Projects > Kitchener 2051 Official Plan Update

Kitchener 2051 Official Plan Update

Kitchener, Ontario 2024 - Present

Urban Strategies is currently working with the City of Kitchener as the Engagement Lead on their Official Plan Review, known as Kitchener 2051. The project will shape Kitchener’s fast-paced growth and respond to city-building challenges (e.g. housing, climate, inequity) as well as emerging opportunities (e.g. mobility technologies, workforce evolution, cultural diversity). The Engagement Program designed by Urban Strategies is rooted in the values of inclusive, equitable, respectful, meaningful, and responsive engagement, which looks to ensure the new Official Plan will be anchored in and shaped by the voices and experiences of the community. Partnering with SpruceLab, Urban Strategies is also helping to shape the Indigenous Engagement workstream, which is focused on meaningful relationship-building and consultation with the Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and local Indigenous organizations and community members.

Partnering with SpurceLab, Urban Strategies is also helping to shape the Indigenous Engagement workstream, which is focused on meaningful relationship-building with the Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and local Indigenous organizations and community members. The tactics used to-date have been wide-ranging – from a citywide Block Party to launch the event which engaged more than 1,200 people to monthly Community Working Group meetings and technical workshops with industry interest holders to collaborate on ideas, and pop-ups around the City to engage residents and community groups in more intimate conversations, as well as online surveys and engagement activities – with the aim to build broad awareness, community capacity, and trusting relationships, and go deep on big ideas and transformative actions for Kitchener’s future. Urban Strategies is also leading branding and providing communications support, with an eye on keeping messaging clear, compelling and relevant to Kitchener’s diverse communities.

photo of information panels from the Block Party event
Information panels from the Block Party event
6 large pieces of craft paper showcasing various paintings done by participants for the Thriving City Mural at the Block Party engagement event.
Photo of the Thriving City Mural at the Block Party
People kneeling and placing stickers on the How We Grow map at the Block Party engagement event, while other people stand around the map watching and discussing.
Block Party participants placing stickers on the How We Grow map
Two people playing (faces not shown) playing a board game activity at the Block Party engagement event.
Photo of the Block Party board game in action
Several people gathering around panels at the Thriving City station for the Block Party engagement event.
Block Party participants at the Thriving City station
Several people walking through the Block Party engagement event
Participants at the Block Party event
Upcycled materials from the Upcycled City activity at the Block Party engagement event. The table contains items like painted egg carton treys, boxes, and paper towel rolls.
Photo of the Upcycled City’s main street
Three panel boards from the A Connected City interactive display at the Block Party engagement event. One board showing information, one board filled with sticky notes and messaging from participants, and one board asking questions filled with different coloured stickers.
A Connected City interactive information panels on display at the Block Party – 174 comments were captured on the panel during the event
One person fixing a bike at the Red Raccoon Bike Rescue station at the Block Party engagement event. One person with a helmet waiting for bike to be fixed.
Participants getting their stamp books stamped at the Block Party
The illustration of 'A Caring City'
The illustration of ‘A Caring City’

Key Team Members

Emory Davidge's Headshot.

Emory Davidge

Senior Associate, Urban Planner, Engagement Practice Lead

Project Details

Client

City of Kitchener, Planning and Housing Policy Division

Consultant Team

SpruceLab

Land Use/Scale

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