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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-20-157 - 2020 Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2020 Annual Monitoring ReportREPORT TO:Community & Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: November 2, 2020 SUBMITTED BY:Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services 519- 741-2200 ext. 7646 PREPARED BY:Tim Donegani, Senior Planner 519-741-2200 ext. 7067 Sarah Coutu, Planner(Policy)519-741-2200 ext. 7592 WARD(S) INVOLVED:ALL DATE OF REPORT:October 8, 2020 REPORT NO.: DSD-20-157 SUBJECT:Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2020Annual Monitoring Report RECOMMENDATION: THAT Report DSD-20-157Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2020Annual Monitoring Report be submitted to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in fulfillment of Clause 22.1 of the Administrative Agreement between the City of Kitchener and the Region regarding delegated approval authority. BACKGROUND: The purpose of this report is to provide Committee and Council with the Kitchener Growth Management Strategy 2020Annual Monitoring Report (Monitoring Report). The Monitoring Report is an action item of the 2009 Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS), which requirestracking of the general supply of land and the achievement of intensification and density targets on an annual basis. REPORT: In 2009 Kitchener approved its Growth Management Strategy (KGMS). The KGMS goals and actions support the Province’s 2006 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Growth Plan) and Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS). The KGMS provides a long-term framework for planning where and how future residential and employment growth should occur in Kitchener. To ensure thatgrowth contributes positively to our quality of life, the KGMS coordinates the provision of infrastructure and services with new development. The KGMS introduced a number ofgoals, one of which was to develop and facilitate an ongoing growth management program to manage growth-related change in an effective and co-ordinated manner (Goal 6). One of the action items of this goal is to prepare an annual monitoring report *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 1 - 1 to track the supply of development opportunities and the achievement of intensification and density targets. Monitoring reports have been prepared annually since 2010. The 2020Monitoring Report (Appendix A) provides a summary and assessment of growth with the Built-up Area (intensification areas) and Designated Greenfield Area of the city over the past year (June 2019 to June 2020). Highlights of the 2020Monitoring Report Include: Residential Development Rates in 2019 The number of new dwelling units created in 2019 (3,672) increased significantly from 2018 (1,302). This is the highest year for new units created through buildings permits in the last 30 years. 75% of the new residential units were in the form of multiple dwellings. Urban Growth Centre (UGC) Density The estimated density of the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) is185 residents and jobs per hectare. Kitchener continues to be well on its way to achieving the Official Plan target of 225 residents and jobs per hectare by 2031. Built Up Area and DesignatedGreenfield Area Development (June 2019 and June 2020) The intensification level over the past year (new residential construction that occurs within the Built-up Area) is 75%. This is the highest level achieved in the 10 years of monitoring. Over the next several years, it is expected that the intensification level will decrease as lands within Kitchener’s Designated Greenfield Area (i.e. newer subdivision areas) build out. The City’s 5-year average intensification level is 51%, which exceeds the Region of Waterloo’s minimum target of 45%; Building permits issued for new residential units between June 2019 and June 2020within the Designated Greenfield Area continue to provide a varied and balanced supply of dwelling types. The number of multiple dwelling permits issued in the Built-Up Area far exceed those that that were issues within the Designated Greenfield Area. Capacity for Growth The City continues to have the potentialto accommodate its current allocated population and employment growth within its urban area. Future of City’s Growth Management Program All ofthe goals and action items of the KGMS have now been completed. It is anticipated that the City’s growth management program, including the strategy, framework and dynamic tracking and monitoring system, will be updated in future years to reflect: recent changes to provincial legislation; updates to the Region’s Official Plan following the completion of their Official Plan Review currently underway; and, subsequently the City’s Official Plan review which will follow. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: Commitment to Accountability:measuringand reporting. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There are no new or additional capital budget requests with this recommendation. 1 - 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting.In addition, monitoring report information was discussed with the Waterloo Region Home Builders Liaison Committee onOctober 16, 2020. CONCLUSION: The 2020MonitoringReport demonstrates that Kitchener continues to be well positioned to accommodate growth and achieve identified targets. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman - General Manager, Development Services Appendix A – Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) Annual Monitoring Report 2020 1 - 3 Appendix A KitchenerGrowth Management Strategy 2020Annual Monitoring Report November 2, 2020 RE: DSD-20-157 1 - 4 Executive Summary In 2009 Kitchener approved its Growth Management Strategy (KGMS). Kitchener is expected to accommodate a relatively significant amount of residential and employment growth by 2031, as forecast by the Provincial growth plan.The City is also mandated by the Province to achieve certain numerical targets and other planning objectives. Kitchener is on the leading edge with respect to its ability to track and monitor specific growth data in a dynamic manner. A snapshot of the data is contained within this report. All of the goals and action items of the KGMS have now beencompletedandthe results of the 2020 growth management data continue to be encouraging. The number of residents and jobs per hectare (RJs/ha) in the Urban Growth Centre (Downtown) is 185 RJs/ha and is trending towardsachieving the provincially mandatedtarget of 200 RJs/ha by 2031, which was further established in the City’s Official Plan, at a minimum target of 225 RJs/ha by 2031. The City’s current intensification level of 75% and 5-year average intensification level of 51% within its Built-up Area exceeds the regional intensification target (45%). In 2019, building permits were issued for a total of 3,672 new residential units. This represents a 182% increase from 2018 and is the highest year for new units created through buildings permits in the last 30 years. 75% of new residential units developed were in the form of multiple dwellings. It is anticipated that the City’s growth management program, including the strategy, framework and dynamic tracking and monitoring system, will be updated in future years to reflect: recent changes to provincial legislation; updates to the Region’s Official Plan following the completion of their Official Plan Review currently underway; and, subsequently the City’s Official Plan review which will follow. 1 - 5 1.Introduction In 2009, Kitchener approved its Growth Management Strategy (KGMS). The KGMS provides a framework for planning where and how future residential and employment growth can be accommodated in Kitchener while positively contributing to the City’squality of life. The goals and actions outlined in the KGMS support the provincial Places to Grow Growth Plan for the Greater Horseshoe (2006 Growth Plan) and the Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS). The KGMS introduced an ongoing growth management program to manage growth-related change in an effective and coordinated manner (Goal 6). One of the action items of this goal is to prepare an Annual Growth Management Monitoring Report to track the supply of development opportunities, the achievement of intensification and density targets. Monitoring Reports have been preparedand presented to Council and the development industryannually since 2010. The Monitoring report provides an update on the progress of implementing the KGMS action items along with provincial and regional growth plans. The primary purpose of the Monitoring Report is to update data from the KGMS Background Study: Current Baseline Report (Parts 6-9) annually. It presents a summary of recent residential development rates and updates the potential capacity to accommodate growth bothwithin the Built-up Area(intensification areas) and in the Designated Greenfield Area. The original data from the KGMS Background Study wasas of June 16, 2008 (with some of the existing residential data at the time coming from the 2006Census). The monitoring report also provides a summary of development applications that have been received and those that have been approvedin 2019. This monitoring report captures a snapshot of all data (with the exception of Sections 2 and3) as ofJune 16, 2020(the anniversary date of the 2006 Growth Plan). 1 - 6 2.Delegated Approval Authority Summary for 2019 This section provides a summary of the number of plans of subdivision, plans of condominium, part-lot control applications, and consent applications received and the number and type of dwelling units (herein after referred to as units) approvedthrough these applications in 2019. Reporting on those approvalsis a requirement of an agreement between the City of Kitchener and the Region of Waterloo regarding delegated approval authority.Figure 1 includesthe number of applications received, approved and registered in 2019. Figure 1: 2019 Development Applications Received, Approved and Registered Combination of Combination of Multiple Residential, Application # of Singles, Semis or Cluster Townhouse TypeApplicationsStreet Fronting Units, Commercial and Townhouse UnitsMixed Use Developments Received Applications Subdivision102,818 Condominium10114422 Part Lot Control 7 Consents80 Total981143,240 Approved Lots/Units Subdivision000 Condominium25812 Part Lot Control 61220 Consents803524 Total 8821536 Registered Lots/Units Subdivision7587746 Condominium110632 Total 185871,378 1 - 7 - 7* 708071 536632122 Total 2,8181,333 -- 1236 /CT 746422632 2019 2,818 Multiple 7* 80 --- 5835 587114122 SST and registered 9 1866 13* 680688389655136 Total 2,635 approved - 4 75 CT 729171594389641 2018 Multiple/ 66 13* - 9 94141461 509 SST 1,906 - 32 19*33* 284283603695532371 Total Dwelling 7 nsent applications received, -- - 6 CT 222583675526 201 Multiple/ 19*33* - 6 62202023 283371 SST 24 25*48* 142449633384673924145 Total Multiple, Cluster Townhouse 6 – 85 CT 5** 124186615 232384897 201 Multiple/ 25*48* - 1858276027 263401 SST 4020 20*62* 160186660554498 Total 3,505 5 - 4 4** /CT 108660554470 Subdivision, Condominium, Part Lot Control, and Consent Applications Received, Approved and Registered201 1,190 Multiple 20*62* 2019 - - - 5 52284020 182 SST 2,315 . 2019 to 4 Figure 2: 201 visions Single, Semi, Street Townhouse Dwelling; Multiple/CT – Consents Subdi Condominiums Part Lot Control Figure 2 compares the number of subdivision, condominium, part lot control, and cofrom 201 ReceivedDraft ApprovedRegisteredReceivedDraft ApprovedRegisteredReceivedApprovedReceivedApprovedSST *Total number of applications received**Total number of multiple blocks approved 1 - 8 3.Residential Development Rates This section provides an overview ofpast development rates in the City through the examination of building permits fornew residential units by dwelling type. Figure 3: Residential Development Rates New Residential Dwelling Units Created Through Building Permit* 5-year 10-year 20-year AverageAverageAverage Dwelling Type20182019(2015-2019)(2010-2019)(2000-2019) Single Detached*298342483593636 Semi-Detached*3033265550 Duplex**1462121207562 Townhouses216340296311302 Multiple Dwellings***6122,7451,169659578 Total New Units1,3023,6722,0941,6931,627 *Gross new units (conversion/additions included, demolitions not subtracted) **Includes additions that create new units ***Includes additions that create new units and stacked townhouses In 2019, building permits were issued for a total of 3,672new residential units. This is a significant increase compared to 2018. This is the highest year for new units created through building permits in the last 30 years. The second highest year was in 1987 with 2,684 units. 75% of new residential units developed in 2019 were in the form of multiple dwellings.During the first six months of 2020the City issued building permits for 732new residential units. 1 - 9 4.Intensification Level The Region of Waterloo’s Official Plan requires the achievement of a region-wide target of a minimum of 45% of all new residential development to be located within the Built-up Area (BUA). The map below illustrates the location of Kitchener’s BUA, Designated Greenfield Area (DGA), built boundary line (the limits of the City’s developed urban area as established by the Province in 2006). It shows the location of new units created within these areasbetween June 16, 2019and June 15, 2020. 1 - 10 Achieving the minimum intensification level of 45% could be a challenge for some municipalities that still have a significantamount of Designated Greenfield Area (DGA)lands available and limited intensification opportunities. The most recent measures of new residential units by type in the BUAand DGA are indicated in Figure 4 below. Figure 4: Intensification and Designated Greenfield Area Development Levels (June 16/19-June 15/20) Designated Greenfield Area Built-Up Area Dwelling Type(New Residential Units)(New Residential Units)Total Single Detached43120451 Semi-Detached06060 Duplex38247285 Street Townhouses28442326 Cluster Townhouses606 Multiple Dwellings*1562,440 2,596 9152,8093,724 Total Percent of Total25%75%100% *Includes dwelling units within mixed use buildings The intensification level over the past year (new residential construction that occurs within the Built-up Area) is 75%. This is the highest level achieved in the 10 years of monitoringand continues to be an indication that the City remains positioned to both contribute towards, and in some years exceed, the intensification target. As we have seen in recent years, when there is a substantial number of multiple dwelling unitscreated in the Built-upArea, the City’s intensification level is higher. As the City’s new greenfield areas are opening up, it is expected that moving forward over the next few years Kitchener may not achieve as high an intensification level. 1 - 11 Figure5 illustrates the historic intensification levels, as per the Provincial Built Boundary Line. Figure 5: Intensification Level (2001 to present) 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 Intensification Level (%) 10 0 Year The City expects to see “spike” (i.e. 2013,2020) and “dip” (i.e. 2012) years with respect to the BUA intensification level as the timing of 2-3 multiple dwelling developments can affectthe reported rate in a given year for a municipality the size of Kitchener. This is particularlyevident for this reporting year, 2020, with 8 buildings permits issued for multiple dwelling developments exceeding 100 units. An average provides a better understanding, for monitoring purposes, of whether the City is on track to achieving the required intensification level. Figure 6 below illustrates the 5-yearaverage intensification levels from June 2005 to June 2020. Figure 6: 5 Year Average Intensification Levels Year5Year Average Intensification Level (%) June 2005 -June 201039 June 2010 -June 201548 June 2015 -June 202051 The 5-year average Intensification Level (June 2015 – June 2020) is now at 51% with the 10- year average (2010-2020) slightly lower at 48%. 1 - 12 5.Intensification Areas – Existing Measures and Additional Capacity for New Growth Existing Measures Figure 7 quantifies the existing number of dwelling units, residents, jobs and density measure (residents and jobs per hectare) for the currently identified Intensification Areaswithin the BUA. Figure 7: Existing Measures for Current Intensification Areas Non- Land Residential Residents Intensification AreaArea UnitsResidentsJobs Floor + Jobs/ha (Ha) Space (m2) Urban Growth Centre*1073,2405,735841,90114,052185 Primary Node1151,5122,723106,4983,49869 Mixed Use Nodes2944,0977,386289,5046,29043 Mixed Use Corridors1232,2654,276202,2936,76996 Neighbourhood Mixed 4616241010,6931,82652 Use Centres Comprehensive 27411938126,98229976 Development Areas Subtotal of 71211,68721,4681,577,87132,734 Intensification Areas Site Specific Intensification 1,2432,409726,8477,87354 Opportunities Grand Total12,93023,8772,304,71840,607 *UGC data is provided by the Region It is noted that the data sourcesfor reporting jobs within the Urban Growth Centre(UGC)has changed from last year. In previous years, the Region’s Workplace Count Surveythat is conducted every two years has been used and has been supplemented with more data provided by the City’sEconomic Development staff in the years that the Workplace Count Survey was not conducted. This year, the UGC data has been provided by the Region and has beencalculated using data from the 2016 Census and adjusted to include estimatedadditional employees based on non-residential floor spaceconstructed since the Census. The estimated density of the UGC is 185RJs/ha in 2020. It is noted that this number is lower than reported last year and this is due to the change in data sources. Additionally, at the time of writing this report, we do not have any information regarding the number of employeesin Kitchenerwho have lost their jobs due to novel coronavirus COVID-19.However, according to the Labour Force Survey released by Statistic Canada, we know that the number of people employed in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge Census Metropolitan Area has decreased by 17% since mid-year 2019.The degree to which COVID-19 will have long term implications on employment and residential development is currently unknown, but based on planning applications and permits in process, it is still estimated that approximately 2,450 units may be built and occupied in theUGC in thenext 2-5 years. 1 - 13 Capacity for New Growth Figure 8 explores the potential for accommodating new development within each of intensification areas based on the existing zoning only. Figure 8: Additional Capacity Measures for Current Intensification Areas 50% Scenario It is assumed that the intensification opportunities may have a capacity of, on average, up to 50% of their maximum zoned capacity during the planning horizon Non- Residential Floor Residents + Intensification AreasArea (Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m2)JobsJobs/ha Urban Growth Centre1071,9113,413237,0129,632121 Primary Node11544691001,17622 Mixed Use Nodes2944,1198,291360,9498,64764 Mixed Use Corridors1236,50512,061443,54613,261182 Neighbourhood Mixed Use 466812322,1792357 Centres Comprehensive 277871,7052,19927333 Development Areas Subtotal of Intensification 71213,83526,5031,065,88633,224 Areas Site Specific Intensification 2,3844,263231,8334,50941 Opportunities Grand Total16,21930,7661,297,71937,733 *Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building floor space). Buildings and sites within the Urban Growth Centre and the City’s other Intensification Areas are well positioned with existing land use, density, design approvals and amenities in place which can help the existing capacity to grow in these areas. New development applications and updates to the zoning in these areas as a result of the Comprehensive Review ofthe Zoning By-law (CRoZBy), Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS), and neighbourhood specific planning reviewswill continue to refine the planning framework and add to the capacity to accommodate growth in these areas. 1 - 14 Figure 9 provides an account of the total number of dwelling units, residents, non-residential floor space and jobs that could result at build-out of the Intensification Areas. Figure 9: Total Measures (Existing + Additional Capacity) forCurrent Intensification Areas Non- Residentia Intensification Area l Floor Residents Areas(Ha)UnitsResidentsSpace(m2)Jobs+ Jobs/ha Urban Growth Centre1075,1519,1481,079,37323,684306 Primary Node1151,9583,63304,67490 Mixed Use Nodes2948,13815,537575,20314,814106 Mixed Use Corridors1238,77016,336645,83920,030278 Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres4623053232,8722,06058 Comprehensive Development Areas271,1982,643129,181572109 Subtotal of Intensification Areas71225,44447,8292,568,96765,835 Site Specific Intensification Opportunities3,6276,672958,68012,38295 Grand Total29,07154,5013,527,64778,217 Given the additional opportunitiesfor redevelopment, based on existing zoning, there is capacity and potential to achieve higher densities within Kitchener’s Intensification Areas. 1 - 15 6.Estimated Land Supply The estimated land supply for Kitchener is a total of the potential capacity within the BUAand the DGA. As development moves from raw land through the development approvals stage and eventually to construction, the land supply estimates become more accurate. 6.1Potential Built-up Area Supply TheBuilt-up Arealand supply includes lands within the Built Boundary Line that are within intensification areas, are site specific intensification opportunities, include a minor intensification factor within existing communities (community interiors) and the potential supply from registered, draft approved and in-circulation subdivisions. Figure 10: Estimated Built-up Area Supply (capacity of intensification lands inside the Built Boundary) Non-Res. Intensification AreaUnitsResidentsJobs Space (m²)* Urban Growth Centre 1,9113,413237,0129,632 Primary Node 44691001,176 Mixed Use Nodes** 4,1198,291360,9498,647 Mixed Use Corridors 6,50512,061443,54613,261 Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres 6812322,179235 Comprehensive Development Areas 7871,7052,199273 Subtotal of Intensification Areas13,83526,5031,065,88633,224 Site Specific Intensification Opportunities2,3844,263231,8334,509 Total Potential Supply of Current 16,21930,7661,297,71937,733 Intensification Areas Community Interiors5501,399038 Registered (Vacant Land Inventory) 322679215,6883,225 Draft Approved13336500 In Circulation0000 Other Designated0000 Subtotal1,0052,443215,6883,263 Total Potential Supply (Current Zoning)17,22433,2091,513,40740,996 *Some data reported utilizes MPAC data which has limitations (i.e. non-residential building floor space). **Does not include Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node which is in the Designated Greenfield Area. Figure 10 illustrates that the City’s current estimated Built-up Area land supply includes a potential capacity of approximately 17,000dwelling units and 1.5 millionsquare metres of non- residential floor space. 1 - 16 6.2Potential Designated Greenfield Area Supply The potential Designated Greenfield Area (DGA)land supplyincludes all lands outside the Built Boundary Line that are designated for development in the City’s Official Plan. The estimates will become more refined as land parcels within this area move through the development approval process. The dwelling unit numbers are primarily based on maximumsfor blocks of land that have a range of units. Similar to Figure 10,the DGAland supply includes intensification areas, site specific intensification opportunities, lands which have been designated in the Official Plan but do not currently have development applications (e.g. portions of the Rosenberg Community) and the potential supply from registered, draft approved and in-circulation subdivisions. Figure 11: Estimated Designated Greenfield Area Supply (lands outside the Built Boundary) Non-Res. Floor 2 Greenfield LocationUnitsResidentsSpace (m)Jobs 24043057,1001,180 Intensification Areas* Site Specific Intensification Opportunities0044,566378 Other Designated Lands**5,78013,180112,9546,016 Registered (Vacant Land Inventory)2,7327,29283,5101,459 Draft Approved8,22619,456126126 In Circulation4,96112,34267,890461 Total***21,93952,699366,1459,621 *Includes Lackner/Fairway Mixed Use Node (outside Built Boundary Line) ** Using 55 residents+jobs/hectare assumption. Lands are net Provincial constraints only. No Hidden Valley Community included. Includes Rosenberg lands without a development application, based on densities in the Rosenberg Secondary Plan. ***Does not include any additional lands added in the Region Official Plan and City Official Plan to the City Urban Area. Once the land use designations are considered, the DGA supply estimates will be updated. Figure 11 illustrates that the City’s current estimated Designated Greenfield Area land supply includes a potential capacity of approximately 22,000residential units and 366,000square metres of non-residential floor space. 1 - 17 6.3Estimated Total Supply When combined, the potential land supply of both the BUA and DGAprovidesa total estimate for residential and employment land in Kitchener. Figure 12: Estimated Total Supply: Built-up Area and Designated Greenfield Area Non-Res. Space LocationUnitsResidentsJobs (m²) Built-up Area (BUA)17,22433,2091,513,40740,996 Designated Greenfield 21,93952,699366,1459,621 Area (DGA) Total 39,16385,9081,879,55250,617 The timing of development from the estimated supply of units is influenced by many factors including infrastructure timing, landownerpriorities and market forces. As previously discussed throughout this report, the estimated land supply for Kitchener is based on existing lands within the City’s urban area as per the 1994 Official Plan and zoning at the time of the preparation of the KGMS in 2009. It is not based on updatestozoningthat have recently come into effect throughtheComprehensiveReviewoftheZoningBylaw (CRoZBy). Further, it does not include any additional lands added in the Region’s Official Planand City’s Official Planto the City’s urban area (within the DGA) nor does it include the intensification areas withinthe Built-upArea as outlined in the City’s new Official Plan.It is anticipated that the City’s growth management program, including the strategy, framework and dynamic tracking and monitoring system, will be updated in future years to reflect: recent changes to provincial legislation; updates to the Region’s Official Plan following the completion of their Official Plan Review currently underway; and, subsequently the City’s Official Plan review which will follow. 7.Current Capacity for Growth This section compares the current population and employment capacity with the population and employment allocations provided by the Region of Waterloo. Figure 13: Population Allocation vs. Estimated Capacity PopulationEmployment Existing262,000 *91,000* Capacity88,19457,268 Total350,194148,268 2031 Growth Allocation 319,500132,500 Difference30,69415,768 *Unofficial interim population estimate as of mid-year 2020, Region Kitchener’s 2020mid-year population estimated by the Region is now 262,000approximately 4,000more people than reported mid-year 2019. Figure 13 shows that the City has an existing supply/capacity of developable land within the BUA and DGA that can accommodate more residents and jobs than the 2031population and employment allocation from the Region. 1 - 18 8.A Placeto Grow Implementation On May 16,2019 a new Growth Plan(A Place to Grow)came into effect which, among other things, provides for revisedintensification levels and densitytargets.The new targets will come into effect upon completion of the Regional Official Plan review, currently underway. It is expected that theCity’s growth management strategy and framework as well as the annual monitoring report may be revisedfollowing the Region’sOfficial Plan Review and subsequently the City’s Official Plan review. Growth Forecasts In response to previousProvincial growth forecasts (and Regional allocation thereof), the City developed background information in support of the KGMS that analyzesthe growth capacity of various areas of the city. As indicated in Section 7.0, Kitchener has the capacity to accommodate the allocated growth into appropriate areas. The Province continues to update long-term growth forecast scenarios for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. These forecasts are required to be included within the Region’s Official Plan and the allocations ofthese forecasts within local Official Plans. At such time as the Region of Waterloo amendstheir Plan to identify any different/further allocation of the forecasts for Kitchener, an update to the growth management assessment and the Kitchener Official Plan may be required. Urban Growth Centre The 2006 Growth Plan required that our Urban Growth Centre be planned to achieve a minimum of 200 RJs/ha by 2031. The City’s Official Plan setthis target at 225 RJs/ha by 2031. The present density is 185RJs/ha. With additional intensification projects currently happening or proposed in the UGC, the city is well positioned to meet and exceed these targetsbefore 2031. Intensification The 2006 Growth Plan required that 40% of residential development be directed to the BUA by 2015. Thetarget within the Regional Official Planis a minimum of 45% of all new residential development to be located within the BUA. The 2019Growth Plan has a higher intensification level targetanddetermining how to implement the target in our region is being considered as part of the Region’s Official Plan Review.To monitor new development, the City has a dynamic system that tracks building permit issuance for new residential units inside and outside the Built Boundary Line. The most recent intensification level over a one-year period was75% while the five-year average intensification level is now at51%. As indicated in Section 4.0, a multi-year average provides a better understanding, for monitoring purposes, of whether the City is on track to achieving the required intensification level. Designated Greenfield Area Densities TheGrowth Planmandates that future development within the Designated Greenfield Area should achieve specific, transit-supportive density targets. Based on the 2006 Growth Plan, to contribute to meeting the Region’sminimum density target of 50 residents and jobs combined per hectare for the entire Designated Greenfield Area shown in the Regional Official Plan, Kitchener’s targetis 55 residents and jobs per hectare in residential subdivisions. Kitchener is well positioned to meet this target. There are several plans of subdivision that are in areas served, or to be served, by transit that meet or exceed the overall target. The Kitchener Growth Management Plan (KGMP) provides a tool for identifying and tracking the Designated Greenfield Area density. 1 - 19 Planning Principles Planning a city is not just about achieving certain numerical targets. The majority of the Growth Plan includes policy direction to achieve healthy and complete communities. Kitchener has long been a leader in promoting walkable, transit-supportive development. Kitchener’s efforts to continue to revitalize the Urban Growth Centre, clean up brownfield sites and achieve mixed use developments that are pedestrian-oriented are significant. The City isfurther striving to enhance the linkages between land use planning and other community considerations such as transportation options, community infrastructure, social dynamics, economics and environmental conservation. Ultimately, the goal is to help achieve a higher quality of life in a complete and healthy community. 9.Regional Growth Management Strategy Implementation The goals outlined in the Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS), are largely reflected in the goals of the KGMS. 10.Kitchener Growth Management Strategy Implementation The KGMS encompasses six goals that facilitate managing growth and development within the City of Kitchener. These goals support the RGMS and have been adapted to the City of Kitchener context. All ofthe objectives, initiatives and recommendations of the KGMS have now been completed in the past 11years, with the most recent achieved in the delivery of the new urban design manual in September 2019. 11.Kitchener Growth Management Plan The Kitchener Growth Management Plan (KGMP) is an evolution of the former Staging of Development program and is used as a tool to assist with the implementation of the KGMS. The KGMP establishes priority levels for development and infrastructure projects for each growth area within the City. It includes the prioritization and allocation of resources towards completing initiatives that are required to move lands from the draft approval stage to registration, construction and developing complete communities. The current KGMP (2019-2021+) was adopted by City Council in November 2019. The next KGMP for 2021-2023+ will be considered by Committee of Council in Fall 2021. 1 - 20