HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-05-097 - Waterloo Reurbanization Market Analysis and Feasibility Study (2005)
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Development &
Technical Services
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Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Wards Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Development & Technical Services Committee
June 27, 2005
Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning
Terry Boutilier, Senior Planner
All - City Wide
May 30,2005
DTS-05-097
Waterloo Reurbanization Market Analysis
and Feasibility Study (2005),
Metropolitan Knowledge International
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That the Final Report of the "Waterloo Reurbanization Market Analysis and Feasibility
Study': 2005, prepared by Metropolitan Knowledge International (MKI), be received for
information.
BACKGROUND:
In 2003, the Region of Waterloo, with the support of the City of Kitchener, adopted a revised
Growth Management Strategy (RGMS) to guide development over the next 40 years. The
Strategy involves the establishment of a "Countryside Line" on the periphery of the urban areas,
the development of a higher-order rapid transit system, and an emphasis on balancing future
growth between new greenfield expansion, and the presently serviced portions of municipalities.
To assist with the implementation of this new Strategy, the Municipal and Homebuilders Re-
Urbanization Working Group was formed in February, 2004. The intent of the Working Group is
to provide an open forum to exchange ideas, to discuss issues, and find workable solutions for
the successful implementation of the Strategy.
The Working Group agreed that a successful re-urbanization strategy requires a better
appreciation of the market preferences of the new 're-urbanization' customer. With this
information, the development industry would be better prepared to design and build new
residential and mixed commercial-residential projects. In the Fall of 2004, the Region, on behalf
of the Working Group, issued an RFP for a detailed Market Analysis with an upset limit of
$50,000. The Region contributed $20,000 for this Study, and each of the Region's three Cities
contributed $10,000. Kitchener City Council approved of our $10,000 contribution at its
meeting on October 25, 2004.
REPORT
Metropolitan Knowledge International (MKI) was selected in early January of 2005 to undertake
the assignment from a total of five (5) proposals. MKI, working closely with the Re-Urbanization
Working Group has now completed the Study.
The major results will be presented by Mr. Jeffrey Seider and Mr. Jeff Lehman to Kitchener's
Development & Technical Services Committee at its meeting on June 27th, 2005.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Kitchener's share in the cost of the Study was paid for in 2004 from the 2004 Capital
Contingency Account. There is no further anticipated expense.
CONCLUSION
The knowledge and insight gained through this Study is being shared with all members of the
home building and development community to assist with the design and construction of new
urban residential development.
Terry Boutilier, MCIP, RPP
Senior Planner, Special Projects
Jeff Willmer, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning