2030 Vision of Killarney: One Community. Growing Together. With Purpose.
This vision aims to articulate a clear and inspiring vision for Killarney-Glengarry in 2030, based on community input and survey data, that will guide future development and align stakeholders around a shared direction.
Vision 2030
Imagine you are walking down a tree-lined street in Killarney-Glengarry on a warm summer afternoon. Families are walking together, and children play in the local park, while a friendly dog wanders between benches where neighbours catch up over coffee. The sun lters through the canopy of preserved trees that have become a dening feature of this historic yet forward-thinking community.
As you walk past the community with newly developed middle housing as a prevalent theme, it becomes clear how well Killarney-Glengarry has embraced its future while preserving the core values that have long made it a sought-after place to live. There’s middle housing, and also heritage homes, and older homes with character.
The architecture reflects a balance between modern design and sustainability, echoing the community's dedication to SMART development. The homes are built with a mix of materials and with diverse and varied design. Each home incorporates design elements that reect Killarney’s unique character, while maintaining affordability and a sense of belonging. Many dwellings have front patios to encourage neighbour interaction.
Moving past 37th Street, the area bustles with local businesses, offering everything from artisanal cafes to specialty grocery stores to retail. This street, once an underutilized main street has transformed. It’s now a vibrant and walkable hub, offering mixed-use developments that combine living spaces with accessible services like healthcare, groceries, and entertainment. This intentional design has created a more walkable and connected neighbourhood, where community members can access everything they need within just a few blocks.
Is Killarney a 15 minute community?
No it’s not. It’s more like a 5 minute community. You can go almost anywhere in Killarney, and get exactly what you need.
As you reach 26th Avenue, you see Killarney's "crown jewel" in action. You walk south, and as you approach 26th Avenue, you notice how it has become a vibrant example of community-driven development. Responding to the survey’s call for more diverse local businesses and pedestrian-friendly spaces, the avenue has been transformed into a bustling corridor where small businesses thrive. Local shops and cafes, many of which are owned by Killarney residents, create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Wider sidewalks, lined with trees and benches, invite people to take their time, stroll leisurely, and engage with their neighbours. The integration of public art installations and inviting green spaces showcases the community’s commitment to both creativity and sustainability, creating a space that fosters social interaction and supports a thriving local economy. 26th Avenue now stands as a testament to Killarney's vision for a future where development enhances both livability and a sense of belonging.
This is the future of Killarney that we want - a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to build a better, more connected, and more sustainable community. The vision is one of SMART development, where middle housing, mixed-use spaces, and greenspaces work together to create a place that feels like home for everyone. Everyone - young, old, new to Canada, and students can thrive here.
As you reach 17th Avenue, you can see how the community has embraced its evolution into a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly space, responding to the survey’s call for improved walkability and better local amenities.
You look across the street at Westbrook LRT. It’s much, much more desirable now.
You remember the days when it was nothing but an LRT station with a greenspace that was collecting dust. Across the street from 17th Ave, it now features wider sidewalks, mixed multi-unit, and more greenery, creating a safer and more inviting atmosphere for residents to enjoy. Cafes and shops have expanded their outdoor seating, making the street a lively but relaxed hub where locals can connect, run errands, or simply take a stroll.
The Westbrook LRT area has undergone a stunning transformation, becoming one of the most desirable and sustainable hubs in Killarney-Glengarry. What was once a purely transit-focused zone has now evolved into a thriving mixed-use development that blends multi-unit housing, retail, and expansive greenspaces. These multi-unit buildings offer a variety of housing options—condos, townhomes, and apartments.
Not far from this bustling area is Killarney Park, now filled with hundreds of newly planted trees. The Killarney Aquatic Centre has expanded its footprint to accommodate Killarney's growing population. The centre boasts a state-of-the-art design, complete with accessible pools, fitness areas, and spaces for events, making it a central point for both recreation and community gatherings.
As you continue your walk through Killarney-Glengarry, you pass by charming, well-preserved bungalows—reminders of the community's rich history. These homes, many of which have been thoughtfully updated, provide a link to Killarney’s past while offering diverse housing choices that maintain the character of the neighbourhood. Middle housing, prevalent throughout the area, ensures that growth is carefully balanced, preserving the charm and history of these older homes while avoiding an overflow of vehicles or congestion.
For the older residents of Killarney, age-friendly solutions have been thoughtfully integrated. Accessible sidewalks, additional benches, and community spaces designed with ease of movement in mind ensure that seniors can enjoy the neighbourhood with comfort. Local services, such as healthcare clinics and senior friendly activities at the expanded Killarney Aquatic Centre, make sure that all generations can thrive and feel connected in this evolving community.
As the sun begins to set, you hear music in the background.
There’s a regular local music series, where everyone of all walks of life come together to listen to local musicians perform. Live music fills the air, and people of all ages gather to enjoy the performance—teenagers hanging out with friends, older couples sharing a moment together, and families picnicking under the trees. This simple yet profound gathering highlights what Killarney-Glengarry is all about: connection, community, and shared experiences.
This is the future of Killarney