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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-2025-401 - Victoria Park Master Plan Update REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener DATE OF MEETING: November 4, 2025 SUBMITTED BY: Mark Parris, Manager Parks & Open Space Design & Development 519-783-8872 PREPARED BY: Karen Leasa, Landscape Architect, 519-783-8867 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward(s) All DATE OF REPORT: October 13, 2025 REPORT NO.: INS-2025-401 SUBJECT: Victoria Park Master Plan Update RECOMMENDATION: For Information. REPORT: Staff are intending to provide a general update on the Victoria Park Master Plan project for Heritage Kitchener. This is part of the overall engagement phase to capture feedback and comments from this committee that is integral to the overall masterplan and next phase of the project. Project Overview The Master Plan is composed of three main phases: Phase 1: Inventory, Data Collection & Analysis (2023/2024) Phase 2: Engage & Envisioning (2024/2025) Phase 3: Master Plan Development (2025/2026) The Victoria Park Master Plan will be the guiding document that is intended to re-assess both public and municipal priorities within Victoria Park, highlight current and future challenges as well as opportunities, and plan for the long-term support of infrastructure within this signature park space. A thorough review of existing conditions and amenities within the park has been undertaken, as well as analysis of current park use, and future needs of park users. This data-driven approach will allow staff to develop at 10-year prioritized forecast and proposed allocation of funding for park maintenance and operations. Figure 1.0 Park Aerial Map: Victoria Park (2025) Heritage References The park was included as critical section of the Victoria Park Area Heritage District Conservation Plan (1996), as well as provincially designated as a Cultural Heritage Landscape. Currently, Parks Design & Development staff are seeking input and comments from members of the Heritage Kitchener committee. This input is in response to what we have heard thus-far from internal and external stakeholders and the direction of possible future recommendations that could be presented to Kitchener City council as part of Phase 3 in 2026. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports the delivery of core services. 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 the Heritage Kitchener committee meeting. CONSULT Following a presentation to committee members, staff would welcome dialogue and consultation with Heritage Kitchener staff on the Master Plan. For additional context on our public engagement (Phase 2) of the Victoria Park Master Plan, our project Engage page is a resource that outlines some of the tools, methods, and events that have taken to gather valuable feedback from the community: https://www.engagewr.ca/victoriaparkmp Over the spring and summer of 2025 our team has also consulted with the community via. multiple in-person sessions, -shop, meeting with other advisory committees, targeted community groups, and in-park pop-ups. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: Ontario Heritage Act Planning Act APPROVED BY: Denise McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services Department ATTACHMENTS: None