Click here for more information on this forum. What is Reurbanization? Reurbanization consists of four distinct types of activity that occur within existing urban areas: Infill: new development on previously vacant sites, typically at a higher density. Intensification: new development which raises the density on sites already occupied by one or more structures. Adaptive reuse: a change in the use of a structure and site, typically from industrial to commercial or residential uses. Redevelopment: The acquisition and wholesale changeover in the use of a large site or several smaller neighbouring sites, typically involving some land assembly and demolition activity. What are the Benefits of Reurbanization? Reurbanization can generate a number of social, environmental, and economic benefits. These benefits include: Greater housing choice and improved affordability, Enhanced protection of sensitive agricultural lands and environmental features, Reduced capital expenditures, and Reduced need for costly infrastructure upgrades. In addition, reurbanization, particularly in the downtown core areas and along existing transit routes, provides: A stimulus to local revitalization efforts, Reduces automobile dependency, and Will help boost transit ridership when the Rapid Transit system is implemented within the Central Transit Corridor (CTC). Other benefits associated with reurbanization include: Preservation of unique heritage features and resources through adaptive reuse, Enhanced public safety by having more "eyes on the street", Improved air quality resulting from reduced automobile dependency, Improved public health as a result of more active lifestyles, Improved quality of life, Clean-up of brownfield sites and other contaminated properties, and Greater tax-revenues resulting from new development. What Does Reurbanization Look Like? Reurbanization can occur in just about any shape or size imaginable; from a small, one or two unit addition or infill project to a massive multi-unit redevelopment project occupying an entire city block. Reurbanization projects can also take different forms and tenures, and incorporate many different uses all under one roof. Residential lofts, both freehold and rental, and mixed-used developments that combine residential units, shopping, office space, and institutional uses are what many people picture when they think of reurbanization. Are there Successful Examples of Local Reurbanization? Many successful reurbanization projects have already occurred within Waterloo Region and many more are currently in the planning phase. A few of our local success stories can be found here. Also, check out A Symphony of Design, a video highlighting some of the region's finest examples of urban design, many of which are reurbanization projects. What is the Region Doing to Promote Reurbanization? One of the key objectives of the Regional Growth Management Strategy (RGMS) (8.64 MB), approved by Regional Council in 2003, is to achieve more efficient use of land and infrastructure through additional reurbanization. In order to accomplish this objective the Region and its local municipal partners are promoting balanced growth and including more compact and transit-supportive development within existing urban areas. The promotion of additional reurbanization is also underway; particularly in the downtown core areas and along existing transit routes. With this objective in mind, Planning, Housing and Community Services staff established a Reurbanization Working Group in April 2004. Furthermore, with the adoption of the RGMS, and the Provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe coming into force and effect, planning issues have become increasingly complex and staff has realized the need to provide a greater degree of specialization to effectively respond to the needs of municipal and private sector partners, stakeholders and applicants. In order to respond to these changes, the Development Planning section has been restructured into two sections, Reurbanization and Greenfield Planning. The Reurbanization section is responsible for the full range of development, policy and research activities within the built boundary (476 KB). For a list of staff contacts for inquires related to reurbanziation click here. The Region has also developed a number of incentives and funding programs. In order to improve access to information on these programs the Region has developed a Housing Incentives & Funding Resource Guide. Click here for information on this guide and to view a copy. What is the Province Doing to Promote Reurbanization? The Region of Waterloo is not the only government to recognize the benefits of reurbanization and its potential to improve quality of life. Indeed, plans to encourage greater reurbanization are being unveiled throughout North America. In June 2006, the Province of Ontario released the Places to Grow Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. One of the five key objectives identified within this plan is that of intensification and compact development. In support of this objective, the Province has proposed a number of strategies, including: Ensure that the Development Charges Act encourages compact urban form and fair development charges, Help to provide more options for financing brownfield redevelopment projects, Explore options for creating greyfield redevelopment incentives for mixed-use multi-storey development in under used retail areas, Develop design standards for greenfield development (including mixed-use, walkability and transit-supportive standards), Explore the potential to support intensification in development areas through the use of special purpose municipal economic development corporations, and Work with municipalities to ensure that there is an adequate supply of employment lands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Reurbanization Projects: Current: Brownfield Initiatives Brownfield Financial Incentives Program Housing Research Examples of Local Reurbanization 2009: Reurbanization Corridor Station Area Plan Pilot Project, Infrastructure Analysis 2008: Station Area Plan Pilot Project Reurbanization Forum, Seizing Opportunity in Transit Oriented Development Regional Reurbanization Community Improvement Plan 2006/2007: Visualizing Densities 2005: Reurbanization Market Analysis and Feasibility Study Other Related Links The City of Kitchener Website The City of Waterloo Website The City of Cambridge Website Kitchener Urban Design Manual City of Waterloo Urban Design Guidelines Kitchener Growth Management Strategy Cambridge Growth Management Strategy Kitchener Mixed Use Corridors City of Waterloo Height and Density Policy Study Cambridge Core Areas Revitalization Program
		For a list of staff contacts for inquires related to reurbanziation click here.