Development and technical services committee supports city's new growth management strategy KITCHENER - Kitchener's development and technical services committee made history earlier tonight by endorsing the city's growth management strategy -- a comprehensive initiative that provides a framework for effectively managing a growing city, improving our business processes, and contributing to healthy and complete communities. Given Kitchener's population is estimated to grow by as many as 100,000 people by 2031, the city is proactively planning how to effectively manage this growth through its new strategy. The strategy outlines where new development will take place to ensure it will contribute to a healthy, complete community and be aligned with future infrastructure investments. "Having sat on the project task force and knowing how far reaching the subject of growth management is, I am so impressed that all of the critical information around this issue has been compiled in this document; and I'm excited to see this report used as a benchmark for all of our future planning decisions," said Coun. Christina Weylie, chair of the development and technical services committee. The growth management strategy is a collaborative effort that was developed in consultation with the general public, the project task force and community groups. Through the growth management strategy, the city aims to: - Enhance our valued natural and cultural heritage resources;
- Create vibrant urban places;
- Ensure greater transportation choice;
- Foster a strong economy;
- Strengthen communities;
- Manage change in an effective and coordinated manner.
The strategy also addresses how the city measures up to the targets set out by the province's "Places to Grow Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe." "This is a very important document for the city, and I'm happy to see that citizen participation has been a key and ongoing component in its development," said Coun. John Gazzola, vice-chair of the development and technical services committee. "Growth management is an issue that we need to take a stand on; we can't afford to waffle." One of the strategy's key recommendations is to have an ongoing growth program. Phase 1 of the strategy's proposed implementation program -- including the details of the proposed annual growth management monitoring report and a biannual growth management plan -- will be presented at the Feb. 9 development and technical services committee meeting for information and public review. The final version is expected to be tabled at the March 2 development and technical services committee meeting for consideration. To view the city's new growth management strategy, please visit http://www.kitchener.ca/ *Courtesy of the City of Kitchener | 
