HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2026-03-02Council Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026, 4:00 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 P. Singh
Councillor B. loannidis
Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor D. Chapman
Councillor S. Stretch
Absent: Councillor A. Owodunni
Staff: J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
J. Miller, Acting General Manager, Community Services
Department
D. Resendes, Acting General Manager, Corporate Services
L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
M. Mills, Committee Coordinator
1. COMMENCEMENT
The meeting began at 4:05 p.m. with a Land Acknowledgement given by the
Mayor and the singing of "O Canada."
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1.1 Ramadan Observance - Evening of February 17, 2026 — March 19, 2026
Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged the beginning of Ramadan, which was
observed February 17, 2026 to March 19, 2026, and extended warm wishes to all
who are observing.
1.2 International Women's Day - March 8, 2026
On behalf of Council, Mayor B. Vrbanovic addressed Councillors M. Johnston, S.
Stretch, C. Michaud, and D. Chapman, acknowledging International Women's
Day, which was being celebrated on March 8, 2026, noting this years theme is
"Give to Gain".
2. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
On motion by Councilor S. Davey the minutes of the regular meeting held
February 2, 2026, and special meetings held February 2, 6, and 9, 2026 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 / Illumination Request under Policy MUN-FAC-442
4.1.a Illumination -Dominican Republic Independence Day -February 27, 2026
4.1.b Flag - Dominican Republic Independence Day - March 1, 2026
4.1.c Flag - Irish Real Life Festival - March 7 - 17, 2026
4.1.d Illumination - World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) - May 3, 2026
4.1.e Illumination - Environmental Sensitivities/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
(ES/MCS) Awareness Month - May 12, 2026
4.1.f Illumination - Global Porphyria Day - May 18, 2026
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians, City of Kitchener,
Employer of the Year
Rosa Bustamante, Director, Planning and Housing Policy/City Planner, shared
that the City of Kitchener was recognized by the Canadian Association of
Certified Planning Technicians, as Employer of the Year for 2025. Esther Cubitt,
Executive Director, Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians,
commended City Staff for their outstanding customer service and being
recognized for the achievement.
5.2 WR Community Energy Report - Energy Security
Matthew Day, representing WR Community Energy (WRCE), addressed Council
regarding the ongoing work of WRCE in partnership with area municipalities to
strengthen local energy security. He emphasized the importance of ensuring
reliable access to affordable, sustainable energy that is resilient to global
disruptions.
Mr. Day noted that the Waterloo Region currently imports 99% of its energy,
resulting in approximately $1.7 billion leaving the community each year for
energy not produced locally and for infrastructure not under local control. He
further advised that WRCE is supporting the Region in identifying opportunities to
retain a portion of this investment within the community, which would help
strengthen the local economy, create jobs, and enhance long- term resiliency. M.
Day and Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Department,
then responded to questions from Council.
6. DELEGATIONS
6.1 None.
7. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
7.1 HERITAGE KITCHENER - FEBRUARY 3, 2026
Moved by Councillor C. Michaud
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the report of Heritage Kitchener, dated February 3, 2026, listed as
items 7.1.a to 7.1.b on the agenda this date, be adopted."
Carried
7.1.a Heritage Permit Application, HPA-2026-V-001 - 41 Michael Street, DSD -2026-021
"That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit
Application HPA-2026-V-001 to permit the demolition of a detached
garage and the construction of a detached garage at the property
municipally addressed as 41 Michael Street be approved, as outlined in
Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-021, in accordance
with the supplementary information submitted with this application and
subject to the following condition:
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1. That final building permit drawings be reviewed and heritage clearance
provided by Heritage Planning staff prior to the issuance of a building
permit."
Carried
7.1.b Municipal Heritage Register Review Update - February 2026, DSD -2026-044
"That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural
heritage value or interest be recognized, and designation be pursued for
the following properties, as outlined in Development Services Department
report, DSD -2026-044:
o 20 Linden Avenue
o 305 King Street West"
Carried
7.2 FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE - FEBRUARY 9, 2026
"That the report of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, dated
February 9, 2026, listed as items 7.2.a to 7.2.c on the agenda this date,
be adopted."
7.2.a 2026 Neighbourhood Association Affiliation, CSD -2026-060
"That the list of proposed Neighbourhood Associations, as attached to the
Community Services Department report CSD -2026-060, be approved for
affiliation for the year 2026 and added to the City's third -party liability
insurance program."
Carried
7.2.b Municipal By-law Contract for Police Dispatch System, CSD -2026-047
"That Council support entering into a formal agreement with the Waterloo
Regional Police Services (WRPS), the City of Waterloo, the City of
Cambridge, and the Town of North Dumfries for the provision of dispatch
services for Municipal Bylaw Enforcement provided the Cities of Waterloo
and Cambridge are participating in the program as outlined in Community
Services Department report CSD -2026-047; and,
That Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute said agreement for
the provision of dispatch services; said agreement to be to the satisfaction
of the City Solicitor; and further;
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That staff be directed to issue a letter to the Waterloo Region Police
Services and the Waterloo Regional Police Service Board to request
collaboration with City of Kitchener Staff on matters affecting city
services."
Carried
7.3 PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated
February 9, 2026, listed as item 7.3.a on the agenda this date, be
adopted."
Carried
7.3.a Annual Zoning By-law Update 2026, DSD -2026-039
"That City initiated amendment ZBA25/029/COK/SH (Annual Zoning By-
law Update) to Zoning By-law 85-1, be approved in the form shown in the
`Proposed By-law' attached to Report DSD -2026-039 as Appendix "A";
and
That City initiated amendment ZBA25/029/COK/SH (Annual Zoning By-law
Update) to Zoning By-law 2019-051, be approved in the form shown in the
`Proposed By-law' attached to Report DSD -2026-039 as Appendix "B" with
the following amendment:
That paragraph 45 be replaced in its entirety with the following:
Section 7.3, Table 7-4, Additional Regulation (8) of By-law 2019-051
is amended by adding the portions of the below text that are
highlighted in grey, deleting the portions of the below text with
a strikethrough as follows:
"(8)Despite the minimum interior side yard setback, for any portion of a
wall located on beside an interior side lot line yard having a common -
wall common wall, but not forming part of a common -wall common wall,
the minimum interior side yard setback from such interior side lot
line shall be:
a) 1.2 meters; or
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b) 0 meters when there is a 1.5 meter maintenance easement over
the abutting property for the maintenance of walls, eaves, and real
property; and further,
That pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O., c. P.13, as
amended further notice is not required to be given in respect to Zoning By-
law Amendment ZBA25/029/COK/SH. "
Carried
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NIL
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1 - MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC
Mayor B. Vrbanovic provided Council with an update on the Region of Waterloo's
water supply shortage issue, which was first raised earlier this year. He noted
that the City of Kitchener has activated its Incident Management Plan to explore
additional solutions and support the Region's efforts. Justin Readman, General
Manager of Development Services, and Denise McGoldrick, General Manager of
Infrastructure Services, were also present to respond to questions related to
development approval applications.
Council engaged in further discussion on the matter. Members suggested that
the Mayor consider convening an All- Council meeting with representatives from
all Regional municipalities to ensure consistent communication and shared
understanding of the water supply challenges. Questions were raised regarding
the development approvals framework, including concerns about approval
timelines, the timing of construction, and how these factors may affect water
capacity.
Additional comments focused on water conservation measures. Council
discussed the potential need to review policies related to private swimming pools,
enhance public education efforts, and explore whether the rain barrel program
could be reinstated or expanded in the near future. Members also noted that
some businesses with high water consumption may be disproportionately
affected and suggested that staff consider potential business supports as part of
the City's response. Ms. McGoldrick confirmed that the Incident Management
Plan includes applying an economic development lens to assess such impacts.
Finally, Council emphasized the importance of the Region of Waterloo continuing
to communicate updates on the water supply issue in a transparent and timely
manner.
n.
9.2 Notice of Motion - S. Stretch - Cold Water Ice Making Pilot
Councillor S. Stretch brought forward a Notice of Motion related to cold water ice
making, which was seconded by Councillor S. Davey. Councillor Stretch shared a
video produced by the City explaining the ice making process, noting the goal of
her motion was to see whether the program could be scaled through the next
budget process, to include it at additional arenas.
Moved by Councillor S. Stretch
Seconded by Councillor S. Davey
"WHEREAS the City of Kitchener's cold water ice making pilot at
Sportsworld Arena demonstrated measurable environmental and financial
benefits, including a reduction in energy usage, CO2 emissions and
operational costs, and;
WHEREAS these environmental, financial and operating improvements
were achieved while maintaining a good quality of ice and a positive user
experience, and;
WHEREAS the City has expanded the cold water ice making program to
Activa Sportsplex and Lions Arena;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to prepare an
issue paper as part of the 2027 budget process that evaluates the
potential to expand this program to Grand River Arena, Don McLaren
Arena and the Kinsmen and Kiwanis ice pads at The Memorial
Auditorium."
Carried
10. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Questions were raised related to the potholes and the approach that the City
undertakes to address repairs; as well as the communication plan related to
them. D. McGoldrick spoke to the repair process and road patrol program. In
response to further questions, D. McGoldrick noted staff could review whether
the by-law enforcement teams vehicles can also review road conditions to
increase that information. D. McGoldrick then responded to questions about
street maintenance prioritization.
Questions were also raised related to the new Region of Waterloo waste
management program. Jana Miller, Acting General Manager, Community
Services Department, advised staff have a robust communication plan related to
the roll out of this project, in hopes to help address the change. Jana Miller stated
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staff can review the City's communication plan to see what message can be
shared with City Council, to assist in responding to residents' questions or
complaints.
Further questions were raised on Kitchener 2051 - the City's New Official Plan.
Justin Readman responded to questions about the status of the report back.
11. STAFF REPORTS
11.1 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
11.1.a Pitch Kitchener -2025 Update, FIN -2026-100
Moved by Councillor S. Davey
Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault
"That Council receive this report for information on the progress of the
Pitch Kitchener program and the outcomes of the inaugural pilot round;
and,
That Council endorse the continuation of the Pitch Kitchener program as
an annual initiative, subject to confirmation of required annual funding;
and further,
That staff be directed to bring forward a funding request as part of the
2027 budget process to support future iterations of Pitch Kitchener."
Carried
12. BY-LAWS
At the request of D. Saunderson, Manager, Council and Committee Services and
Deputy 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
Moved by Councillor D. Chapman
Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston
"That the by-laws be given third reading, namely:
12.1.a Being a by-law to provide for the widening of Woolwich Street as a public
highway in the City of Kitchener.
(By-law 2026-019)
12,1,bTo farther amendBy-law No. 2010-1908 being a by-law to prohibit
unauthorized parking of motor vehicles on private property.
12.1.c To farther amendBy-law No. -171, being aby-law to designate private
roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon,
12,1,d To farther amendBy-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.e Being a by-law to amend By-law 85-1, as amended, known as the Zoning
By-law for the City of Kitchener —Annual Zoning By-law 2026.
12.1.f Being a by-law to amend By-law 2019-051, as emended, known as the
Zoning By-law for the City of Kitchener — 2025/2026 Annual ZoningBy-law
Update.
12..1.8 To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for Larch 2, 2026.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6;29 p.m.
...... .... �'_.Or
(By-law 2026-025)
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