Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Region of Waterloo has given the green light for a phased redevelopment of the old Charles Street Terminal site located in Downtown Kitchener. The vision for this area includes community spaces, public areas, connections to transit and Victoria Park, along with new affordable and market-rate housing.
A phased approach means that the redevelopment will happen in stages over time, allowing the project to progress step by step. This method:
helps lower initial costs and financial risks for future development partners makes it simpler to deliver some community priorities sooner allows the project to adjust to changing market conditions
Community engagement has played a vital role in this redevelopment process. The Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener have collected feedback through various methods such as community pop-ups, festival-based engagement, public open houses, collaborative design workshops, small group discussions, and online surveys. Input from Indigenous groups, downtown residents, local businesses, youth advisors, and other stakeholders has influenced how the project is shaping up.
During these discussions, residents expressed their desire to see community uses implemented on the site early on rather than waiting until later. In response to this feedback, Regional staff are suggesting that they look into partnerships with non-profit and community organizations to introduce community-focused uses in Phase 1. This would help activate the site sooner and create momentum for future phases.
“Thank you to the community for the thoughtful input they have provided throughout this process,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “Having many perspectives to shape this project has been invaluable, and ensures we are on the right path forward as we move into the next phase of redevelopment.”
The site is being prepared for additional technical work with fencing now going up around the property.
More information about the site’s history, environmental findings, community engagement details can be found on https://www. engagewr. ca/charles-street-terminal-redevelopment.
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