Kitchener city council has approved a mixed-use development that will combine a new fire station with purpose-built rental housing in the city’s downtown.

At its July 13 meeting before the summer recess, council approved the Kitchener Fire Station 8 Housing Development. Planned for the city’s downtown, the project will include a modern fire station with two apparatus bays and a 19-storey residential building. The housing component will provide 281 rental units, including both below-market and market-rate units. The development will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites.

“Tackling the housing crisis and supporting a growing city requires all orders of government and community partners to work together,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “By bringing essential emergency services and much-needed housing together in one location, we’re delivering smart, innovative solutions that will benefit residents today and for years to come.”

The City of Kitchener is investing up to $22.6 million in the development. Funding support will come from the federal and provincial governments, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund, and development charge revenues.

The development will also include public gathering spaces and an urban plaza. The design emphasizes accessibility and active transportation, while supporting both residents and the surrounding community.

The project will complete Kitchener’s planned eight-station model for reliable fire protection across the city.

The development will now move into detailed design, permitting, and financing for the residential component. The city expects a building permit in fall 2026, with construction starting in spring 2027. Fire Station 8 is targeted to open in 2028, while the housing project is expected to be completed by 2030, subject to securing required funding and program support.