Juanita’s recent post on residential intensification highlighted recent and ongoing intensification projects in our neighbourhood. More are underway. Given the intensification in employment in the area and the current scarcity of residential properties on the market, we are likely to see many more in the future in our neighbourhood.
Many of you may have attending meetings and provide comments during outreach efforts to develop the RIENS report. The final report and recommendations are now available and will be presented to the Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee on:
Monday, March 6th at 6:00 pm
City Hall Council Chambers
More information about RIENS found here: http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/riens.asp
Some of the recommendations address process. Under current guidelines, near neighbours might only learn about a new development after building plans have been approved. The report recommends that a notice sign be placed on the property when an application is under consideration. It also recommends that a pilot study requiring site plan approval (a more detailed planning review) be undertaken in select culturally significant neighbourhoods—and that could be ours, potentially.
Some of the recommendations address zoning changes—mostly focused on maintaining some uniformity of building heights, setback, and garage placement and style within a neighbourhood.
The report also recommends development of a citizen’s guide to navigate the new regulations. While there is a lot going on (so much that I myself missed participating in these consultations), it’s important that we stay engaged with this initiative.
Additional questions and discussion can be directed to:
Janine Oosterveld, MCIP, RPP
Manager of Site Development & Customer Service | Planning Division | City of Kitchener
519-741- 2200 ext. 7076 | TTY 1-866- 969-9994 | janine.oosterveld@kitchener.ca
Your Midtown KW Neighbourhood 