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City Council Columns - March 2024



Hi Ward 1, Happy Spring! Several residents have contacted me regarding the closed trail between Carson Dr., Forfar Park and Manchester Rd. This has been a challenging project, to say the least. There is a pumping station there, originally built in 1977, that required significant work to continue operating. In case you’re unaware of a pumping station’s function, it essentially moves sewage from low-lying areas to facilities where it can be properly treated and disposed of. In other words, it prevents what’s flushed in our homes from coming back up in our basements. Unfortunately, like taking off the drywall in a home-reno, we sometimes don’t know the state of affairs (or state of repairs!) until the work commences. In this situation, there continues to be significant challenges with soil conditions and groundwater. The work is expected to take us into late Spring and, possibly, the early Summer. I have asked (on several occasions) if an opening can be created in the path, but it’s not possible with the work that needs to be done. ATTENTION PARENTS StanleyParkBall.com is up and taking registrations for 4-13-year-olds for the summer season. Depending on the age of your child, there’s Blastball, T-ball or 3-Pitch but be sure to sign up by March 25th (though the late fee for afterward is pretty modest.) As a former coach/parent in the program, it’s a great time and highly recommended! If you have any questions on these items, or anything to do with our City, please don’t hesitate to contact me any time.
Spring programming is underway at the Centreville Chicopee and Stanley Park Community Centres and there’s still room to register for most programs. Registration for City of Kitchener Summer Day Camps opens on Tuesday, March 19. Registration for Blastball, T-Ball and 3-Pitch with Stanley Park Ball is also open. As temperatures rise, we start seeing litter left over from the winter in our parks and on our trails. Once the ground dries up and can support the equipment our staff use, clean- ups will begin. Through our Love My Hood program, you can do a community park and trail clean up. We provide free supplies and crews will pick up what you collect. With the housing crisis we’re in, Kitchener has pledged to build 35,000 new homes by 2031. To do that, bold new steps must be taken. One tool to help is a proposed bylaw that would allow, under proper regulations, 4 housing units on a current single unit lot. Other changes are being considered under our Growing Together program. Council, our staff, and I would love your input on these issues. We’re also looking for your input on the Huron Natural Area Plan, and names for our new snowplows. Nominations are open for our Senior of the Year and KYAC Youth of the Year. For information on anything I mentioned above, go to daveschnider.com and click on Info and Input Links. If you need help with an issue, contact me directly or use our 24-hour contact centre, 519-741-2345 or info@kitchener.ca. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @DaveSchniderKW or friend me on Facebook. Visit daveschnider.com for lots of Ward 2 and city info.
In the past weeks, garbage has been the top concern among citizens who contact me. Unfortunately, there is more trash lying on boulevards and sidewalks than in years past, even though in 2023 City Council approved additional funds to provide year-round service to collect waste from garbage cans placed around the city. This past winter, 200 cans were repositioned to accessible locations by roadways, and additional staff were hired to supplement this extra service, collecting garbage from 454 cans annually. If you see large items dumped in parks and on trails, please call the Contact Centre for clean-up at 519-741-2345 The Senior of The Year award offers Ontario residents the opportunity to honour one outstanding citizen over 65 who has enriched their community’s social, cultural, or civic life. Nominate until March 29 at kitchener.ca/senioroftheyear. Since 2018, the Ward 4 Seasonal Traffic Calming Program has increased from four locations (4 in-road flex signs) to 18 (single and triple in-road flex signs), this year. Flex signs are installed in the spring and removed in the fall. You’ll notice one single yellow and black striped flex sign in the middle of the road on narrower roads, and on wider roads, three signs: one in the middle, and one narrower flex sign on either side of the road, to force slower speeds. For more info, visit kitchener.ca/trafficcalming. Coffee & Chat: I’ll be at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Center on Saturday, March 23, from 10-11:30. I look forward to meeting you in person. Also connect with me at 226-752-9541 or christine.michaud@kitchener.ca.
Hi Ward 5! Hope everyone is doing great! We seem to be able to look forward to an early spring, so there are good news and bad news. Bad news is, due to the warmer weather, the neighbourhood ice rinks have closed early. Currently, the ice rink at Carl Zehr Square is closed too, but we will continue to monitor conditions and if/when we can reopen it, it will be posted on kitchener.ca/outdoorrinks The good news is that the golf courses may be able to open early. The staff are preparing for the season, and if the mild temperatures continue, Rockway and Doon Golf courses could open much earlier than in previous years. For information, visit kitchenergolf.ca Spring program registration is now open at the community centres! Summer camp registration opens on March 19 at 8:30 am. Mark your calendars and sign up for the many fun programs they will have. Do you want to make a positive difference in your neighbourhood? The LoveMyHood Matching Grant supports resident-led projects with a one-time cash funding. The spring grant intake date is March 14. Visit lovemyhood.ca for details. We all know Canada has two seasons – snow and construction. March brings in the construction season. Watch out for intermittent road closures in the next few weeks, and remember to slow down around construction sites, and follow the posted signs to keep everyone safe. For a list of current and upcoming road work, visit kitchener.ca/roadclosures. If you notice a pothole needing repair, you are encouraged to report it either on kitchener.ca/potholes or by calling the City of Kitchener at 519-741-2345.
LoveMyHood Matching Grant is now accepting applications! Do you have a great idea for a Ward 6 neighbourhood initiative that brings neighbors together? This grant offers a one-time cash fund for new resident-led, city-supported projects and neighbourhood initiatives. You could receive up to $30K for projects on city land; up to $10K for projects on private property; and up to $2K for events. Some past project examples have included little libraries, community gardens, greening projects, pop-up markets, street parties, art murals and more. The grant intake dates for 2024 are March 14, May 16, August 15 and November 14, as grants are awarded quarterly. For more info, to apply or to discuss your idea with a Neighbourhoods Liaison, visit lovemyhood.ca. I’ve been so appreciative of the residents who have completed past projects in Ward 6. If you would like to connect to discuss your idea, please also feel free to connect with me. I’m happy to help. Please know that although we are experiencing warmer temperatures, parks must be dry to take the weight of machinery without damaging the turf and summer help be hired to begin readying parks for your enjoyment. These works usually begin mid to late April. I like to provide opportunities to meet Ward 6 residents in person, so I hold monthly Meet and Greets at the Country Hills Community Centre on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7-8pm. My next one is on March 20th. I look forward to chatting with those who pop in. If you would like to connect about any ideas, concerns, or with your questions, please email me at paul.singh@kitchener.ca.
In the past few months there has been a change to the delivery of flyers, which has resulted in some increased frustration and complaints by residents to the city and members of Council. Postmedia has taken over the distribution of flyers in the Region and unfortunately, due to privacy concerns, they were unable to obtain the list of resident addresses who had previously contacted Metroland to cancel flyer delivery. Postmedia has had to develop their own list of addresses for those wanting to opt out of this delivery. If residents no longer wish to receive flyers delivered to their home please go to ontario.flyerforce.ca, choose “Resident Services,” then “not to receive flyer delivery” and fill out the required fields providing your address and contact information. Please note, it can take up to two delivery cycles for the cancellation to take effect. Please know that I and other council members have had discussions with bylaw to convey your concerns, resulting in work with Postmedia over the past few months to shift the delivery of flyers from being thrown onto boulevards/driveways to porch delivery. This should significantly reduce waste and bundles being blown around neighbourhoods. Effective end of February, all Postmedia distributors have been directed to deliver flyers directly onto resident porches, if you continue to experience concerns please reach out to info-bylaw@kitchener.ca or call our Corporate Contact Center at 519-741-2345, as Postmedia has committed to continuing to work with staff and will follow up directly with their distribution team for that area.
Hello Ward 8, hope you are all doing well and are looking forward to Spring later in the month as much as I am! Some updates: Starting March 2, 2024, the Region of Waterloo transferred the management of the residential blue box program to Circular Materials. This is part of the provincial shift to a framework where producers are fully responsible for the end-of-life management of blue box materials. As of March 2, the only thing that will change for residents is that they will have a new contact for blue box issues or concerns. City residents can now contact Miller Waste Systems at area22@millerwaste.ca or call 1-888-852-3450. Township residents can contact Emterra Environmental at customercareont@emterra.ca or call 1-888-587-1541. Lakeside Park Cleanup and Potluck Lunch: Planning has begun for our April Lakeside Park cleanup and potluck lunch. Yes, the potluck is back! We can hardly wait to taste all the delicious homemade dishes! It is entirely organized by the wonderful volunteers. · Sat. Apr. 13, 2024 · cleanup begins at 10:30 a.m. · potluck begins at 11:30 a.m. · Meet in the parking lot off of the Lakeside Dr. entrance. If possible, please bring your own gloves and garbage bags, extra gloves and bags are available. Clean-up followed by pot luck and refreshments at approximately 11:30am – If you are unable to participate in the clean-up but would like to come to the potluck lunch, please feel free to do so. Victoria Hills Community Centre community cleanup: · Sat. May 4 · 10 am – 12 pm · Bags and gloves will be provided · Meet up in the parking lot of the community centre
Growing Together (GT) zoning bylaw changes in the Protected Major Transit Station Areas (PMTSAs) is a major item on the March 18 council meeting agenda. I was pleased with the engagement on Feb 29 where residents met with staff to express their concerns once again. There are, however, some issues that remain unresolved: First, the Architectural Conservatory of Ontario WR branch would like to see all zone changes in the SGA1 zones and within heritage districts removed as they state these are “incompatible with century old homes,” and, “If we want to keep the heritage districts, the form, texture, materials and heights should be maintained.” Second, the re-zoning of properties outside of the PMTSAs should not be considered part of the GT process, as they were never part of the areas under consideration. One resident described ‘the optics as being very bad’ as there has never been proper consultation on these properties. Third, residents continue to have concerns with the transitions from SGA1 zones to adjacent SGA4 zones. The jump from an established neighbourhood of three-storey buildings to a tower of unlimited height is ‘unfathomable’. Some residents said they have been concerned about this from the beginning and are disappointed that nothing has changed. Lastly, there continues to be concerns about no mention of new parkland or greenspace in the PMTSA areas to accommodate the increased density proposed. These are just a few things I heard. Please contact me at Debbie.Chapman@kitchener.ca, if you would like to share your thoughts, or consider being a delegate on March 18.
Hello Ward 10! I am a month into working with you as your councillor and I am really honoured and happy to be serving you. Thank you so much for the encouraging notes and messages, there is a big learning curve, and I am jumping in with two feet. As the weather starts to get warmer and we move more outdoors, consider accessing the LoveMyHood Matching Grant. It provides one-time cash funding for first time resident-led projects and neighbourhood initiatives, in varying amounts, depending on location and scope. Projects have included little libraries, community gardens, greening projects, neighbourhood pop-up markets, street parties, art murals, community programs and more. Do you have an idea to help make our community better? The grant is awarded quarterly and the spring one is due on May 16. Can you see the Crocs’ starting to push through the soil? March sure came in like a lamb. As you start to see gardens take shape this spring, I encourage you to recognize a garden by submitting the address of the garden through an online form or by calling 519-741-2200 ext. 7537. It’s that easy! As the weather gets warmer, I will be getting out my bike and want to highlight a few traffic updates in ward 10. The Seasonal Traffic Calming Program will include18 (single and triple in-road flex signs) this year. Flex signs are installed in the spring and removed in the fall. A semi-permanent radar speed board will be installed on East Ave, that will flash vehicle speeds to help increase driver awareness. For more info, visit kitchener.ca/trafficcalming.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the countless achievements, contributions, and resilience of those who identify as women and girls in Kitchener and around the world.

​​ This day serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made towards gender equity, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges and inequalities that persist.

​​We must also acknowledge that the journey towards gender equity is far from over. Women still face systemic discrimination, violence, and unequal opportunities in many parts of the world. We must all work together to dismantle these barriers and create a more inclusive and just society where every woman and girl can thrive and fulfill her potential.

​​This is not just a “women’s issue”: advancing gender equity benefits everyone. We must also acknowledge that all women do not face the same barriers or the same number of barriers.  Race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status all intersect to create varied experiences and degrees of oppression.

​​When we come together in solidarity as women, we understand that there is no universal experience. Collectively, as Members of City Council, we recognize the privileged position we hold and commit to using that privilege to uplift and amplify the voices of women who are most marginalized in our city.

​​In support of this year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, we are reminded that people start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging requires equitable actions. We invite residents to #InspireInclusion today and year-round by thinking about what equity means – in both your personal and professional lives – and committing to creating a more inclusive world for women, both in Kitchener and everywhere.

​​ On International Women’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of gender equity. Let us amplify the voices of women, support their rights, and work towards a future where every woman is treated with dignity, respect, and equity. Together, we can build a more just and equitable world for all.

​​ Councillor Christine Michaud (ward 4)
​ Councillor  Margaret Johnston (ward 8)
​ Councillor  Debbie Chapman (ward 9)
​ Councillor  Stephanie Stretch (ward 10)
​ Mayor Berry Vrbanovic 
March like a lamb, that’s the way it came in this year. Greetings to Ward 3. Council had a busy February approving much needed housing across the city. From stacked townhouses to tall towers, the City is doing its part to address our housing crisis. I look forward to meeting some of you on March 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Kingsdale Community Center (KCC) for my next “Meet and Greet.” This is a great opportunity to bring your concerns and questions to a public forum. You can also reach me by email or phone to assist with any city concerns as well. Email jason.deneault@kitchener.ca, or call 519-741-2790 at City Hall or my cell at 226-751-4162. Neighbours day is fast approaching. Ward 3 only had one home participate in last year’s porch party. It would be great to add on a few more addresses this year. If you’re interested in hosting a local musician on Neighbours Day on your porch, driveway, or front yard, visit www.kitchener.ca/NeighboursDay to apply. With an anticipated early spring due to El Nino, litter and garbage will be visible in parks, but please know we cannot clean up until the ground has dried and can support some equipment. Be a good neighbour, please don’t litter. If the garbage in your local park is overflowing, please call our 24/7 contact center at 519-741-2345. Lastly, overnight winter parking bylaw ends March 31 -- You do not need an exemption to park in a legal parking spot overnight between April 1 and November 30. I hope to see you at the KCC on the 13th to chat, and hear about your questions, concerns, and suggestions.
Councillor Stephanie Stretch Ward 10