The Corporation of the City of Kitchener - Approval to amend a municipality’s official plan

On January 6, 2025, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received for a decision the City of Kitchener's Official Plan Amendment 58 (OPA 58), which was adopted by City Council on September 30, 2024, by By- law 2024-166.

The More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) made changes that removed statutory powers under the Planning Act from seven upper-tier municipalities identified in the legislation. The effective date for the Region of Waterloo was January 1, 2025. As such, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is now the approval authority for official plans and official plan amendments for lower-tier municipalities in the Region of Waterloo.

The Ministry will review the matter for consistency with applicable provincial land use policies and will consider all feedback received before recommendations are provided to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a decision in accordance with Sections 17 and 21 of the Planning Act.

The purpose of OPA 58, initiated by Charcoal Property Limited is to add Specific Policy Area 76 to Map 5 and to establish a maximum floor space ratio, building height and a new holding provision to ensure implementation of a noise study. The subject lands are municipally known as 2980 King Street East.

The effect of this amendment will facilitate a high-rise mixed-use development having approximately 400 residential units and 339 parking spaces.