HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2025-09-29Council Meeting Minutes
September 29, 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 J. Deneault
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor A. Owodunni
Councillor P. Singh
Councillor B. loannidis
Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor D. Chapman
Councillor S. Stretch
Absent: Councillor D. Schnider
Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy
Chief Administrator
J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
R. Bustamante, Dir Planning & Housing Policy/City Planner
A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
1. COMMENCEMENT
The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor and the
singing of "O Canada."
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1.1 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30, 2025
Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged this date, September 30th, 2025 as the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and highlighted events that took place
to mark the commemoration.
2. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
On motion by Councillor D. Chapman the minutes of the regular meeting held
August 25, 2025, and special meetings held August 25, 2025, as mailed to the
Mayor and Councillors, were accepted.
3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE
THEREOF
None
4. COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE
4.1 Flag Request under Policy MUN-FAC-442
4.1.a Association des Francophones de Kitchener Waterloo -September 25 -
September 29, 2025
4.2 Illumination Request under Policy MUN-FAC-442
4.2.a DCD Kids (Developmental Coordination Disorder) - October 6, 2025
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Certificates of Achievement
Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged Sarah FitzPatrick, Supervisor, Office of Mayor
& Council, Elizabeth Leacock, Constituency Assistant to Council, and Dan
Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer, congratulating and thanking them on their
20 years of municipal service with the City of Kitchener.
5.2 Patrick Gilbride, Reep Green Solutions
Patrick Gilbride, Reep Green Solutions, acknowledged the organizations 25
Years of Impact, highlighting the thousands of initiatives that have been taken to
address climate change within our community. Several REEP initiatives were
highlighted including but not limited to their program for creating healthier yards
and neighbourhoods and growing equity, one tree at a time. P. Gilbride
highlighted ClimateActionWR and a reminder that there are resources available
to homeowners to improve energy savings in their homes. P. Gilbride provided a
financial summary of the Reep Green Solutions and thanked Kitchener City
Council for continuing to support their organization. P. Gilbride then responded to
questions from Council.
6. DELEGATIONS
6.1 Notice of Motion - D. Chapman - Implications of Bill 17, listed as item 9.3
Council considered a Notice of Motion, brought forward by Councillor D.
Chapman, related to Bill 17 - Provincial Legislation entitled Bill 17, Protect
Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025. In addition, Council was in
receipt of two written submissions from L. Intini and P. Nickels.
Gail Schenk, Kim Charlesworth, Peggy Nickels and Hal Jaeger addressed
Council in support of Councillor Chapman's motion.
Councillor S. Davey brought forward a motion to defer the notice of motion to a
Special Council meeting on October 6, 2025, to provide Council with additional
time to review and confirm the preferred advocacy approach, which was
seconded by Councillor P. Singh.
The following motion was then voted on.
Moved by Councillor D. Chapman
Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault
"That the following motion be deferred to the Special Council Meeting
scheduled for October 6, 2025, to provide Council with additional time to
review and confirm the preferred advocacy approach:"
"WHEREAS municipalities are entrusted under the Planning Act with
the power and responsibility to enact Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws
to serve the public interest.
WHEREAS the City of Kitchener has enacted Official Plans and
Zoning Bylaws to the satisfaction of the Province and/or the Province's
delegated authority.
WHEREAS the City of Kitchener was the recipient of the 2025
Congress of New Urbanism Award (Congress of New Urbanism) and
the 2025 Canadian Award for Planning Excellence (Canadian Institute
of Planners) for its urban planning.
WHEREAS the City of Kitchener exceeded its provincial housing
targets two years in a row.
WHEREAS the City of Kitchener exceeded its federal housing goals in
2024 and were deemed a top -performing city in Canada.
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And
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario's Bill 17 — "Protect Ontario by
Building Faster and Smarter Act" weakens the capacity of a
municipality to ensure a development application meets the public
interest by
a) preventing municipalities from enacting regulations to ensure
communities are built to be energy-efficient and withstand the
effects of extreme weather (Schedule 1, re: Section 35 (1.1) of the
Building Code Act).
b) limiting the means by which a municipality may screen a
development application (Schedule 7, re: Section 17 (21.1) and
(21.2), and Section 70.1 (1) 20.1) of the Planning Act)
c) transferring municipal planning staff authorities to private
development consultants (Section 17 (6.0.1), Section 34 (10.3.1),
Section 41 (3.5.1), and Section 51 (19.0.1)) of the Planning Act)
and
d) permitting the Minister to reduce minimum setbacks by a
singular percentage -- province -wide -- without regard for the
particular zoning bylaws in effect or the particular public interest
(Schedule 7, re: Section 34 (1.4) of the Planning Act)
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener Council:
1) Urge the Province of Ontario to review Bill 17 so as to enable and
promote municipalities' capacity to ensure that development
applications meet the public interest.
2) Direct that a copy of this resolution be sent to:
a) The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario;
b) The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing;
c) The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO);
d) The Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM);
e) All Ontario municipalities.""
Carried, as amended
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7. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
7.1 PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - SEPTEMBER 8,
2025
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated
September 8, 2025, listed as items 7.1.a to 7.1.f on the agenda this date,
be adopted."
Carried
7.1.a Private Street Naming - 995 Amand Drive, DSD -2025-362
"That the City of Kitchener acknowledge that Kitchener Developments Inc.
intends to name the following private streets as:
o Amand Lane
o Canyon Hill Drive
o Sumac Lane
o Azores Drive
o Fig Lane
within a multiple residential development located at 995 Amand Drive, in
the locations as shown on the Site Plan attached as Appendix `A'; and
further,
That the City's Legal Services division be directed to proceed with the
required advertising, preparation, and registration of the necessary By-law
for the naming of "Amand Lane, Canyon Hill Drive, Sumac Lane, Azores
Drive and Fig Lane," as outlined in Development Services Department
report, DSD -2025-362."
Carried
7.1.b Uniform Traffic and Parking By-law Amendments, DSD -2025-327
"That parking be prohibited on the north (even -numbered) side of
Otterbein Road from Dunnigan Court to a point 60 metres west thereof;
and,
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That parking be prohibited on the south (odd -numbered) side of Country
Hill Drive from a point 26 metres west of Cherry Hill Drive to a point 28
metres west thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the east (odd -numbered) side of Benesfort
Drive from Benesfort Court to a point 23 metres south thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the south (odd -numbered) side of Avalon
Place from Southmoor Drive to a point 114 metres west thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the east (odd -numbered) side of Karn Street
from a point 85 metres north of Westmount Rd to a point 112 metres north
thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the east (even -numbered) side of
Mooregate Crescent from a point 35 metres north of Hazelglen Drive to a
point 30 metres north thereof; and,
That parking be prohibited on the west (even -numbered) side of Madison
Avenue South from a point 140 metres north of Courtland Avenue East to
a point 40 metres north thereof; and,
That stopping (8:OOam — 4:30pm, Monday to Friday) be prohibited on the
north (odd -numbered) side of Shea Crescent from a point 30 metres east
of Laurentian Drive to a point 26 metres east thereof; and,
That stopping (8:OOam — 4:30pm, Monday to Friday) be prohibited on the
south (odd -numbered) side of Parkland Crescent from Driftwood Drive to
a point 53 metres west thereof; and further,
That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly, as outlined in
Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-327. "
Carried
7.1.c Uncollectable Utility Write -Off June 2025, FIN -2025-316
"That uncollectable utility accounts amounting to $121,784 be written off
against the allowance for doubtful utility receivables, as outlined in
Financial Services Department report, FIN -2025-316."
Carried
n.
7.1.d Uncollectable Miscellaneous Receivable Accounts Write -Off June 2025, FIN -
2025 -315
That uncollectable miscellaneous receivable accounts amounting to
$12,341 be written off against the Allowance for Doubtful Receivables, as
outlined in Financial Services Department report, FIN -2025-315.
Carried
7.1.e Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/013/S/AP, 157 Schweitzer Street,
1000947521 Ontario Inc., DSD -2025-356
"That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/013/S/AP for 157
Schweitzer Street, requesting a change in zoning from `Residential Three
Zone (R-3)' in Zoning By-law 85-1 to `Low Rise Residential Four Zone
(RES -4) with Site -Specific Provision (438)' in Zoning By-law 2019-051, be
approved in the form shown in the Proposed By-law and Map No. 1
attached to Development Services Department report DSD -2025-356 as
Attachment `A'."
Carried
7.1.f Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/021/Q/AA, 434- 436 Queen Street
South, Son Lien Pham, DSD -2025-341
"That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/021/Q/AA (Son Lien
Pham) requesting to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051, for the purpose of
changing the zoning of the subject property, 434- 436 Queen Street
South, from `Existing Use Floodplain Zone (EUF-1)' to `Existing Use
Floodplain Zone (EUF-1) with Site Specific Provision (437)', specified and
illustrated as the `Subject Area' on Map No. 1, be approved in the form
shown in the `Proposed By-law' attached to the Development Services
Department report, DSD -2025-341, as Attachment `A2'."
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NIL
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1 - MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC
None.
Carried
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9.2 Notice of Motion - B. loannidis - Commemorative Crosswalk
Council considered a Notice of Motion, brought forward by Councillor B.
loannidis, related to the installation of a commemorative crosswalk, which was
seconded by Councillor C. Michaud.
Rosa Bustamante, Director, Planning and Housing Policy was in attendance and
responded to questions from Council.
Moved by Councillor B. loannidis
Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud
"WHEREAS generations of Canadians have served our country and the
world during times of war, military conflict, and peace; and,
WHEREAS commemorative infrastructure such as decorative crosswalks
can serve as meaningful public tributes to veterans and enhance civic
awareness of their sacrifices; and,
WHEREAS the City of Kitchener has received expressions of interest from
community members and the Royal Canadian Legion regarding the
installation of a veteran's crosswalk, and has reviewed examples from
other municipalities.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City staff be directed to work with
community partners to install a veteran's -themed commemorative
crosswalk in a suitable location within the City of Kitchener, with
consideration given to:
- Design standards and material durability;
- Consultation with the Royal Canadian Legion and local regimental
associations;
- Interpretive signage or commemorative plaques to accompany the
crosswalk.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT City staff be directed to
work with local Royal Canadian legion (RCL) partners to finalize a location
and local design of the RCL national commemorative crosswalk and work
to install it in time for Remembrance Day 2025, or as early as possible in
2026, weather dependent."
Carried
9.3 Notice of Motion - D. Chapman - Implications of Bill 17
Carried, as amended, under Delegations
10. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
11. STAFF REPORTS
11.1 Items arising from In -Camera
11.1.a Potential Land Acquisition for future Stormwater Management (Solicitor Client
Privilege & Potential Litigation Matter - Section 239 (2) (e) & (f)), COR -2025-406
Moved by Councillor M. Johnston
Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault
"That the City of Kitchener approve the expropriation of the below lands
for the Schneider and Shoemaker Creeks Naturalization Project and
works/municipal improvements associated therewith and/or incidental
thereto, as discussed in an in -camera meeting of Council held on
September 29, 2025, and described as follows:
Fee Simple Full Taking:
All of Lots 386-392, 404-409 and Part of Lots 400-403, Plan 262 and Part
Lots 6 and 7 Streets & Lanes Kitchener and Part Lot 8 Plan 404, being
Part 1 on 58R-12062 (All of PIN 22506-0024 (LT)), City of Kitchener,
Regional Municipality of Waterloo (150-160 Borden Avenue South)
(the "Property")
That the Chief Administrative Officer is hereby authorized to execute on
behalf of City Council, the Certificate of Approval and the Expropriation
Certificate and all other notices and documents that are necessary to
carry out the expropriation of the Property; and,
That the City Solicitor be instructed to register a Plan of Expropriation for
the Property within three months of granting of the approval to expropriate
the Property, as required by the Expropriations Act; and,
That the registered owner(s) of the Property be served with a Notice of
Expropriation, a Notice of Possession, and any other notices or
documents as required by the Expropriations Act for the Property after the
registration of the Plan of Expropriation and the City Solicitor is authorized
to take any and all actions required to enforce such notices, including but
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not limited to any application pursuant to section 40 of the Expropriations
Act; and,
That the Chief Administrative Officer, be authorized to execute an
agreement with the registered owner(s) of the Property with respect to the
date of possession pursuant to section 39 of the Expropriations Act, in a
form approved by the City Solicitor, or the City Solicitor is authorized to
make an application undersection 39 of the Expropriations Act to adjust
the date for possession specified in the Notice of Possession as may be
required; and,
If no agreement as to compensation is made with the Owner(s), the City
Solicitor is directed to serve the statutory Offer of Compensation and
payment on the registered owner(s) of the Subject Property in the amount
of 100% of the market value as estimated by the City's appraiser, all in
accordance with section 25 of the Expropriations Act, together with a copy
of the appraisal report on which the Offer of Compensation is based; and,
That the City staff, agents, or contractors are hereby authorized to enter
and take possession of the Property on the day permitted under the
Expropriations Act, or pursuant to any Court Order thereunder, or pursuant
to any agreement entered into between the relevant owner(s) and the City
of Kitchener; and,
That the expropriation by-law as prepared by the City Solicitor and
circulated to Council this date be referred to three readings of the By-laws
for considering, approval and numbering by the City Clerk on the Council
agenda of this date; and further,
That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to do all
things required arising from the authorizations provided for in the
expropriation by-law, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor."
Carried
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.
12.1 THREE READINGS
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Moved by Councillor M. Johnston
Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault
"That the by-laws be given third reading, namely:
12.1.a Being a by-law to amend Chapter 110 of The City of Kitchener Municipal
Code regarding By-law Enforcement.
(By-law 2025-102)
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 2025-103)
12.1.c 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 2025-104)
12.1.d 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 2025-105)
12.1.e Being a by-law to amend By-law 2023-135 to extend the time period for
exemption from Pt Lt Ctl — Pt of Blocks 2, 6, 7, 11, 13-16 & Blks 4, 5, 8-10,
17, 18, 31 & 34, Reg Plan 58M-643 — Benninger Dr, Steph Crt, Steph St,
Dominique St & Cresc.
(By-law 2025-106)
12.1.f Being a by-law to amend By-law 2023-135 to extend the time period for
exemption from Part Lot Control — Block 1 and Part of Blocks 2 and 14,
Registered Plan 58M-643 — Benninger Drive.
(By-law 2025-107)
12.1.g Being a by-law to amend By-law 85-1, as amended, and 2019-051, as
amended, collectively known as the Zoning By-law for the City of
Kitchener — 1000947521 Ontario Inc. —157 Schweitzer Street.
(By-law 2025-108)
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12.1.h Being a by-law to amend Byd w 2019-051, as amended, known as the
Zoning I y -Il w for the City of I itch in it — Son Lien Pham rru 434- 435
Queen Street South.
12.1,1 Being a by-law of the City of Kitchener to approve the expropriation of
certain property interests for the purposes of the Schneider Shoemaker
Creeks Naturalization f roj t & work /municipal improvements is i t d
therewith and/car incidental thereto.
12,1 J To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for September 29,
2025.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 831 p.m,
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