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

On January 28, 2025, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received for a decision the City of Kitchener's proposed Official Plan Amendment 42 (OPA 42), which was adopted by City Council on January 29, 2024, by By- law 2024-019.

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 42, initiated by Activa Holdings Incorporated is to amend Policy 15.D.12.41 in the Official Plan to permit a warehouse use on the property. The subject lands are municipally known as 485 Huron Road.

The effect of this amendment will permit a warehouse use within Site Specific Policy Area 41 of the Official Plan.