Kitchener approves plan for new fire station and housing development
Posted Jul 13, 2026 03:50:08 PM.
Last Updated Jul 14, 2026 11:36:58 AM.
The City of Kitchener is moving forward with what it’s calling a forward-thinking, mixed-use development that will combine a new fire station with almost 300 housing units.
The Kitchener Fire Station 8 Housing Development project received a green light from councillors at a recent meeting and will be located downtown at 450-470 King St. East, near the Kitchener Market and Madison Avenue.
The proposal features a new “Fire Station 8” for the Kitchener Fire Department and a 19-storey housing development that will include approximately 281 rental units.
It’s a partnership with Kitchener Housing Inc. and aims to offer both below-market and market-rate options for households of various sizes, needs, and income levels.
“Kitchener Housing is proud to be part of a project that brings more inclusive housing options to our community,” said Erfa Alani, executive director of Kitchener Housing, in a release. “By delivering a mix of rental homes in a well-connected downtown location, we’re helping more people in Kitchener find a place to call home.”
The next steps for the project involve detailed design plans, permitting, and financing. The building permit is expected this fall, and construction would begin in the spring of 2027.
Kitchener’s Fire Chief, Bob Gilmore, said the new fire station will play a critical role in supporting quicker emergency response times in the downtown core.
The fire station is projected to open sometime in 2028, while the residential development is set to be completed by 2030.
