HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-240 - Bramm Yards Master Plan Visioning
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
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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:
-2022 Strategic Plan identified the need to develop a master
plan for the Bramm Yards development site (55 Bramm Street and 130 Park Street).
-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
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
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:
RATIONALE FOR
PROPOSED (Original) REVISED
REVISION
VISION FOR BRAMM VISION FOR BRAMM
Retention of the urban
YARDS MASTER PLAN YARDS MASTER PLAN
business park as the primary
objective.
To develop a leading-edge, To develop a leading-edge,
A key finding of the
mixed-use urban business mixed use urban business
park that would include park that becomes the
meetings is the need to
health-innovation focused central gathering point of
provide community space
employment, new housing, a the growing Innovation
within the development to
vibrant streetscape with District and surrounding
allow for the congregation of
high-quality public spaces, neighbourhoods. The
community members to
built using leading business park would
participate in a variety of
sustainability practices. include significant health-
activities and support the
innovation focused
concept that the Bramm
employment with new and
Yards will become the
affordable housing, centred
centre of the local
around vibrant streetscapes
neighbourhood.
and high-quality public
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.
RATIONALE FOR
PROPOSED (Original)
REVISED
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
employment was very
Develop a minimum of Develop a minimum of
important and somewhat
750,000 square feet of 750,000 square feet of
important in the
employment space with employment space with
development of the Bramm
Yards Site.
Survey respondents
employment as the primary employment as the primary
identified the inclusion of
use. use.
affordable housing on the
Bramm Yards site as the
Maximize the integration of Maximize the integration of
number (1) change to the #1
residential development residential development
Development Principle
where possible; and, where possible, including
(survey question #6).
Include ground floor affordable housing; and,
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
important in the
Strive for the integration of Strive for the integration of
development of the Bramm
geothermal heating and geothermal heating and
Yards site (survey question
cooling, including the cooling, including the
#7)
potential for a district energy potential for a district energy
Survey respondents
plant on site; and plant on site; and
identified the inclusion of
Strive for emerging industry Strive for emerging industry
other sustainable
standards such as net-zero standards and other
development practises on
carbon emissions. sustainable development
the Bramm Yards site as the
practices such as net-zero
number (1) change to the #2
carbon emissions.
Development Principle
(survey question #8).
RATIONALE FOR
PROPOSED (Original) REVISED
REVISION
#3 DEVELOPMENT #3 DEVELOPMENT
A key finding of Bramm
PRINCIPLE: PRINCIPLE:
Integrate Community Focal Community Spaces
meetings was that
Space
community space should
Organize developments
allow for the congregation of
Develop a vibrant around central community
community members to
streetscape. spaces.
participate in a variety of
Provide high quality, outdoor
Develop a vibrant
activities and support the
public spaces.
streetscape.
concept that the Bramm
Include community space to
Provide high quality, outdoor
Yards as the centre of the
be retained by the City; and
public spaces, including
local neighbourhood.
Introduce all ages and
usable green space.
Community space was
abilities to active
identified as the number one
transportation connections
Include community space
(1) ranked change to the
through the site.
to be retained by the City;
Proposed Vision (survey
and 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:
Growing
Design Expectations Design Expectations
Together Zoning By-law, the
redevelopment of Bramm
Leading-edge, high-quality Leading-edge, high-quality
Yards does not have a
architecture and finishes. architecture and finishes.
parking minimum.
A well-designed public realm A well-designed public realm
Survey respondents
High quality landscaping. High quality landscaping.
identified the inclusion of
Integration of active Integration of active
active transportation
transportation, including transportation, including
connections on the Bramm
secure bicycle parking bike lanes, secure bicycle
Yards site as the number (1)
spaces and reduced parking spaces and reduced
change to the #4
automobile parking/visibility automobile
Development Principle
of automobile parking. parking/visibility of
(survey question #12 at
automobile parking.
40.65% of respondents).
aligned with 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
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
incorporated into the site, this can be best achieved through one comprehensive
development, as opposed to achieving separate amenity spaces on subdivided parcels.
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.
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.
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
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
City would achieve through the sale of the Bramm Yards
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
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).
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
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
BRAMM YARDS
C OMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT
SUMMARY REPORT
City of Kitchener
Economic Development
June 2024
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 2
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
A Focus Group Position Statement...... 21
B Engagement & Communications Approach...... 23
Online Survey Template 26
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 3
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Make It Kitchener 2.0 identifies the need to
develop leading facilities for entrepreneurs to advance health and med-tech innovations, centered
around a new urban business park. Bramm Yards is a key City-owned development site that could
accommodate such uses. In 2023, the City developed a proposed vision and set of principles identifying
an ambition to develop the Bramm Yards into a leading-edge multi-use urban business park, including a
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 Bramm Yards. The following report encapsulatesthe
community engagement process, key findings recorded from stakeholders and the next steps in the
development of a Bramm Yards Master Plan.
ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Implemented over a twenty (20) week period, the Bramm Yards Community Engagement Project (CEP)
utilized the following tools to gather input from residents and stakeholders :
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).
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
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.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 4
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).
KEY FINDINGS
In general, community stakeholders expressed support for the mixed used development (i.e., inclusion
of employment space, residential and commercial development) of the Bramm Yards, with the following
key themes emerging from the CEP:
1) Innovation Employment Space
Consistent with long term strategic direction, the inclusion of health innovation
employment space was identified as the primary development principle for Bramm 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 will be
prepared to expand the existing health innovation cluster and stimulate future employment
growth.
66.93% of survey respondents stated that maximizing the amount of employment was very
important and somewhat important in the development of the Bramm Yards site.
2) Sustainable Development Practices
Community stakeholders expressed significant support for the inclusion of the District Energy
project and other sustainable development practices in the development of the Bramm Yards.
85.93% of survey respondents stated that sustainable development practices were very
important and somewhat important in the development of the Bramm 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 a variety of ways, such as exterior -
spaces available to Bramm 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, these spaces would position the Bramm 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 advisory committee meetings. Affordable housing was definedby
stakeholders as either below current residential market rates (discounted) or geared to income.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 5
Some noted that if affordable housing could not be accommodated on site, the City should
consider utilizing a portion of land sale proceeds to support affordable housing elsewhere.
NEXT STEPS
Utilizing the input gathered from the community engagement project, City staff will prepare a
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 principles for the Bramm Yards Master Plan will be
revised based on the feedback gathered through the community engagement process. Any
proposed revisions must be compatible with long term 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. optimal date to proceed with the RFP).
4) Pre-Design Reports: Environmental, Geotechnical and Code
Initiate pre-design reports necessary for the development of Bramm Yards, such as:
Phase One (1) Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).
Phase Two (2) Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).
Hydrogeological Assessment with limited geotechnical study; and,
Analysis of the various codes based on the revised vision (ex: Building Code).
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 6
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PURPOSE OF THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT
-2022 Strategic Plan identified the need to develop a master plan for the
Bramm Yards development site (55 Bramm Street and 130 Park Street). The Bramm Yards 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 significant City-owned land holdingsdue
to its size and location. The Bramm Yards is ideally situated to attract health innovation development
given the proximity to Communitech (partnering with
entrepreneurial programs, Conestoga broader proximity to 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 city-wide and
stakeholders on the proposed Vision and Development Principles that will form the foundation of the
Bramm Yards Master Plan and land disposition process.
Aerial Image of Bramm Yards Development Site
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 7
PROPOSED VISION FOR BRAMM YARDS MASTER PLAN:
The following proposed vision statement was provided to the community for feedback:
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 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
Maximize the integration of residential development where possible; and,
Include ground floor commercial uses (ex: retail, restaurant, service).
2) Integrate Leading Sustainable Development Practices
Strive for the integration of geothermal heating and cooling, including the 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 vibrant streetscape.
Provide high quality, outdoor public spaces.
Include community space to be retained by the City; and,
Introduce all 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 quality landscaping.
Integration of active transportation, including secure bicycle parking spaces; and,
Reduce automobile parking/visibility of parking.
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)General Public en
Yards (a public asset), and to provide detail on the vision and development principles.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 8
b) Neighbouring Residents enabling informed awareness of the potential for future
development on the Bramm Yards and the development principles that would inform said
development.
c)Industry Experts/Development Community enabling awareness 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 or communicating values. 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 to the community via
methods and platforms designed to reach a wide audience.
Facilitate increased interaction between the City of Kitchener and industry
experts/residents, including reporting back what we heard and what is in scope and out of
scope.
Reduce or eliminate barriers for residents to communicate with the City.
Clearly inform community members about how they interact with the City, what aspects 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 for the Bramm Yards.
Strengthen City decision-making and planning while deepening understanding of various
community perspectives.
3) Tap Into the Collective Intelligence of the Industry Experts
Involving community perspectives in defining 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 effective cross-departmental communication, collaboration, and coordination,
i.e., Growing Together MTSA, Inclusionary Zoning, and District Energy Feasibility Study.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 9
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SUMMARY OF ONLINE SURVEY RESPONSES
The Bramm Yards Community Engagement Project collected three hundred and eighty-eight (388)
online survey responses from City of Kitchener residents located in eleven (11) different postal codes.
The following is a summary of the 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
110
Community Spaces
93
Mixed Use
76
Sustainable Development
50
Health Innovation Sector Employment Space
43
Residential Development
020406080100120
Question #2 What changes and improvements would you make to the Proposed Vision, if
any?
Top Five (5) Changes to the Proposed Vision
105
Community Space
73
Affordable Housing
43
Active Transporation Connections
36
Public Parking
29
Less Employment Space
020406080100120
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 10
Question #3 How important is it to you that the City maximizes the amount of employment
possible on the Bramm Yards Site?
Somewhat
Very Important
Important
21.61%
45.31%
No Opinion
2.60%
Not Important
30.47%
Note - 66.93% of survey respondents stated that maximizing the 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?
Very Important
Somewhat
56.25%
Important
26.30%
Not Important
No Opinion
16.41%
1.04%
Note - 82.55% of survey respondents stated that maximizing the amount of housing was very important
and somewhat important in the development of the Bramm Yards site.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 11
Question #5 How important is it to you that the City ensures commercial uses are included
on the Bramm Yards site?
Very Important
Somewhat
32.38%
Important
41.78%
No Opinion
2.09%
Not Important
23.76%
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?
Top Five (5) Changes to #1 Development Principle
63
70
52
60
44
50
36
40
27
30
20
10
0
AffordableCommunityResidentialDiverseLess
HousingSpaceDevelopmentCommercial &Employment
RetailSpace
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 12
Question #7 How important is it to you that leading sustainability practices are utilized on
the Bramm Yards site?
Very Important
Somewhat
58.85%
Important
27.08%
Not Important
No Opinion
12.50%
1.56%
Note - 85.93% of survey respondents stated that leading sustainable practices were very important and
somewhat important in the development of the Bramm 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
66
Other Sustainable Development
24
Community Space
20
"Attain not Strive"
13
Affordable Housing
8
Minimal Parking
010203040506070
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 13
Question #9 How important is to you that the following community spaces are included in
the Bramm Yards Master Plan?
350
308
300
220
250
214
204
200
142
130
120
150
92
99
100
58
50
0
Outdoor PatiosCommunityBike LanesWalking PathsOther Public
RoomsSpaces
Very ImportantSomewhat ImportantNot ImportantNo Opinion
Survey respondents stated that active transportation connections, pedestrian throughfares, and other
public spaces (green spaces) are very important in the development of the Bramm 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
93
Community Space
43
Active Transportation Connections
12
Affordable Housing
0102030405060708090100
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 14
Question #11 How important is to you that the following design expectations are utilized on
the Bramm Yards site?
350
312
309
302
300
250
220
185
181
200
163
146
130
150
85
90
100
5353
47
50
0
High QualityHigh QualityWell-DesignedInclusion ofIntegration ofIntegration ofReduce
ArchitectureBuildingPublic SpacesLandscapeBike LanesWalkways andAutomobile
and BuildingFinishesand Naturaland BikePathsParking or
DesignSpaceParkingVisibility of
Parking
Very ImportantSomewhat ImportantNot ImportantNo Opinion
Survey respondents stated that well-designed public spaces, 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
50
Active Transportation Connections
50
Parking
23
Design & Architecture
05101520253035404550
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 15
Question #13 Do you have any other ideas on the ProposedVision and Development
Principles for the Bramm Yards Master Plan?
Top Five (5) Other Ideas on the Proposed Vision and
Development Principles
56
60
50
2929
40
21
30
13
20
10
0
CommunityActiveAffordablePublic ParkingDiverse
SpaceTransportationHousingCommercial &
ConnectionsRetail
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 &
Architecture, 14
Community Space,
41
Transportation
Management Plan,
23
Active
Affordable Housing,
Transportation
33
Connections, 23
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 16
SUMMARY RESPONSES OF ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS
The Bramm Yards CEP held a series of engagement meetings with community members to gather their
input on the proposed vision and development principles for Bramm Yards. The engagement meetings
created an interactive experience where community members could ask questions of City staff,
exchange ideas and facilitate a productive conversation on the Bramm Yards site. The following
represents the key summary responses that were recorded during the open house, focus group,
community, and advisory committee meetings.
1) Integrate a Mix of Uses
Vast majority of community members expressed support for the mixed used concept, i.e.,
inclusion of employment space, residential and commercial development on Bramm Yards.
Employment space was identified as a priority by a number of residents with significant
support for the pursuit of health innovation and medical technology sector as the primary
development sector. Some community members did express concern with a single sector
approach to employment space development and existing vacant office space in Downtown
Kitchener.
Health innovation entrepreneurs expressed frustration with the conversion of existing office
space into wet lab space due to regulatory difficulties with extensive timelines. The lack of
existing scalable lab space was considered an impediment to attracting and retaining new
innovation companiesin Kitchener.
Institutional health innovation experts stated that the UW Innovation Arena is projected to
graduate twenty-five (25) to thirty (30) start-up businesses per incubation cycle. The
Innovation Arena graduates will require assistance sourcing capital for the transition from
start-up to scale up enterprises generating revenue.
Engagement participants supported the inclusion of residential development on Bramm
Yards including affordable housing. Affordable housing was defined by participants as
discounted residential market rates and/or geared to income rental rates. Participants
expressed support for the concept of using a portion of the City revenues from Bramm
Yards land disposition for off-site affordable housing.
Ground floor commercial and retail business development received positive support with a
minority of participantsrequesting priority to be given to diverse local independent
businesses, and medical practitioners.
2) Integrate Leading Sustainable Development Practices
The integration of geothermal heating and cooling, including the potential for a geothermal
district energy plant on site (up to 20,000 square feet) was supported in most engagement
meetings. Stakeholders encouraged the inclusion of other sustainable 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.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 17
3) Integrate Community Spaces
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 for a
variety of mixed uses and to neighbourhood residents.
The design of the community spaces should foster the Bramm Yards as a central gathering
point of the growing Innovation District and surrounding neighbourhood.
The Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association expressed that up to 40% of the Bramm Yards
site should be community space.
4) Design Expectations
Leading-edge, high-quality architecture and finishes received the majority of support 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
parking spaces, connection to the Iron Horse Trail and ION hub.
Consensus was achieved on the reduced visibility of automotive parking, but concern was
expressed for the loss of neighbourhood and public parking as a result of the development
of Bramm Yards.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 18
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As part of the online survey for the Bramm Yards CEP, engagement participants were asked to complete
a series of demographic questionson age, group affiliation, gender, and location by postal code. The
zed below:
AGE RANGE
The figure below shows the age range of online survey respondents. Almost half of survey respondents
(49.61%) were between the ages of 30 to 49 years of age.
What is your age?
0.26%
2.90%
11.35%
15.57%
7.92%
12.40%
30.08%
19.53%
Under 18 years old18 to 29 years old30 to 39 years old40 to 49 years old
50 to 59 years old60 to 64 years old65 years old and abovePrefer not to answer
GROUP AFFILIATION
The figure below shows if respondents identify themselves in the following groups.
Do you identify as a member of any of the following groups
36
Prefer not to Answer
208
None of the Above
6
First Nations, Inuit or Metis
52
2LGBTQ+
24
Immigrant or Refugee
17
Member of a Racialized Group
45
Person with a Disability
050100150200250
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 19
GENDER
The figure below shows the gender identity of survey respondents.
Which of the following best describes your gender?
165
Man
165
Woman
28
Prefer not to answer
3
I do not identify with a gender
1
Two-Spirit
2
Trans Man
2
Trans Woman
12
Non-Binary
6
Gender Fluid/Gender Queer
4
A gender not listed above
020406080100120140160180
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-wide perspective on the
Bramm Yards Master Plan.
What are the first three digits of your postal code?
N2A
Other
N2B
N2R
N2C
5.79%
10.00%
3.95%
2.11%
2.89%
N2P
N2E
3.68%
5.53%
N2N
4.21%
N2M
16.05%
N2G
27.63%
N2H
18.16%
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 20
HEALTH INNOVATION FOCUS GROUP MEETING PARTICIPANTS
The following organizations participated in the health innovation focus group meeting:
Velocity, University of 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
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 21
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BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 22
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 23
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ENGAGEMENT APPROACH
The following approach and tools were utilized to engage community stakeholders and gather their
input into the Vision and Development Principles for the Bramm Yards 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 allows residents to provide input
while eliminating time and location barriers. Wherever possible, all public feedback was directed
to Engage Kitchener to be a central repository for all feedback.
Participants: General Public
th
Timing & Location: Project Page and Survey Launch September 14, 2023
st
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
th
Timing & Location: October 11, 2023, 47pm 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
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.
th
Timing & Location: Health Innovation Meeting - October 4, 2023,
Learning Room, City Hall
rd
Local Neighbourhood Association Meeting October 23, 2023
Calvary Church, 9 Conway Drive, Kitchener ON
Board of Directors for the Downtown Kitchener BIA January 24, 2024
Downtown Kitchener BIA offices
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 24
4) Advisory Committee Meetings: DAAC, EDAC, ATTAC & ACAC (Small Group)
consulted four (4) existing advisory committees for the
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 a broad 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)
th
ATTAC October 10, 2024, Learning Room, City Hall
st
ACAC November 21, 2023, Piper Room (Hybrid), City Hall
5) Staff Members for the City of Kitchener
The following staff members for the City of Kitchener have been consulted to date:
Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services,
Jeffery Silcox-Childs, Director of 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, Manager of Policy and Research, Development Services
Tim Donegani, Senior Planner (District Energy and Inclusive Zoning)
Adam Clark, Senior Urban Designer (Growing Together), 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 principles for the 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 views, 4,034 visits and 388 survey completions.
2) Press Release
th
The City of Kitchener prepared and released a press release on September 20, 2023. The press
proposed vision and development principles, the Engage
Kitchener project page, and opportunities for the public to participate in the engagement
st
process. The Waterloo Region Record published the press release on September 21, 2023.
3) Social Media Promotion
The City of Kitchener through social media posts promoted awareness of the project and
opportunities for the general public to participate in engagement process. The purchase of
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 25
social media advertising contributed to the significant response to the project page and online
survey.
4) Direct Email
Through a series of direct email invites and ongoing communications, the City of Kitchener
organized both focus group meetings, the open house meeting and replied to questions
submitted by residents and community stakeholders.
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 26
\]
D.!POMJOF!TVSWFZ!UFNQMBUF!
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.
Proposed Vision for Bramm Yards Master Plan:
ƚ ķĻǝĻƌƚƦ ğ ƌĻğķźƓŭΏĻķŭĻͲ ƒźǣĻķΏǒƭĻ ǒƩĬğƓ ĬǒƭźƓĻƭƭ ƦğƩƉ ƷŷğƷ Ǟƚǒƌķ źƓĭƌǒķĻʹ
ŷĻğƌƷŷΏźƓƓƚǝğƷźƚƓ ŅƚĭǒƭĻķ ĻƒƦƌƚǤƒĻƓƷͲ
ƓĻǞ ŷƚǒƭźƓŭͲ
ğ ǝźĬƩğƓƷ ƭƷƩĻĻƷƭĭğƦĻ ǞźƷŷ ŷźŭŷΏƨǒğƌźƷǤ ƦǒĬƌźĭ ƭƦğĭĻͲ
ĬǒźƌƷ ǒƭźƓŭ ƌĻğķźƓŭ ƭǒƭƷğźƓğĬźƌźƷǤ ƦƩğĭƷźĭĻƭ͵
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:
ağǣźƒźǩĻ ƷŷĻ źƓƷĻŭƩğƷźƚƓ ƚŅ ƩĻƭźķĻƓƷźğƌ ķĻǝĻƌƚƦƒĻƓƷ ǞŷĻƩĻ ƦƚƭƭźĬƌĻͳ ğƓķͲ
LƓĭƌǒķĻ ŭƩƚǒƓķ ŅƌƚƚƩ ĭƚƒƒĻƩĭźğƌ ǒƭĻƭ ΛĻǣʹ ƩĻƷğźƌͲ ƩĻƭƷğǒƩğƓƷͲ ƭĻƩǝźĭĻΜ͵
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 28
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
ImportantImportantImportantOpinion
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 Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Question #6
What changes and/or improvements would you make to the #1 Development Principle for
the Bramm Yards Master Plan?
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:
{ƷƩźǝĻ ŅƚƩ ƷŷĻ źƓƷĻŭƩğƷźƚƓ ƚŅ ƌĻğķźƓŭΏĻķŭĻ ƷĻĭŷƓƚƌƚŭǤ Ǟŷźĭŷ ƩĻķǒĭĻ ƷŷĻ ĭğƩĬƚƓ źƒƦğĭƷƭ ƚŅ
ŷĻğƷźƓŭ ğƓķ ĭƚƚƌźƓŭ ƭǤƭƷĻƒƭͲ źƓĭƌǒķźƓŭ ƷŷĻ ƦƚƷĻƓƷźğƌ ŅƚƩ ğ ķźƭƷƩźĭƷ ĻƓĻƩŭǤ ƦƌğƓƷ ƚƓ ƭźƷĻ
ΛǒƦ Ʒƚ ЋЉͲЉЉЉ ƭƨǒğƩĻ ŅĻĻƷΜͳ ğƓķͲ
{ƷƩźǝĻ ŅƚƩ ĻƒĻƩŭźƓŭ źƓķǒƭƷƩǤ ƭƷğƓķğƩķƭ ƭǒĭŷ ğƭ ƓĻƷΏǩĻƩƚ ĭğƩĬƚƓ ĻƒźƭƭźƚƓƭ͵
Question #7
How important is it to you that leading sustainability practices are utilized on the Bramm
Yards sites?
Very Somewhat Not No
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:
5ĻǝĻƌƚƦ ğ ǝźĬƩğƓƷ ƭƷƩĻĻƷƭĭğƦĻ͵
tƩƚǝźķĻ ŷźŭŷ ƨǒğƌźƷǤͲ ƚǒƷķƚƚƩ ƦǒĬƌźĭ ƭƦğĭĻ͵
LƓĭƌǒķĻ ĭƚƒƒǒƓźƷǤ ƭƦğĭĻ Ʒƚ ĬĻ ƩĻƷğźƓĻķ ĬǤ ƷŷĻ /źƷǤͳ ğƓķͲ
LƓƷƩƚķǒĭĻ ğƌƌ ğŭĻƭ ğƓķ ğĬźƌźƷźĻƭ ğĭƷźǝĻ ƷƩğƓƭƦƚƩƷğƷźƚƓ ĭƚƓƓĻĭƷźƚƓƭ ƷŷƩƚǒŭŷ ƷŷĻ ƭźƷĻ͵
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 30
Question #9:
How important is it to you that the following community spaces are included in the Bramm
Yards Master Plan:
Outdoor Patios
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Public Space
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Community Rooms
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Bike Lanes
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Walking Paths
Very Somewhat Not 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?
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 31
#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 Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
High quality building finishes.
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Well-designed public space
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Inclusion of landscape and natural space
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Integration of bike lanes and bike parking
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Integration of walkways and paths
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
BRAMM YARDS CEP SUMMARY REPORT 32
Reduced automobile parking/visibility of parking.
Very Somewhat Not No
Important Important Important Opinion
Question #12
What changes and/or improvements would you make to the #4 Development Principle for
the Bramm Yards Master Plan?
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
CITY OF
KITCHENER
BRAMM YARDS
DEVELOPMENT
Site Development Division
2
5
SITE PLAN - INTERIM
31525-300-A1.1