Kitchener chooses a gradual approach

City’s multi-phase reopening strategy will stretch into 2021

KITCHENER — Kitchener plans a very gradual reopening in the wake of the pandemic that will stretch into 2021 and beyond

The road map for reopening paints a picture of the new normal, where more people work from home, more service is offered online, and city programs focus on supporting the recovery of local businesses and arts groups, as well as community building.

The post-pandemic world could also mean fast-tracking efforts to improve the city’s cycling and trails network, and starting a “slow streets” program that would seasonally close some local streets to through traffic.

It will take “years and not months” for the city to recover financially from the pandemic, which would force the city to delay or shelve some city projects, the report warns.

The pandemic is projected to cost the city $11 million this year.

Normal city operations, full public access to city buildings and large-scale festivals won’t happen until there is a widely available vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.

Before then, people will be allowed in city hall by appointment only, and anyone entering a city building will need to do a health check.

The plan includes multiple phases, which depend on what the province allows and whether a second wave of infections hits this fall: á The current first phase reopened some facilities such as dog parks, Rockway golf course and sports fields with restrictions; á In Phase 2, from mid-June to mid-July, the city plans to reopen playgrounds, allow some sports field bookings, gradually reopen outdoor pools and splash pads and a limited number of community centres to provide some summer day

camps, and allow food trucks at five community centres as a pilot project; á From mid-July to September, Kitchener hopes to gradually reopen arenas, indoor pools, restart in-person council meetings though with virtual delegations, start up virtual public consultations and public meetings, and organize small-scale events and festivals;

From September until the end of 2020, Kitchener hopes to reopen outdoor amenities, indoor facilities and restart programs, depending on how well

lier phases have gone and whether infections spike again this fall; á The final phase, with all 70 city buildings open for public use and regular programming at day camps and community entres, isn’t expected to happen until at least 2021.

“The worst thing we could do is move quickly to reactivate everything, only to find out we have issues and have to scale back,” said chief administrator Dan Chapman.

Several councillors urged city staff to try and improve garbage pickup and maintenance to city parks and open spaces.

“Many people live in apartment buildings, and do not have access to their own green space. ... This really is a critical service for so many of our residents,” Coun. Margaret Johnston said.

The new normal at city hall will mean city employees who can work from home will continue to do so “for the foreseeable future.” Online services and virtual meetings will also become more common.

The city’s economic development department will refocus on supporting the needs of businesses in the new, postpandemic world. That might mean planning for how the city — and the downtown — will be affected if employers scale back their brick-and-mortar office space.

Community staff will focus on emotional and mental health and moving ahead with Kitchener’s affordable housing strategy. “Fostering strong neighbourhoods will be increasingly important,” the plan says.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic acknowledged the impact the pandemic has had on residents and businesses, and stressed that safety of city employees and the community has to be the top priority.

“Nobody will be safe if not everyone is safe,” he said. “It’s imperative that we ensure that nobody is left behind.”