Transcript - Water Crisis Halts Development - 2026-03-23

Okay. Good evening everyone and welcome to the council meeting on March 23rd, 2026. Individuals interested in participating in this evening's meeting were eligible to register online using the delegation registration form at www.kitchener.ca/delegation. ca/delegation or via email at delegation@kitchener.ca. Any written comments received prior to the commencement of this evening's meeting have been circulated to members of council prior to the meeting and will form part of the public record. The meeting liveream and archived videos are available at www.kitchener.ca/watch.now. Before we begin this evening's meeting, I'd like to acknowledge that we're gathered on the traditional territory of the neutral Anesnabi and Hodnosoni peoples. We recognize our responsibility to serve as stewards for the land and honor the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deeprooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Matei, and Inuit in Kitchener today. And now, I'd like to invite everyone to stand as they're able for the singing of our national anthem. Oh Canada, our home and native land. True patri love in all of us command with glowing hearts receive the true strong and free from far and wide. Oh Canada, we stand on God for thee. Lord, keep our land. Glorious and free. Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee. Oh, can we stand on God for Thank you everyone. Before we begin this evening's council meeting, I'd like to take a moment to recognize uh the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which took place two days ago on March 21st. Racism does not belong to the past. It is alive and thriving in our communities today, shaping lived experiences in ways that continue to be both harmful and unjust. As we mark the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination, we must acknowledge that indigenous peoples and racialized and religious communities across Canada continue to experience racism and discrimination every day. March 21st was proclaimed the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. This date carries a deep historical meaning uh because on March 21st 1960 the police in Sharpville, South Africa opened fire on people peacefully protesting a parttheid pass laws killing 69 individuals. The Sharpville massacre became a turning point in the global fight against racial discrimination and injustice. Today and every day remember those we remember those who have lost their lives to racial injustice and reaffirm our collective commitment to building a city, a country, and a world rooted in dignity, equity, and respect. Places where everyone feels safe, valued, and that they belong. Kitchener is an increasingly diverse and vibrant community, and our diversity is one of the most important strengths of our city. But diversity alone is not enough. Creating a truly inclusive and equitable city requires intention, action, and a willingness to challenge the systems and behaviors that continue to harm people. It means rejecting silence, committing to learning, and taking steps that lead to real change. Eliminating racism requires more than just words. It demands action, accountability, and the courage to challenge discrimination wherever it exists. This responsibility does not rest with one institution or organization alone. It belongs to each and every one of us. I now uh acknowledge that uh there's been a motion by councelor stretch that the minutes of the regular meeting held March 2nd, 2026 and the special meetings held March 2nd and March 9th as mailed to the mayor and counselors be accepted. All those in favor? Opposed? That's carried. Are there any disclosures of pecunary interest? Councelor Chapman. Yes. Hold on. You're not on. Just one sec. Go ahead. Yes. I have a conflict with 7.1E and 7.1F as I live close to to both of those addresses. Sorry. E and F. 71E and 71F. Okay. I'll deal with those separately. Thank you, Councelor Chapman. Councelor Deno. Uh, thank you. Uh Mr. Mayor, uh rising out of caucus, I have a conflict of interest with land disposition. Okay. Thank you. Uh it has been noted and if uh just a reminder to both of you to fill out any uh required paperwork. Um we'll note the communications to file the flag and illumination requests uh both for thean independence day and world drowning prevention day. And now we get to come to a wonderful part of the evening which is a presentation. And I'd like to invite our staff team from special events to uh to come forward down to the podium. The staff team and I guess I read this from here then I'll let Steve say anything and then uh we'll come and we'll do the pictures. So, um, this evening, council would like to take a few minutes to recognize our city of Kitchener special events team and to acknowledge a wonderful honor recently awarded uh to our community. The city of Kitchener has been named the municipality of the year by festivals and events Ontario. And while awards are always nice, this one reflects the work of the people behind the scenes that bring our city to life year after year. Our special events team continues to grow and strengthen our events portfolio by making them better, more inclusive, and more impactful each year. Today, council would like to recognize Steve Roth, Marin Maner, Jen Zunik, Danielle Patton, Josyn Cavell, Dave McLaren, and Terry Kelly, who make up our special events team, working under the leadership and direction of Jeremy Duke. Jeremy, I think you're supposed to be down there, too. um their creativity, organization, and calm under pressure approach are a big reason why Kitchener continues to be recognized as a leader in events around Ontario. Joining all of us here today are also organizers from some of our partner signature events including KW Octoberfest, Kitchener Blues Festival, KW Multicultural Festival, Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show, Caravan Ignite, and the downtown Kitchener BIA. I want to highlight that several of the events including Chris Kindle Market and Kids Park, both of which were named uh to the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario. In addition to KW Oktoberfest, the KW Multicultural Festival, and the Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show that have also earned a top place on that top 100 list. Together, all of these city produced events and signature festivals bring close to 350,000 people into our downtown and core areas each year. That is worth clapping for. It's also important to note that the majority of these events are free and accessible, ensuring everyone in our community has the opportunity to participate and enjoy what our city has to offer. Of course, events like these take a village, and the special events team relies on and deeply appreciates the support of colleagues across the entire corporation within the arts and entertainment division and beyond. from facilities management, operations, roads and traffic, legal, communication, security, and to many others who pitch in before, during, and after each event. This work certainly wouldn't be possible without that collective team Kitchener collaboration. So, congratulations to the group of you and everyone else involved on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for helping make Kitchener such a vibrant, welcoming, and fun place to be. And now Steve, I give you an opportunity to say a few words on behalf of the group. But thank you uh Mr. Mayor, thank you council. Uh thank you team, thank you organizers, thank you loved ones. I mean it takes uh going you know working through theater. I know I know Leslie we have a theater family and your loved ones have to support you because it's not really like you start at 9:00 you go home at 5:00 and then you wake up and do it again we're here all the time whatever it takes um but when we are uh with our colleagues at festivals and events Ontario and there is a buzz about what's going on in Kitchener right now in the in the festival and events world and they said what is happening here and uh I always say firstly it takes a great And I think equally as important, it takes some some leadership with with vision and understanding about just how important these festivals and events are to our community. Um we just had the Rangers last week. We have an exciting year of events we're about to announce and uh when I when I get a chance to talk to people about what we do, they say, "Why why are so many people coming? What's happening?" And clearly there's a need for for community. There's a need to come together. There's a need to to celebrate as a as a community. And thanks to to all of you, we do it at uh at no cost for for the for the residents of Kitchener. So, so thank all of you for believing in in what we do. Uh we love what we do. We look forward to continuing to do it. And uh and thank you for for acknowledging tonight. Thanks. Uh thanks, Steve. And um I I I will say I know everyone whether paid staff or volunteers who are here um all obviously have a supporting cast at their homes and in their personal lives who support them in the work that they do. And so I want to acknowledge that and al also acknowledge uh Steve's uh better half Mrs. Roth who is uh who is here uh supporting him this evening as well. Hey Jen's husband Frank. Oh sorry okay. Oh it is Frank. Sorry. Sorry, Frank. Frank and I went to high school together. There you go. He's much younger than me, though. Um, so with that, I will come up and join you and then we'll ask council to join us for the the group picture. Just before our partners leave, I do want to uh I said a few words in my prepared comments, but quite frankly, we couldn't do what we do without all of you. And as I look around uh in terms of the group in the audience, um some of your festivals and of events have been around a shorter period of time, others have been around uh over 50 years. And I think it speaks a lot about your organizations, about the volunteers that are part of them, the community that helps make all of these um events happen. And uh while each of you are the ones here representing your organizations tonight, I know behind you there is um usually a small group of staff, but literally depending on the event, um upwards of several hundred volunteers that help make the event happen on the weekend that it does. And so, um on behalf of council, please pass on our thanks and congratulations to all of you because you all are part of that the story that we're celebrating this evening. So, thank you very much. Thanks, Ziggy. Zaggie, Ziggy, Zaggy. Okay. Uh we'll now move into delegations. And uh I'll just uh read the following. To all delegations, the city values and encourages participation in dialogue in a democratic process that occurs in council and committee meetings and through written submissions and correspondence. It's important that these interactions remain respectful towards other members of the public, staff, and council. In cases where dialogue is not respectful or a delegate interrupts the mayor, counselor, staff, or other delegations, makes derogatory statements about the mayor, counselor, staff, or others that are disrespectful, or uses language that is considered harmful or defamatory. The chair may interject and take necessary actions to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone, which could involve removal from the meeting. One last reminder, delegations are permitted to address council for a maximum 5 minutes, which will be displayed on the screens in front of you. When there's 30 seconds remaining in your time, you'll hear a small audio tone that will signal 30 seconds remaining. Please take that time to conclude your presentation as there will be a second tone at the completion of your time and the microphones will turn off shortly after the exceeded 5minute mark. Lastly, please do not take offense if following your presentation there are no questions from council. This is council's time to really listen and reflect upon the opinions and ideas shared with us from our community members. I'll now move into reports from committees and sorry I just realized I read that but there are no delegations. So thanks for uh listening everyone. So I'll now move into uh Heritage Kitchener and uh councelor Misho over to you. Thank you Mr. Mayor. It has been moved by myself and secit. Oh hold on your turn. I'm not on. Oh okay you're back on. Should I start again? No. Go ahead. Okay. that the report of Heritage Kitchener dated March 3rd, 2026, listed as 71A to 71G on the agenda this date be adopted. Okay. Thank you. Uh it has been moved and seconded. Um any comments there being councelor Chapman, I'll get to your just on the conflict or you have comments? Okay. Yeah, I'll pull those out. Councelor Initis. Yeah, thank you. Through me uh through you, mayor. Um is we have quite an extensive list here of intentions to designate. I'm just wondering what is the status with the property owners in regards to these properties? Are they are they uh receptive to being on this? Mr. Stevenson through Mr. Mayor. So we communicate with the property owners uh throughout the process. So after the uh property is reviewed by Heritage Kitchener Committee, a letter is sent to the property owner advising of the status and if we're moving forward uh should we proceed with notice of intention to designate, we send a registered letter to the property owner so that we can confirm receipt. Uh and we uh only bring forward notice of intent intention to designate where a property owner is in agreement. So, we've had a few where we're still working through some of the details. Those have not proceeded to council. So, anything in front of council the owner is in agreement with. Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Uh I don't see anybody else in the queue. So, I will deal with uh the ones with the conflict first. Uh 71E and 71F pertaining to 85 and 99 Strange Street. Uh they have been moved and seconded. All those in favor? Opposed? That's carried with the one noted conflict and for the balance of the report. Uh all those in favor opposed that is carried. Thank you councelor Misho. I'll now go to councelor Davey for the finance and corporate services report. Thank you. It's been moved by myself and seconded by counceloritis that the uh item um from finance and corporate services committee be adopted. Thank you very much uh councelor Davey. Any comments? There being none. Um, all those in favor? Any opposed? That too is carried. And I'll now go to Community and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councelor Schneider. And uh moved by myself and seconded by Councelor Johnson that the items be uh moved. Thank you. Uh Councelor Singh. Yeah. For uh Mr. Mayor 73E, a newcomer strategy. If I could ask a question or make a comment. Please go ahead. Thank you. Uh this is just a a very quick question more specific to I think uh a good example that the city of Kitcher will be setting in uh as part of the strategy allowing for internship uh uh mentorship positions for newcomers within the city of Kitchener. Will we actively look for other businesses that could participate along with us that can kind of showcase exactly what the city of Kitcher is doing but we bring on additional partners as the years go on. Mr. May, through you, Mr. Mayor. I think our intent, our intention over, I believe it was a three-year period was really to get our house in order and get a program up and running to serve the city of Kitner. I think it's a fair point and something I can take away is something to look at beyond uh beyond our program. Please, if you could, I think uh again, we we we would be putting our best foot forward and leading by example. And so then it's easier to have additional businesses to participate, but we're going to leverage the greatest benefit is not just the four or two positions that the city of Kitchener can do, but it's the uh tens or 20s or whatever as we bring on additional businesses that can help support our newcomer strategy. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Singh. And um just before we uh we vote on on this, I just want to compliment staff for the the work on the the newcomer strategy. Um I think it it recognizes um both the diversity that exists in our community, but also the city's commitment to ensure that uh everyone who comes to our our community uh feels like uh they belong and there there's opportunities uh for them. you know, just this uh past weekend is is an example of of that diversity. On the weekend, we had the um CEO of the organization responsible for Nigerian diaspora in town on Saturday. We had the ambassador of Spain in town on Saturday to recognize one of our um restaurants, the Lola Tapas Bar, which has been rec one of nine restaurants in Canada and over 500 in the world uh who have a special designation from the Spanish government. And then yesterday, the console general uh was here from Greece uh to celebrate uh Greek independence day. And I think that's just one small example of the the kind of diversity that exists in our in our community and that quite frankly in makesh our community, our province and our our country um unique and and a great place to live for uh for everyone. So with that uh the report has been moved and and seconded. Uh all those in favor oops sorry let's try that again. All those in favor opposed that is carried. Thank you. And um now planning and strategic initiatives committee councelor Singh. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Brought by by moved by myself and seconded by councelor Debbie Chapman. Uh item number 74A as brought from u planning initiative committee to council to ratify. Thank you. Thank you very much councelor Singh. Any comments? If not it's been moved and seconded. All those in favor? Any opposed? That's carried. Thank you. Uh we'll now move to unfinished business. Any new business? So before I go to counceloritis for his motion, um I'd like to just make some some short remarks uh with an update um from the city's perspective on the uh ongoing work being done to deal uh with the water capacity uh constraint uh that the region identified late in 2025. While this challenge is significant, the past several weeks uh through the efforts of all our collective staff and other community partners, uh we've been able to show encouraging momentum both in stabilizing the system and in planning responsibility for future growth. First, on the issue of repair and resiliency work, the region is making progress. Repairs at the Parkway Water Treatment System, which will restore 60 L per second, are expected to wrap up this month. Repairs at the Greenbook uh treat uh site will add another 80 L per second of operational resiliency and that will be completed this fall. At the same time, major preparation work continues at the Mannheim Water Treatment Plant for the temporary sidream filtration system. The pilot unit will arrive this spring and if it performs as expected, the additional phases could bring up to 300 L per second online by mid 2027. These steps won't increase net capacity right away, but their important strides towards restoring a stable, resilient system. Second, on the region's forward-looking strategies and forecasts, work on the interim risk management framework is underway. Led by Yates Water Management, this study will define the operational thresholds that must be met before stage development can proceed. Updated forecasting confirms that pending development represents about 267 L/s of average day demand, roughly 93,000 future residents. The region's analysis indicates sustainable operations are expected to be restored around 2027, supported by new supply coming online and improved resiliency across the system. These forecasts and the work behind them are essential to building a reasonable sorry a responsible transparent path to uh forward for growth. Here in the city of Kiter, our staff continue to play a leadership role. Alongside regular participation in several regional working groups, city teams are de developing detailed financial models to understand the serious economic impacts of prolonged development delays. Using advanced forecasting tools, these models assess the direct and spin-off economic effects that the water capacity issue could have across the region if projects continue to stall. Staff are also preparing an update for council on active development applications and are bringing an upcoming report on development charges to ensure our approach remains responsible during this constrained period. Our development planning and communications teams continue to work closely with regional partners and other impacted area municipalities to advance interim solutions and maintain as much progress as possible. And as we work through these solutions, water conservation remains an important tool. Being mindful of our water use this spring and summer, even small changes help lower peak demands and support the system while repairs and upgrades move forward. Programs, guidelines, and helpful tips are available through the region's website, and we encourage residents and businesses to take advantage of them. Finally, I want to extend on behalf of council my ex uh sincere thanks to all of our staff, our council colleagues, and our partners across the region and the development and business community. Your collaboration, commitment, and problem solving are making a real difference as we collectively begin to see progress. And now happy to uh take any questions either myself or uh staff who are uh leading uh this uh this work here at the city. Uh councelor Singh. Yeah, thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank you for that update. I think it's necessary for us to give some sort of direction as to the length in time that this um the situation will continue to play itself out um and a I guess a tent of timeline before we can start seeing a return to normaly uh in uh development uh and new housing starts within the region in the city of Kitner. That being said with for Kitcher specifically, we are facing numerous challenges in our infill um capacity um where I think our committee of adjustment uh practice now is to send out notification as I've heard from a number of uh developers myself uh of uh intention to defer the decision uh primarily because of the uncertainty of what the region of Waterl do would do pertaining to uh issuance of water permit for any new units. Um so my question would be to staff and also more towards you as well. is a region looking at casebyase pro proactive approach looking at more kind of lowhanging fruit easy development that wouldn't put extensive strain on the the water system that's on the region side and I think more specific to our staff would be are we being proactive enough that where we are looking at deferral of a lot of these applications and again something that has to play itself out will we be uh prepared for the backlog uh come four to six to eight whatever months it times it will take because we will have a number of applicants waiting in the sidelines ensuring that with a backlog that there's not a continuation of that kind of backup pressure and they get their you know their hearings done as quickly as possible. Thank you. Thanks for the uh the question councelor Singh and I guess I'll just uh note and and then probably turn over to Mr. Reedman um you know our staffs from the area municipalities along with uh the region with the help of the consultant have been looking uh at the issue of the interimm risk management uh framework. Uh it's still a work in progress. Um but I think that will help to begin to address uh some of the uh uh uncertainties and and question that you speak of. Uh but I'll ask Mr. Reedman to provide the latest update on that. Yeah. through the mayor and so we are working collaboratively with the region other municipalities on an interim risk based framework and so there's two parts of that one part is the capacity side of it and so how much water capacity is coming online in the near term uh to support development applications and then the other part is you know how we actually process or prioritize development applications and so we're working on both of those parts and we'll be able to report back to uh council in in the next coming months on on what those details are in addition we are looking at each application on a case-by- case basis to see if we are able to approve them based on existing check gates that they've passed already. And so we've gone through over 60 applications that are in progress right now and have worked on approving a handful of those, but then also looking at other ones where we're going back and forth with the applicant and others to see what the status is. Um we are encouraging applicants to bring forward an application and you know so we will process it as much as possible to take it to an end point. Um and so we are trying to work with people through that process. And additionally um um there is on our work plan for this year is a refresh of the development services review. And so this is a great opportunity for us to look at all of the changes that have happened from bill 23 and other provincial policy changes and then look at our own internal processes, you know, while we have some extra capacity to look at how we can further streamline the work. And so we are working collaboratively with staff across um um city of Kitchener that touch development applications on what that looks like. And so we should be well positioned in the future to move forward with applications as as water capacity comes online. Thank you, Mr. Reedman. Councelor Johnson. Yes. Uh thanks, Mr. Mr. Mayor, and thank you so much for this report. This is really important for this council and and uh all of the um lower tier municipalities to be to be receiving these regular reports. Um, I know that my conversations with uh residents, it could be talking to me about anything, whether it's a whether it's a pothole or snow removal, etc., there's always a question asked about water. It is on everyone's mind and is incredibly important. Um my question to you is around your report I believe that you said that uh when Greenbrook and uh the Manheim Manheim treatment plants uh come back up to capacity that it it's not going to be improving any capacity. It's just going to be taking us to where we were before and where we should have been. Is that correct? So yes, my understanding is uh those two are really focused on uh returning to a higher level of of resilience. Um at this point we're we're not meeting the uh the objective that's uh been set in in in that regard and getting those two uh back up from an infrastructure point of view will help uh achieve that. But then the the work um on on Mannheim in particular um sorry you said you said I'm just realizing you said Mannheim and and Greenbrook in Greenbrook. It's actually the the one in Parkway Park Parkway parkway and uh Greenbrook that are returning resilience Mannheim and the sidestream approach will bring up to another 300 um what's the word is it liters yes thank you um and uh and that will add some new capacity to the system. Um Miss McGolder did you want to add anything or is that that's enough? Okay. Got a thumbs up. Can Can I do a last comment? Yeah, please go ahead. I just wanted to uh to really do a huge um shout out to our staff who I know you're working so diligently on this as well. And it provides um if I can speak for the rest of council here, it provides us with a great level of confidence that you're there and working on this as well. And I know that that is uh you're taking this on along with all of your things that you're regularly doing for the city of Kitchener as well. And um I just wanted to to say thank you for lending your expertise there. Thank you, Councelor Johnson. Um I don't see anything else on the water issue. There is uh one other thing that I do just want to uh to touch on and that's uh the fact that uh several members of council had uh the opportunity to uh tour have their most recent tour of the cow recreation center um recently and I think it's fair to say um I know I felt blown away and in talking with uh many of you who were there you also felt blown away um by how this facility is moving along u by the incredible work being done by both all of the staff teams and and all of the uh contractors who have been uh working to uh to get this uh this project uh moving forward. And uh it's uh I think Mr. May, it's fair to say on time and on budgets at the moment. Fingers crossed. Uh we're uh we're we're we're in pretty good shape in in in that regard. and uh we look forward to uh to seeing that facility open later in the year. I know there are some tours also being planned for some of our key partners in the next little bit for them to have an opportunity to also uh uh see the construction uh underway. Um, but uh I think when the community gets uh their first real look inside it uh as opposed to just uh uh views on social media, they will also uh be uh more than amazed with this uh this amazing new facility in our community. So uh kudos as well to uh Mr. May and his team who've been doing a lot of work uh on his in this space. So with uh with that, we'll now go to councelor Ionitis. Uh and you have your motion on the establishment of the Kitchener Legacy Walk and Public Art Program. Councilor, if I can ask you to queue in, please. Thank you. Go ahead. Do you want me to read it? Um I would say maybe just focus on the uh on the Yeah, the the there Okay. Thank you, Mayor Vanovic. Therefore, be it resolved that the city of Kitchener consider establishing a a Kitchener legacy walk project, part of a phased public art program featuring murals and installations along a curated pathway from Victoria Park to Center in the Square to honor Kitchener citizens with internationally recognized achievements. Two, that as part of future work of the arts and creative industry action plan 2026 to 202030, city staff be directed to prepare a report for council to consider a Kitchener legacy walk outlining a eligibility criteria and selection process for honores example advisory committee. B possible locations of commemorations. C. Standard requirements for each location such as property agreements are procurement process and maintenance standards. D. Budget and funding model including city allocations. E. implementation timeline including an inaugural launch aligned with the city's 175th anniversary in 2029 and a framework for adding murals over time. F. communications and tourism strategy including digital interpretation and wayfinding. Three, and further that staff in preparing a report consider integration of future legacy walk honorary announcements with Kitchener takes the stage. Thank you. Councelor Ionitis, do you have a seconder for that motion? Yes, I have uh councelor Schneider. Okay. Thank you. Thanks, Councelor Schneider and Councelor Chapman. Yeah, thank you. Um I love this idea. I just wondered if you've um spoken to the BIA because they have an artwalk already in the downtown and I just wonder, you know, what where that fits into to this project or is there a, you know, overlap or conflict that that might arise? Jeremy, I don't know if you want to speak to this, Mr. Dick. For you, Mr. Mayor, that's definitely going that process. So once approved, uh staff will include it for the action plan to reach out to different invested groups in the community, compare what's already been done, what's potentially in the hopper as to other projects that might be adjacent or similar. So definitely uh that would be part of the work. Hasn't been done yet, but it would be part of the work. Oh, that's awesome. Okay. Thank you. Hasn't been part of the work yet. Uh I think we just need to adjust the camera a little bit for Mr. Dick. He's too tall. Um, sorry. Uh, councelor, uh, councelor Davey. Yes. Yeah. Thank you. I'm not surprised to see this before us. Councelor Anidis has been referencing, uh, desire for this for quite some time. Uh, I just had questions though relating to in terms of the approval and the timelines. I'm just not clear. uh if we approve it today or if yeah if we approve this motion as it is today is this something that would be referred to budget and there could be a subsequent decision at that time I'm also seeing 2029 so not sure when when council will be approving the budget aspects of this and knowing what the budget costs actually are so through you Mr. mayor. So if approved today, it would then become part of the arts and creative industries action plan and that action plan is coming towards uh forward to council in May. And then after that time, assuming that that now a bigger package of of work and priorities are are approved then um then at the appropriate time along with the other priorities part of the arts and creative industries action plan will be brought forward as part of the budget issue paper process. So it' be part of a bigger it'll be built into the bigger portfolio of action plan priorities and then at the appropriate time it would be brought as a separate uh budget issue paper to council. Okay. So we we'll have finer detail on this specifically in May or budget time. Um so the the work will be approved it'll be part of the the action plan is approved in May. Then once May is approved then now staff know to go forward and start working on the on the parts one and two. And I think there's A through F in the in the um in the motion. And then in the future in terms of the actual budget ask it would come as a separate issue paper in the future. So speculating 2027 we come forward with an issue paper saying okay now is the time to identify this work to to be done. We've done the initial work staff's done the initial work. We're ready for the issue paper presented as the issue paper. Staff then have the ch the chance to approve or or not approve the issue paper and that at that point it would trigger the the actual work. Okay. Excellent. And suffice to say then too, I can tell by your responses that this motion is not a surprise to you counselor and I just worked with staff to bring it forward. Not a surprise at all as this was more of a surprise the raising of the of the D. There you go. Thank you, councelor Singh. Yeah. No, no. I mean, this is uh definitely something that councelor um Inetis has talked about for some time and I think it's uh it's a good direction of I think uh recognizing and honoring aspects of history of notable people in our community. Uh as well as I think this is an opportunity I think work within our business community too with the work plan also look at not necessarily budgeting through whatever internal resources but how we can align better with within the business community and seeing if we can take sponsorship dollars towards us too. Is that going to be part of the work plan? Yeah. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, we can certainly certainly look into that. And I think about I forget the name of the individual. It was at the tip of my tongue. Uh but he just won an Oscar for the for the sound production for the animated short and that's a great opportunity where right now there's a gap. Um that that's a huge accomplishment recognized an international stage. Um so it's the opportunity, you know, without without pulling the the curtain back too far, but having the opportunity to recognize that individual at Kisher takes the stage is a big piece. But then also I think once the excitement starts to kind of grow on that um how can we look to different partnership opportunities for sure. Absolutely. And it's a lot of a lot of times these individuals have companies and businesses backing them ahead of time where they got to that that uh notoriety or success and I think those would be key partners initially if you're going to be pinpointing those individuals and say hey this is who we're looking to uh celebrate. Do you want to bring some uh some you know dollars towards it to towards that ends mean? Um do you mind if I make a quick comment towards the the motion? Yeah. No, just um you know congratulations to I think counceloritis. He has continued to uh impress upon us uh the necessity of our economic development strategy that incorporates media design and um and tourism. And I think uh this motion touches on all three aspects of that. Um economic development is a key cornerstone of this council and ensuring that we are revitalizing our economy that is focused on technology but technology also means looking at very different mediums uh of media uh is important and um and I think there's a lot of individuals that are pioneering uh new technologies that are achieving international success uh I think present and past uh this is a good measure to celebrate them and more importantly bring light back to the amazingness that happens in Kitner. So happy to support it. Thank you, Councelor Singh. Councelor Johnson. Yes. Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I think that this this U motion really epitomizes love local, promote local, support local, connect local. So all of the things that we've been doing, I think I think it's really uh it's really wonderful. I'm wondering, councelor Ionitis, if you can kind of expand on what you're thinking of in terms of um how these would be celebrated. I know that you you only read your uh your where where's pieces, but um maybe you can expand a little like is it uh maybe there's different things for different people perhaps? What's what's your vision? Yeah, thank yeah thanking thank you for asking. I guess the ultimate vision would be as as Mr. Dick mentioned, we have so many fantastic individuals from this community that have just done amazing things internationally and I feel like I feel like we don't recognize them enough and praise them enough and that's just how Kitchener's always been. And so I think you know to pair it you know to once we peel peel through all this process and go through all this process like uh you know it could be for tours it could use for like even when you're doing bluesfest animates the like the spots and blues in different areas and venues um you know you launch it off at Kitcheners you know takes the stage every year when you add new inductees. So I see a lot of I see a lot of potential. Um I don't want to marry one aspect yet because I think there's a lot of more work to be done but I I see huge potential. Uh thanks councelor Ionitis. I am very supportive of this. Thank you so much for bringing this forward. Thank you. Thanks Councelor Johnson. Councelor Stretch. Yeah thanks. My question is for staff um in and just a little bit of context and I hear celebrating um our local um experts and uh in in the area is is important. But I I am also wondering if there's a a way uh to make sure that we're including or possibly able to um to focus on one of the 94 calls to action to make sure that we're being inclusive of telling a diverse group of of stories and a diverse group of accomplishments. Mr. Dick I think that's one of the unique aspects of the of the program that um counceloritis is proposing um the fact that there is kind of this walk mural component of public art. But I do think that and and um councelor I not here tonight um came came forward and said hey let's recognize there's a Nigerian Canadian um producer and she had won an award in Nigeria as a YouTube uh content creator and time our team doesn't have a way to recognize those accomplishments. And I think um kind of adjacent to the the mural walk, which I think is kind of a more um you know permanent or semi-permanent um design program, I think the Kitchener Legacy Awards that are presented every year at Kitchener Takes the Stage, that component of the program um really speaks to that where, you know, we're not trying to be selective as to who we celebrate. if there's an international ward then let's let's embrace that and let's make sure that we're we're profiling that because I think that to councelor Idenitis bless you I think that is a big part of um of who we are as Kitchener and that civ that civic pride thank you thank you councelor Schneider thank you mayor um and councelor I just thank you again um you led the way on the v veterans crosswalk which recognizes veterans and uh you know we We've often had talks about how, you know, we're we're kind of humble here in Kitchener, but we need to tell our stories and we need to celebrate those who have done great things in our country and our world. I mean, we've had prime ministers, people have received the Order of Canada, uh, Stanley Cup winning, uh, athletes, uh, basketball champions, uh, so many. So, uh, it it's going to be a great discussion and, uh, I think it's it'll be great celebrations when these kitchen residents are are recognized and it'll give us even more civic pride and, uh, I think the area in which you've described it, where it leads up to our our crown jewel of a performance center is uh, extra special. So, kudos to you for bringing it forward. Kudos to staff for flushing it out and uh, putting it all together. Great. Thank you, Councelor Schneider. And uh I'll just add my comments. Councelor Inetus, thank you for uh for your work uh on this over many uh months. This has certainly been a labor of love uh for you in terms of um coming up with uh the idea uh talking with staff, talking with members of council, and talking to others to uh to flush it out. Um, and and also put some uh some great thought to it in terms of how it can be implemented over the next couple of years. And I I I really like the uh the launch being tied to the city's 175th anniversary, which I think uh gives us lots of time to to to plan a way to to do this in uh in in a very uh appropriate and and classy way. So, uh, thank you for the your your good work on on this and, uh, um, really excited to see how it evolves over the next few years. Uh, final word to you. Yeah, thank you, Mayor Verbanovic. Um, this has been an idea that I bounced around for probably the last 13 years, and over those years, I've collaborated with many different city staff. Uh but especially want to thank Jeremy Dick and uh Andrea Hullman for the work uh for working with me on this. Uh I would also like to thank you know councelor Schneider, councelor Singh, counselor Davey and Mayor Verbanovic and the other members of council but those four in particular have heard me uh you know nag and whatever talk about this and complain and whatever uh pester. So I do appreciate that. Um today's motions is about you know building a legacy for our city. One that celebrates our people strengthens our culture cor culture corridor and drives economic value for decades to come. Why does this matter for Kitchener? One because it's celebrating local talent with a global impact. You know, Kitchener has produced individuals who have achieved international recognition in arts, sports, entertainment, science, and more. These stories deserve to be visible, celebrated, and shared with the world. A legacy walk gives us that permanent public way to honor these achievements. Two, economic and citybuilding benefits. It's a a high return uh ROI on cultural tourism asset. So public art is one of the most cost effective ways to drive tourism and local spending. A curated pathway from Victoria Park to the center in the square becomes a destination that's something visitors can plan trips around. More foot traffic means more activity for restaurants, cafes, retail, and our hotels. Three, strengthening Kitchener Live District. This this project directly supports the vision of Kitchener Live by activating the entire corridor with vis visual anchors and storytelling. It encourages people to walk between venues, stay longer, engage more deeply with with our downtown and the district. It also creates a natural backdrop for performances and festivals and media moments. Four, the strategic timing of it. Uh it's aligning with the city's 175th anniversary in 2029, which is once in a generation opportunity to launch a civic project such as this. This timing positions the legacy walk as a flagship initiative, one that can attract sponsorships as you mentioned councelor Singh and grants and tourism funding. It reduces the pressure on the tax base while increasing the scale of impact on the project. Five, I'm I'm almost done. I got two three more. Uh meaningful work with local artists. It's it's the murals, the installations create ongoing opportunities for local artists and fabricators, designers and storytellers. The strengthens our creative sector and reinforces Kitchener as a city that invests in its talent. Six, the digital and tourism integration. It's definitely a modern interactive experience. digital inter interpretation such as wayfinding and online storytelling extending the legacy walk beyond its physical space. This enhances tourism visibility and aligns with Kitchener's identity as a creative tech forward city. Seven program synergies integration with Kitchener takes the stage. So linking honories announcements with Kitchener takes the stage creates built-in programming on an annual basis. So something for us to get excited about every year on addition to everything else that we're doing. Uh it reinforces the district as the home of Kitchener's cultural identity and gives residents a reason to return year after year. So in closing, the Legacy Walk is more than just public art. It's a cultural corridor anchor, a tourism generator, a celebration of our people, and a long-term investment in Kitchener's identity. It strengthens Kitchener Live, supports our creative economy, and positions our city for a bold and inspiring 175th anniversary. So, I respectfully ask for your support with my motion. Thank you. Uh, thank you, Councelor Ionitis. Appreciate uh that. And again, thank you for all your uh work on this. Um, I will ask for a recorded vote because I'm sure you'd like that uh like that done. So, if I can ask the clerk to uh to please do that and that is carried unanimously. Okay. Thank you, council. uh questions and answers. Uh we will then go into uh administrative reports uh 11.1 um appointments to the board of uh directors uh for for hydro. Uh councelor Davey, I'll let you actually kick it off. Uh yes, I would actually uh nominate uh councelor stretch to be appointed to the NOVA power court board and councilors deno and ooneyi to be appointed to the NOVA energy corporation board. Okay, thank you. Is there a seconder for that? Councelor Johnson. Thank you. Uh any discussion? And this would continue the the rotation through council uh in the term that we've uh that we've been doing. Um, so that has been moved and seconded. All those in favor? Any opposed? That's carried. Thank you. Uh, dangerous dog designation appeal. Uh, actually, does somebody want to move both of them? Councelor, uh, Deno, you're moving them. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Is there a seconder? Councelor Johnson. Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? Any opposed? That's carried. Motion uh for the alternative voting method agreement execution delegated authority. Moved by councelor Davyy, seconded by councelor Chapman. Councelor Deno, you have a question. Yeah, sorry. Can we just go back to the questions and answers for a quick second? Is that okay? Uh I'll come back to that in a secure. Okay, so uh it has been uh moved and did I have a seconder, Madame Clerk? No, councelor Chapman. Thank you. All those in favor? Opposed? That's carried. Okay. So, I'll go back for a second. Go ahead, M. Councelor. Whoops. Try again. There we go. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, so just a quick question. Uh, with the recent announcement um by the Ontario uh government um about some changes regarding um uh different permits for special event alcohol um intake or consumption. I'm just curious uh where we are with regards to looking at that policy and uh um giving some feedback whether it's to the province um or to our local MPPPS. So I'll maybe kick it off and and and simply offer uh because I was speaking to this um earlier today on on the Mike Farwell show. Um at this point this has only been an announcement in the midst of a press conference. There hasn't been a formal uh release of legislation yet uh or or any details um as would be our normal practice. Once we have that staff would take an opportunity to evaluate it. They would engage with council and and engage with the community um and then ultimately make any recommendations. the what we're not clear on um is it seems that this only relates to specifically special events um and festivals in in parks and there would be two components that are required. one, the municipality being open to actually doing that. And number two, adding creating criteria, and again, this is only based on what's been reported in the media. Um, looking what that criteria could look like. And and that's work that staff would then do at the uh at the time. Um, as I pointed out and and certainly, you know, unlike some of my colleagues, um, around the province, I've said, you know, this is work that we've actually already started doing. uh council recall that the team has experimented with um oh Chris Kindle market I think in Octoberfest and maybe blues as well in terms of uh you know a a more um a less restrictive uh approach that recognizes that you know we can respect adults and and and deal with uh any of the challenges when they happen but I think we need to better understand um what the legislation proposes and also So what is the impact on festivals because we do know that some of those actually build um the food and beverage into their events and that could create some some financial pressures on them. So so I don't know did I nothing else to add to that. So okay thank you. So moving to uh bylaws now madame clerk are there any additional bylaws? So through the mayor with the approval of the planning committee there is a late starter bylaw for zoning bylaw for the activiva holdings item. Okay. Thank you. Um councelor Davyy on that. Yeah. No, sorry I could be wrong, but I thought historically I'm not sure if we're legislated to or not, but I thought we had did have to formally vote in receiving the council remuneration. No, not to my knowledge. It just needs to be published for information. Okay, that's all. Thanks. Okay, thank you. Um, so, uh, bylaws with the additional one added, uh, moved by councelor Schneider, seconded by councelor Johnson. Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor? Opposed. That's carried. And motion to adjurnn. Moved by councelor Misho, seconded by councelor Chapman. All those in favor? Opposed. That's carried. Thank you very much, everyone.

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