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MTE Consultants Acquires RIZZ Engineering, Strengthening Expertise in Structural Design and Precast Concrete

The Working Centre
Community Spaces

The Working Centre

Partners

BNKC Architects, The Working Centre

Key personnel

Paul Slater, P.Eng.

Project overview

In 2006, The Working Centre transformed 97 Victoria Street from a former factory into a community centre for individuals experiencing homelessness. Since then, St. John’s Kitchen has become an essential daytime resource in downtown Kitchener, serving approximately 250 individuals daily with food, support, and community.

Building on this foundation, The Working Centre has moved forward with the development of 44 supportive housing units that will provide 24/7 on-site care. This initiative emphasizes the importance of consistent, compassionate support in residents’ daily lives. The goal is to create a safe, stable, and inclusive environment where individuals can begin each day with the resources they need to move forward, while also addressing the broader challenges that come with building community-based solutions.

Each resident will benefit from a robust support network, including access to medical services and assistance in navigating community systems. To promote accessibility, 26% of the units will be fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring the space is inclusive for all residents. The housing will be income-based and affordable, removing financial barriers and prioritizing those most in need. This initiative aligns closely with the Region of Waterloo’s homelessness strategy and will be accessible through a prioritized housing waitlist.

MTE's Involvement

The redevelopment of St. John’s Kitchen will also feature significant improvements to the physical space. A newly designed courtyard and upgraded accessibility features will support community engagement and create opportunities for connection through events and programming. Together, the housing and updated community spaces will form a supportive environment where individuals are empowered to thrive.

MTE is proud to have played a key role in this important project by providing a range of multi-disciplinary engineering and surveying services. Our Surveying team completed a topographic survey and developed a reference plan, laying the groundwork for effective site planning. Our Environmental team prepared a Record of Site Condition (RSC) and conducted a Designated Substance Audit (DSA), ensuring environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Additionally, our Geotechnical team performed soil sampling and material testing, informing foundational decisions for the site’s redevelopment.

Our Civil team prepared a site plan for the third floor and developed the design for a west wing addition to the existing building. These efforts were focused on optimizing spatial use and improving the overall functionality of the facility. Our Structural team contributed by delivering structural assessments, preparing detailed design drawings, and conducting field reviews for both the third-floor addition and the new building—ensuring all components met the highest standards of safety and quality.

MTE is honoured to have supported The Working Centre in delivering this transformative project, one that directly contributes to the well-being of our community’s most vulnerable individuals while setting a benchmark for inclusive and compassionate development.