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Council Meeting Minutes
May 26, 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 S. Stretch
Absent: Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor D. Chapman
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
C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development
L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
G. MacNeil, Director, Enforcement
J. Silcox -Childs, Director, Parks & Cemeteries
R. Bustamante, Director Planning & Housing Policy/City Planner
A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk
B. Bennett, Manager, Business Development
N. Goss, Manager, Policy & Research
M. Parris, Manager, Parks and Open Space Design and
Development
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
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C. Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner
B. Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner
1. COMMENCEMENT
The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor and the
singing of "O Canada."
2. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
On motion by Councillor P. Singh the minutes of the regular meeting held May 5,
2025, and special meetings held May 5 and May 12, 2025 as mailed to the
Mayor and Councillors, were accepted.
3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE
THEREOF
4. COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE - NIL
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Certificates of Achievement - D. Chapman, CAO and V. Raab, GM Corporate
Services
Mayor B. Vrbanovic presented Dan Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer, a
Long Service Recognition Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal
Administrators (CAMA) for 20 -years of municipal service; and, presented Victoria
Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services, a certificate of service for 10 -years
at the City of Kitchener.
5.2 2024 Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) Project of the Year Awards
- Montgomery Creek Restoration
Bu Lam, Director, Sanitary and Stormwater Utility, presented the 2024 Ontario
Public Works Association (OPWA) Project of the Year Awards - Montgomery
Creek Restoration received by the City.
Councillor P. Singh left the meeting at this time.
5.3 Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation - RedDAY
Councillor P. Singh returned to the meeting at this time.
Dr. Al Qahwash, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), provided a
presentation regarding RedDAY, an Annual community fundraiser where
donations go toward preventative cardiac care program such as WRHN
PREVENT Clinic, noting that Manulife will match Red DAY donations, dollar for
dollar, up to $200,000 to rally the community and health care workers to the
cause on June 6, 2025. Dr. Qahwash then responded to questions from Council.
5.4 Communitech -Annual Update
Sheldon McCormick, CEO, Communitech, thanked Council for their continued
partnership and support for the past 27 years, noting from May 1, 2024 - March
31, 2025, with the City's support, Communitech has been able to support 370
new startups; assist 32 founders through Fierce Founders; helped to launch
MedTech programming; formed 22 new peer groups; and assisted with new
startup programming. S. McCormick provided an overview of the work completed
over the past year included but not limited to: the climate for the tech industry;
how Communitech has been supporting tech businesses; the future focus for
tech industries; and, highlighted upcoming events that the City may be interested
in partnering in. S. McCormick then responded to questions from Council. Cory
Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development and Brian Bennett, Manager,
Business Development, were also in attendance to respond to questions from
Council.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time and Councillor S. Davey
assumed the role of the Chair.
6. DELEGATIONS
6.1 Snow Removal - Enforcement Practices
Charanjit Singh Bawa was not in attendance.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic returned to the meeting at this time and assumed the role of
the Chair.
6.2 Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, Zoning By-law Amendment
ZBA24/008/K/CM, Hidden Valley Land Use, DSD -2024-292 and Addendum
Report DSD -2025-225, listed as item 8.1
Council considered Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, Zoning By-law
Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM, Hidden Valley Land Use, DSD -2024-292 and
Addendum Report DSD -2025-225, listed as item 8.1. It was noted that this matter
was initially considered at Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee on
January 27, 2025, then at Council on February 10, 2025, where Council opted to
defer consideration of the decision pending a site visit with the property owner. It
was further noted staff prepared an addendum report, with a revised
recommendation included in the agenda this date, at the request of staff the
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recommendation was amended to substitute the staff report in the
recommendation to reflect DSD -2025-225.
Peter Benninger and Dave Aston, MHBC Planning and addressed Council in
opposition to the staff recommendation as outlined in DSD -2025-225 and
requested Council consider amending the recommendation related to Map 6
identifies an overlay area previously determined with City staff to not be an
environmental concern and this is not a constraint and requested the area be
removed from mapping; to adjust Map 2 as proposed; to make adjustments to
the RES -4, RES -5 and COM -2 Zoning as proposed. D. Aston indicated the
proposed modifications support the City's objectives identified in the staff report
on providing lands for future housing and jobs through additional residential lands
and commercial lands.
A motion was brought forward by Councillor P. Singh and seconded by Councillor
S. Stretch to approve the subject application as outlined in staff report DSD -
2025 -225.
Councillor J. Deneault brought forward an amendment, which was seconded by
Councillor S. Davey, as follows:
"That City Initiated Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, for the
purpose of implementing recommendations contained within the Hidden
Valley Land Use Implementation Project, including amendments to
mapping and text amendments, be approved, in the form shown in the
Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department
report DSD -2025-225 as Attachment `A'; and, with the following
amendments:
o That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
o That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
o That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System;
o That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2X be
designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
o That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2K be
identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
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o That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2X be
removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System; and,
That City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application
ZBA24/008/K/CM to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051, be approved in the
form shown in the "Proposed By-law" attached to Report DSD -2025-225
as Attachment `B'; and, with the following amendments:
o That the land identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
zoned RES -5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 241;
o That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2X be
zoned RES -5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 242;
and,
That the Hidden Valley Residential Community Plan (as approved June
14, 1990) and Hidden Valley Industrial Community Secondary Plan (as
approved October 19, 1981) be repealed in their entirety; and further,
That pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13,
as amended, that further notice is not required to be given in respect to
minor changes made to Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM and
Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM."
Councillor Deneault's amendment was then voted on and was Carried.
The following motion was then voted on and was Carried.
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch
"That City Initiated Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, for the
purpose of implementing recommendations contained within the Hidden
Valley Land Use Implementation Project, including amendments to
mapping and text amendments, be approved, in the form shown in the
Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department
report DSD -2025-225 as Attachment `A'; and, with the following
amendments:
a. That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
b. That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
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c. That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System;
d. That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2K be
designated on Map 3 Land Use as Low Rise Residential;
e. That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2X be
identified as community areas on Map 2 Urban Structure;
f. That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2X be
removed from Map 6 Natural Heritage System; and,
That City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application
ZBA24/008/K/CM to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051, be approved in the
form shown in the "Proposed By-law" attached to Report DSD -2025-225
as Attachment `B'; and, with the following amendments:
a. That the land identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 4/213" be
zoned RES -5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 241;
b. That the lands identified in Report DSD -2025-225 as "Area 3/2A" be
zoned RES -5, 88H, 89H, 90H, 102H on Zoning Grid Schedule 242;
and,
That the Hidden Valley Residential Community Plan (as approved June
14, 1990) and Hidden Valley Industrial Community Secondary Plan (as
approved October 19, 1981) be repealed in their entirety; and further,
That pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13,
as amended, that further notice is not required to be given in respect to
minor changes made to Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM and
Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA24/008/K/CM."
Carried, as amended
6.3 Places and Spaces Parks Master Plan, INS -2025-142, listed as item 7.2.d
Council considered Places and Spaces Parks Master Plan, INS -2025-142, listed
as item 7.2.d on the agenda this date. In addition, Council was in receipt of a
written submission from G. Wheeler and P. Nickels related to this matter. Mark
Parris, Manager, Parks and Open Space Design and Development and Jeff
Silcox -Childs, Director, Parks & Cemeteries were in attendance to respond to
questions from Council.
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Peggy Nickels address Council in support of Places and Spaces. P. Nickels
highlighted some further suggestions and requested Council to further consider
prioritizing multipurpose spaces, maximizing green space and trees; prioritize
parks for city -own land; re -imagine and greening the potential of gray alternative
spaces, and not substituting them for parks; and, continuing to listen to
community members from all backgrounds.
Moved by Councillor D. Schnider
Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch
"That the Parks Master Plan - Places, as provided in Attachment 'A' of
Infrastructure Services Department report INS -2025-142 be approved;
and further,
That staff be directed to carry out the recommendations as outlined by the
near-, mid-, and long-term implementation framework in report INS -2025-
142."
Carried
7. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
7.1 HERITAGE KITCHENER - MAY 6, 2025
Moved by Councillor C. Michaud
Seconded by Councillor B. loannidis
"That the report of Heritage Kitchener, dated May 6, 2025, listed as items
7.1.a to 7.1.e on the agenda this date, be adopted."
Carried
7.1.a Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-010 - 60 Victoria Street North,
Demolition of Additions with Retention in Full of 1913 Building, DSD -2025-173
"That pursuant to Sections 33 and 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-010 for the property municipally
addressed as 60 Victoria Street North be approved, as outlined in
Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-173, to permit the
demolition of three additions while retaining in full the 1913 building, in
accordance with the supplementary information submitted with this
application and subject to the following conditions:
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1. That the final Cultural Heritage Conservation Plan be submitted and
approved by the Director of Development and Housing Approvals prior
to the issuance of a heritage permit;
2. That the final Structural Condition Assessment Report be submitted
and approved by the Director of Development and Housing Approvals
in consultation with the City's Chief Building Official prior to the
issuance of a heritage permit;
3. That the Final Risk Management Plan be submitted and approved by
the Director of Development and Housing Approvals prior to the
issuance of a heritage permit;
4. That the final Temporary Protection Plan, including Demolition and
Stabilization Plan, be submitted and approved by the Director of
Development and Housing Approvals in consultation with the City's
Chief Building Official prior to the issuance of a heritage permit;
5. That the retained Heritage Consultant inspect and certify that the
measures outlined in the approved Conservation Plan, Risk
Management Plan, and Temporary Protection Plan have been
undertaken prior to and after demolition in accordance with good
conservation practice and to the satisfaction of the Direction of
Planning;
6. That the final demolition permit be reviewed, and heritage clearance
provided by Heritage Planning staff prior to the issuance of a
demolition permit; and
7. Should the Owner suspect or become aware of any structural damage
to the retained portion of 60 Victoria Street North during the demolition,
the Owner agrees to stop work in the vicinity and notify the Consulting
Engineer, the Heritage Consultant, and the City's Heritage Planner so
that corrective action can be taken to the satisfaction of the City's
Heritage Planner."
Carried
7.1.b Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-005 - 122 Frederick Street (The
Registry Theatre), Alterations to Exterior Limestone Steps, DSD -2025-192
"That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit
Application HPA-2025-IV-005 be approved, as outlined in Development
Services Department report DSD -2025-192, to permit the repair and/or
replacement of the exterior limestone steps at The Registry Theatre on
the property municipally addressed as 122 Frederick Street, in
accordance with the supplementary information submitted with the
application, subject to the following condition:
1. That prior to commencing work on site, the following be reviewed and
approved by Heritage Planning staff:
a. the scope of work;
b. the methods and materials, including sample replacement
stone; and,
c. a test panel showing replacement stone and new mortar."
Carried
7.1.c Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-006 - 122 Frederick Street (The
Registry Theatre), Alterations to Interior Marble Steps, DSD -2025-193
"That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit
Application HPA-2025-IV-006 be approved, as outlined in Development
Services Department report DSD -2025-193, to permit the repair of the
interior marble steps at The Registry Theatre on the property municipally
addressed as 122 Frederick Street, in accordance with the supplementary
information submitted with the application, subject to the following
condition:
1. That prior to commencing work on site, the following be reviewed and
approved by Heritage Planning staff:
a. the scope of work;
b. the methods and materials; and,
c. a test panel showing repaired marble."
Carried
7.1.d Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-007 - 279 Queen Street South,
Replacement of Windows and Repainting of Exterior Elements, DSD -2025-172
"That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit
Application HPA-2025-V-007 on the property municipally addressed as
279 Queen Street South, be approved in accordance with the
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supplementary information submitted with the application, as outlined in
Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-172, to permit:
1. The replacement of the glass panes within the second -floor front
window;
2. The replacement of a non -original window on the ground floor south
facade with a replica of the original window in aluminum -clad wood;
and
3. Repainting of exterior elements, including brick, planter wall with wood
boards, soffits and fascia, columns, and window frames."
Carried
7.1.e Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-V-009 - 1404 Doon Village Road, Minor
Demolition and Rear Yard Addition, DSD -2025-189
"That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit
Application HPA-2025-V-009 be approved, as outlined in Development
Services Department report, DSD -2025-189, to permit demolition of the
existing sitting room and covered deck and the construction of a rear yard
addition and deck on the property municipally addressed as 1404 Doon
Village Road, in accordance with the supplementary information submitted
with the application, subject to the following conditions:
1. That samples of the building materials and colours be submitted for
review and approval by Heritage Planning staff prior to issuance of a
building permit; and further,
2. That the final building permit drawings be reviewed and approved by
Heritage Planning staff prior to issuance of a building permit."
Carried
7.2 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE -MAY 12,
2025
Councillor S. Davey left and returned to the meeting at this time.
It was requested that item 7.2.e Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS -
2025 -132 be dealt with separately.
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It was moved by Councillor P. Singh and seconded by Councillor D. Schnider that
Item 7.2.e Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS -2025-132, be
approved.
Item 7.2.e Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS -2025-132, was then
voted on and was Carried.
The balance of the Community and Infrastructure Committee report was then
considered by Council.
Moved by Councillor D. Schnider
Seconded by Councillor S. Stretch
"That the report of the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee,
dated May 12, 2025, listed as items 7.2.a to 7.2.c on the agenda this date,
be adopted."
Carried
7.2.a Noise Exemption, Downtown Special Events, CSD -2025-139
"That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener
Municipal Code be granted for all Downtown Special Events as outlined in
Community Services Department report CSD -2025-139."
Carried
7.2.b Noise Exemption, Greek Food Festival, CSD -2025-196
"That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener
Municipal Code be granted to the Greek Orthodox Community of Saints
Peter and Paul Kitchener -Waterloo & District for their Annual Greek Food
Festival at 527 Bridgeport Road, to be held on June 7th 2025 from 12pm -
11 pm and June 8th 2025 from 12pm to 10pm as outlined in Community
Services Department report CSD -2025-196."
Carried
7.2.c Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) By-law Amendment, COR -
2025 -199
"That a By-law be enacted to amend By-law 2024-01 as well as Chapters
553 and 599 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, to facilitate the
transition of enforcement and adjudication of Licensing violations to the
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City's Administrative Monetary Penalty System in accordance with
Corporate Services Department report COR -2025-199."
Carried
7.2.d Places and Spaces Parks Master Plan, INS -2025-142
Carried, under Delegations
7.2.e Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program, INS -2025-132
"That the revised Park Tree and Bench Dedication Program be approved
as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS -2025-132."
Carried
7.3 PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE -MAY 12, 2025
It was noted that there was a written submission from Duane Freeman related to
item 7.3.a Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/16/A/BB, Zoning By-law
Amendment Application ZBA24/031/A/BB, 2597316 Ontario Corp., 44-50
Arlington Boulevard, DSD -2025-203 on the agenda this date.
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor S. Davey
"That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated
May 12, 2025, listed as item 7.3.a on the agenda this date, be adopted."
Carried
7.3.a Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/16/A/BB, Zoning By-law Amendment
Application ZBA24/031/A/BB, 2597316 Ontario Corp., 44-50 Arlington Boulevard,
DSD -2025-203
"That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/016/A/BB for 44 and 50
Arlington Boulevard for 2597316 Ontario Corp. and Brandon Robert
Corman be approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment
attached to Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-203 as
Attachment `A'; and further,
That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/031/A/BB requesting
to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051 for 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard for
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2597316 Ontario Corp. and Brandon Robert Corman be approved in the
form shown in the `Proposed By-law' and `Map No. 1' attached to
Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-203 as Attachment
tB, „
Carried
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8.1 Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, Zoning By-law Amendment
ZBA24/008/K/CM, Hidden Valley Land Use, DSD -2024-292 and Addendum
Report DSD -2025-225
Carried, as amended, under Delegations
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1 - MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC
Mayor B. Vrbanovic advised of several new pieces of provincial legislation that
have been brought forward recently as well as the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities (FCM) conference and throne speech being delivered by His
Majesty King Charles III.
10. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Councillor S. Stretch advised of missing train signal equipment at the intersection
of Victoria Street North and Lancaster Street East requiring the blowing of
whistles and questioned whether the City had options to seek a timely resolution
and received a response from Michael May, General Manager, Community
Services/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
Councillor P. Singh gave notice of his intent to bring matter forward to Council
regarding streetlight outage communication between Enova Power and
transportation staff.
11. STAFF REPORTS - NIL
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.
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12.1 THREE READINGS
Moved by Councillor J. Deneault
Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud
12.1.a Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 53
Church Street, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural
heritage value or interest.
(By-law 2025-005)
12.1.b To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohibit
unauthorized parking of motor vehicles on private property.
(By-law 2025-056)
12.1.c 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 2025-057)
12.1.d 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 2025-058)
12.1.e Being a by-law to Amend City of Kitchener By-law 2024-01, Chapter 553
and Chapter 599 of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code with respect to a
System of Administrative Monetary Penalties within the City of Kitchener.
(By-law 2025-059)
12.1.f Being a by-law to adopt Amendment No. 63 to the Official Plan - 44 and
50 Arlington Boulevard.
(By-law 2025-060)
12.1.g Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the
Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener — 2597316 Ontario Corp. and
Brandon Robert Corman — 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard.
(By-law 2025-061)
12.1.h Being a by-law to adopt Amendment No. 64 to the Official Plan - Hidden
Valley Land Use Master Plan Implementation.
(By-law 2025-062)
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12.1.1 Being a by-Ilaw to amend By-law 2019-051, as amended, known as the
Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener-- Hidden Valley Land Use Master
Plan lmplementation.
(By-law 2025-063)
1241,] To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for May 26, 2025.
13. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Mayor
dierk
(By-law 2025-064)
Emm
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