HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2025-01-20Council Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers - Hybrid
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Present: Mayor B. Vrbanovic
Councillor S. Davey
Councillor D. Schnider
Councillor J. Deneault
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor A. Owodunni
Councillor P. Singh
Councillor B. loannidis
Councillor M. Johnston (virtually)
Councillor D. Chapman
Councillor S. Stretch
Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy
Chief Administrator
V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk
G. Stevenson, Director, Development & Housing Approvals
R. Bustamante, Director, Planning
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
E. Schneider, Senior Planner
1. COMMENCEMENT
The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor.
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1.1 9th Waterloo Cubs will be in attendance for the singing of "O Canada."
Welcomed by Mayor B. Vrbanovic, the 9th Waterloo Cubs who led the Mayor and
Members of Council and all those in attendance for the signing of "O Canada"
1.2 National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec Mosque Attack
The Mayor acknowledged the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City
Mosque attack and led Members of Council through a moment of silence.
2. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
On motion by Councillor D. Chapman the minutes of the regular meeting held
December 16, 2024, and special meetings held December 12 and 16, 2024, as
mailed to the Mayor and Councillors, were accepted.
3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE
THEREOF
4. COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE
4.1 Flag Commemoration
Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged that on January 9, 2025 flags at all
Government of Canada buildings, including the Kitchener City Hall were half -
masted to commemorate the passing of James Earl Carter, Jr., the 39th
President of the United States.
4.2 Flag Request under Policy MUN-FAC-442
4.2.a Bashkimi Kombetar Organization - Feb 17 - 19, 2025
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Certificate of Achievement
Mayor B. Vrbanovic presented a Certificate of Service to Councillor D. Schnider
acknowledging 10 -years of services as a member of Council.
5.2 Coalition of Muslim Women
Sarah Shafiq and Fauzia Mazhar, Coalition of Muslim Women, provided an
overview of the work being completed by their organization specifically related to
Muslim Women Making Change and highlighted two services, Multi -Lingual
Services to Newcomers and Anti -Hate Services (AHS) that CMW offers. F.
Mazhar then responded to questions from Council.
Councillor S. Davey left the meeting at this time.
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6. DELEGATIONS
6.1 Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/012/W/ES, 400 Westwood
Drive, Zakia Kardumovic and Anel Kardumovic, DSD -2025-004, and
Addendum Report DSD -2025-038
Council considered Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/012M//ES,
400 Westwood Drive, Zakia Kardumovic and Anel Kardumovic, DSD -2025-004,
and Addendum Report DSD -2025-038, listed as item 7.2.b on the agenda this
date. It was noted that an addendum report DSD -2025-038 was included on the
agenda this date, that included an alternative recommendation for Council's
consideration.
Councillor S. Davey returned to the meeting at this time.
Christian Tsimenidis, Arcadis Professional Services, on behalf of the Applicant,
addressed Council in support of the recommendations noting revisions to the
application that occurred since Committee including paired driveways, increased
side yard setback, trees in the north and south and respective protection areas,
and arranged a meeting with all parties. The delegate then responded to
questions from Council regarding the increased side yard, trees along the
southern side of the property and that lot 1 will be merged with 787 Glasgow
Street North through a subsequent process.
Councillor A. Owodunni left the meeting at this time.
Judy Anne -Chapman, provided a presentation regarding the Green Belt
Neighbourhood, in opposition to the recommendation.
Councillor A. Owodunni returned to the meeting at this time.
Alen Sahinovic addressed Council in opposition to the recommendation noting
that the proposal would cause safety issues, immediate damage to the retaining
wall on their property, addressed the purpose of the mature trees on the site and
requested that a moderate tree protection boundary as is proposed on all other
boundaries. The delegate then responded to questions from Council.
It was noted if the recommendation as outlined in the addendum report was
being approved, it was agreed that an additional clause would be required:
"That pursuant to Section 34 (17) of the Planning, R. S. O. 1990, c. P. 13,
as amended, further notice is not required to be given in respect to Zoning
By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/012M//ES"
Eric Schneider, Senior Planner, then responded to questions from Council.
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Councillor P. Singh, brought forward a motion, which was seconded by
Councillor D. Chapman, to approve the recommendation as outlined in the
addendum report DSD -2025-038, including the additional clause, related to
notice.
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/012/W/ES requesting
to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051, for Zakia Kardumovic and Anel
Kardumovic be approved in the form shown in the `Proposed By-law', and
`Map No. 1', attached to Development Services Department report DSD -
2025 -038 as Attachments 'Al' and 'A2', BE APPROVED; and further,
That pursuant to Section 34 (17) of the Planning, R. S. O. 1990, c. P. 13,
as amended, further notice is not required to be given in respect to Zoning
By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/012/W/ES"
Carried, as amended
6.2 Responsible Pet Ownership
Justine Sparling, Co -Founder and Executive Director, Dog Friendly KW,
addressed Council, noting in January 2024, the City of Kitchener was the first city
in Canada to become a certified "Pet Friendly City" under Mars Petcare's Better
Cities for Pets program garnering national media coverage for our community. J.
Sparling provided an update of the work completed to date, indicating for 2024
the top priority was to implement a Responsible Pet Ownership Community
Campaign.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor P. Singh left the meeting at this time.
J. Sparling further advised next steps for continuing to advance being a "Pet
Friendly City include establishing & declaring more city -owned properties in
Kitchener as pet -friendly; advocating for a pet -friendly LRT system across the
Waterloo Region; and, continuing to work collaboratively to educate & advocate
for responsible pet ownership. The delegate then responded to questions from
Council and Jordan Baker, a representative from the Humane Society of
Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth addressed the city's by-laws as it relates to
cat regulation.
6.3 Winter Sidewalk Enforcement
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Nancy Ashley was not in attendance this date.
6.4 Evictions due to Renovations - By-law Request
Council considered presentations from delegations related to the issue of
Evictions due to Renovations and requested Council consider passing a By-law
to prohibit evictions as a result of a renovation request. Council was also in
receipt of written submissions related to this matter from Martin Asling, Waterloo
Region Yes in My Backyard and Sanja Skulic.
Meg Walker, and Dorinda Kruger Allen, addressed Council related to the issue of
Evictions due to Renovations and requested Council consider passing a By-law
to prohibit evictions as a result of a renovation request.
Councillor P. Singh returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor J. Deneault left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor D. Schnider left the meeting at this time.
Dr. Ronald Brown addressed Council with respect to a public health crisis
stemming from the loss of affordable housing and dangers the loss of housing
can have.
Councillor D. Schnider returned to the meeting at this time.
Dr. Richard Christy addressed Council in support of adoption of legislation that
protects affordable housing and encouraged Council to take a leadership role.
Ken Vogelpohl addressed the legal authority of renoviction legislation and
requested Council adopt similar legislation.
Natalie Goss, Manager, Policy and Research, Rosa Bustamante, Director
Planning & Housing Policy, and Justin Readman, General Manager,
Development Services, then responded to questions from Council regarding
municipal renoviction by-laws.
Councillor S. Davey left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Moved by Councillor S. Stretch
Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud
"That staff be directed to provide additional information at the February
10, 2025 Special Council meeting, on whether staff would be able to
expedite a previously requested follow up report, discussed at the June
24, 2024 Council meeting, which would include a review of other
"Renoviction" By-laws that have already been approved thus far, and
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whether the report could be brought forward for consideration prior to
June 2025."
Carried
7. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS TO CONTINUE BEYOND 11:00 p.m.
Moved by Councillor B. loannidis
Seconded by Councillor P. Singh
"That pursuant to Section 25.4.16 of Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of
the Municipal Code, the Council proceedings this date shall be allowed to
continue beyond 11:00 p.m. to conclude matters as listed on the agenda."
Carried
8. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
8.1 HERITAGE KITCHENER -JANUARY 7, 2025
Moved by Councillor C. Michaud
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the report of Heritage Kitchener, dated January 7, 2025, listed as
items 7.1.a to 7.1.b on the agenda this date, be adopted."
Carried
8.1.a Notice of Intention to Designate, 69 Agnes Street, DSD -2025-013
"That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be
directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property
municipally addressed as 69 Agnes Street, as outlined in Development
Services Department report DSD -2025-013, as being of cultural heritage
value or interest."
Carried
8.1.b Notice of Intention to Designate, 80-86 Union Boulevard / 571 York Street, DSD -
2025 -014
"That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be
directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property
municipally addressed as 80-86 Union Boulevard / 571 York Street, as
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outlined in Development Services Department report DSD -2025-014, as
being of cultural heritage value or interest."
Carried
8.2 PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - JANUARY 6, 2025
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated
January 6, 2025, listed as items 7.2.a to 7.2.b on the agenda this date, be
adopted."
Carried
8.2.a Annual Zoning By-law Update, DSD -2025-003
That City -initiated amendment ZBA24/025/K/KA (Annual Zoning By-law
Update) to Zoning By-law 85-1, be approved in the form shown in the
`Proposed By-law' attached to Development Services Department report,
DSD -2025-003 as Appendix "A", and;
That City -initiated amendment ZBA24/025/K/KA (Annual Zoning By-law
Update) to Zoning By-law 2019-051, be approved in the form shown in the
`Proposed By-law' attached to Development Services Department report,
DSD -2025-003, as Appendix "B", and further;
That a new Legal Services Administrator FTE position be approved to
support zoning review and the required legal administration of securing
planning approvals to support the timely review of development
applications in accordance with the timeframes prescribed by Provincial
legislation."
Carried
8.2.b Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/012/W/ES, 400 Westwood Drive,
Zakia Kardumovic and Anel Kardumovic, DSD -2025-004, and Addendum Report
DSD -2025-038
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Carried, as amended, under Delegations
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10. NEW BUSINESS
10.1 - MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC
None.
10.1.a Evictions due to Renovations - Update
10.2 Notice of Motion - Paper Billing - S. Davey
Councillor S. Davey brought forward a notice of motion, which was seconded by
Councillor D. Schnider to review options to encourage the use of e -billing and to
help reduce reliance on paper bills and postage.
It was suggested and agreed that the motion be amended to include the
consideration of new incentive opportunities that would help to encourage
customers to switch to e -billing; as well as a review of communication
opportunities that the City could use to help share information through e -bills.
Moved by Councillor S. Davey
Seconded by Councillor D. Schnider
"WHEREAS the City of Kitchener acknowledges the importance of
environmental sustainability, cost efficiency, and promoting advancement
in technology in its operations, and;
WHEREAS approximately 50% or the City's residents are currently
enrolled in the City's e -billing platform for property tax and utility billing,
and;
WHEREAS Canada Post has notified the City that postage charges will
increase by 25% starting in 2025, which will result in a significant cost
increase for both property tax and utility customers, and;
WHEREAS enrollment on e -billing offers numerous benefits such as
reducing paper waste, lowering costs, and providing customers with a
faster, more secure and more convenient access to their bills, and;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener staff consider
the feasibility of grandfathering existing customers who are currently not
enrolled on e -billing and provide options for council to consider for any
new customers who sign up for services with the City, and report back to
the Finance and Corporate Services committee in the second quarter of
2025;
THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that staff also be directed to
review incentive opportunities that would help to encourage customers to
switch to e -billing; as well as communication opportunities that the City
could use to help share information through e -bills."
Carried, as amended
11. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
12. BY-LAWS
At the request of A. Fusco, Director, Legislative Services and City Clerk, now that
the Reports of the Committees have been formally approved, it was agreed to
formally add the By-laws listed on the agenda under the heading of Late Starters
to the agenda for Council's consideration. A. Fusco further advised at staff's
request, the by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 53
Church Street, was being removed from the agenda this date for Council's
consideration. Saff would like further opportunity to discuss the designation with
the Property owner prior to consideration.
12.1 1ST AND 2ND READING
Moved by Councillor B. loannidis
Seconded by Councillor A. Owodunni
"That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
by-laws, namely:
12.1.a Being a by-law to authorize borrowing for current expenditures in 2025.
12.1.b Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 107 Courtland
Avenue East, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage
value or interest.
12.1.c Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 44-54 Queen
Street South, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage
value or interest.
12.1.d Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 51 Breithaupt
Street, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or
interest.
12.1.e Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 112 Margaret
Avenue, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or
interest.
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12.1.f Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 148 Margaret
Avenue, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or
interest.
12.1.g Being a by-law to amend Chapter 110 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code
regarding By-law Enforcement.
12.1.h To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private
roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon.
12.1.1 To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain on -
street and off-street parking of vehicles for use by persons with a disability, and
the issuing of permits in respect thereof.
12.1.j To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohibit unauthorized
parking of motor vehicles on private property.
12.1.k Being a by-law to amend By-law 85-1, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law
for the City of Kitchener.
12.1.1 Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the Zoning
By-law for the City of Kitchener — Annual Zoning By-law Update.
12.1.m Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the
Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener — Zakia Kardumovic and Anel Kardumovic
— 400 Westwood Drive.
12.1.n To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for January 20, 2025.
13. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
On motion, Council resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole to consider its
agenda and was Chaired by Councillor D. Chapman.
13.1 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
13.1.a 1001 King Street East, Updated Urban Design Brief, DSD -2024-537
Moved by Councillor A. Owodunni
it was resolved:
"That the Phasing Brief for 1001 King Street East attached to Report
DSD -2024-537 as Appendix `A' be adopted; and further,
That staff be directed to report back prior to final site plan approval of any
proposed vertical tower phasing projects, excluding podium phasing,
received prior to December 31, 2026."
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Carried
13.1.b 2025-2026 Committee Appointment - Committee of Adjustment, COR -2025-030
Moved by Councillor A. Owodunni
it was resolved:
"That effective immediately Maria Melo be appointed to the Committee of
Adjustment for the term ending November 14, 2026, or until a successor is
appointed, as outlined in Corporate Service Department report COR -
2025 -030."
Carried
13.2 FOR INFORMATION
13.2.a Summary of Bid Solicitations Approved by the Chief Procurement Officer
(October 1, 2024 - December 30, 2024), FIN -2025-032
14. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
On motion, Council rose from the Committee of the Whole.
Moved by Councillor D. Chapman
Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault
"That the proceedings and the recorded pecuniary interests and conflicts
taken in the meeting of the Committee of the Whole held this date, as
attached hereto and forming part of these minutes are hereby adopted
and confirmed."
Carried
15. BY-LAWS
15.1 3RD READING
Moved by Councillor B. loannidis
Seconded by Councillor D. Schnider
"That the by-laws be given third reading, namely:
15.1.a Being a by-law to authorize borrowing for current expenditures in 2025.
(By-law 2025-001)
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15.1.b Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 107 Courtland
Avenue East, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage
value or interest.
(By-law 2025-002)
15.1.c Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 44-54 Queen
Street South, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage
value or interest.
(By-law 2025-003)
15.1.d Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 51 Breithaupt
Street, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or
interest.
(By-law 2025-004)
15.1.e Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 112 Margaret
Avenue, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or
interest.
(By-law 2025-006)
15.1.f Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 148 Margaret
Avenue, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or
interest.
(By-law 2025-007)
15.1.g Being a by-law to amend Chapter 110 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code
regarding By-law Enforcement.
(By-law 2025-008)
15.1.h To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private
roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon.
(By-law 2025-009)
15.1.i To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain on -
street and off-street parking of vehicles for use by persons with a disability, and
the issuing of permits in respect thereof.
(By-law 2025-010)
15.1.j To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohibit unauthorized
parking of motor vehicles on private property.
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(By-law 2025-011)
15. 1 . k Being a by-law to amend By-law 85-1, as amended, known as the Zoning By-law
for the City of Kitchener.
(By-law 2025-012)
15.1 .1 Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019051, as amended, known as the Zoning
By-law for the City of Kitchener — Annual Zoning By-law Update.
(By-law 2025013)
15.1.m Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the
Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener — Zakia Kardumovic and Anel Kardumovic
— 400 Westwood Drive.
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