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City Council Columns - October 2024
Hi Ward 1, hope you’re well. Happy Thanksgiving, Oktoberfest, or Halloween depending on when you read this! October is a pretty great month in Kitchener, isn’t it? I hope you get to spend some time with family on Thanksgiving, party it up a little with friends during Oktoberfest, and ensure you make things spooky and fun for all the little trick-or-treating witches, ghouls, and goblins at the end of the month.
Speaking of Halloween, that’s not all that will be celebrated on October 31st this year. Happy Diwali to those who observe the celebration of light and knowledge over darkness and ignorance.
Diwali is also one of the few dates per year where fireworks may be used in celebration. I’m unsure whether coinciding with Halloween will be better or worse for typical fireworks related issues, but Kitchener Council has recently decided to revisit the entire fireworks issues and regulations. The hope is to minimize some of the unfortunate events of late by some citizens, and their unsafe use.
Council only passed a motion for staff to review best practices and return with information and suggestions. I wouldn’t presume what any recommendations might be from that report, due in April of next year, but I would like to hear directly from you if you have any concerns.
The options could range from outright banning, to stricter licensing, to no change at all. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on this, or any item related to our City, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime using the information under my photo.
We celebrated the official reopening of Kinzie, Oaten and Idlewood Parks on Friday, September 27. Much of your input was implemented, providing a wide variety of amenities, including new play structures, a community garden, basketball nets, a fenced off-leash dog area, bench seating, more trees, in-ground waste receptacles, paved walkways and open green space. The City of Kitchener appreciates this Federal funding through their Canada Community-Building Fund.
Our loose-leaf collection sites open October 13. In Ward 2, we have two loose-leaf collection sites: one at the Ottawa St. North entrance of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, behind Jack Couch Ball Park and the other at Hofstetter Park, off Hofstetter Ave. If you use bags to take your leaves to a drop-off site, please empty your leaves and take your bags with you. No bags, including paper yard waste bags, are accepted at drop off sites. For full details, visit kitchener.ca/leaves or go to my website daveschnider.com
The official KW Oktoberfest keg tapping takes place Friday, October 11 at Noon in Carl Zehr Square. Enjoy Council’s Annual Grillefest from 11am-2pm with Chef D cooking up Piller’s sausages, served with a cold drink and cookies for a minimum donation of 5 dollars. All proceeds go to our Food Bank.
We have so much to be thankful for and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Follow me on Instagram and X at @DaveSchniderKW or “friend” me on Facebook. Visit my website daveschnider.com for lots of Ward 2 and city info. For assistance on issues, contact me or our contact centre at 519-741-2345 or info@kitchener.ca.
I want to start by thanking everyone who organized the Fall Family Meet and Greet held at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre (DPPCC). It was a huge success! I also want to give a shout out to the DPPCC staff and the DPP Community Association for all the great programming and services offered.
The city has been making improvements based on community feedback in a number of parks across the city. In Ward 4, Millwood and Carlyle Parks will be redesigned based on your feedback. A neighbourhood meeting was held on October 9 to reveal the new design for resident feedback. For info on the engagement process and design, visit engagewr.ca/millwood-carlyle-park.
Kitchener in Bloom is an annual garden program recognizing different types of gardens at residential and commercial properties. Thank you to all the gardeners who help make our city a greener, more vibrant, or more sustainable place to live, and to everyone who took the time to recognize their efforts.
For the past eight years, the Doon Toy Drive has contributed thousands of toys to the Salvation Army, a beacon of hope for families facing tough times. Your donation can make an incredible impact. A simple gesture, such as purchasing an extra toy during your next shopping trip, or making a direct donation, can make a world of difference. You can drop your donations at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre or the Huron Community Centre. For details, visit Facebook - doontoydrive
Join me for a coffee and chat at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre at my next Meet and Greet. October’s will be on Saturday the 19th from 10-11:30am.
As the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s time to prepare for fall events, including leaf collection! Whether you prefer mulching, composting, or using the Region of Waterloo’s bagged yard waste program, there are plenty of options. Kitchener’s eight leaf drop-off sites will be open from October 13 to December 8. Visit the City of Kitchener’s website to find your collection schedule and learn more about sustainable leaf management.
This fall, we also celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on October 31 and November 1. For those celebrating with fireworks, please remember the City of Kitchener’s bylaws:
· Fireworks must end by 11 p.m. on Diwali.
· No fireworks on public property, streets, forests, trails, or parks without a permit.
· Stay 25 feet from buildings or areas with dry vegetation.
· Firecrackers are banned in Kitchener.
Let’s ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable celebration!
Don’t forget to explore our beautiful parks and green spaces as well. These are great places to connect with neighbors and enjoy outdoor activities. Be sure to visit the Huron or Williamsburg Community Center websites to stay updated on local events and programs.
Ward 5 is growing fast, and now more than ever, it’s important to build strong connections with our neighbors. As the days get shorter, take a moment to say hello, bake some cookies, and remind each other that we’re all part of this wonderful community.
In Kitchener, we strive to create a sense of belonging, ensuring everyone feels connected and value
I hope you’re all doing well! I wanted to share a few updates on what’s happening in our community.
We’re working on Kitchener 2051, a comprehensive plan to guide growth and development for the next few decades as our population is expected to exceed 400,000. This plan will focus on key areas like housing, transportation, green spaces, and sustainable development to ensure we maintain the character of our neighbourhoods, create more walkable communities, and improve public transit options. Your input is crucial, and there will be opportunities for you to participate through surveys, public meetings, and workshops. Visit engagewr.ca/kitchener2051. Together, we can make sure Kitchener grows in a way that benefits everyone.
I also want to congratulate the Kitchener in Bloom nominees. Your beautiful gardens make our community a brighter place! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to making Ward 6 vibrant.
I’d also like to highlight the success of the inaugural Caribana Ignite.The event was a fantastic celebration of Caribbean culture, bringing together vibrant music, colorful costumes, and delicious food.
Join me October 16 at Country Hills Community Centre for a casual meet and greet from 7-8:30pm. City staff will be available 7-8pm to answer questions about the proposed DMF project in Countryside Park.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to wish you and your family a warm and happy holiday. May it be filled with good food, laughter, and time with loved ones.
Thank you for being part of what makes Ward 6 special. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Hi Ward 7! Happy Fall! Hope you are doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been having lately.
There are lots of events and programs to look forward to, such as Oktoberfest, Halloween, Diwali and Thanksgiving. I’d like to wish everyone who celebrates a holiday a wonderful time.
At City Council, fall is our busiest time. Among many other topics, I’d like to update you about how recently the City of Kitchener announced the first group of recipients of the Not-for-Profit Affordable and Co-operative Housing Incentives.
Announced in June 2024, the City of Kitchener is providing a $10,000-per-unit grant to help build more than 500 new not-for-profit affordable housing units.
The first group of grant recipients, totaling just over 70 new affordable units are:
· KW Habilitation Services (878 Frederick Street) – 18 units
· Thresholds Homes and Supports (667 Victoria St S) – 30 units
· Eleven Housing Corp. (59 Franklin St. S) – 22 units
This housing announcement marks another milestone in the relationship between the Federal Government, City of Kitchener and community partners to get more affordable housing built throughout our community. This program is part of Kitchener’s Housing for All vision and is supported through the Federal Government’s Housing Accelerator Fund initiative.
To celebrate the funding, on September 27, KW Habilitation and officials from the Government of Canada and City of Kitchener broke ground on the 878 Frederick Street site that will accommodate 18 supportive housing units.
Hey Ward 8! I wanted to let you know about a great partnership program that you can participate in to help improve our Urban Forest Canopy!
The City of Kitchener will subsidize the cost for backyard trees to encourage citizen stewardship of the urban forest on private property as part of a partnership with REEP Green solutions.
Through the Backyard Tree Planting program, homeowners receive an in-person consultation with an arborist, as well as delivery and full planting service. Reep Green Solutions’ arborist assesses the conditions in the yard and asks about the homeowners’ needs and preferences to help them decide on the right tree for the right place. Only trees that are native to Ontario are available for planting because they will have the greatest opportunity to thrive in the long term. “Native trees require less maintenance than exotic species and provide essential habitat for wildlife,” according to Reep Green Solutions’ arborist and Healthy Yard Guide, Chris Morrison.
Program participants mentioned that the majority of trees in Kitchener would not have been replaced had it not been for the Backyard Tree Planting Program.
Step 1) Apply at reepgreen.ca/trees
2) Schedule an on-site consultation with tree experts to find the right tree for the right place
3) Service includes delivery and planting in the spring or fall along with a care guide.
4) The subsidized cost of this program ranges from $160-$230 per tree and includes mulch and the tree care guide
As always, please reach out to me to connect about Ward thoughts and ideas. My co-ordinates are in the left-hand column. Happy Fall!
On September 30, council passed a motion calling on the Province to continue funding Consumption and Treatment Sites (CTS); ensure funding for HART hubs; and not take steps that would prohibit establishing Urgent Public Health Needs Sites or supervised consumption services.
I want to thank the delegates who took time to speak at council, and to residents who submitted written comments about the importance of the CTS. Some spoke about their lived experiences, others spoke as service providers, professionals or residents that care. All levels of government have a role to play. One of our roles as City of Kitchener council members is to advocate on behalf of our residents to the other levels of government. Thank you all for seeing this motion through.
I was also pleased to see that council unanimously rejected a noise exemption request for a 6:00 am start time for 7 months at the Station Park construction site. This could have been a precedent-setting decision impacting neighbourhoods around the city.
October makes me think of Oktoberfest, Halloween, cooling temperatures and the leaves changing colour. Events of interest to watch for include the official keg tapping on October 11 at noon downtown; the Hans Haus Pop-Up Shop at City Hall; DOGtoberfest October 12-13 on the Gaukel Block; and, of course, the Thanksgiving Parade on October 14. To celebrate Halloween, consider the Tot Parade at the Museum or the Pooch Party on October 26. I hope to see you out there.
I welcome your comments and suggestions on anything specific to Ward 9 or city-wide. I couldn’t do what I do without your feedback and support.
As the leaves turn and start to fall, I thought I would highlight a new annual program the city has to help conserve and manage our existing urban forest while increasing our tree canopy to meet the goal of 30% canopy coverage in each ward by 2050. As you know Ward 10 has some big, beautiful trees we are benefiting from and working to manage, maintain and add to. It makes us a hot spot for leaf collection.
The trees that make up Kitchener’s urban forest are some of the most valuable features in our community, benefiting our environment and beautifying our homes and properties. As part of the City of Kitchener’s Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy a new neighbourhood tree planting program delivered in partnership with Reep Green Solutions and with additional funding and support from Green Communities Canada and Definity Financial Corporation. Community Canopy aims to increase the tree canopy in Kitchener neighbourhoods that have lower tree cover by planting trees where residents need them the most. You can learn more about it at kitchener.ca/trees
For areas with significant tree cover, we offer curbside loose leaf collection on a set schedule. As of October 21st “Hot Spot” neighbourhoods can start raking out leaves to the road. Yard waste can include leaves and can be included in the Regions bagged yard waste program that is collected on garbage days. You can also drop leaves off to one of our eight drop off locations. Drop-off sites are for leaves only (no yard or household waste). kitchener.ca/leafcollection
Statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2024
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, formerly known as “Orange Shirt Day”. This day was officially enacted by Parliament in 2021, to further encourage Canadians to understand the enduring legacy of Canada’s residential school system and consider the important work of Indigenous Reconciliation.
On this day, it is important to learn and reflect on the inter-generational impacts of residential schools felt in Indigenous families and communities. We must remember the thousands of children who lost their lives in residential schools and the survivors who live with the trauma that can never be undone. We all have an opportunity and responsibility to learn more about this terrible part of our nation’s history and commit ourselves to meaningful action.
Actions may include learning about Indigenous peoples’ relationship with the land; reading Indigenous literature; supporting Indigenous artists; having meaningful conversations with family, friends and colleagues; and committing to personal change and allyship.
The City acknowledged National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by lighting Carl Zehr Square in orange, flying the Survivors’ Flag at City Hall, and providing City staff with resources to help facilitate learning, reflection and action. The City of Kitchener’s vision is one of building a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us – and each other. In 2019, we committed ourselves to responding to Call to Action #57 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which began with the launch of intercultural competency training focusing on history, treaties, legislation and impact on First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. In addition to staff training, we have launched programming around days of significance, such as the development of learning toolkits and resources for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We have also grown the size of the RISE Fund that is supporting Indigenous communities, amongst others. The fund is a community grant that provides support for Black, Indigenous and racialized community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for those same communities in Kitchener. The City of Kitchener strives to make meaningful efforts towards reconciliation.
It is slow and intentional work that involves creating space for Indigenous perspectives and values, while also altering the ways we have historically operated. Recent projects that highlight Kitchener’s commitment to reconciliation and relationship-building include: • Working with SpruceLab Inc., an Indigenous and woman-owned firm, to assist the City with facilitating dialogue with First Nations partners and local Indigenous community members as part of Kitchener 2051, our new Official Plan.
• Through our Forest School program, we have hired an Anishnaabe knowledge keeper and have partnered with local Indigenous organizations to create and lead programs specifically for Indigenous children and youth.
• Working collaboratively with White Owl Native Ancestry Association, Wisahkotewinoak Urban Indigenous Garden Collective, and Conestoga College on the Wiijindamaan Indigenous Land Restoration project which aims to restore the Pioneer Tower Natural Area.
These projects represent opportunities for staff learning/unlearning and growth that will help inform our perspectives and our work moving forward. We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go toward reconciliation and eliminating discrimination against Indigenous people.
I urge all Kitchener residents to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We need to reflect on the tragic facts of the Residential School system and acknowledge their presence in contemporary history. Each of us can do our part by committing to learning more, attending a local event, supporting an Indigenous business or artist or donating to a local Indigenous organization. Through our learning, reflection and action, together we will build a caring city for all.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic on behalf of Kitchener City Council
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, formerly known as “Orange Shirt Day”. This day was officially enacted by Parliament in 2021, to further encourage Canadians to understand the enduring legacy of Canada’s residential school system and consider the important work of Indigenous Reconciliation.
On this day, it is important to learn and reflect on the inter-generational impacts of residential schools felt in Indigenous families and communities. We must remember the thousands of children who lost their lives in residential schools and the survivors who live with the trauma that can never be undone. We all have an opportunity and responsibility to learn more about this terrible part of our nation’s history and commit ourselves to meaningful action.
Actions may include learning about Indigenous peoples’ relationship with the land; reading Indigenous literature; supporting Indigenous artists; having meaningful conversations with family, friends and colleagues; and committing to personal change and allyship.
The City acknowledged National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by lighting Carl Zehr Square in orange, flying the Survivors’ Flag at City Hall, and providing City staff with resources to help facilitate learning, reflection and action. The City of Kitchener’s vision is one of building a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us – and each other. In 2019, we committed ourselves to responding to Call to Action #57 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which began with the launch of intercultural competency training focusing on history, treaties, legislation and impact on First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. In addition to staff training, we have launched programming around days of significance, such as the development of learning toolkits and resources for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We have also grown the size of the RISE Fund that is supporting Indigenous communities, amongst others. The fund is a community grant that provides support for Black, Indigenous and racialized community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for those same communities in Kitchener. The City of Kitchener strives to make meaningful efforts towards reconciliation.
It is slow and intentional work that involves creating space for Indigenous perspectives and values, while also altering the ways we have historically operated. Recent projects that highlight Kitchener’s commitment to reconciliation and relationship-building include: • Working with SpruceLab Inc., an Indigenous and woman-owned firm, to assist the City with facilitating dialogue with First Nations partners and local Indigenous community members as part of Kitchener 2051, our new Official Plan.
• Through our Forest School program, we have hired an Anishnaabe knowledge keeper and have partnered with local Indigenous organizations to create and lead programs specifically for Indigenous children and youth.
• Working collaboratively with White Owl Native Ancestry Association, Wisahkotewinoak Urban Indigenous Garden Collective, and Conestoga College on the Wiijindamaan Indigenous Land Restoration project which aims to restore the Pioneer Tower Natural Area.
These projects represent opportunities for staff learning/unlearning and growth that will help inform our perspectives and our work moving forward. We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go toward reconciliation and eliminating discrimination against Indigenous people.
I urge all Kitchener residents to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We need to reflect on the tragic facts of the Residential School system and acknowledge their presence in contemporary history. Each of us can do our part by committing to learning more, attending a local event, supporting an Indigenous business or artist or donating to a local Indigenous organization. Through our learning, reflection and action, together we will build a caring city for all.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic on behalf of Kitchener City Council
Greetings Ward 3,
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record, but please slow down. Please obey stop signs and any other road signage that may apply. Halloween is around the corner and school and after school clubs are in full force. Keep in mind that running a few minutes late, is better than having a collision with pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.
Some residents have asked for more seating in Wilson Park, and I’m pleased to see some progress on this ask. Federal funding is paying for the installation of more bench seating and bike racks along the path that runs from Connaught to Vanier. Ward 3 is lucky to have such a great space for all to enjoy. Let’s work together to keep it this way by either taking home your litter/pet waste or using the available outdoor garbage bins.
The City of Kitchener is creating the Kingsdale Community Centre Advisory Committee to help staff gather input and advice from residents on the programs, services and events that should be offered at the Kingsdale Community Centre. Up to 15 Kingsdale residents will be helping the voices of Kingsdale residents be heard. If interested, call 519-741-2540 for more info.
From my household to yours, have a happy Thanksgiving. Take a stroll with your family in Homer Watson Park, enjoy the trees and nature, and be sure to take in one of the most picture-perfect spots of the Grand River, encapsulated by the beauty of fall. Parking is available at Wilson and Mill Park.
Drop in to my next meet and greet from 7-830pm at Kingsdale Community Centre on November 13 to share your questions, ideas, and concerns.