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City Council Columns - April 2026
Hi Ward 1, hope you’re well! Spring is finally upon us, and like our trees and gardens, Kitchener’s events season is getting ready to sprout. You may have heard that Kitchener was named the 2026 Municipality of the Year (for a population of 150,000+) by Festivals & Events Ontario. If you’ve been attending any city events in the last while, I think you’d agree that Kitchener’s Events Staff have been doing an amazing job in the quality, quantity, and diversity of ways to dine, celebrate, and be entertained. Now seems like a great time for a reminder of some key upcoming events, such as the Multicultural Festival on June 20th, coinciding with Neighbours Day, followed by Cruising on King on Friday June 26th, and our Canada Day Event on July 1st (obviously!) And that barely gets us out of June! For more events, including our great concert series of Blues Fest, Wayback, and Endless Summer, please visit kitchener.ca/events.
I’m happy to share a new ward-specific event this year stemming from a budget decision to acquire a large outdoor screen, and sound system.
Details to follow, but we’ll be hosting an Outdoor Movie Night at the Bridgeport Community Centre on Saturday July 25th, followed by another Movie Night on the border of Wards 1 & 2 on Saturday August 22 at the Stanley Park Community Centre. I hope to see you there, please say Hi! As always, if you have questions on events, or anything else city related, please do not hesitate to reach out anytime using the contact information above.
It’s nice to feel Spring in the air, especially after the winter we’ve had and the potholes it produced. As temperatures warm up, we can produce hot asphalt mix, and our crews will repair them. Locations were monitored by staff and reported by residents, so scheduling repairs began early this year. It will take time to fix them, and we’re regulated―as we are with snow clearing―that roads with the most traffic volume are repaired first.
Street sweeping and the installation of seasonal traffic calming measures like the flex stakes have begun. Litter pick up, trail repairs, playground inspections and preparation, and maintenance on our outdoor courts will start soon or are underway.
Comments about The Region of Waterloo’s new black garbage bin and green compost bin collection system should be reported to the Region’s Contact Centre at 519.575.4400. Blue bin recycling is done by Circular Materials, not the Region. You can contact them at 1.877.667.2626
Festivals and Events Ontario named Kitchener Municipality of the Year, recognizing the work of our Events team, who deliver favourites like The Wayback Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Christkindl Market, Cruising on King, and more.
After exciting regular seasons, our Kitchener Rangers and KW Titans are both in the playoffs! Let’s fill the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium and cheer our local teams on.
If I can assist you, contact me directly or use our 24-hour contact centre, 519-741-2345 or info@kitchener.ca. Follow me on Instagram and X @DaveSchniderKW or friend me on Facebook. Visit daveschnider.com for lots of Ward 2 and city info.
Hello Ward 4,
Earth Day is April 22—a great time to connect with neighbours and plan a spring clean-up. It’s never too early to plan ways to support our environment and community. Join Bird Friendly Kitchener for a guided bird walk at Homer Watson Gallery on April 18, 9:30 am–3 pm.
Spring cleanup is underway, with the city allocating extra staff to address winter litter. Garbage receptacles will return to summer locations this month or in early May. Visit www.kitchener.ca and use the “Find a Garbage Can” map to locate the nearest bin to you—year-round collection is available at about 500 locations citywide.
Tree planting and maintenance continue through Growing Kitchener’s Urban Canopy Project, with a goal of nearly 20,000 new trees in neighbourhoods, parks, and natural spaces by the end of 2026. Our trail network is also getting spring repairs as weather, thaw, and flooding allow. If you spot an issue, contact the Corporate Contact Centre at 519-741-2345 to open a service request.
The City continues to receive and review development proposals while the Region of Waterloo works through interim solutions to its water capacity constraint. Applications that don’t increase water demand (e.g., area grading, tree removals, and other site preparations) may proceed; proposals that would increase water demand may be delayed until capacity is confirmed.
Coffee & Chat: Meeting you in person is important to me. Please stop by the Doon Pioneer Park Community Center on April 18, 10–11:30 am. I look forward to connecting with you. Reach me at 226-752-9541 or christine.michaud@kitchener.ca.
Hello Ward 5 neighbours, and welcome to spring. As the weather warms and we spend more time outdoors, I’d like to share a few important updates to help you stay informed and connected.
The Region of Waterloo has launched its seasonal waste programs, including yard waste collection managed by Circular Materials. Collection began in the last week of March. I encourage residents to visit regionofwaterloo.ca/waste to look up your zone and confirm your schedule for waste, recycling, yard waste, and bulky item collection for the year.
Earth Day is coming up on Tuesday, April 22, and it’s a great opportunity to give back to our community. I’m excited to see local efforts already underway, including the Huron Community Association’s Earth Day Clean-Up on Saturday, April 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Huron Community Centre. This will be followed by their Eco-Quest event from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
As we head into spring, the City also begins seasonal services like street sweeping, litter clean-up, and repairs to turf and landscaping. If you have service requests, please contact info@kitchener.ca or call 519-741-2345.
If your neighbourhood is interested in a slowdown sign, feel free to email me directly.
Wishing you all a safe and refreshing spring season.
Dear Ward 6 neighbours, I want to share a few positive updates as we head into a new season in Kitchener. Spring always brings renewed energy to our neighbourhoods, and it reminds us how much pride residents take in building a welcoming, connected community.
I am proud that Kitchener has once again been recognized as a Tree City of the World. To celebrate, the City is giving away 300 free trees to residents. Until April 27, interested residents can apply for one free two-gallon potted tree to plant on their property. It is a simple but meaningful way to strengthen our urban canopy, support the environment, and help create a greener future for every ward.
April has also highlighted an important community priority: water safety. Through April Pools Month, families have been able to take part in Toonie Swims at select indoor pools, with proceeds supporting Water Smart safety programs. These opportunities bring people together while helping residents prepare for a safe and active summer.
There is also plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Summer camps will run from July 6 to August 28 at locations across the city, giving children and youth opportunities to stay active, learn new skills, and make lasting memories. Neighbours Day on June 20 will once again bring music, fun, and connection to communities across Kitchener, reminding us that strong neighbourhoods are built through simple moments of togetherness.
Ward 6 has always been defined by community spirit, and I see that spirit every day. Thank you for all you do to make our ward such a vibrant part of Kitchener.
As we welcome the arrival of spring, I want to share an update on the work underway across our neighbourhoods and highlight an initiative I recently brought forward to strengthen our community’s connection to local history.
Spring operations are now in full swing across the city. Our crews are actively sweeping streets, clearing winter debris from parks and trails, and preparing sports fields and green spaces for the busy season ahead. This annual transition is a major undertaking, and I want to thank residents for their patience as we work through each area. Warmer weather also means more people walking, cycling, and enjoying our public spaces, so please continue to be mindful of one another as we all get back outdoors.
At Council, I recently introduced a motion to advance the Legacy Walk project, part of a phased public art program featuring murals and installations along a curated pathway from Victoria Park to Centre in the Square, to honour Kitchener citizens with internationally recognized achievements; a project designed to celebrate the stories, people, and milestones that have shaped Kitchener. The goal is to create an engaging, accessible route that highlights our cultural and historical identity while encouraging residents and visitors to explore our city on foot. This initiative has the potential to support tourism, strengthen neighbourhood pride, and provide new opportunities for learning and reflection.
Happy April Ward 8, we did it! Spring is here and we can leave Winter behind!
March was busy! Thanks to the many Westmount residents who recently attended the Pop-Up information session at Victoria Hills Community Centre regarding the Kitchener 2051 Draft Official Plan. It was great to see the engagement of so many residents who had questions around the proposed changes and what it meant to them. Staff plans on bringing the Official Plan to Council on April 20th. Learn more here: www.engagewr.ca/kitchener2051
Staff and consultants continue to work on the Cultural Heritage Landscape (CHL) for Westmount. It was great to have so many participants attend the Walkshop the last week of March. Thanks to Staff for working with me to move the work forward on the CHL as it is important to get this in place.
Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd. Many neighbourhoods celebrate with community cleanups. The Victoria Hills Community Centre has gloves and bags available for residents who would like to arrange a street cleanup, or those who will happily take on some of the cleanup themselves. You can drop by the Centre and pick up some supplies.
The Friends of Lakeside Park are celebrating their 25th Park cleanup on April 11th at 10am. Drop by the park at the Lakeside Drive entrance and volunteers will greet you and provide you with supplies. Potluck lunch following the park cleanup. Thanks to the amazing volunteers who dedicate themselves to this gem of a Park in our Ward!
Happy Spring! A favorite time of the year for me.
At the March 30th Committee meeting the renoviction bylaw was passed and will go to Council for ratification. My amendment would provide compensation to tenants who are required to vacate their units until renovations are completed. The amendment is in keeping with Waterloo’s compensation package. It was deferred to the Council meeting on April 13th. Please reach out if you would like to discuss the amendment. Consider delegating on the 13th.
The 2026 Earth Day (April 22) theme is Our Power, Our Planet. According to earthday.org the theme reflects “the role of collective action in shaping environmental outcomes”. This can be done in different ways. The Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association will be holding a clean-up/BBQ on April 25, 9:00-12:00 starting at Cherry Park. The Victoria Park N.A. is hosting a clean-up on April 18, 10:00-11:30. I hope you can join us.
Other ways to mark Earth Day include tree planting, reducing overall consumption, composting or growing your own food.
To prepare for the planting season you may want to check out the Waterloo Region Community Garden Network for a list of community gardens and how you may get involved. It’s never too late to learn how to grow food. Many of the gardens also have accessible raised beds. Reep Green Solutions is a great resource. Have a look at the TransformWR strategy, the Bloom[in] Box and the backyard tree planting programs.
As the weather gets warmer, drivers trend to go faster. If you would like a “Slow Down” yard sign, please tell me. I will deliver it to your house.
The Province is proposing significant changes to regional governance that will directly impact the Region of Waterloo including Kitchener.
These changes hit close to home and these changes matter because the Region of Waterloo is responsible for a significant portion of local services funded through property taxes. In Kitchener, approximately 58% of every property tax bill goes to the Region. These funds support essential services including public transit, policing, waste management, public health, and social housing.
By comparison, only 30% of property taxes go to the City of Kitchener, while 12% funds school boards. With more centralized authority at the regional level, the province argues decisions tied to the largest share of property taxes could be made more efficiently. However, the shift also raises important questions about local representation and accountability in how these taxpayer dollars are managed. As we move into fall municipal elections, a reminder that your participation and votes matter.
Keep an eye out for two motions I am bringing to council around a community communications plan around the transit hub & GO expansion and localized traffic impacts in the Victoria St N and Ahrens St W area.
Visit my website for more ward specific news or join my newsletter to stay up to date.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Racism does not belong to the past. It is alive and thriving in our communities today, shaping lived experiences in ways that are harmful and unjust. As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we must acknowledge that Indigenous peoples, and racialized and religious communities across Canada continue to experience racism and discrimination every day. March 21 was proclaimed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. This date carries a deep historical meaning. On March 21, 1960, the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on people peacefully protesting apartheid pass laws, killing 69 individuals. The Sharpeville massacre became a turning point in the global fight against racial discrimination and injustice. Today, we remember those who have lost their lives to racial injustice, and we reaffirm our commitment to building a city, a country, and a world, rooted in dignity, equity, and respect, places where everyone feels safe, valued, and that they belong. Kitchener is a diverse and vibrant community, and our diversity is one of the most important strengths of our city. But diversity alone is not enough. Creating a truly inclusive and equitable city requires intention, action and a willingness to challenge the systems and behaviours that continue to harm people. It means rejecting silence, committing to learning, and taking steps that lead to real change. Eliminating racism requires more than words. It demands action, accountability, and the courage to challenge discrimination wherever it exists. This responsibility does not rest with one institution or organization alone. It belongs to each and every one of us.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, on behalf of Kitchener Council
Racism does not belong to the past. It is alive and thriving in our communities today, shaping lived experiences in ways that are harmful and unjust. As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we must acknowledge that Indigenous peoples, and racialized and religious communities across Canada continue to experience racism and discrimination every day. March 21 was proclaimed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. This date carries a deep historical meaning. On March 21, 1960, the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on people peacefully protesting apartheid pass laws, killing 69 individuals. The Sharpeville massacre became a turning point in the global fight against racial discrimination and injustice. Today, we remember those who have lost their lives to racial injustice, and we reaffirm our commitment to building a city, a country, and a world, rooted in dignity, equity, and respect, places where everyone feels safe, valued, and that they belong. Kitchener is a diverse and vibrant community, and our diversity is one of the most important strengths of our city. But diversity alone is not enough. Creating a truly inclusive and equitable city requires intention, action and a willingness to challenge the systems and behaviours that continue to harm people. It means rejecting silence, committing to learning, and taking steps that lead to real change. Eliminating racism requires more than words. It demands action, accountability, and the courage to challenge discrimination wherever it exists. This responsibility does not rest with one institution or organization alone. It belongs to each and every one of us.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, on behalf of Kitchener Council
As spring arrives in the Region of Waterloo, several important updates and community reminders are underway. The Region’s Circular Materials yard waste collection program has resumed, beginning the last week of March. Residents are encouraged to visit the Region of Waterloo website to look up their collection zone and access their personalized schedule for waste, recycling, yard waste, and bulky items. Visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/yardwaste for more info and the 2026 collection schedule.
April also brings an opportunity for reflection. On April 28, the National Day of Mourning honors workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or suffered illness due to workplace incidents. It is a time for the community to remember and recommit to safety in the workplace. With your help and support, we can elevate public awareness.
With Easter approaching, many residents will be enjoying seasonal celebrations while also preparing their outdoor spaces for warmer weather. The City of Kitchener is seeing an increase in spring-related service requests, including landscape and turf damage repairs, litter clean-up efforts, and the rollout of seasonal garbage receptacles as ground conditions allow. Street sweeping is also underway, and residents can now use the new “Find a Garbage Can” map for convenience.
Additionally, the installation of flex signs to assist with slowing down vehicle traffic is ongoing. For service requests, contact info@kitchener.ca or call the Corporate Contact Centre (CCC) 519-741-2345. Graffiti concerns should also be directed to the CCC.