Kitchener 2051 Official Plan Update

Urban Strategies is currently working with the City of Kitchener as the Engagement Lead on a process to create a new Official Plan, 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 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 range of responsive and play-based tactics – 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, speaker series discussions with practice-based and lived experience experts, pop-ups and school visits around the City to engage residents and community groups in more intimate conversations, Conversation Kits and a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure growth activity, as well as online surveys and engagement activities – aim to build excitement and broad awareness, increase community capacity, form 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.