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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2026-03-23Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 2026, 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 P. Singh Councillor B. loannidis Councillor M. Johnston Councillor D. Chapman Councillor S. Stretch Absent: Councillor A. Owodunni Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services D. Resendes, Acting General Manager, Corporate Services L. MacDonald, City Solicitor G. Stevenson, Director, Development and Housing Approvals J. Dueck, Director, Arts & Entertainment 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." 1 1.1 International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21, 2026 Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged the International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognized on March 21, 2026. 2. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL On motion by Councillor S. Stretch the minutes of the regular meeting held March 2, 2026, and special meetings held March 2 and March 9, 2026, as mailed to the Mayor and Councillors, were accepted. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF Councillor J. Deneault declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor J. Deneault declared a conflict with regards to Potential Land Acquisition (Potential Land Acquisition Matter - Section 239 (2) (c)) on the Special Council - in -camera meeting earlier this date, due to a family members place of employment, and he did not participate in any voting or discussion on the matter.) 3.1 Councillor D. Chapman - Notice of Intention to Designate - 85 Strange Street, DSD -2026-087 Councillor D. Chapman declared a conflict with regards to Notice of Intention to Designate - 85 Strange Street, DSD -2026-087, on the agenda this date, as she lives within the vicinity, and did not participate in any voting or discussion on the matter. 3.2 Councillor D. Chapman - Notice of Intention to Designate - 99 Strange Street, DSD -2026-058 Councillor D. Chapman declared a conflict with regards to Notice of Intention to Designate - 99 Strange Street, DSD -2026-058, on the agenda this date, as she lives within the vicinity, and did not participate in any voting or discussion on the matter. 3.3 Councillor J. Deneault - Potential Land Acquisition (Potential Land Acquisition Matter - Section 239 (2) (c)) Councillor J. Deneault declared a conflict with regards to Potential Land Acquisition (Potential Land Acquisition Matter - Section 239 (2) (c)) on the Special Council - in -camera meeting earlier this date, due to a family members place of employment, and he did not participate in any voting or discussion on the matter. 4. COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE 4.1 Flag & Illumination Request under Policy MUN-FAC-442 4.1.a Flag - Eritrean Independence Day - May 21 - 27, 2026 4.1.b Illumination -World Drowning Prevention Day -July 25, 2026 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.1 Festival & Events Ontario (FEO) Awards Presentation - 2026 Municipality of the Year Mayor B. Vrbanovic, shared that the City of Kitchener's Special Events team was recognized by the Festival & Events Ontario (FEO) Awards Presentation, as 2026 Municipality of the Year. 6. DELEGATIONS 6.1 None. 7. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 7.1 HERITAGE KITCHENER - MARCH 03, 2026 Garett Stevenson, Director, Development & Housing Approvals, was in attendance and responded to questions from Council. Moved by Councillor C. Michaud Seconded by Councillor B. loannidis "That the report of Heritage Kitchener, dated March 3, 2026, listed as items 7.1.a to 7.1.g on the agenda this date, be adopted." Carried 7.1.a Notice of Intention to Demolish - 63 Courtland Avenue East, DSD -2026-077 "That, in accordance with Section 27(9) of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Notice of Intention to Demolish received on February 3, 2026, regarding a portion of Building 1 and the entirety of Building 2 and 3, as per the approved Heritage Impact Assessment, at the property municipally addressed as 63 Courtland Avenue East, be received as information and that the notice period run its course, as outlined Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-077." Carried 3 7.1.b Notice of Intention to Designate - 156 Benton Street, DSD -2026-084 "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 156 Benton Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-084." Carried 7.1.c Notice of Intention to Designate - 33 Ontario Street North, DSD -2026-086 "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 33 Ontario Street North as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-086." Carried 7.1.d Notice of Intention to Designate - 53 - 61 King Street East, DSD -2026-085 "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 53-61 King Street East as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-085." Carried 7.1.e Notice of Intention to Designate - 85 Strange Street, DSD -2026-087 Councillor D. Chapman declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor D. Chapman declared a conflict with regards to Notice of Intention to Designate - 85 Strange Street, DSD -2026-087, on the agenda this date, as she lives within the vicinity, and did not participate in any voting or discussion on the matter.) "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 85 Strange Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-087." Carried M 7.1.f Notice of Intention to Designate - 99 Strange Street, DSD -2026-058 Councillor D. Chapman declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor D. Chapman declared a conflict with regards to Notice of Intention to Designate - 99 Strange Street, DSD -2026-058, on the agenda this date, as she lives within the vicinity, and did not participate in any voting or discussion on the matter.) "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 99 Strange Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-058." Carried 7.1.g Municipal Heritage Register Review - March 2026 Update, DSD -2026-076 "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 -2026-076: o 265 Weber Street East o 141-149 Borden Avenue North o 55 King Street West" Carried 7.2 FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE - MARCH 9, 2026 Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor B. loannidis "That the report of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, dated March 9, 2026, listed as item 7.2.a on the agenda this date, be adopted." Carried 7.2.a 2026 Digital Kitchener Review - Final Report, COR -2026-102 "That the Digital Kitchener strategy be approved, attached as Appendix A to Corporate Services Department report COR -2026-102; and further, l That staff be directed to use the refreshed Digital Kitchener strategy to guide the City's approach to digital initiatives, priorities, and investments over the course of 2026-2030." Carried 7.3 COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE -MARCH 9, 2026 Michael May, General Manager, Community Services, then responded to questions from Council on item 7.3.e. Moved by Councillor D. Schnider Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston "That the report of the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee, dated March 9, 2026, listed as items 7.3.a to 7.3.e on the agenda this date, be adopted." Carried 7.3.a Uniform Traffic and Parking By-law Updates, DSD -2026-099 "That the School Bus Loading Zone previously established on Prospect Avenue be removed as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD -2026-099; and, That a School Bus Loading Zone be installed on the east (odd -numbered) side of Emerald Avenue from a point 11 m south of Prospect Avenue to a point 63m south thereof; and, That parking be prohibited on the north (even -numbered) side of St. Leger Street from Blucher Boulevard to a point 48m east thereof; and, That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly; and further, That the recommendation outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-099 noting that stopping (8:OOam — 4:30pm, Monday to Friday) be prohibited on the south (even -numbered) side of Patricia Avenue from Spadina Road West to a point 121 metres west thereof be deferred to the June 29, 2026 Council meeting to allow an opportunity for Staff to engage with neighbourhood residents, the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Parent Council of the J.F. Carmichael Public School regarding the proposed changes." Carried n. 7.3.b Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) Management Review Summary for 2025, INS -2026-042 "That the City of Kitchener Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS): Management Review Summary Report for 2025 be received for information as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS -2026-042." Carried 7.3.c Summary Water Report - 2025, INS -2026-041 "That the 2025 City of Kitchener Summary Drinking Water Report outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS -2026-041 be received for information as required by O.Reg. 170/03 Schedule 22 of the Safe Drinking Water Act ; and further, That the City of Kitchener provide a copy of the Summary Drinking Water Report to the Township of Woolwich and the City of Waterloo as required by Schedule 22 of O.Reg. 170/03." Carried 7.3.d City -Wide Active Transportation Route 2, DSD -2026-029 "That staff proceed with wayfinding of Route 2: Stanley Park — Downtown Kitchener — Uptown Waterloo as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD -2026-029; and, That Pedestrian Crossovers (PXO) Level 2, Type D be installed at: o Dom Cardillo Trail at Midland Road, o Spurline Trail at Wellington Street, o Spurline Trail at Louisa Street, o Spurline Trail at Guelph Street; and, That Neighbourhood Bikeways (shared -use) be installed on: o Burbank Road (Archer Place to Ada Street), o Nottingham Avenue (Lyndhurst Drive to Manchester Road), o Graber Place (Pathway to Dreger Avenue), 7 o Dreger Avenue (Graber Place to Franklin Street); and further, That the Uniform Traffic Bylaw be amended accordingly." Carried 7.3.e Municipal Newcomer Strategy, CSD -2026-030 "That Council approve the City of Kitchener's first-ever Municipal Newcomer strategy as attached to Community Services Department report CSD -2026-030 (Appendix A); and, That, as an immediate action from that strategy, Council approve annual funding for Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region in the amount of $25,000, to be funded through the City's General Expenses budget; and further, That all other financial implications of the Municipal Newcomer Strategy be referred to future budget processes." Carried 7.4 PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - MARCH 9, 2026 Moved by Councillor P. Singh Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman "That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated March 9, 2026, listed as items 7.4.a on the agenda this date, be adopted." Carried 7.4.a Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/028/B/ES, Blocks 1-3, Plan 58M- 672, Blair Creek Drive/Blair Valley Street, Activa Holdings Inc., DSD -2026-103 "That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA25/028/B/ES for Blocks 1-3, Plan 58M-672, Blair Creek Drive/Blair Valley Street, for Activa Holdings Inc. be approved in the form shown in the `Proposed By-law' and `Map No. 1' attached to Development Services Department report DSD - 2026 -103 as Attachments 'Al' and `A2,' as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2026-103." Carried 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NIL 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1 - MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC Mayor B. Vrbanovic provided an update on the ongoing water capacity constraint identified by the Region of Waterloo in late 2025. Mayor B. Vrbanovic noted that through collective efforts to stabilize the system and planning for future growth to address supply shortages over time and restoring a stable resilient system. Work on the Interim Risk Management Framework is underway and demand required for planned growth and the Region expects supply to be restored in 2027 to ensure the region can build a transparent path forward to growth. Activities undertaken by city staff towards financial models resulting from development delays and spinoff economic impacts were highlighted. Water conservation efforts required this spring and summer were noted. Members of Council then asked questions regarding infill applications for minor variances and a potential backlog deferrals could result, and received responses from Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services. Mayor B. Vrbanovic advised that several members of Council had an opportunity to tour the Cowan Recreation Centre recently and the incredible work underway to bring the project to completion on time and on budget and acknowledged the work being led by Michael May, General Manager, Community Services. 9.2 Notice of Motion - B. loannidis - Establishment of the Kitchener Legacy Walk, Public Art Program Councillor B. loannidis brought forward a Notice of Motion related to the establishment of the Kitchener Legacy Walk, Public Art Program, which was seconded by Councillor D. Schnider. Jeremy Dueck, Director, Arts and Entertainment Facilities then responded to questions from Council regarding alignment with Downtown Kitchener BIA artwalk in the downtown, the arts and creative industries action plan, future budget requirements through an issue paper, vision for the legacy walk, and inclusive criteria to include in the report back. Councillor P. Singh left and returned to the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Deneault left and returned to the meeting at this time. Moved by Councillor B. loannidis Seconded by Councillor D. Schnider 9 "WHEREAS the City of Kitchener is home to individuals whose achievements in arts, sports, entertainment, and other fields have earned international recognition; and WHEREAS celebrating these achievements through public art fosters civic pride, inspires future generations, strengthens community identity, and activates urban spaces; and WHEREAS the City of Kitchener's 175th anniversary in 2029 presents an opportunity to launch a civic legacy initiative of lasting public value; and WHEREAS the City's Public Art Policy supports initiatives that enhance placemaking and tourism; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 1. That the City of Kitchener consider establishing a Kitchener Legacy Walk project, part of a phased public art program featuring murals and installations along a curated pathway from Victoria Park to Centre In The Square, to honour Kitchener citizens with internationally recognized achievements. 2. That as part of future work of the Arts & Creative Industries Action Plan (2026-2030), City staff be directed to prepare a report for Council to consider a Kitchener Legacy Walk, outlining: a. Eligibility criteria and selection process for honourees (e.g., advisory committee); b. Possible locations of commemorations; c. Standard requirements for each location, such as property agreements, artist procurement process, and maintenance standards; d. Budget and funding model, including City allocations; e. Implementation timeline, including an inaugural launch aligned with the City's 175th anniversary in 2029 and a framework for adding murals over time; f. Communications and tourism strategy, including digital interpretation and wayfinding. 3. And further, that staff, in preparing a report, consider integration of future Legacy Walk honouree announcements with Kitchener Takes the Stage." 10 In Favour (10): 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, and Councillor S. Stretch Carried, unanimously on a recorded vote (10 to 0) 10. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS In response to questions from Council, Mayor B. Vrbanovic addressed the recent announcement from the Province regarding permits required to allow alcohol consumption at cultural festivals and events in city parks. 11. STAFF REPORTS 11.1 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 11.1.a 2026 Board of Directors for Enova Energy Corp and Enova Power Corp Appointments, COR -2026-112 Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston "That Councillor S. Stretch be appointed to the Enova Power Corp. board effective June 1, 2026 for a term not exceeding 1 -year, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report COR -2026-112; and, That Councillor J. Deneault & Councillor A. Owodunni be appointed to the Enova Energy Corporation board effective June 1, 2026 for a term not exceeding 1 -year; and further, That Rosa Lupo, Susan Taves and Don McKinnon be appointed to the Enova Energy Corporation as Independent Directors of Enova Energy Corporation to hold office for the terms and until the dates specified; o Rosa Lupo — 2 year term expiring at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2028 o Susan Taves — 3 year term expiring at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2029 o Don McKinnon — 3 year term expiring at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2029." Carried 11 11.1.b Dangerous Dog Designation Appeal - Harnum (Bruno), COR -2026-144 Moved by Councillor J. Deneault Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston "That the decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee regarding an appeal filed by D. Harnum wherein the Committee modified the Dangerous Dog Designation assigned to their dog `Bruno' by the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth and assigns the Potentially Dangerous Dog Designation, including modified conditions for the keeping of said dog, be ratified and confirmed, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report COR -2026-144." Carried 11.1.c Dangerous Dog Designation Appeal - Harnum (Allie), COR -2026-143 Moved by Councillor J. Deneault Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston "That the decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee regarding an appeal filed by D. Harnum, wherein the Committee rescinded the Dangerous Dog Designation applied to `Allie' by the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth, be ratified and confirmed, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report COR -2026-143." Carried 11.1.d Alternative Voting Method Agreement Execution Delegated Authority, COR -2026- 132 Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman "That the Clerk, or designate, contracts and/or agreements necessary, said documentation Solicitor." 11.2 FOR INFORMATION be authorized to execute the necessary to facilitate the municipal election, as to be to the satisfaction of the City 11.2.a Council Remuneration 2025, FIN -2026-059 Carried 12 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 Moved by Councillor D. Schnider Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston "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 2026-030) 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 2026-031) 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 2026-032) 12.1.d Being a by-law to designate the property municipally addressed as 160 Courtland Avenue East, in the City of Kitchener as being of historic and cultural heritage value or interest. (By-law 2026-033) 12.1.e 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 2026-034) 12.1.f Being a by-law to close the public highway known as Part of Patricia Street, Plan 706, in the City of Kitchener. (By-law 2026-035) 13 12.1.8 Being a try -law to exempt certain lots from Pert Lot Control — Black 264, Registered Plan 58M-724 — 995 Amand Drive. (By-law 2026-036) 12.1.11 Belong a 5y -I w to amend 6y -law 2019-051, as amended, known as the ZoningBy-law for the City of Kitchener — Activa Holdings Inc. --- Blacks 1-3, Flan 58M-672. 12.1.1 To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for March 23, 2026. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6;10 p.m. ............ Mayor C11erk.