the proposed sign. The subject lands have a lot depth of over 100 metres and the majority of activity occurs on the northern -most portion of the lot adjacent to Victoria Street North. The proposed sign is further separated/buffered from the Residential land uses to the south by the existing building and Natural Heritage Conservation corridor beyond. The existing/proposed sign location along Victoria Street North therefore does not interface with residential uses, despite technically being within 150 metres of a Residential zone (Figure 12). Figure 12: City of Kitchener Zoning By-law 2019-051 Map (excerpt) Existing"Proposed � Billboard err r C. v ��'itjg�y rnY y��igL•.\- �..` (�� ll pT��g gyp Character & Public Realm The immediate area along the corridor is developed with commercial / light industrial uses, with surface parking areas generally separating buildings from the street. As per the Official Plan, the planned function of the immediate area along Victoria Street North is to provide for regional -serving, auto -oriented commercial and light industrial uses. The location of the proposed billboard replacement, which is the same as the existing billboard, is therefore appropriate to consider. Through our contextual review, it is noted that there are a number of existing billboard signs along this portion of Victoria Street North. Sign By-law s. 680.7.7 generally requires that at least 300 metres be provided between billboard signs. An amendment is required because the replacement billboard sign is located within 215 metres of the nearest billboard sign, which is located to the west (Figure 13). Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 8 Page 26 of 72 March 28, 2024 Figure 13: Existing billboard signs within 300 metres The proposed smaller billboard is to be located in the same location and at the same height as the existing sign on the subject lands, which has been installed for almost 30 years. The proposal therefore does not alter the character of the subject lands or surrounding commercial/light industrial corridor, which prominently features a variety of first- and third - party advertising along the right-of-way. The dimensions of the proposed sign improve upon the existing condition by reducing the number of advertising sign faces, as well as the overall area of advertising copy and size of the supporting structure. The proposed replacement therefore reduces visual clutter along Victoria Street North, as demonstrated by the enclosed Elevations. The requested relief to permit an additional sign face area of 0.24 square metres is a result of the proto-typical nature of the proposed sign, and is numerically minor. It is important to note that in terms of overall size, the proposed sign provides a significant reduction in the overall advertising copy currently on-site. Illumination As described above, the proposed internal illumination will not exceed 3,000 nits during daytime hours, and 150 nits during nighttime hours. The sign will be equipped with an ambient light monitor to automatically adjust the sign's illumination levels as outdoor conditions and seasons change. Further, the sign will not operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The proposed illumination method will be confirmed and certified by a Lighting Engineer following installation, to the satisfaction of the City. Public Safety The proposed sign is to be located in the same location and at the same height as the existing and much larger externally -illuminated billboard sign, which has been installed for almost 30 years with no known traffic safety concerns. The proposed location complies with the automatic changing copy setback requirements provided by s. 680.3.29, being setback over 80 metres from the nearest intersection, Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 9 Page 27 of 72 March 28, 2024 whereas a minimum of 23 metres is generally required to limit visual distractions to drivers at major intersections. Further to vehicular safety, the proposed message duration of the automatic changing copy is to be no less than ten (10) seconds, in accordance with s. 680.3.30 of the Sign By-law, which requires messages to be displayed for at least six (6) seconds. The sign faces are to contain static copy, meaning no flashing or moving images will be displayed on the proposed sign faces, limiting potential visual distractions for all road users in accordance with s. 680.3.29. The proposed sign would be designed and installed by a professional sign company and in accordance with the Ontario Building Code, and as such, no undue issues related to public safety are anticipated. Further, the proposed ground sign is designed with sufficient vertical clearance, in accordance with s. 680.7.4(b), to ensure pedestrian safety is not impacted. Public Interest The regulations of the Sign By-law serve to protect public safety, minimize sign clutter, and enhance the streetscape by encouraging a consistent and compatible approach to signage. It is our opinion that the proposed replacement sign, which reduces both the number of sign faces and the overall advertising copy area, is in the public interest as it serves to improve the appearance of the streetscape. The four (4) existing sign faces, which use paper and glue advertising copy, are susceptible to damage from the elements, as seen in Figure 2, which can affect adjacent lands with debris, and disrupts the primary commercial use on the subject lands while replacing advertising copy. The proposed digital sign faces will not require any physical intervention beyond routine maintenance activities. From a practical standpoint, the proposal to replace the existing static copy type on the subject lands to electronic static copy is reflective of modern advertising standards. The Proponent is amenable to discussions about providing advertising opportunities to the City of Kitchener for public messaging. The ability to display messages on a well -travelled regional corridor to advertise public engagement opportunities, events, road closures, and/or health and safety messages would provide a significant benefit to the public. ELECTRON ICSUBMISSION PACKAGE The following materials are enclosed by digital submission • Completed Sign By-law Amendment Application form, including agent authorization; • Site Plan, dated March 2024; and • Basic Elevations. Note that the fee difference of $2,153.00 will be paid by credit card over the phone. We trust that the enclosed information is complete and satisfactory. Should you have any questions, or require further information, please do not hesitate to call. Yours very truly, ZELINKA PRIAMO LTD. *1 Azar Davis, BURPI, CPT Intermediate Planner cc: The Owner (via email) Zelinka Priamo Ltd. Page 10 Page 28 of 72 i it 41 t ti O p ..E E E E EEE W (n W cn O z U C0 z Z Q X J' yJ {' acl <� Q p J doZ�: UN UZ x¢ I1 o a .;A o00 aN W 2m z Z O r - 3 i it 41 t ti Z Lo LACKNER BOULEVARD .....LACKNER BLVD— -.., .._..........._.... Q U W (n W cn O z U C0 z Z Q X J' yJ {' Z Lo LACKNER BOULEVARD .....LACKNER BLVD— -.., .._..........._.... Staff Report Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 13, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Cory Bluhm, Executive Director Economic Development 519-741-2200 ext. #7065 Brian Bennett, Manager Business Development 519-741-2200 ext. #7230 PREPARED BY: Jay Brown, Economic Development Analyst 519-741-2200 ext. #7072 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 9 DATE OF REPORT: June 3, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD -2024-240 SUBJECT: Bramm Yards Master Plan RECOMMENDATION: That the revised vision and development principles for the Bramm Yards Master Plan be approved as outlined in DSD -2024-240; and, That up to $400,000 from the Environmental Remediation Reserve be allocated to support the completion of necessary pre -design reports for the redevelopment of Bramm Yards (55 Bramm Street and 130 Park Street); and further, That City staff be directed to undertake a market assessment to determine the appropriate timing to proceed with the disposition of the Bramm Yards, and to identify any potential development limitations, in order to maximize the likelihood of a successful redevelopment process, for Council consideration; and further, That Procurement Services and Realty Services be authorized to implement a competitive land disposition process, based on the vision and development principles approved as part of report DSD -2024-240, through the issuance of a public request for proposals (RFP) seeking a Master Developer who would acquire the Bramm Yards and lead a multi -phased redevelopment of the property. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to present the findings of the Bramm Yards Community Engagement Project (CEP), acquire Council approval of key elements of the proposed Bramm Yards Master Plan and initiate the land disposition process for the multi -use site. The key findings of this report are the redevelopment of the Bramm Yards will generate significant innovation employment and housing, bolster business growth in the *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. Page 31 of 72 Innovation District (Downtown Kitchener) and facilitate future growth of municipal tax assessment in the City of Kitchener. • The financial implications of this report include the commitment of up to $400,000 from the Environmental Remediation account for the completion of necessary pre -design reports for the redevelopment of Bramm Yards. • This report supports: Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path to a greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment while transitioning to a low -carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to make climate -positive choices. Building a Connected City Together: Focuses on neighbourhoods; housing and ensuring secure, affordable homes; getting around easily, sustainably, and safely to the places and spaces that matter. Creating an Economically -Thriving City Together: Focuses on growing an agile, diverse local economy powered by talented entrepreneurs, workers & artists; creating opportunities for everyone and a resilient future that propels our city forward. BACKGROUND: The City of Kitchener's 2019-2022 Strategic Plan identified the need to develop a master plan for the Bramm Yards development site (55 Bramm Street and 130 Park Street). `Health Innovation' and `Affordable & Attainable Housing' are two key priorities of The City's economic development strategy, Make It Kitchener 2.0. This strategy identifies the City's ambition to "develop leading facilities for entrepreneurs to advance health and med-tech innovations that create opportunities for clinical, academic and entrepreneurial collaboration, centred around a new urban business park. The Bramm Yards is part of the City's Innovation District and adjacent to the UW Health Sciences Campus. Since the early 2000s, the City and Regional Councils have made critical investments which have set the stage for Bramm Yards to be redeveloped as an ambitious, best -in -class development focused primarily on health innovation employment: • City of Kitchener invested $30 million in the UW School of Pharmacy. • Regional Municipality of Waterloo (RMOW) invested in the McMaster School of Medicine. • City of Kitchener invested in the Communitech Hub and the delivery of onsite support programming for start-up and scale -up technology businesses. • City of Kitchener invested in wet labs at UW Velocity in the Tannery. • Regional Municipality of Waterloo (RMOW) developed and constructed the ION rapid transit line, identifying King & Victoria as the future central transit hub. • City of Kitchener invested $8.5 million in the UW Innovation Arena; and, • City of Kitchener invested $450,000 in City -operated Collaboration Space in the UW Innovation Arena (through the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre). REPORT: The Bramm Yards is one of the most significant City -owned land holdings comprising 3.2 hectares (equivalent to 8 acres). The lands are central to a rapidly densifying Innovation District with fourteen (14) new residential towers recently built, currently under construction or in the planning -phases. It is directly adjacent to the new UW Innovation Arena (which is Page 32 of 72 expected to be home to as many as 200 startup companies each year) and the Communitech Hub (which serves more than 400+ startup companies each year). Many of these companies are expected to be focused on health -innovation based businesses. In 2023, the City developed a proposed initial vision and set of guiding principles identifying an ambition to develop the Bramm Yards into a leading-edge multi -use urban business park, centred around significant health -innovation focused employment space with sustainable development practices. The proposed vision and principles were shared with the community for feedback and input as part of a Community Engagement Project (CEP) on the future of the Bramm Yards. Through the CEP, 388 survey responses were completed with feedback provided directly to staff through an open house, community meetings and advisory committee meetings. The following over -arching themes emerged: 1) Importance of maximizing employment on site. 2) Support for the integration of sustainable development practices. 3) Need to include a central, community gathering place for the growing Innovation District; and, 4) Inclusion of affordable housing. Proposed Revisions to the Bramm Yards Vision and Development Principles The comparison chart below details the original proposed vision and development principles presented to the community in 2023, and the revised vision and development principles based on the input received through the CEP: PROPOSED (Original) REVISED RATIONALE FOR REVISION VISION FOR BRAMM VISION FOR BRAMM • Retention of the urban YARDS MASTER PLAN YARDS MASTER PLAN business park as the primary To develop a leading-edge, To develop a leading-edge objective. mixed-use urban business mixed use urban business • A key finding of the park that would include park that becomes the Bramm Yards' engagement health -innovation focused central gathering point of meetings is the need to employment, new housing, a the growing Innovation provide community space vibrant streetscape with District and surrounding within the development to high-quality public spaces, neighbourhoods. The allow for the congregation of built using leading business park would community members to sustainability practices. include significant health- participate in a variety of innovation focused activities and support the employment with new and concept that the Bramm affordable housing, centred Yards will become the around vibrant streetscapes centre of the local and high-quality public neighbourhood. spaces. All built using Situated within the leading sustainability boundaries of the practices. Inclusionary zoning by-law, Bramm Yards is required to include affordable housing units (up to 5%) in all new residential developments. Page 33 of 72 PROPOSED(Original)RATIONALE REVISED FOR REVISION #1 DEVELOPMENT #1 DEVELOPMENT • 66.93% of survey PRINCIPLE: Integrate a PRINCIPLE: respondents stated that Mix of Uses Integrate a Mix of Uses maximizing the amount of Develop a minimum of Develop a minimum of employment was very 750,000 square feet of 750,000 square feet of important and somewhat employment space with employment space with important in the `Health Innovation' and `Health Innovation' and development of the Bramm `Medical Technology' `Medical Technology' Yards Site. employment as the primary employment as the primary • Survey respondents use. use. identified the inclusion of affordable housing on the Maximize the integration of Maximize the integration of Bramm Yards site as the residential development residential development number (1) change to the #1 where possible; and, where possible, including Development Principle Include ground floor affordable housing; and, (survey question #6). commercial uses (ex: retail, restaurant, service). Include ground floor commercial uses (ex: retail, restaurant, service). #2 DEVELOPMENT #2 DEVELOPMENT • 85.93% of survey PRINCIPLE: PRINCIPLE: respondents stated that Integrate Leading Integrate Leading leading sustainable Sustainable Development Sustainable Development practices were very Practices Practices important and somewhat Strive for the integration of Strive for the integration of important in the geothermal heating and geothermal heating and development of the Bramm cooling, including the cooling, including the Yards site (survey question potential for a district energy potential for a district energy #7) plant on site; and plant on site; and • Survey respondents Strive for emerging industry Strive for emerging industry identified the inclusion of standards such as net -zero standards and other other sustainable carbon emissions. sustainable development development practises on practices such as net -zero the Bramm Yards site as the carbon emissions. number (1) change to the #2 Development Principle (survey question #8). Page 34 of 72 PROPOSED (Original) REVISED RATIONALE FOR REVISION #3 DEVELOPMENT #3 DEVELOPMENT • A key finding of Bramm PRINCIPLE: PRINCIPLE: Yards' engagement Integrate Community Focal Community Spaces meetings was that Space Organize developments community space should Develop a vibrant around central community allow for the congregation of streetscape. spaces. community members to Provide high quality, outdoor Develop a vibrant participate in a variety of activities and support the public spaces. Include community space to streetscape. concept that the Bramm be retained by the City; and Provide high quality, outdoor Yards as the centre of the Introduce all ages and public spaces, including local neighbourhood. abilities to active usable green space. . Community space was transportation connections,, identified as the number one the site. paGe +„ hn rn+�inn.I h�i +hn �;+.e (1) ranked change to the Proposed Vision (survey a44d-Introduce all ages and question #2 at 25.36% of abilities to active respondents), and transportation connections Development Principle #3 through the site. (survey question #10 at 45.37% of respondents). • Victoria Park Neighborhood Association proposed a target of 30% of the site dedicated to publicly accessible space. #4 DEVELOPMENT #4 DEVELOPMENT • With the approval of PRINCIPLE: PRINCIPLE: Kitchener's Growing Design Expectations Design Expectations Together Zoning By-law, the Leading-edge, high-quality Leading-edge, high-quality redevelopment of Bramm architecture and finishes. architecture and finishes. Yards does not have a A well-designed public realm A well-designed public realm parking minimum. High quality landscaping. High quality landscaping. • Survey respondents Integration of active Integration of active identified the inclusion of transportation, including transportation, including active transportation secure bicycle parking bike lanes, secure bicycle connections on the Bramm spaces and reduced parking spaces and reduced Yards site as the number (1) automobile parking/visibility change to the #4 of automobile parking. „grvisibility of Development Principle automobile parking. (survey question #12 at 40.65% of respondents). Page 35 of 72 The proposed revisions to the Bramm Yards' vision and development principles are aligned with Council's long term strategic directions and previous commitments. The revisions outlined above respond to the feedback received through the CEP. Land Disposition Process Considering the proposed vision and principles, and utilizing standard floorplates for mixed- use buildings, staff anticipate the Bramm Yards could accommodate up to five (5) major buildings. A development of this scale would either require a subdivision of land or a comprehensive master plan by one Master Developer. The subdivision of lands would be challenging for four (4) reasons: i) Site constraints — the site contains a significant grade change from Joseph Street to Park Street. Transitions between different developments would be challenging to manage/engineer and may be easier to overcome through interconnected buildings. It is also possible that structured parking could take advantage of the grade change by developing above ground parking which, from the surface, would appear to be below grade. ii) Urban context — unlike suburban subdivisions and business parks, the Bramm Yard's are expected to accommodate large mixed-use buildings. These often require careful integration of services (utilities, parking, retaining walls, etc.) which are best accomplished through one master builder. iii) Environmental Conditions — in the event the site requires environmental remediation, such measures are best managed comprehensively, through a single Record of Site Condition; and, iv) Coordinated public space — given the community's desire to see central gathering places incorporated into the site, this can be best achieved through one comprehensive development, as opposed to achieving separate amenity spaces on subdivided parcels. Based on the foregoing, staff recommend utilizing a `Master Developer' approach to the disposition of the Bramm Yards. Given the scale and mixed-use form of development, proponents could be a consortium of developers (including non-residential and residential developers) or a singular, well capitalized developer with a proven record of constructing different building types and large scale multi phased developments. To select a `Master Developer,' staff recommend the use of a competitive public request for proposals method. As per the competitive land disposition process as defined in DSD -2024- 044 City Owned Land Disposition Framework, City staff will follow the general process as prescribed below: 1. Development and execution of a procurement process by Procurement Services in collaboration with Realty Services and Economic Development. This would include staff determining the final evaluation criteria based on the approved vision and principles. 2. Evaluation of proposals by City staff. 3. Presentation of evaluation results to Council, seeking direction on proposals and terms of the purchase and sale. 4. Negotiations with proponent by City staff; and, 5. Final approval by Council, with authorization for the Mayor and Clerk to execute the purchase and sale agreement. Page 36 of 72 Given the significant size, scale and importance of the Bramm Yards, staff would consider integrating opportunities for community engagement throughout the process where possible and appropriate. Market Sounding Analysis Presently, there is a degree of unpredictability in land development in Waterloo Region. Not unique to our region, this uncertainty is driven by high interest rates, inflation costs including construction inflation, and hybrid office -work environments. As such, it is recommended that staff perform a market assessment to determine the likelihood of the City receiving bids from prospective developers. This assessment may include, but not limited to the following: interest rate forecasts, office/health innovation space demand, residential demand including buyers or renters, market values, competing developments, etc. City staff will also assess the cost implications of the various design elements within the proposed vision and principles, to understand their potential impacts on a bid price. The intent of this analysis is to ensure that the City of Kitchener maximizes the likelihood of receiving strong bids which maximize community impact (ex: best -in -class mixed-use development, highest sale value, etc.). If the market demand to redevelop Bramm Yards is determined to be insufficient at the moment, consideration may be required to defer the land disposition process to a later date when market demand is stronger. Pre -Design Reports: Environmental, Geotechnical & Code To effectively market Bramm Yards to potential Master Developers, the City of Kitchener will need to perform a series of pre -design environmental and geotechnical reports. The pre - design reports will provide a transparent understanding of the site conditions on Bramm Yards, allowing potential Master Developers to build a comprehensive business case for the redevelopment of the site and submit market rate competitive bids to purchase the property. Pre -design reports necessary for the redevelopment of Bramm Yards are: • Phase One (1) Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), • Phase Two (2) Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), • Hydrogeological Assessment with limited geotechnical study, • Environmental Assessment and/or Remediation, including Record of Site Conditions. • Analysis of the various codes based on the revised vision (ex: Building Code); and, • Understanding of design and setback requirements from the rail line. The estimate of costs (up to $400,000) for the pre -design reports was acquired through the submission of quotations by qualified environmental engineering firms. Estimated time for completing the pre -design reports for Bramm Yards is up to ninety-six (96) weeks. If site remediation is required, the purchaser can apply to the City of Kitchener and Region of Waterloo respective Brownfield Remediation Programs. As the primary focus of the mixed-use urban business park is intended to be for health innovation employment, such uses often include complex technical facilities (ex laboratories, etc.). These require a specialized technical knowledge to ensure code compliance (ex: Building Code, National Fire Prevention Act, etc.). Staff recommend a preliminary exploration to understand any implications the code requirements may have on the design Page 37 of 72 of the site. Where possible, staff would fund this work either through existing budgets or through the Economic Development Reserve. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports Creating an Economically -Thriving City Together: Focuses on growing an agile, diverse local economy powered by talented entrepreneurs, workers & artists; creating opportunities for everyone and a resilient future that propels our city forward. Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path to a greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment while transitioning to a low - carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to make climate -positive choices. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Capital Budget — The competitive land disposition process for the Bramm Yards would generate significant revenues for the City of Kitchener. This land disposition would be the largest contribution to the Economic Development Investment Fund 2.0 (EDIF 2.0), where $80 million is expected to be raised through the sale of City -owned lands. These funds would be invested in key priority areas of Make It Kitchener 2.0, such as `Affordable & Attainable Housing', `Creative Industries', etc. As such, maximizing the financial return the City would achieve through the sale of the Bramm Yards would, in turn, maximize the City's ability to invest in key community priorities. Staff anticipate up to $400,000 would be required to complete various environmental, geotechnical reports. These would be funded through the Environmental Remediation Reserve. Additional reports to analyze various code requirements (ex: Building Code) would be funded through existing budgets or through the Economic Development Reserve. Operating Budget — The recommendation has no current impact on the Operating Budget. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. CONSULT — Implemented over a twenty -week period (August 2023 to January 2024), the Bramm Yards Community Engagement Project (CEP) utilized the following tools to gather input from residents and stakeholders on the proposed vision and development principles for the multi -use site: 1. Engage Kitchener (Online Platform) The Bramm Yards CEP included a project page (inform) and an online survey (consult) to allow residents to provide input while eliminating time and location barriers. The online platform generated the following engagement results: • Over eight thousand four hundred (8,400) project page views, • Four thousand one hundred and sixty-five (4,165) page visits, • Three hundred and eighty-eight (388) survey completions from eleven (11) different postal codes. 61.84% of survey respondents were located within the three (3) postal codes in Downtown Kitchener (N2M, N2G, N2H). Page 38 of 72 2. Open House Meeting Hosted at the Victoria Park Pavilion, the open house meeting welcomed over thirty (30) residents to provide feedback and ask questions directly to Staff on the Bramm Yards development site. 3. Focus Group & Community Meetings One (1) focus group meeting was held with thirteen (13) health innovation sector stakeholders (post secondary representatives, hospital CEO's, incubators including Velocity, Communitech and MIX), two (2) community group meetings were held with three (3) local neighbourhood associations (Victoria Park, Cherry Park & Old Berlin) and the Board of Directors for the Downtown Kitchener BIA. 4. Advisory Committee Meetings The following four (4) advisory committees of the City of Kitchener were consulted: • Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). • Downtown Action & Advisory Committee (DAAC). • Active Transportation and Trail Advisory Committee (ATTAC); and, • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC). PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: • DSD -2024-005 Growing Together— Protected Major Transit Station Area Land Use and Zoning Framework • DSD -2024-029 Official Plan Amendment OPA23/015/K/TD and Zoning Bylaw Amendment ZBA23/027/K/TD — Inclusionary Zoning • DSD -2024-044 City -Owned Land Disposition Framework • Municipal Act, 2001 • Planning Act APPROVED BY: Dan Chapman CAO ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A — Bramm Yards Community Engagement Project: Summary Report Attachment B — Bramm Yards Development - Site Map, January 12, 2012 Page 39 of 72 r Ir dw ly - ,P BRAMM YARDS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT SUMMARY REPORT City of Kitchener Economic Development June 2024 R3:L1JiI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11JiI&F-11:f& 14901.4 11 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Executive Summary.................................................................................................................. 3 2.0 Project Overview...................................................................................................................... 6 3.0 What We Heard - Summary of Engagement Responses .................................................. 9 4.0 CEP Participants Profile.......................................................................................................... 18 Appendix "A" — Focus Group Position Statement..................................................................... 21 Appendix "B" — Engagement & Communications Approach ..................................................... 23 Appendix "C" — Online Survey Templ ate......................................................................................... 26 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 I 1 Page 41 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it The City ofKitchener'seconomicdevelopmentstrategy —Make It Kitchener2.0—identifiesthe need to develop Ieadingfacilitiesforentrepreneurstoadvance health and med-tech innovations, centered around new urban busi ness park. Bramm Yards is a key City -owned development sitethatcould accommodate such uses. In 2023, the City developed a proposed vision and set of principles identifying an ambition to develop the Bramm Yards into leading-edge multi -use urban business park, includinga primary intent to develop significant health -innovation focused employment space using sustainable development practices. The proposed vision and principles were shared with the community as part of an initial engagement process on the future of the Bram m Yards. The following report encapsulates the community engagement process, key findings recorded from stakeholders and the next steps in the development ofa Bramm Yards MasterPlan. ENGAGEMENT PROCESS Implemented over atwenty (20) week period, the Bramm Yards Community Engagement Project(CEP) utilized the fol lowi ng tools to gather inputfrom residents and stakeholders : 1) Engage Kitchener (Online Platform) The Bramm Yards CEP incl uded a project page (i nform) and an onli ne survey (consult) to al low residents to provide inputwhile eliminatingtime and location barriers. The online platform generated the fol lowing engagement results: • Over eight thousand four hundred (8,400) project page views, • Four thousand one hundred and sixty-five (4,165) page visits, • Three hundred and eighty-eight(388) survey completions from eleven (11) different postal codes. 61.84% of survey respondents were located within the three (3) postal codes i n Downtown Kitchener(N2M, N2G, N2H). 2) Open House Meeting Hosted at the Victoria Park Pavilion, the open house meeting welcomed overthirty (30) residents to providefeedback and ask questions directlytoStaff onthe Bramm Yards development site. 3) Focus Group & Community Meetings One (1) focus group meetingwas held with thirteen (13) health innovation sector stakeholders ( post secondary representatives, hospital CEO's, incubators including Velocity, Com mu n itech and MIX). Two (2) community group meetings were held with three (3) local neighbourhood associations (Victoria Park, Cherry Park & Old Berlin) and the Board of Di rectors for the Downtown Kitchener BIA. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 42 of 72 BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 4 4) Advisory Committee Meetings the fol Iowing four (4) advisory committees of the City of Kitchener were consulted: • Economic DeveIopmentAdvisoryCommittee (EDAC). • Downtown Action &Advisory Committee (DAAC). • Active Transportation and Trail Advisory Committee (ATTAC); and, • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC). KEY FINDINGS In general, community stakeholders expressed support for the mixed used development (i.e., inclusion of empIoymentspace, residential and commercial development) of the BrammYards, with the following key themes emergingfrom the CEP: 1) Innovation Employment Space Consistent with Council's longterm strategic direction, the inclusion of health innovation employment space was identified as the primary development principle for Bra mm Yards. The construction of scalable innovation space will allow the City of Kitchener the opportunity to attract and retain innovation companies. With 25 to 30 innovation business scheduled to graduate from the UW Innovation Arena per incubation cycle, the City of Kitchener wi I I be prepared to expand the existing health innovation cluster and stimulate future employment growth. • 66.93% of survey respondents stated that maxim izingtheamount ofempIoymentwas very important and somewhat important in the deveIopmentof the Bra mmYards site. 2) Sustainable Development Practices Community stakeholders expressed significant support forthe inclusion of the District Energy project and others ustainable development practices in the development of the Bra mm Yards. • 85.93% of survey respondents stated that sustain able develop ment practices were very important and somewhat important in the development of the Bra mm Yards site (survey question#7). 3) Focal Community Spaces The inclusion of community space was a consistent theme expressed by stakeholders. Stakeholders described community space in avariety of ways, such as exterior"park-like" spaces available to Bra mm Yards residents, employees, and the surrounding residents in the neighbouring residential towers. During the Open House and Community Meeting, local residents identified the need for space (s) that would enable the congregation and connection of community members (i.e., exterior parks, interior community rooms, restaurant patios, etc.). Together, theses paces would position the Bra mm Yards as the central gathering hub of the local neighbourhood. 4) Affordable Housing The inclusion of affordable housing in the Bramm Yards Master Plan was a consistent theme expressed by stakeholders in the online survey, open house meeting, neighbourhood association meeting and advisorycommittee me etings.Affordable housing was defined by stakeholders as either below current residential market rates (discounted) or geared to income. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 43 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it Some noted that if affordable housing couId not be accommodated on site, the City should consider uti Iizing a portion of land sale proceeds to support affordable housing eIsewhere. NEXT STEPS Utilizing the input gathered from the community engagement project, City staff will prepare report for Kitchener City Council to consider the following: 1) Proposed Revisions of the Bramm Yards Vision and Development Principles The proposed vision and development principlesforthe Bramm Yards Master Plan will be revised based on the feedback gathered through the community engagement process. Any proposed revisions must be compatible with Council's longterm strategic directions and commitments. 2) Land Disposition Process Implementation of a comprehensive land disposition process based on the revised vision and development principles as approved by Council. 3) Market Sounding Analysis The City of Kitchener will perform market sounding analysis and establish a land development strategy to maximize the community benefit and impact from the redevelopment of Bramm Yards (ex. optima I date to proceed with the RFP). 4) Pre -Design Reports: Environmental, Geotechnical and Code Initiate pre -design reports necessary forth deve Iopmentof BrammYards, such as: • Phase One (1) Environmental Site Assess ment(ESA). • Phase Two (2) Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). • HydrogeoIogicaI Assessment with limited geotechnical study; and, • Analysis of the various codes based on the revised vision (ex: Bui Iding Code). MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 44 of 72 M:L1&I&WI-111.1WrI4W111i&I&r_1:f& 14901i11 s The City of Kitchener's 2019-2022 Strategic Plan identified the need to develop a master plan for the Bramm Yards deveIopmentsite (55Bramm Street and 130 Park Street). The Bra mmYards is part of a larger vision for the Innovation District and UW Health Sciences Campus which includes the UW Innovation Arena, home to the expanded Velocity programming. The 3.2 -hectare site (equivalent to 8 acres) is one of the most sign ificantCity-owned land holdings due to its size and location. The Bra mmYards is idea IIysituated to attract health innovation development giventhe proximity to Communitech (partnering with CAN Health), McMaster University's entrepreneurial programs, Conestoga College's innovation lab, broader proximityto Grand River Hospital and the Medical Innovation Exchange. The Health Industry is projected to experience significant growth as the Canadian population continues to age. The purpose of the community engagement process is to acquire the input of residents' city-wide and stakeholders on the proposed Vision and Development Principlesthat wi II form the foundation of the Bramm Yards Master Plan and land disposition process. Aerial Image of Bramm Yards Development Site a �-i MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 45 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it PROPOSED VISION FOR BRAMM YARDS MASTER PLAN: The following proposed vision statement was provided to the comm unity for feedback: To develop leading-edge, mixed-use urban business parkthatwould include health -innovation focused employment, new housing, a vi brant streetscape with high-quality public spaces, built using leading sustainability practices. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES FOR BRAMM YARDS MASTER PLAN: The following proposed development principles were provided to the community for feedback: To build a vibrant mixed-use community based on the following key principles: 1) Integrate a Mix of Uses • Developa minimum of 750,000 square feetof employmentspace with'Health Innovation' and 'Medical Technology'employmentasthe primary use. • Maximize the integration of residential development where possible; and, • Include ground floorcommercial uses (ex: retail, restaurant, service). 2) Integrate Leading Sustainable Development Practices • Strive forthe integration of geothermal heating and cooling, i ncludingthe potential for a geothermal district energy plant on site (up to 20,000 square feet); and, • Strive for emerging industry standards such as net -zero carbon emissions. 3) Integrate Community Spaces • Develop a vibrantstreetscape. • Provide high quality, outdoor public spaces. • Include community space to be retained bythe City; and, • Introduce al I ages and abilities active transportation connections through the site. 4) Design Expectations • Leading-edge, high-quality architecture and finishes. • A well-designed public realm. • High qual ity landscapi ng. • Integration of active transportation, includingsecure bicycle parkingspaces; and, • Reduce automobileparking/visibilityofparking. OBJECTIVES & SCOPE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT Level of Engagement The Bramm Yards Community Engagement Plan utilized two (2) levels of engagement: 1) Inform All community engagement initiatives must inform the public. This is intended to provide the public with balanced and objective information to support understanding of City initiatives, as follows: a) GeneralPubIic— enablinginformedawarenessoftheCity'sintentionstoseIItheBramm Yards (a publ icasset), and to provide detail on the vision and development principles. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 46 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it b) NeighbouringResidents —en abIinginformedawareness ofthe potentia lfor future development on the Bramm Yards and the development principles that would informsaid development. c) Industry Experts/Develop me nt Community —enab I ingawareness of the future disposition process and the vision and principles, should they have an interest in engaging in the disposition process. 2) Consult Consultation with the community allows participants to provide feedback by, for example, identifying preferences orcommunicatingval ues. This type of engagement provides a simple and structured exchange of information with stakeholders that is streamlined, as follows: • General Public—enable expression of preferences and suggested changes through an online survey. • Neighbouring Residents—enable expression of preferences and suggested changes through an open house and community meeting. • Industry Experts—enable expression of key industry insights critical to understanding health innovation requirements to ensure the land use and design aligns with business needs of a new urban business park. Objectives of Engagement: 1) Sustain an Informed Public • Provide timely,accurate,helpful, and easily accessible information tothe communityvia methods and platforms designed to reach a wide audience. • Facilitate increased interaction between the Cityof Kitchenerand industry experts/residents, including reporting back what we heard and what is in scope and out of scope. • Reduce or eliminate barriersfor residentsto communicate with the City. • Clearly inform community members about howthey interactwith the City, whataspects are open to consultation and feedback, and provide easily accessible ways to be involved. 2) Seek Understanding of Community Perspectives • Consult with the community to understand their perspectives on the proposed vision and development principles forthe Bramm Yards. • Strengthen City decision-making and planningwhiledeepening understanding of various community perspectives. 3) Tap Into the Collective Intelligence of the Industry Experts • Involvi ngcommunity perspectives in defi ni ng project issues, visioning, developing, and evaluating principles. 4) Ensure Transparency in Decisions, Actions and Decision -Making Processes Proactively help the community understand how and why decisions are achieved for development projects. 5) Enhance Collaboration and Communications Between Internal City Departments and Divisions • Encourage effectivecross-departmental communication, collaboration, and coordination, i.e., Growing Together—MTSA, Inclusionary Zoning, and District Energy Feasibility Study. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 47 of 72 R3:L1JiI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11JiI&F-11:f&r14901.4 11 N ►��f►IIf•�e� �'L�I iP►1IRYS111 ATIWA ISP► '� The Bramm Yards Community Engagement Project collected three hundred and eighty-eight(388) online survey responsesfrom City of Kitchener residents located in eleven (11) different postal codes. The followingisasummaryofthe survey responses: Question #1 What do you like about the Proposed Vision for the Bramm Yards Master Plan, if anything? Top Five (5) Likes of the Proposed Vision Community Spaces 110 Mixed Use 93 Sustainable Development 76 Health Innovation Sector Employment Space 50 I Residential Development 43 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Question #2 What changes and improvements would you make to the Proposed Vision, if any? Top Five (5) Changes to the Proposed Vision Community Space 105 Affordable Housing 73 Active Transporation Connections 43 Public Parking �— 36 Less Employment Space P 29 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 48 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11MI&F_1:f& 14901.4 11 10 Question #3 How important is it to you that the City maximizes the amount of employment possible on the Bramm Yards Site? Very Important 21.61 No Opinion 2.60 Not Important 30.47 Somewhat Important 45.31 Note- 66.93% of survey respondents stated that maximizingthe amount of employment was very important and somewhat important in the development of the Bramm Yards Site. Question #4 How important is it to you that the City maximizes the amount of housing possible on Bramm Yards site? Somewhat Important 26.30% Not Important 16.41 Very Important 56.25 No Opinion 1.04% Note - 82.55% of survey respondents stated that maximizing the amount of housing was very important and somewhat important in the deve lop mentof the Bramm Yards site. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 49 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901.4 11 11 Question #5 How important is it to you that the City ensures commercial uses are included on the Bramm Yards site? Very Important 32.38 No Opinion 2.09 Not Important 23.76 Somewhat nportant 41.78 Note - 74.15% of survey respondents stated that the inclusion of commercial uses is very important and somewhat important in the development of the Bramm Yards site. Question #6 What changes or improvements would you make to the #1 Development Principle (Mix of Uses), if any? 70 60 s0 40 30 20 10 0 Top Five (5) Changes to #1 Development Principle 63 M 44 36 27 Affordable Community Residential Diverse Less Housing Space Development Commercial & Employment Retail Space MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R - SINCE 1854 - x Page 50 of 72 1.3:7-11JlI&WI_11.1WrI4W111i&I &U_1:f&14901i1 Question #7 How important is it to you that leading sustainability practices are utilized on the Bramm Yards site? Very Important 58.85 No Opinion 1.56% Somewhat Important 27.08 Ivot important 12.50% 12 Note - 85.93% of survey respondents stated that Ieadingsustainable practices were very important and somewhat important in the development of the Bra mm Yards site. Question #8 What changes and improvements would you make to the #2 Development Principle (Sustainable Development Practices), if any? Top Five (5) Changes to #2 Development Priniciple Other Sustainable Development 66 Community Space 24 "Attain not Strive" Affordable Housing Minimal Parking 8 0 10 20 13 20 30 40 50 60 70 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R - SINCE 1854 - x Page 51 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f&O4901.4 11 Question #9 How important is to you that the following community spaces are included in the Bramm Yards Master Plan? 350 300 250 204 200 142 150 120 130 100 50 it 0 0 Outdoor Patios Community Rooms 308 214 220 92 99 58 Bike Lanes Walking Paths Other Public Spaces ■ Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important No Opinion Survey respondents stated that active transportation connections, pedestrian throughfares, and other pub Iicspaces (greens paces) are very important in the development of the Bra mm Yards site. Question #10 What changes and improvements would you make to the #3 Development Principle (Community Spaces), if any? Top Three (3) Changes to #3 Development Principle Community Space 93 43 Active Transportation Connections 12 Affordable Housing 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 13 Page 52 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1Wro49114111MI&F_1:f& 14901.4 11 14 Question #11 How important is to you that the following design expectations are utilized on the Bramm Yards site? 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 312 302 309 Survey respondents stated that we I -designed pub Iicspaces, landscape & natural space, pedestrian throughfares, bike paths and bike parking are very important in the development of the Bramm Yards site. Question #12 What changes and improvements would you make to the #4 Development Principle (Design Expectations), if any? Top Three (3) Changes to #4 Development Principle Active Transportation Connections Parking Design & Architecture 23 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R - SINCE 1854 - x 50 50 Page 53 of 72 220 181 185 146 163 - 130 90 85 47 53 53 High Quality High Quality Well -Designed Inclusion of Integration of Integration of Reduce Architecture Building PublicSpaces Landscape Bike Lanes Walkways and Automobile and Building Finishes and Natural and Bike Paths Parking or Design Space Parking Visibility of Parking ■ Very Important ■ Somewhat Important ■ Not Important No Opinion Survey respondents stated that we I -designed pub Iicspaces, landscape & natural space, pedestrian throughfares, bike paths and bike parking are very important in the development of the Bramm Yards site. Question #12 What changes and improvements would you make to the #4 Development Principle (Design Expectations), if any? Top Three (3) Changes to #4 Development Principle Active Transportation Connections Parking Design & Architecture 23 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R - SINCE 1854 - x 50 50 Page 53 of 72 1.3:7-11JlI&WI_11.1WrI4W111&I&F_1:f&1.14901.4 11 Question #13 Do you have any other ideas on the Proposed Vision and Development Principles for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Top Five (5) Other Ideas on the Proposed Vision and Development Principles 611 29 29 21 13 Community Active Affordable Public Parking Diverse Space Transportation Housing Commercial & Connections Retail 15 Question #14 Do you have potential concerns with the development of the Bramm Yards site that the City could address through the Master Plan? Top Five (5) Potential Concerns with the Development of the Bramm Yards Design & Community Space, Architecture, 14 41 Transportation Management Plan, 23 Affordable Hou: 33 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 ive rtation Connections, 23 Page 54 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it SUMMARY RESPONSES OF ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS 16 The Bramm Yards CEP held a series of engagement meetings with community members togathertheir inputon the proposed vision and development principlesfor Bramm Yards. The engagement meetings created an interactive experience where community members could ask questions of Citystaff, exchange ideas and facilitatea productive conversation on the BrammYards site. The following represents the key summary responses that were recorded duri ngthe open house, focus group, community, and advisory committee meetings. 1) Integrate a Mix of Uses • Vast majorityof community members expressed supportforthe mixed used concept, i.e., inclusion of employment space, residential and commercial development on Bramm Yards. • Employmentspace was identified as a priority bya numberof residents with significant supportfor the pursuitof health innovation and medical technology sectorasthe primary development sector. Some community members did express concern with a single sector approach to employmentspace development and existing vacant office space in Downtown Kitchener. • Health innovation entrepreneurs expressed frustration with the conversion of existingoffice space into wet lab space due to regulatory difficulties with extensive time lines. The lack of existing scalable lab space was considered an impedimenttoattractingand retaining new innovation companies in Kitchener. • Institutional health innovation experts stated that the UW Innovation Arena is projected to graduate twenty-five (25) tot hirty(30) start-up businesses per incubation cycle. The Innovation Arena graduates wiIIrequire assistance sourcingcapitaI forth etransition from start-up to scale up enterprises generating revenue. • Engagement participants supported the inclusion of residential development on Bramm Yards including affordable housing. Affordable housingwas defined by participants as discounted residential market rates and/orgeared to income rental rates. Participants expressed support for the concept of usi ng a portion of the City's revenues from Bramm Yards land disposition for off-site affordable housing. • Ground floorcommercial and retail business development received positive supportwith a minorityof participants requesting priorityto be given to diverse local independent businesses, and medical practitioners. 2) Integrate Leading Sustainable Development Practices • The integration of geothermal heating and cooling, i ncl udingthe potential for a geothermal district energy plant onsite (up to 20,000 square feet) was supported inmost engagement meetings. Stakeholders encouraged the inclusion of othersustainable practices including solar power, reclamation of rainwater, active transportation connections to public transit and community space with tree canopy; and, • Attainment of emerging industry standards such as net -zero carbon emissions were deemed essential to the Bramm Yards Master Plan. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 55 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11MI&F_1:f& 14901it 3) Integrate Community Spaces 17 • The majority of engagement meeting discussions revolved around the design of public outdoor spaces. The priority of participants focused on public green space and pedestrian throughfares between proposed buildings. The community spaces were to allow fora variety of mixed uses and to create a sense of "congregation" for neighbourhood residents. • The design of the community spaces should fosterthe Bramm Yards as a central gathering point of the growing Innovation District and surrounding neighbourhood. • The Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association expressed that upto40% of the Bramm Yards site should be community space. 4) Design Expectations • Leadi ng -edge, high-quality architecture and finishesreceived the majority ofsupport from engagement meeting participants. The Bramm Yards should be a showcase of modern development that would include residents from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. • Integration of active transportation, including pedestrian throughfares, secure bicycle parkingspaces, connection to the Iron Horse Trail and ION hub. • Consensus was achieved on the reduced visibility of automotive parking, but concern was expressed forthe loss of neighbourhood and publ is parki ng as a result of the development of Bramm Yards. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 56 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1Wro49114111&I&F_1:f&84901.4 11 18 As part of the on i ne survey forthe Bra mm Yards CEP, engagement partici pants were asked to complete a series of demographic questions on age, group affiliation, gender, and location by postal code. The participants' responsestothe survey demographic questions are summarized below: AGE RANGE The figure below shows the age range of on ine survey respondents. Almost half of survey respondents (49.61%) were between the ages of 30 to 49 years of age. 7.92: 12.40% 19.53% - Under 18 yearsold - 50 to 59 years old What is your age? 9 ono/- 026°/ 30.08% - 18 to 29 years old 30 to 39 years old 40 to 49 years old - 60 to 64 years old - 65 years old and above - Prefer not to answer GROUP AFFILIATION Thefigure below shows if respondents identify themselves in the fol lowing groups. Do you identify as a member of any of the following groups Prefer not to Answer � 36 None of the Above 208 First Nations, Inuit or Metis ■ 6 2 LG BTQ+ 1 52 Immigrant or Refugee � 24 Member of a Racialized Group 17 Person with a Disability � 45 0 50 100 150 200 250 MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R — SINCE 1854 — x Page 57 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901.4 11 GENDER The figure below shows the gender identity of survey respondents. Which of the following best describes your gender? Man Woman Prefer not to answer I do not identify with agender 3 Two -Spirit 1 1 Trans Man 0 2 Trans Woman 1 2 Non -Binary 12 Gender Fluid/Gender Queer M 6 A gender not listed above 04 0 20 165 165 1 28 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 LOCATION The figure below shows the location of survey participants by their postal codes. 61.84% of survey respondents are located within the three postal codes (N2M, N2G & N2H) in Downtown Kitchener. A total of eleven (11) postal codes participated in the survey ensuring a city-wideperspective on the Bramm Yards Master Plan. What are the first three digits of your postal code? Other N2A N2B 2..1111% 10.00% 5.79% 3.95% N2C ° 1,42P2.89/° 3.68° N2N 4.21% N2M 16.05% 18.16% MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 N2G 27.63% 19 Page 58 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it :Tie\�:IT►I►L•1�1_�L�7►1riZ�Ii��:Zili ' 17l �il��iil�L�l7e\iiiL�IT7e\�i�'� The fol Iowing organizations participated in the health innovation focus group meeting: • Velocity, Universityof Waterloo • Communitech • Grand River Hospital • Waterloo Med Tech • AltaML Inc. • Degroote School of Medicine, McMaster University • St Marys Hospital • Avro Life Science • Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo • Medical Innovation Xchange MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 20 Page 59 of 72 1:111MLTA LTA WMA piss] 4:M11LTA lLTA /e1:rd:f 4I91:4 11 21 A Green and Inclusive Bramm Yards Urban Development: Position Statement Submitted by; Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association Development Committee To; Jay Brown, Economic Development Analyst, City of Kitchener Cory Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development, City of Kitchener Date: October 23, 2023 Contact: Peggy Nickels, VPNA DC, nickels.peggy@gmail.com The VPNA Development Committee is excited by the potential offered by a community and City -led transformation of Bramm Yards. It is an opportunity for citizens, planners, councillors and developers to work together to showcase what a sustainable, livable 15 -minute urban community could look like and set a new standard for green, inclusive development in our City. We are advocating for: A significant amount of public green space to be included in the Bramm Urban Business Park • 40% or 3.2 acres of ground level green space (no pavement) including: o a contiguous area of 1-2 acres of public parkland, with an open area big enough to play frisbee, pickup soccer, make a skating rink in winter, o shaded areas for picnic tables; pollinator/rain gardens to provide natural habitat and rain -water capture o a treed playground and adult fitness equipment (similar to Victoria Park) to provide shady areas for children to play and adults to work out o naturalized landscaping around and between buildings and along sidewalks, including pollinator/rainwater gardens where possible a a gazebo for outdoor gatherings and performances; could be used for outdoor concerts, dances, theatre, movies, etc. o communal vegetable/flower/fruit tree gardens Tree canopy that matches the City's Tree Canopy Policy (2022) calling for 30% tree canopy/ward by 2050 and city-wide 33% by 2070 • a commitment to plant mature trees that will begin to provide some shade immediately; • ongoing care of the trees to prevent loss, so that they don't just survive but thrive • tree -lined streets, as well as trees in parkland areas and any public squares Green corridor with active transportation path (along train tracks) linking with Iron Horse Trail • in addition to 3.2 acres of public green space A mix of residential development that: • is affordable for all income earners (starting with those earning minimum wage)' 'We use the CMHA definition of affordable: 30%of before -tax annual income. MAKE IT KITCHENER —SINCE rasa 0 Page 60 of 72 11.111MLTA LTA WMA piss] 4:M11LTA LTA 011 d:14I91:4111 accommodates all household sizes, life stages, and abilities (singles, couples, families, seniors) a range of housing sizes and styles: e.g. townhouses backed by mid and limited higher rise housing uses data (e.g. Kitchener Housing Needs Assessment, 2020) to determine appropriate mix of housing Building to a high performance, green development standard (e.g. the Toronto Green Standard for City -Owned Buildings) : • net -zero emission buildings, as is mandatory for Toronto's City -Owned buildings o use Passive House design where possible to keep energy bills low for low - medium income families o showcase heating and cooling via a District Energy System, as is being considered by City of Kitchener • green infrastructure including retention of >50% of rainwater on-site, e.g. rain gardens, permeable pavement, etc. • green roofs for residents and/or public providing green space, rainwater retention, cooling • raw materials: considerable sustainable sourcing and embodied carbon for material selection; use of mass timber construction where possible, as opposed to poured concrete using a combination of green and cool paving strategies on roofs and non -roof hardscapes to offset heat requiring installation of electrical vehicle infrastructure for motor vehicles and bicycles in all new buildings use bird collision deterrence measures such as bird friendly window glazing, roof- top vegetation, ensuring all exterior fixtures are Dark Sky compliant The current proposal seems to reflect the urban thinking of the City as it was over 10 years ago, when the idea of making Bramm Yards into an Urban Business Park was first proposed. So many things have changed and the needs are different. There is plenty of empty office space in the downtown area that needs to be filled. What is desperately needed is green park space to accommodate the thousands of residents moving into new towers, as well as attract more people to live, work and recreate in the downtown core. The window for creating green parkland is closing as more buildings go up. The pandemic highlighted how important green areas are for mental health, and especially for those who can't afford to leave the city. Affordable housing is at the top of the priority list when people talk about the City's health. Without affordable homes, the recent Vital Signs Report shows people are being forced out of our City and may choose not to move here at all. Green space and green development are also essential as we move deeper into a changed climate. It is easier, cheaper, and more timely to build green now than to retrofit later. A green Bramm Urban Park will set a higher bar for new development projects. A green, inclusive, Bramm Yards urban development will provide inspiration for how sustainable and liveable communities can be created in our City. We look forward to working towards this vision. MAKE IT KITCHENER — SINCE 1854 — x 22 Page 61 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901.4 11 23 ENGAGEMENT APPROACH The fol lowing approach and tools were uti I ized to engage community stakeholders and gather their input into the Vision and DeveIopmentPrinciplesforthe Bra mmYards Master Plan: 1) Online Platform- Engage Kitchener (Online Platform) The Bramm Yards CEP employed a project page (inform) and an online survey (consult) on the Engage Kitchener website to capture any feedback from community stakeholders on the Bramm Yards vision and development principles. The online survey al lows residents to provide input while eliminatingtime and location barriers. Wherever possible, all publicfeedback was directed to Engage Kitchener to be a central repository for all feedback. Participants: General Public Timing&Location: Project Page and Survey Launch —September 14', 2023 Online Survey Closure —October 31', 2023 2) Open House (Large Group) A public event was held providing community stakeholders key research and data about the health innovation sector, the potential of the Bramm Yards development site and the proposed vision and development principles to be utilized in the Bramm Yards Master Plan. Participants: General Public Timing&Location: October 11', 2023, 4-7pm at the Victoria Park Pavilion 3) Focus Group and Community Meetings (Small Group) One (1) focus group meeting was held with thirteen (13) health innovation sector stakeholders ( postsecondary representatives, hospital CEO's, incubators including Velocity, Com mu n itech and MIX), two (2) community group meeting were held with three (3) local neighbourhood associations (Victoria Park, Cherry Park & Old Berlin) and the Board of Directors for the Downtown Kitchener BIA. Participants: City staff generated the list of focus group participants. Timing& Location: Health Innovation Meeting-October4t", 2023, Learning Room, City Hal I Local Neighbourhood Association Meeting—October 23rd, 2023 Calvary Church, 9 Conway Drive, Kitchener ON Board of DirectorsfortheDowntownKitchenerBIA—January 24, 2024 Downtown Kitchener BIA offices MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 62 of 72 BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 24 4) Advisory Committee Meetings: DAAC, EDAC, ATTAC &ACAC (Small Group) The Bramm Yards' engagement process consulted four (4) existing advisory committees forthe City of Kitchener: Downtown Action & Advisory Committee (DAAC), Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), Active Transportation &Trail Advisory Committee (ATTAC), and Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC). The advisory committees consist of local community leaders with abroad range of business, transportation, and arts insights. Participants: DAAC, EDAC, ATTAC and ACAC members. Timing& Location: EDAC—September 27, 2023, City Hall DAAC—September 28, 2023, (Virtual) ATTAC— October 10'h, 2024, Learning Room, City Hall ACAC— November 211t, 2023, Piper Room (Hybrid),City Hall 5) Staff Membersfor the City of Kitchener The following staff members forthe City of Kitchener have been consulted to date: • Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services, • Jeffery Si lcox-Childs, Directorof Parks& Cemeteries, Infrastructure Services • Darren Becks, Manager Downtown Development& Innovation, Development Services • Darren Kropf, Manager Active Transportation&Development, Development Services • Rob Morgan, Real Estate Analyst, Development Services • Natalie Goss, Managerof Policy and Research, Development Services • Tim Donegani, Senior Planner (District Energy and lnclusiveZoning) • Adam Clark, Senior Urban Designer (GrowingTogether), Development Services • Sue Weare, Community Engagement Consultant, Corporate Services COMMUNICATIONS METHODS The following methods were utilized to effectively communicate and promote the Bramm Yards community engagement project: 1) Project Webpage Located on the Engage Kitchener website, the Bramm Yards Master Plan project page detailed the proposed vision and development principlesforthe Bramm Yards, the community engagement tools, the online survey and an opportunity to post questions about the project. The project page received over 8,400 vi ews, 4,034 visits and 388 survey completions. 2) Press Release The City of Kitchener prepared and released a press release on September 20', 2023. The press release highlighted the BrammYards' proposed vision and development principles, the Engage Kitchener project page, and opportunities forthe public to participate in the engagement process. The Waterloo Region Record published the press release on September 21', 2023. 3) Social Media Promotion The City of Kitchenerthrough social media posts promoted awareness of the project and opportunities forthe general publicto participate in engagement process. The purchase of MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 63 of 72 11.3:LLVA ILVA \EMpiss] 4:w11LVA ILVA W11 d:14I91.4d 25 social media advertising contributed to the significant response to the project page and online survey. 4) Direct Email Through series of direct email invites and ongoing communications, the City ofKitchener organized both focusgroup meetings, the open house meeting and replied to questions submitted by residents and community stakeholders. MAKE IT KITCHENER - SINCE 1854 - x Page 64 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it 26 BRAMM YARDS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Online Survey The City of Kitchener is creating a Master Plan that will guide future development at the Bramm Yards site (55 Bramm Street and 130 Park Street). The goal of the Master Plan is to transform this parking lot into an urban business park to accommodate hundreds of future jobs. Please read the proposed Vision and Development Principles for the Bramm Yards, then share your feedback on each. This survey will take 5 minutes to fill out. It closes October 31, 2023. A Proposed Vision for Bramm Yards Master Plan: To develop a leading-edge, mixed-use urban business park that would include: • health -innovation focused employment, • new housing, • a vibrant streetscape with high-quality public space, • built using leading sustainability practices. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 65 of 72 BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 27 Question #1: What do you like about the Proposed Vision for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? Question #2 What changes and/or improvements would you make to the Proposed Vision for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? Proposed Development Principles for the Bramm Yards Master Plan: The following four (4) proposed development principles will inform the design of the Bramm Yards. Please read each development principle, then share your feedback. #1 Development Principle: Integrate a Mix of Uses The first proposed development principle will ensure that the Bramm Yards will become a vibrant mixed-use community by including the following: • Develop a minimum of 750,000 square feet of employment space with 'Health Innovation' and 'Medical Technology' employmentas the primary use. • Maximize the integration of residential development where possible; and, • Include ground floor commercial uses (ex: retail, restaurant, service). MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 66 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f&84901.4 11 Question #3 How important is it to you that the City maximizes the amount of employment possible on the Bramm Yards site? Very Somewhat Not No Important Important Important Opinion Questions #4 How important is it to you that the City maximizes the amount of housing possible on Bramm Yards site? Very Somewhat Not No Important Important Important Opinion Question #5 How important is it to you that the City ensures commercial uses are included on Bramm Yards site? ❑ Very Important Question #6 Somewhat Not No Important Important Opinion What changes and/or improvements would you make to the #1 Development Principle for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 28 Page 67 of 72 BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 29 #2 Development Principle: Integrate Leading Sustainable Development Practices The second development principle will ensure that the Bramm Yards is sustainably designed by integrating the following practices: • Strive for the integration of leading-edge technology which reduce the carbon impacts of heating and cooling systems, including the potential for a district energy plant on site (up to 20,000 square feet); and, • Strive for emerging industry standards such as net -zero carbon emissions. Question #7 How important is it to you that leading sustainability practices are utilized on the Bramm Yards sites? Very 1:1Somewhat Not 1:1No Important Important Important Opinion Question #8 What changes and/or improvements would you make to the #2 Development Principle for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? #3 Development Principle: Integrate Community Spaces The third development principle will ensure that the Bramm Yards site integrates community spaces through the following: • Develop a vibrant streetscape. • Provide high quality, outdoor public space. • Include community space to be retained by the City, and, • Introduce all ages and abilities active transportation connections through the site. MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 68 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901it Question #9: How important is it to you that the following community spaces are included in the Bramm Yards Master Plan: • Outdoor Patios El Very El Somewhat El Not El No Important Important Important Opinion • Public Space El Very El Somewhat El Not El No Important Important Important Opinion • Community Rooms El Very El Somewhat El Not El No Important Important Important Opinion • Bike Lanes El Very El Somewhat El Not El No Important Important Important Opinion • Walking Paths El Very El Somewhat El Not El No Important Important Important Opinion Question #10 What changes and/or improvements would you make to the #3 Development Principle for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 30 Page 69 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11MI&F_1:f& 14901it #4 Development Principle: Design Expectations The fourth development principle will ensure that the Bramm Yards are designed on the following expectations: • Leading-edge, high-quality architecture and finishes. • A well-designed public realm. • High quality landscaping. • Integration of active transportation, including secure bicycle parking spaces; and, • Reduce automobile parking/visibility of parking. Question #11 How important is it to you that following design expectations are utilized on the Bramm Yards sites? • High-quality architecture and building design. Very 1:1Somewhat Not Important Important Important • High quality building finishes. Very 1:1Somewhat Not Important Important Important • Well-designed public space Very 1:1Somewhat Not Important Important Important • Inclusion of landscape and natural space Very Somewhat Important Important • Integration of bike lanes and bike parking Very Somewhat Important Important • Integration of walkways and paths Very Somewhat Important Important ❑ Not Important ❑ Not Important ❑ Not Important MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 ❑ No Opinion ❑ No Opinion ❑ No Opinion ❑ No Opinion ❑ No Opinion ❑ No Opinion 31 Page 70 of 72 R3:L1JlI&WI_11.1WrI4WY11&I&F_1:f& 14901.4 11 • Reduced automobile parking/visibility of parking. ❑ Very Important Question #12 Somewhat Not No Important Important Opinion What changes and/or improvements would you make to the #4 Development Principle for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? 32 Question #13 Do you have any other ideas on the Proposed Vision and Development Principles for the Bramm Yards Master Plan? If yes, please describe below: Question #14 Do you have potential concerns with the development of the Bramm Yards site that the City could address through the Master Plan? If yes, please describe below: Thank you for answering our survey. If you have not already, please subscribe for email updates. Go to the project page (engagewr.ca/brammyards), add your email to the Stay Informed box and click"Subscribe." MAKE IT K I T C H E N E R -- SINCE 1854 Page 71 of 72 I jH1 LU �� \\Z \ \ � b� R}Io �� , r \ \ e CID p 11111 IMPIN �® 1 \ . . ........ .. ... ..... . .... -.1. vWNT9ME