As we close the chapter on 2024, the Killarney-Glengarry Development Committee (KGDC) reflects on a year of achievements, collaboration, and progress with the community. From a development committee perspective, we are now standing at 8 committed volunteers, all of which have diverse opinions and thoughts about development that they bring to the table.
We continue to work together and advocate to stakeholders on behalf of the community. It’s been exceptional to get to know each one of the members of the committee and I want to thank everyone who has been involved so far, for all the hard work and enthusiasm to managing the complexities of development and making great progress so far. If you know of anyone on the committee, please give them a pat on the back and a thank you for a job well done this year.
This year, we proudly launched Killarney-Glengarry Vision 2030, a bold, aspirational roadmap for our community’s future. It’s more than a plan – it’s a story about what we can become. Vision 2030 captures the hopes, values, and priorities of our residents, inspiring us to build a shared future about a neighbourhood that balances growth with liveability, with data taken from resident feedback through survey feedback and through conversations to inform Vision 2030.
Aligned with the Westbrook Local Area Plan (LAP), Vision 2030 reflects our collective desire for thoughtful development, sustainable living, and strong community connections. By aligning with the City’s framework while articulating our unique needs, Vision 2030 ensures we’re all working toward a shared future.
For a copy of Vision 2030, please visit www.kgca.ca and click on “Vision 2030” which is under the development tab.
What Were the Key Achievements in 2024 for KGDC?
1. Established a Strong Foundation for Development Advocacy and Education
In 2024, we introduced the SMART Development Framework, which is a tool that addresses the challenge of unchecked or misaligned development by providing a clear set of principles to guide projects. It helps by ensuring that new developments prioritize sustainability, meet the diverse needs of residents, respect the community’s unique character, and deliver tangible benefits like enhanced green spaces, age-friendly housing, and improved walkability, fostering a more balanced and liveable neighbourhood. SMART means:
• Sustainable Growth
• Meaningful Design
• Age-Friendly Solutions
• Resilient Communities
• Tangible Results
This practical tool ensures new projects respect Killarney’s character, prioritize community needs, and promote green spaces.
2. Strengthened Relationships with Stakeholders
We built partnerships with residents, the City, and developers, fostering dialogue through surveys, various meetings, and feedback. Highlights include:
• 81 residents participated in our survey, which shaped the advocacy priorities for KGDC
• Feedback from the survey and residents needs/wants regarding development was shared with the City to influence the Westbrook LAP.
3. Reviewed Land Use Changes and Development Permits
Once KGDC was fully formed in late Q3 2024, the KGDC responded to every development permit and land use application, offering thoughtful feedback on major projects like the Viscount Bennett (Minto) development and multiple multi-unit and middle housing proposals. We also provided feedback to developers, in some cases steering them away from overdevelopment which can be an issue, and in some cases, encouraging “development done right” that fits within the City framework, but is beneficial within the community.
4. Educated the Community
• Hosted an open house attended by 40+ residents, gathering input on key areas like Westbrook LRT and 26 Ave.
• Published five articles reaching over 6,000 community members.
• Redesigned our website to make development information accessible.
• Collaborated with other communities and provided thought leadership on how to engage residents in development.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Priorities for KGDC
Drive Vision 2030 and SMART Framework
Host workshops and open forums to engage developers, residents, and other stakeholders to promote SMART development, “development done right”, and the Vision 2030.
Focus on Key Development Areas of Opportunity/Challenge
Prioritize influencing any development projects on 37 Street, 26 Ave, 17 Ave, and Westbrook LRT, ensuring large-scale developments meet community standards. We also aim to find an interim solution for Westbrook LRT station.
Expand Education and Advocacy
Grow newsletter readership by 10% and launch a Resource Hub to simplify development feedback. We also plan to provide more resources on specific topics such as (condo board obligations for resident owners living in multi-units, the development process and how to submit feedback, and more!)
Enhance Green Spaces
Advocate for better parks, tree canopy preservation, and walkable and liveable spaces to enhance community interaction with developers and the City.
Engage Local Businesses and Build Partnerships
Support mixed-use developments (this does not mean we will always encourage this, but we do want to encourage vibrancy) and include businesses in project discussions to ensure their voices are heard.
As part of our vision for enhancing public spaces, we’re also exploring a project to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant displays of Killarney-Glengarry’s history and character, fostering community connections and creating lasting benefits for all residents.
We don’t know exactly what that will look like, but we are open to ideas! If you want to participate in the brainstorming process, please e-mail me at [email protected]
Here’s to continuing all our vital work in the years ahead!
Get Involved!
Support KGCA by purchasing a membership—your contribution helps sustain vital programs and initiatives.
Membership details: KGCA Membership and Volunteering
For questions or feedback, contact us at [email protected].
Together, let’s build a brighter future for Killarney-Glengarry!
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