To the Regional Councillors of the Region of Waterloo and Members of Kitchener City Council,

We, the undersigned residents of Kitchener and the Region of Waterloo, are increasingly concerned about the pace and nature of development occurring throughout our community.

We understand that growth is inevitable and that new housing is needed. However, many residents feel that current development patterns are prioritizing investor interests and density targets over the long-term well-being of the people who live, work, and raise families here.

Kitchener has always been valued for its distinctive neighbourhoods, mature tree canopy, accessible green spaces, local businesses, and strong sense of community. Yet many of these qualities are being diminished as established areas are redeveloped with little regard for neighbourhood character, environmental impacts, or the needs of families.

Residents are witnessing the loss of mature trees and natural habitats that provide environmental benefits, reduce urban heat, support wildlife, and contribute to the beauty of our city. Once these trees are removed, they take decades to replace, and the environmental costs are borne by the entire community. Farm land is being sacrificed in secret, knowing that we have the most fertile land which feed us and supports our pollinators .

At the same time, much of the new apartment housing being built consists of one- and two-bedroom units. While these units serve an important purpose, they do not adequately address the needs of many low-income, middle-income families, multigenerational households, or residents whose housing needs evolve over time. A healthy housing market should include a broader range of unit sizes that allow families, seniors, caregivers, and working residents to remain in the community throughout different stages of life.  The City/Region needs to recognize, this is not an availability issue, it is an affordability issue.

Many residents also feel that existing planning policies intended to ensure developments complement surrounding neighbourhoods are not being consistently upheld in practice. While projects may technically satisfy zoning requirements, the result is often a development that feels disconnected from the character, scale, and identity of the community around it.

Furthermore, the conversion of industrial and employment lands to residential uses raises concerns about the future availability of local jobs. A healthy community requires not only places to live, but also places to work. Long-term planning should ensure that employment opportunities remain accessible within the region rather than forcing residents to commute elsewhere.

We respectfully request that Regional Council and Kitchener City Council:

-Place greater emphasis on preserving neighbourhood character when evaluating development proposals.
-Strengthen protections for mature trees, urban forests, natural habitats, and green spaces.
-Encourage a broader mix of housing types, including family-sized units and housing suitable for multigenerational households.
-Ensure that noise, traffic, environmental, and shadow impacts are carefully considered (including pervious & future approvals in the area) and transparently communicated to residents.
-Protect sufficient employment lands to support local jobs and economic sustainability.
-Increase meaningful public consultation and give greater weight to community feedback when making planning decisions.
-Advocate to provincial authorities for planning policies that balance housing targets with environmental stewardship, infrastructure capacity, employment opportunities, and community well-being.

The people of Kitchener are not asking for growth to stop. We are asking for growth that is thoughtful, balanced, affordable and respectful of the qualities that make this region a desirable place to live.

We want our children and grandchildren to inherit communities with healthy tree canopies, vibrant neighbourhoods, accessible green spaces, diverse housing options, and strong local employment opportunities. We want development that strengthens our city rather than eroding the character and livability that residents have worked hard to build.

We urge our elected representatives to listen to the people who live and work in this community and to ensure that future growth reflects the values, priorities, and long-term interests of the residents they serve.

Please join us in advocating for responsible development that honors our past and secures our future. Sign the petition to make our stand clear.