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Hidden Valley Land Use Implementation Project

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On June 24, 2019, Council approved a new Land Use Master Plan for the Hidden Valley area. The Hidden Valley area comprises approximately 183 hectares of land bounded by the Grand River, Highway 8, Wabanaki Drive and the rail corridor near Fairway Road.

The area is characterized primarily by rolling topography, including several agricultural fields, with large lot estate residential dwellings towards the river. By far, one of the greatest and most noteworthy features of this area is the significant natural environmental system.

Lands within Hidden Valley are located within the Built-Up Area and the Designated Greenfield Area. This project is the next step to prepare policies and land uses that would be incorporated into the Official Plan, along with implementing zoning.

A range of technical studies are being completed to inform the proposed policies and land uses, the Master Plan will be used as guidance and direction during the completion of the technical studies.

The technical studies will determine:

  • The suitability of Master Plan land uses with respect to environmental, social, health, transportation, water management, urban design, and heritage impacts.
  • Any technical standards required for implementation of the Secondary Plan including applying zoning and processing future development applications.

How can you contribute?

As part of this project, members of the public will have opportunities to engage with us, including a public meeting. We want to hear from you! Throughout the project, you can ask the project team questions using the Ask a Question tab below.

If you would like to get email updates, add your email to the Stay Informed box and click 'Subscribe'.

On June 24, 2019, Council approved a new Land Use Master Plan for the Hidden Valley area. The Hidden Valley area comprises approximately 183 hectares of land bounded by the Grand River, Highway 8, Wabanaki Drive and the rail corridor near Fairway Road.

The area is characterized primarily by rolling topography, including several agricultural fields, with large lot estate residential dwellings towards the river. By far, one of the greatest and most noteworthy features of this area is the significant natural environmental system.

Lands within Hidden Valley are located within the Built-Up Area and the Designated Greenfield Area. This project is the next step to prepare policies and land uses that would be incorporated into the Official Plan, along with implementing zoning.

A range of technical studies are being completed to inform the proposed policies and land uses, the Master Plan will be used as guidance and direction during the completion of the technical studies.

The technical studies will determine:

  • The suitability of Master Plan land uses with respect to environmental, social, health, transportation, water management, urban design, and heritage impacts.
  • Any technical standards required for implementation of the Secondary Plan including applying zoning and processing future development applications.

How can you contribute?

As part of this project, members of the public will have opportunities to engage with us, including a public meeting. We want to hear from you! Throughout the project, you can ask the project team questions using the Ask a Question tab below.

If you would like to get email updates, add your email to the Stay Informed box and click 'Subscribe'.

Frequently Asked Questions

We regularly add responses to frequently asked questions here. If you have a question you'd like to ask, use the form at the bottom of this page or email SecondaryPlans@kitchener.ca.  

Before submitting your question, please make sure it meets our moderation rules. If it doesn’t, we will not be able to respond. 

If your question is urgent, call the City of Kitchener at 519-741-2345 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994)

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  • Share What is the flood risk here? Would the LRT be extended to here? Is there going to be minimum density requirements? Will this contain an extensions to the Iron Horse Trail? Is there going to be a school here, and if so can it bounded by a School Street? (no vehicle traffic) Will significant green space and park remain? Residents near Fairway do not have easy access to parks. on Facebook Share What is the flood risk here? Would the LRT be extended to here? Is there going to be minimum density requirements? Will this contain an extensions to the Iron Horse Trail? Is there going to be a school here, and if so can it bounded by a School Street? (no vehicle traffic) Will significant green space and park remain? Residents near Fairway do not have easy access to parks. on Twitter Share What is the flood risk here? Would the LRT be extended to here? Is there going to be minimum density requirements? Will this contain an extensions to the Iron Horse Trail? Is there going to be a school here, and if so can it bounded by a School Street? (no vehicle traffic) Will significant green space and park remain? Residents near Fairway do not have easy access to parks. on Linkedin Email What is the flood risk here? Would the LRT be extended to here? Is there going to be minimum density requirements? Will this contain an extensions to the Iron Horse Trail? Is there going to be a school here, and if so can it bounded by a School Street? (no vehicle traffic) Will significant green space and park remain? Residents near Fairway do not have easy access to parks. link

    What is the flood risk here? Would the LRT be extended to here? Is there going to be minimum density requirements? Will this contain an extensions to the Iron Horse Trail? Is there going to be a school here, and if so can it bounded by a School Street? (no vehicle traffic) Will significant green space and park remain? Residents near Fairway do not have easy access to parks.

    Matt³ asked 7 months ago
    • There are some areas prone to flooding within the study area. Flood mapping is available via the Grand River Conservation Authority. 
    • The proposed route for Stage 2 ION will pass through the study area. In December 2023 Regional Council endorsed a new location for the south terminal, creating a new preferred route and station locations. Additional information is available at https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/exploring-the-region/stage2ion.aspx
    • Development within Hidden Valley will help achieve  a minimum density target of 65 persons and jobs per hectare within Kitchener's greenfield areas.
    • In 2020, City Council approved a new Cycling and Trails Master Plan which identifies improvements to and expansions of the cycling network. Active transportation connections are planned as part of the River Road Extension, which will connect the existing and planned network of trails and bicycle routes in the area.
    • No new schools are proposed for the study area.
  • Share I think this area makes sense to develop for housing given its proximity to transit, shopping and industrial working areas. How much zoning will be created for affordable housing such as townhomes or condominiums or apartment buildings? on Facebook Share I think this area makes sense to develop for housing given its proximity to transit, shopping and industrial working areas. How much zoning will be created for affordable housing such as townhomes or condominiums or apartment buildings? on Twitter Share I think this area makes sense to develop for housing given its proximity to transit, shopping and industrial working areas. How much zoning will be created for affordable housing such as townhomes or condominiums or apartment buildings? on Linkedin Email I think this area makes sense to develop for housing given its proximity to transit, shopping and industrial working areas. How much zoning will be created for affordable housing such as townhomes or condominiums or apartment buildings? link

    I think this area makes sense to develop for housing given its proximity to transit, shopping and industrial working areas. How much zoning will be created for affordable housing such as townhomes or condominiums or apartment buildings?

    Devinc35 asked 7 months ago
  • Share This plan looks good but it seems that mixed used is lacking a bit. So for any existing lots that are large or estate that aren't approved for a home should but made to densesfor three to four story homes. Would that bedmfff. on Facebook Share This plan looks good but it seems that mixed used is lacking a bit. So for any existing lots that are large or estate that aren't approved for a home should but made to densesfor three to four story homes. Would that bedmfff. on Twitter Share This plan looks good but it seems that mixed used is lacking a bit. So for any existing lots that are large or estate that aren't approved for a home should but made to densesfor three to four story homes. Would that bedmfff. on Linkedin Email This plan looks good but it seems that mixed used is lacking a bit. So for any existing lots that are large or estate that aren't approved for a home should but made to densesfor three to four story homes. Would that bedmfff. link

    This plan looks good but it seems that mixed used is lacking a bit. So for any existing lots that are large or estate that aren't approved for a home should but made to densesfor three to four story homes. Would that bedmfff.

    pbilk asked 8 months ago
    • The Council-approved Hidden Valley Master Plan envisions the intersection of River Road Extension and Wabanaki Drive as an area where mixed-use development could occur. Mixed-use accommodates a variety of uses within a building including residential.
    • City Council recently adopted new policies and regulations which will allow up to four units as of right on lots where zoning permits single detached, semi-detached or street townhouse dwelling units. (Currently waiting for Region of Waterloo approval of the Official Plan Amendment and expiry of appeal periods to implement).
  • Share Is there still a possibility that some or all of this land could be transformed into an urban park? on Facebook Share Is there still a possibility that some or all of this land could be transformed into an urban park? on Twitter Share Is there still a possibility that some or all of this land could be transformed into an urban park? on Linkedin Email Is there still a possibility that some or all of this land could be transformed into an urban park? link

    Is there still a possibility that some or all of this land could be transformed into an urban park?

    ScottClark asked 7 months ago
    • The Spaces strategy, the first part of Places & Spaces: A Parks and Open Space Strategy, sets out the vision for parkland, shaped by extensive community engagement, over the next two decades. 
    • The strategy notes that future planning of Hidden Valley should include a local planned park at a minimum size of 5,000 sq.m., with larger sizes considered for greater community use.
    • The acquisition of parkland needed to achieve the strategy is via the City’s Parkland Dedication Policy. It can be found at https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/DSD_PLAN_Parkland_Dedication_Policy.pdf
  • Share Is the transit option expected to be an extension of an existing bus line (eg: continuing the 20 down river Rd from Stanley Park Mall, to route through the River Rd extension/Goodrich/Wilson to the Fairview bus terminal), or a rerouting of a nearby bus route (eg: the #1 continuing further down River Rd instead of going down Fairway)? Also, will a strong pedestrian connection from Hidden Valley to King St be made, to provide access to the 206 iExpress? If this connection is made via the River Rd overpass, then it should be strongly designed to protect pedestrians/cyclists. on Facebook Share Is the transit option expected to be an extension of an existing bus line (eg: continuing the 20 down river Rd from Stanley Park Mall, to route through the River Rd extension/Goodrich/Wilson to the Fairview bus terminal), or a rerouting of a nearby bus route (eg: the #1 continuing further down River Rd instead of going down Fairway)? Also, will a strong pedestrian connection from Hidden Valley to King St be made, to provide access to the 206 iExpress? If this connection is made via the River Rd overpass, then it should be strongly designed to protect pedestrians/cyclists. on Twitter Share Is the transit option expected to be an extension of an existing bus line (eg: continuing the 20 down river Rd from Stanley Park Mall, to route through the River Rd extension/Goodrich/Wilson to the Fairview bus terminal), or a rerouting of a nearby bus route (eg: the #1 continuing further down River Rd instead of going down Fairway)? Also, will a strong pedestrian connection from Hidden Valley to King St be made, to provide access to the 206 iExpress? If this connection is made via the River Rd overpass, then it should be strongly designed to protect pedestrians/cyclists. on Linkedin Email Is the transit option expected to be an extension of an existing bus line (eg: continuing the 20 down river Rd from Stanley Park Mall, to route through the River Rd extension/Goodrich/Wilson to the Fairview bus terminal), or a rerouting of a nearby bus route (eg: the #1 continuing further down River Rd instead of going down Fairway)? Also, will a strong pedestrian connection from Hidden Valley to King St be made, to provide access to the 206 iExpress? If this connection is made via the River Rd overpass, then it should be strongly designed to protect pedestrians/cyclists. link

    Is the transit option expected to be an extension of an existing bus line (eg: continuing the 20 down river Rd from Stanley Park Mall, to route through the River Rd extension/Goodrich/Wilson to the Fairview bus terminal), or a rerouting of a nearby bus route (eg: the #1 continuing further down River Rd instead of going down Fairway)? Also, will a strong pedestrian connection from Hidden Valley to King St be made, to provide access to the 206 iExpress? If this connection is made via the River Rd overpass, then it should be strongly designed to protect pedestrians/cyclists.

    skf asked 8 months ago
    • Grand River Transit (GRT) regularly considers modifications to and expansion of services as part of its regular planning exercises and will review any development applications within the area. The Region of Waterloo Council-approved Recommended Design Concept for the River Road Extension includes active transportation facilities which will connect the Hidden Valley area to King Street.
  • Share Why isn't the proposed Hospital utilizing part of this parcel of land? on Facebook Share Why isn't the proposed Hospital utilizing part of this parcel of land? on Twitter Share Why isn't the proposed Hospital utilizing part of this parcel of land? on Linkedin Email Why isn't the proposed Hospital utilizing part of this parcel of land? link

    Why isn't the proposed Hospital utilizing part of this parcel of land?

    Erle Bowman asked 8 months ago
    • In January 2024, the panel in charge of recommending the location for the new hospital in Kitchener-Waterloo reported three sites have been shortlisted and were being evaluated. The site locations have not yet been disclosed.
  • Share Has the city considered this as an opportunity to give land back to local Indigenous communities? Stop building on what land we have left and return it to those it first belonged. on Facebook Share Has the city considered this as an opportunity to give land back to local Indigenous communities? Stop building on what land we have left and return it to those it first belonged. on Twitter Share Has the city considered this as an opportunity to give land back to local Indigenous communities? Stop building on what land we have left and return it to those it first belonged. on Linkedin Email Has the city considered this as an opportunity to give land back to local Indigenous communities? Stop building on what land we have left and return it to those it first belonged. link

    Has the city considered this as an opportunity to give land back to local Indigenous communities? Stop building on what land we have left and return it to those it first belonged.

    LWeber asked 8 months ago
    • Most of the land within Hidden Valley is privately owned.  On publicly owned lands, such as parks and open spaces, the City encourages Indigenous placemaking.  We are trying to better understand how parkland can become part of the everyday experience of and be reflective of the urban Indigenous population. We are exploring areas of cultural ceremony and celebration, stewardship and land restoration and education and learning through events, activities, art, and various festivals.
    • The city is working with municipal partners and local Indigenous communities to move towards reconciliation and committed to continued learning. Additional information can be found at https://www.kitchener.ca/en/strategic-plans-and-projects/indigenous-reconciliation.aspx



  • Share How is the River Road extension going to affect this area and when is that scheduled for completion? on Facebook Share How is the River Road extension going to affect this area and when is that scheduled for completion? on Twitter Share How is the River Road extension going to affect this area and when is that scheduled for completion? on Linkedin Email How is the River Road extension going to affect this area and when is that scheduled for completion? link

    How is the River Road extension going to affect this area and when is that scheduled for completion?

    Steve asked 8 months ago
  • Share Ho much of Hidden valley will be retained in its natural (unbuilt-up), or agricultural state? on Facebook Share Ho much of Hidden valley will be retained in its natural (unbuilt-up), or agricultural state? on Twitter Share Ho much of Hidden valley will be retained in its natural (unbuilt-up), or agricultural state? on Linkedin Email Ho much of Hidden valley will be retained in its natural (unbuilt-up), or agricultural state? link

    Ho much of Hidden valley will be retained in its natural (unbuilt-up), or agricultural state?

    john46dale asked 8 months ago
    • Lands identified as Natural Heritage Conservation on the Land Use Master Plan will be provided the greatest level of protection, which generally prohibits development.  
    • No agricultural uses are proposed.
  • Share Is going to be a a nature park? I would hate to see this turned into anything other on Facebook Share Is going to be a a nature park? I would hate to see this turned into anything other on Twitter Share Is going to be a a nature park? I would hate to see this turned into anything other on Linkedin Email Is going to be a a nature park? I would hate to see this turned into anything other link

    Is going to be a a nature park? I would hate to see this turned into anything other

    Michelle Robert asked 8 months ago
Page last updated: 06 Nov 2024, 09:29 AM