HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-2025-366 - 2023-2026 Strategic Plan - Compass Kitchener Report Card #1Staff Report
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Chief Administrator's Office www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole
DATE OF MEETING: August 25, 2025
SUBMITTED BY: Margaret Love, Director, Strategy & Corporate Performance
PREPARED BY: Sloane Sweazey, Senior Policy Advisor
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: August 20, 2025
REPORT NO.: CAO -2025-366
SUBJECT: 2023-2026 Strategic Plan— Compass Kitchener Report Card #1
RECOMMENDATION:
For information.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Attachment A to this report presents the Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee's
evaluation of projects completed in 2024 under the City of Kitchener's 2023-2026 Strategic
Plan (the "report card").
• Compass Kitchener evaluated two completed projects: Accelerate Commercial Business
Approvals and Advance Truth and Reconciliation. Both projects evaluated exceeded
expectations.
• There are no financial implications associated with this report.
• This report supports implementation of the 2023-2026 City of Kitchener Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Since 2003, a key role of the Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee is to evaluate the City's
implementation of the Strategic Plan, and to prepare and present report cards to Council and
the community of their assessment on a regular basis.
The report card for 2024 is provided in Attachment A of this report. Compass Kitchener members
will present their evaluation to Council, as outlined in Attachment B.
REPORT:
The committee assessed two completed strategic actions in 2024: (1) Accelerate Commercial
Business Approvals, and (2) Advance Truth and Reconciliation. Both were rated as exceeding
expectations. The business approvals project demonstrated strong coordination, practical
service improvements, and responsiveness to the needs of local entrepreneurs. The committee
recommends the City expand its work beyond the downtown core, deepen its engagement with
equity -seeking business communities, and continue tracking and reporting on long-term
outcomes. The Truth and Reconciliation work reflected a commendable shift from time -bound
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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deliverables to an ongoing, relationship -centered commitment, aligned with the City's evolving
role as a respectful partner. The committee encourages the City to remain guided by Indigenous
leadership, communicate progress in ways that elevate Indigenous voices, and embed
reconciliation as a cross -organizational priority rather than a standalone initiative.
The report also includes reflections on the development and implementation of the current
strategic plan. Compass Kitchener commends the City for adopting an adaptive planning model,
broadening public engagement, and beginning to track outcomes alongside outputs. The
committee encourages continued clarity around Compass Kitchener's role in engagement
processes like the Resident Panel and urges the City to share outcome data and estimated
budget information to strengthen future evaluations.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports implementation of the 2023-2026 City of Kitchener Strategic Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.
COLLABORATE — Compass Kitchener members collaborated throughout the development of
this report. All members contributed meaningfully to the report included and approve of its
contents.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
CAO -21-005 Compass Kitchener Strategic Plan Evaluation
CAO -2023-250 Strategic Plan 2019-2022 — Compass Kitchener Report Card
CAO -2024-305 Strategic Plan 2019-2022 — Compass Kitchener 2023 Report Card
APPROVED BY: Dan Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Strategic Plan 2023-2026 — Compass Kitchener Report Card #1
Attachment B — Compass Kitchener Report Card Presentation
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This Report Card presents Compass Kitchener's evaluation of projects completed in 2024 under the City of
Kitchener's 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. As a citizen -led advisory committee, Compass Kitchener provides this
assessment to City Council and staff to support transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in
the City's strategic planning and implementation efforts.
The committee assessed two completed strategic actions in 2024: (1) Accelerate Commercial Business
Approvals, and (2) Advance Truth and Reconciliation. Both were rated as exceeding expectations. The
business approvals project demonstrated strong coordination, practical service improvements, and
responsiveness to the needs of local entrepreneurs. The committee recommends the City expand its work
beyond the downtown core, deepen its engagement with equity -seeking business communities, and continue
tracking and reporting on long-term outcomes. The Truth and Reconciliation work reflected a commendable
shift from time -bound deliverables to an ongoing, relationship -centered commitment, aligned with the
City's evolving role as a respectful partner. The committee encourages the City to remain guided by
Indigenous leadership, communicate progress in ways that elevate Indigenous voices, and embed
reconciliation as a cross -organizational priority rather than a standalone initiative.
The report also includes reflections on the development and implementation of the current strategic plan.
Compass Kitchener commends the City for adopting an adaptive planning model, broadening public
engagement, and beginning to track outcomes alongside outputs. The committee encourages continued
clarity around Compass Kitchener's role in engagement processes like the Resident Panel and urges the City
to share outcome data and estimated budget information to strengthen future evaluations.
In closing, Compass Kitchener offers this report in the spirit of partnership and progress, with the shared
goal of making Kitchener a more inclusive, responsive, and connected city for all. The committee extends
heartfelt gratitude to City staff for their cooperation, openness, and responsiveness throughout the
evaluation process - their collaboration has been instrumental in helping the committee understand the
work underway and provide informed, constructive feedback. To build on this momentum, the committee
encourages the City to (1) continue strengthening outcome -based evaluation and sharing progress
transparently; (2) provide budget information, including internal costs, to support more comprehensive
assessments; (3) clarify Compass Kitchener's role in public engagement initiatives such as the Resident
Panel; and (4) embed Truth and Reconciliation throughout the organization in alignment with the spirit of
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
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I able of Carrte�,its
Executive Summary
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Compass Kitchener
4
Project Status Overview
5
Evaluation Approach
6
Evaluation Rating
7
2024 Project Evaluations
8
CREATING AN ECONOMICALLY -THRIVING CITY TOGETHER
8
Accelerate Commercial Business Approvals
8
FOSTERING A CARING CITY TOGETHER
10
Advance Truth and Reconciliation
10
Overall Observations and Looking Ahead
12
In Closing
3
16
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Compass Kitchener consists of community volunteers and serves as an advisory committee appointed by
and reporting to Kitchener City Council. It serves as a liaison between the City of Kitchener and
residents, providing advice to Council on the community's vision and priorities during the development
of the city's strategic plan. The committee also delivers a regular report to Council evaluating the
implementation of the strategic plan with advice and recommendations.
This report has been prepared by the following members of the Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee:
Troy Glover (Chair)
James J. Young (Vice -Chair)
Carlos Abarca
Kim Brabazon
Srihasya Kandala
Rodney Gill
Judy Stephens -Wells
Lee -Anne Thompson
Linda Terry
Lori Trumper
11
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11
Rro,� ect Status Overview
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Results of Cam pass Kitchener's Evaluation of All Completed and Reviewed 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Projects
Overall Evaluation of Completed Projects
PROJECT Exceeded Met Did Not Meet
Expectations Expectations Expectations
Planned Start*
Planned
Completion*
Current Status
GOAL
Building a
Connected City
Together
Housing For All Implementation
Jan. 2025
Dec. 2025***
On Track
Localized Transportation Safety Improvement
ProgramJan. 2025 Dec. 2025***
On Track
City -Wide Active Transportation Routes Apr. 2024 Sept. 2025
On Track
Official Plan Comprehensive Update Jan. 2025 Dec. 2025***
On Track
Cultivating a
Green City
Together
Corporate Climate Action Plan 2.0
Jan. 2024
June 2025***
On Track
Clean Energy Transition Strategy Jan. 2024 Dec. 2025***
On Track
District Energy Business Case Jan. 2024 Mar 2025
On Track
High Performance Development Standards Feb 2024 Dec. 2025
On Track
Implement Tree Canopy Target Plan Jan. 2024 Dec.2025***
On Track
Implement Actions from Parks Master Plan Jan 2025 Jun. 2026***
On Track
Parkland Acquisition Strategy Jun 2024 Dec. 2025
On Track
Grand River Park Strategy Oct 2023 Dec. 2025***
On Track
Creating an
Economically
Thriving City
Together
Accelerate Commercial Business Approvals ✓
Sep. 2023
Apr. 2024
COMPLETE
Implement Health/Medical Technology Innovation
Jan 2025 Dec. 2025***
Campus
On Track
Creative Industries School Jul. 2024 Dec. 2025***
On Track
Special Events & Festivals Action Plan Oct. 2025 Dec. 2026
Not Started
Entertainment Venue Management Feb. 2024 Dec. 2025
On Track
Implement Arts & Creative Industries Action Plan Oct. 2025 Dec. 2026
Not Started
Fostering a Caring
City Together
Advance Truth and Reconciliation /
Jan. 2024
Dec. 2024
COMPLETE
Municipal Newcomers Strategy Jul. 2024 Dec. 2025***
On Track
Enhance City's Engagement Practices Jan. 2025 Dec. 2025***
On Track
Community Centre Operating Model Apr. 2024 Aug. 2025***
On Track
City -led Recreation &Leisure Program Review Jul. 2024 Dec. 2025
On Track
Sport and Recreation Master Plan Sep. 2025 Sep. 2026
Not Started
Community Grants Review May 2024 Aug.2025
On Track
Stewarding a
Better City
Together
Digital Kitchener Strategy
Jan 2025
Jun. 2026
On Track
Implement City-wide Data Strategy May 2024 May 2025***
On Track
Strengthen Employer Identity/Value Proposition Jan 2024 Jun 2025***
On Track
Support a Psychologically Safe Workplace Jan 2025 Dec. 2025***
On Track
Procurement Innovation Jan 2024 Mar. 2025
COMPLETE**
TOTAL
2 0 0
LEGEND
Dates as reflected in the Strategic Plan Implementation Update (Spring 2025)
*
Completed in 2025 and will be evaluated by Compass Kitchener in its next report card when all Strategic Plan projects completed in 2025 are reviewed.
**
Over half of the City's strategic plan initiatives are multi-year projects, with phased deliverables. This date represents the end date of the current phase and not
necessarily the end date of the project (note: some projects extend beyond the term of this 4 -year strategic plan). To explore the latest progress on each
project—including links to project pages and detailed updates shared with Council—visit: www.kitchener.ca/en/council-and-city-administration/2023-2026-
strategic-plan-progress.
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Compass Kitchener approached this evaluation as interested community members and considered timing,
impact, accountability, and budget criteria in its assessment. Compass Kitchener considered evaluation
criteria for the strategic actions developed in consultation with Kitchener's Corporate Leadership Team.
The following statements guided the evaluation:
1. Responsible Project Delivery:
This criterion focuses on how well project goals, budgets and timelines are managed. It emphasizes the
importance of monitoring and tracking progress to ensure projects are completed efficiently and
effectively, achieving goals within financial constraints and deadlines.
• Note: Given that the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is intended to be adaptive, responsible project
delivery also recognizes that timelines may shift due to shifting priorities and needs.
2. Impact/Public Value:
This criterion assesses how the impact of the project will be tracked and evaluated, and the extent to
which a project creates, or has the potential to create, positive outcomes for the community and
contributes to the goal(s) of the Strategic Plan.
3. Transparency bt Communication:
This criterion focuses on the dissemination of information through staff reports and other channels. It
emphasizes the importance of relevant, clear, timely, and accessible communication to the community,
ensuring that project goals, progress, challenges, and outcomes/impacts are openly shared.
4. Public Engagement:
This criterion evaluates how well a project involves the community and/or relevant parties in its
planning and execution.
Equity Lens
Using the definition of equity outlined in Kitchener's Equity, Inclusion Ft Anti -Racism policy, Compass
Kitchener will also incorporate an equity lens to underpin the evaluation of all projects.
"An equity approach creates the conditions for fair and equal access and opportunity for everyone,
by addressing discriminations, exclusions and barriers experienced by distinct groups. Equity is not
the same as equality, nor is it the same an inequality."
0
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Compass Kitchener will evaluate each project using the following rating scale: exceeds expectations, meets
expectations, and does not meet expectations.
The evaluation rating will be determined based on the extent to which all applicable evaluation criteria are
met, recognizing that some criteria may not be applicable to each project. Each individual criterion will be
assigned a rating, and based on the ratings of all applicable criteria, Compass Kitchener members will
determine an overall rating through a consensus vote. The three ratings are as follows:
Exceeds MeiAs Des Nlot MeiA
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We use our collective strengths to grow an agile and diverse local economy powered by talented
entrepreneurs, workers, and artists. We work together to create opportunities for everyone and a resilient
future that propels our city forward.
Accelerate Commercial Business Approvals
Accelerate Commercial Business Approvals
Report Card
Project Description: Facilitate streamlined business process and approvals for brick -and -
mortar retail business across the City.
veiirallIlf..:..' al atiiion: IExceeds IEIll ectadour�s
Highlights
Responsible Project Delivery: meet expectations
• Delivered within the planned timeline (Sept 2023 - Mar 2024);
• Defined scope and methodology via a robust Terms of Reference and Lean process
involving cross -departmental collaboration; and
• Appointed a dedicated internal Project Manager to oversee implementation.
Impact / Public Value: exceeds expectations
• Identified 55 process improvements, 65% of which were classified as "quick wins" to
streamline approvals and enhance customer service;
• Introduced practical tools such as a business roadmap guide, pre -application process,
and digital permit review systems; and
• Explored options for tracking and impact evaluation (e.g., satisfaction surveys and
reduced processing times) are underway.
• Introduced coordinated onsite meetings where City staff from multiple departments visit
business locations together to review the full scope of approvals, streamlining the
process and improving clarity for business owners.
• Ensured the availability of online language translation and interpretation services during
onsite visits thereby improving accessibility and support for business owners whose first
language is not English.
• Further details on the "Outcomes of `Accelerating Commercial Business Approval'
Review" can be read Iheire.
.......................
Transparency and Communication: exceeds expectations
• Provided project updates to Council through regular strategic plan reporting cycles; final
report publicly available; and
• Sent closure emails with report links to participating business owners as a gesture of
accountability and transparency.
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Public Engagement: exceeds expectations
• Conducted 12 interviews with business owners and followed up with surveys and updates
to maintain engagement; and
• Employed user -focused methods such as empathy mapping and process mapping in cross -
departmental workshops.
Notes for the Future
• Consider expanding the project's scope beyond downtown Kitchener to assess
applicability and effectiveness across the city.
• Revisit the project in a future evaluation cycle to assess long-term outcomes and public
value, once more implementation and impact data are available.
• Continue to collect and share outcome data, including satisfaction rates, reduced
approval timelines, and cost savings for businesses.
• Broaden communications efforts to publicly highlight improvements and promote
awareness of new business -friendly tools and processes.
• Contemplate further engagement with underrepresented or equity -seeking business
communities to ensure inclusive benefit from improvements.
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We welcome residents of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences. We work together on the decisions
that matter to us and have a meaningful influence in our community. We're healthy and thriving as we
easily access the diverse and inclusive programs and services we need to succeed.
Advance Truth and Reconciliation
Compass Kitchener recognizes Truth and Reconciliation (TEtR) as a critical priority and commends the City
for actively advancing it through numerous initiatives. We appreciate the significance of the City's decision
to move away from a time -bound, metrics -driven approach and instead embrace Truth and Reconciliation as
an ongoing, relational commitment—a remarkable shift that reflects deep learning and responsiveness. As
such, in reporting to Compass Kitchener on the advancement of Truth and Reconciliation (TEtR), staff
focused primarily on one individual project as an example to provide insights into the renewed overall
direction and approach to advancing TEtR. This broader approach was what Compass Kitchener chose to
evaluate.
Compass Kitchener also acknowledges the thoughtful way staff continue to learn, adapt, and refine their
approach to strengthen relationships and achieve meaningful progress. For these reasons, we believe the
City's work in advancing T&R. exceeds expectations.
Compass Kitchener understands that advancing TEtR is not a conventional municipal project, but rather a
foundational and ongoing commitment that must be embedded across the City's work. Accordingly, to be
consistent with the equity lens the committee applied to this report, the committee has chosen a narrative
format for this assessment, recognizing that traditional evaluation frameworks rooted in Western paradigms
are often ill-suited to the complex, relational, and long-term nature of reconciliation work. The assessment
that follows focuses solely on the City's role and efforts; it does not assess or speak on behalf of the
Indigenous partners involved in this work.
In reviewing the City's actions, Compass Kitchener was encouraged by the depth of the City's commitment
and its evolving understanding of the respectful role it must play. This role was particularly evident in
initiatives such as the Wiinjindamaan project, an Indigenous land stewardship initiative co -developed with
Conestoga College and Indigenous -led organizations. The committee views this project not as a City -led
undertaking, but as a community -led partnership in which the City is a respectful participant. In this and
other initiatives, leadership is shared across partners, and success is measured not by deliverables alone,
but by the depth of relationships, mutual trust, and shared purpose they cultivate.
Importantly, Compass Kitchener commends the City's humility in its communication approach, particularly
its decision to resist the impulse to publicly spotlight its role in reconciliation projects where such visibility
could overshadow Indigenous voices or compromise fragile trust. This restraint reflects a maturity of intent
and a recognition that reconciliation requires shifting power, not seeking credit. Even so, the committee
encourages the City to find appropriate, partner -informed ways of communicating progress to the broader
public. Doing so can raise awareness, foster understanding, and encourage others in the community to
engage meaningfully with reconciliation efforts, so long as the narrative elevates Indigenous leadership and
maintains a focus on collective, rather than institutional achievement.
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In sum, Compass Kitchener affirms the City's role as a committed, learning partner in the journey of
reconciliation. The success of this work should not be assessed by traditional performance metrics, but by
the strength of the relationships it fosters and the integrity with which the City walks alongside Indigenous
communities. As the City continues this work, Compass Kitchener encourages it to remain guided by
Indigenous leadership, to foster collective ownership of projects, and to communicate progress in ways that
elevate Indigenous voices while preserving the trust and partnerships that have been so carefully built.
More information on Indigenous -led Community Initiatives can be found Ihir.�
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DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2023-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
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Compass Kitchener commends the City for adopting a thoughtful, adaptive, and resident -
centred approach to the development and implementation of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
The process reflected important [earnings from past cycles and demonstrated the City's
commitment to broad engagement, responsible project delivery, and continuous improvement.
Public engagement reached new heights, with the Resident Panel standing out as a particularly
innovative and inclusive initiative. Participants reported feeling heard and valued, and the
variety of engagement formats—both online and in-person—helped diversify participation and
strengthen legitimacy. Going forward, the City should clarify Compass Kitchener's role in
relation to the Resident Panel, specifically whether committee members are expected to serve
as facilitators, contributors, or simply observers in the process.
The plan's adaptive structure, which introduces actions in phases rather than all at once,
represents a welcome shift. It enables flexibility to respond to changing community needs and
allows for more realistic planning. As implementation proceeds, Compass Kitchener encourages
the City to maintain transparency by clearly communicating changes and new project additions
to the public.
The introduction of project charters, the assignment of dedicated project managers, and the
inclusion of a midpoint check-in all suggest a maturing strategic planning culture. These
changes support accountability, responsiveness, and better coordination across departments.
Compass Kitchener commends the city on responding to its previous request to gather more
data to support evidence -informed decision-making. The committee appreciates the city's
work to developing strategic indicators and commitment to implement a city-wide data
strategy.
The committee appreciated being included in the all -committees midpoint review and supports
this practice continuing in future plans. The new Strategic Plan Indicators webpage enhances
public transparency and offers a valuable tool for tracking progress. The committee encourages
continued efforts to ensure these data remain accessible and user-friendly, particularly for
non-technical audiences.
Recommendations for Future Planning
• Deepen engagement with equity -seeking communities and continue to innovate in
participatory methods.
• Ensure clear public communication of new or revised actions under the adaptive model.
• Strengthen storytelling to help residents connect with the plan and see its relevance to
daily life.
• Expand public education on how strategic indicators are used and what they reveal.
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Overall, the 2023-2026 plan reflects a more agile and collaborative direction. Compass
Kitchener encourages the City to carry this momentum forward as it begins to envision the next
strategic planning process.
UPDATE ON PROJECTS FROM THE 2019-2022 STRATEGIC PLAN
While Compass Kitchener has not previously reported on incomplete projects, the committee
recognizes the importance of doing so for transparency and accountability, particularly as this
year will be the final report card focused on the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. Residents deserve to
understand the status of projects that remain underway or delayed, and this section aims to
provide that clarity based on the most current information available. The following provides an
update on those projects, based on available information:
Downtown Protected Cycling Network
Original Target: 2022 (Completion noted in 2024 report)
Now completed. The network was opened in late 2024, with final touches on Duke Street
completed in Spring 2025. More information on bike infrastructure can be found Iir.
Incubator and Accelerator Project
Original Target: 2019-2021 (Reported as incomplete in 2024)
The it !Jy.e IH_ u_1� It 4A _a�ulk is fully leased. A food incubator business case will be
submitted in Q3 2025. Build -out of the Small Business Centre in the Innovation Arena is
expected by early 2026.
City -Owned Property Review
Original Target: 2020 (Reported as ongoing in 2024)
Now complete. The City has adopted a land disposition framework based on this review
and can be found Faire.
Downtown Innovation District (Bramm Yards) Vision
Original Target: 2021 (Reported as incomplete in 2024)
Council approved the revised vision and development principles for the Bramm Yards
Master Plan, which can be found her. Procurement Services and Realty Services were
authorized by council to implement a competitive land disposition process, based on the
vision and development principles, 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, including the creation of a Master Plan. The timing
of the issuance of an RFP will be subject to real estate market conditions. A Master Plan
for the site will be completed by the successful developer.
Read the full report heire.
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Rosenberg Community Centre Business Case
Original Target: 2021 (Reported as incomplete in 2024)
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Now complete. Business case and design work have concluded. Construction of the joint
school and community centre is underway as of fall 2024. More information can be found
Iheire.
........................
Open Space Strategy
Original Target: 2021 (Reported as incomplete in 2024)
The first phase, "Spaces", is now complete and can be read Ihnir. The final phase
("Places") is scheduled to be presented to Council in May 2025 as part of the Places It
Spaces strategy.
Arts and Culture Master Plan (Project has been renamed "Implement Arts and Culture
Action Plan")
Original Target: 2021 (Reported as incomplete in 2024)
Development of the plan (now retitled Arts and Creative Industries Action Plan) is
underway, with completion targeted for 2025 and implementation to begin 2026-2028.
This initiative is now included in the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan under Creating an
Economically Thriving City Together. Project progress can followed on the 292h.
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Compass Kitchener appreciates the City's continued transparency in reporting the status of
these projects. In several cases, projects have been carried forward and integrated into the
current strategic plan, illustrating the City's adaptive approach. The committee encourages
continued clear communication on revised timelines and evolving scopes as the City moves
forward.
General comments:
In last year's report card, Compass Kitchener encouraged the City to continue prioritizing three
complex and interrelated challenges: housing, social isolation and loneliness, and climate
change. Housing and climate change are identified as priorities in the current strategic plan,
and we encourage the City to sustain and deepen its work in these areas. While social isolation
is not explicitly referenced in the plan, it remains a growing concern in our community and
merits greater attention. We understand that these are multifaceted issues that require
collaboration across levels of government, sectors, and communities. At the same time,
residents and the committee would like to see clearer progress and tangible solutions within
the City's sphere of influence. As we approach the next planning cycle, we encourage the City
to carry these priorities forward and communicate how its efforts contribute to addressing
them. Compass Kitchener remains committed to supporting the City in this work.
14
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In addition, as a follow up from last year's report card, Compass Kitchener urges the City to
prioritize the Arts and Culture Master Plan, given the enormous challenges currently faced by
the arts sector in Kitchener and the critical role that sector plays in enhancing well-being,
building community and strengthening the city's economic vibrancy.
With respect to improving future evaluations, Compass Kitchener notes that budget
information, including estimated internal costs, has not been provided to the committee as
part of the project evaluation process. Access to this information would support a more
comprehensive assessment of whether a project has met expectations relative to its scope and
resource allocation.
The committee commends the City for its recent efforts to begin tracking outcomes, rather
than solely reporting on outputs. Compass Kitchener was pleased to contribute to the
identification of outcome indicators as part of this shift. However, it remains unclear how this
work is being advanced. The committee encourages the City to continue building its capacity
for outcome evaluation and to ensure progress is shared transparently with Compass Kitchener
and the broader public.
As Compass Kitchener continues to evolve its approach to evaluation, the committee has begun
to reflect on the limitations of focusing primarily on completed projects rather than tracking
progress toward the broader strategic goals that guide them. While assessing specific initiatives
provides tangible insights, it may not fully capture the long-term impact or alignment with the
City's overarching priorities. Given the City's recent shift toward outcome -based reporting and
impact measurement, Compass Kitchener welcomes the opportunity to engage in a broader
conversation about how the committee's future work might be realigned to support and
evaluate progress at the level of strategic goals. We see value in this potential shift and look
forward to working with the City to strengthen accountability, learning, and shared purpose.
Finally, Compass Kitchener extends its heartfelt gratitude to City staff for their thoughtful
cooperation, openness, and responsiveness throughout this evaluation process. Their
collaboration has been instrumental in helping the committee understand the work underway
and offer informed, constructive feedback.
15
Page 76 of 112
Sustain the Shift Toward Outcome -Based Evaluation
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Compass Kitchener strongly supports the City's emerging focus on measuring outcomes rather than outputs.
This shift enhances accountability and helps evaluate the true public value of strategic initiatives. The
committee encourages the City to continue building this capacity and to share its progress openly with
Compass Kitchener and the broader community.
Ensure Transparency Around Resources and Budget
The absence of budget information — including estimated internal costs — has made it difficult to assess the
efficiency and scale of completed projects. Going forward, Compass Kitchener encourages the City to
include resource data in project summaries to better contextualize performance and delivery.
Embed Truth and Reconciliation Across the Organization
Compass Kitchener commends the City for approaching Truth and Reconciliation as a long-term, relational
commitment rather than a time-limited initiative. To build on this foundation, the committee encourages
the City to continue embedding Truth and Reconciliation across all levels of its organizational culture,
policies, and practices. Doing so aligns with the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to
Action, which emphasize the need for sustained institutional change through education, collaboration, and
accountability. Embedding this work into core municipal functions—not isolating it as a standalone item—is
essential to continuing to ensure reconciliation is lived, not just stated.
As always, Compass Kitchener offers this report in the spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement,
with the shared goal of helping Kitchener become a more connected, responsive, and inclusive city for all.
16
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