The Regional Municipality of Waterloo has completed a planning study for the modifications of Victoria Street in Kitchener in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act following the process for Schedule ‘B’ projects under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2023). 

About the study

This project is focused on Victoria Street North (Regional Road 55) from King Street West (Regional Road 15) to Weber Street West (Regional Road 8). The planning for Victoria Street is focused on high-quality multimodal connections to facilitate better first- and last-mile connections to the Kitchener Central Transit Hub. This work will directly benefit the Kitchener Central Transit Hub project by creating space for infrastructure for walking, cycling, transit and passenger pick-up and drop-off. The recommended design alternative includes:

• Two general purpose lanes.
• Two bus priority lanes for transit vehicles except for about 100 metres west of Duke Street due to built heritage resources constraints.
• Separated bi-directional cycle tracks on the north side of Victoria Street.
• Sidewalks for pedestrians on the north and south sides of Victoria Street.

The input received from the public and other stakeholders was used to inform the preferred alternative that was approved by Regional Council.

A summary of the environmental study process and the Preferred Design Alternative are included in a comprehensive Project File.

The Project File will be available for review on the Region of Waterloo’s EngageWR.ca website at https://engagewr.ca/victoria-street-modifications for a 30-day public comment period, between April 2, 2026 and May 4, 2026. The Project File is also available for review in person during regular business hours at the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Clerk’s Office, 150 Frederick St., 2nd Floor Kitchener, ON. Other physical copies may be available upon request.

Further information may be obtained from Project Team anytime during this review period, but no later than May 4, 2026, by contacting the following Project Team member:

Oriana Aguas, P.Eng.
Project Manager, Transportation Planning
Transportation Services Department
Region of Waterloo
150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario N2G
Telephone: 519-573-5403
oaguas@regionofwaterloo.ca

Subject to comments received as a result of this Notice and the receipt of necessary approvals, the Region of Waterloo intends to proceed with the detailed design and construction of the preferred alternative solution as documented in the Project File.

Notice of Review Period and Section 16 Order: Aboriginal and Treaty Rights

This notice announces the start of the 30 calendar-day public review period for the Project File for the Schedule ‘B’ MCEA Study for the Victoria Street Modifications in accordance with the requirements of the EA process. The review period will begin on April 2, 2026.

As noted, public concerns are to be directed to the Region of Waterloo, as represented by the above Project Team member. However, where outstanding concerns may relate to potential adverse impacts to constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights, then Section 16 Order requests on these matters shall be addressed in writing, or by email, to the following provincial government contacts, and copied to the Project Team member listed above, no later than May 4, 2026.

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e. an individual / comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g. require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights.

Requests on other grounds will not be considered. All requests should include the full name and contact information of the requester, for Ministry purposes.

This Notice was first issued April 2, 2026.

All comments and information provided become part of the consultation process and are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. All submissions will become part of the public record files for this matter. Personal information collected is under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990. Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to Oriana Aguas, Project Manager at oaguas@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-753-5403.