Kitchener, region seeking input on redevelopment of Charles St. Terminal

NEWS RELEASE
REGION OF WATERLOO
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The Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener have launched their public input process for the proposed redevelopment of the Charles Street Terminal in downtown Kitchener.

The redevelopment of the Charles Street Terminal site, located at 15 Charles St., Kitchener, a space which is currently leased by Grand River Hospital to facilitate testing for COVID-19, presents an opportunity to advance current planning and affordable housing priorities, in addition to other strategic priorities.

Together the Region and the City will undertake a process expected to span the next five months that is intended to engage as many citizens as possible. Beginning with a short, online survey launched today, the consultation process will extend into the winter and spring of 2022 and include multiple roundtables and design-thinking workshops.

“We look forward to hearing from the community about how this site can support their needs and values,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “We have already heard from residents about their visions for this space, and this consultation period will help to identify what matters most to our community.”

The Region has already started to hear from residents about their visions for this space with a range of possibilities. Community engagement will be broad including residents, businesses, community groups, and Indigenous communities. Currently, guiding priorities under consideration include economic development opportunities, greater affordable housing options, active transportation and public transit options, climate action, conservation and sustainability, and opportunities to further equity, diversion and inclusion in the community.

“The Charles Street Terminal is a key piece of land abutting the Gaukel Street green pedestrian corridor which links City Hall to Victoria Park and represents an enormous opportunity for the downtown core and our broader community,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “This engagement process will look to engage in meaningful exchanges with as many residents and community groups as possible, and I know Council looks forward to hearing from many of them with their visions for reimagining this special space in the heart of our city.” 

The survey, launched this morning, can be found on the Region of Waterloo’s EngageWR platform.

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