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.”