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City Council Columns - March 2026
Hi Ward 1, I hope you’re well! I’ve written about my interest in finance and tech in my council role, but I also have a core-services focus. There are few core-services that are as frustrating as the annual, and inevitable, pothole season. These craters of crumbling asphalt are more than a nuisance, they’re a costly, cyclical engineering challenge that all northern communities struggle with each year.
The root cause is simple: winter’s freeze-thaw cycle. Water seeps into cracks in the road surface, freezes and expands, then thaws and contracts.
Repeated dozens of times each winter, this process gradually fractures pavement from within, until the weight of passing vehicles causes the surface to collapse entirely.
Repairs appear easy, but the cold creates a serious obstacle. Cold-mix asphalt, a material used for quick, temporary patches, bonds poorly in low temperatures and can fail within weeks. Regular asphalt adheres better and lasts longer but requires the road surface to be warm and dry, meaning proper repairs cannot occur in the winter. This leaves municipalities in a frustrating loop: patch in winter, monitor failures, and re-patched in warmer months.
While we monitor and await advancements in technology to solve the humble pothole-problem, please know that, despite popular belief, we repair potholes within legislated timelines once we’re aware. The problem is, it’s a big city and we’re not always aware when they appear! If you’d like to help, you can report online at kitchener.ca/potholes or call 519-741-2345 anytime!
Registration for Spring Programs at the City of Kitchener, Stanley Park and Centreville Chicopee Community Centres opened March 10. The first 7 days of registration are for Kitchener residents only. Kitchener Summer Camps registration opens Tuesday, March 24 for Kitchener residents. For information, search www.kitchener.ca/ActiveKitchener.
Construction of the Underground Stormwater Storage Facility at Idlewood Green has begun and should be completed in October. It’s going to improve climate change resilience, reduce the risk of flooding, and improve water quality in Idlewood Creek and the Grand River. Existing trails and entrances will also be improved. For details, visit my website daveschnider.com.
Nominate for Kitchener’s Senior of the Year until March 31. This honours an outstanding Kitchener resident who has enriched the social, cultural, or civic life of our community. To nominate a senior visit kitchener.ca/senioroftheyear.
Come to the Downtown Showdown with the Kitchener Rangers on Wednesday, March 18 from Noon to 5pm. At this free event you can watch your favourite Rangers play 3-on-3 road hockey, plus enjoy free games and activities, hot chocolate, maple taffy, and see fire trucks and police cars. Weather permitting, the Carl Zehr Square ice rink will be open and Kitchener Minor Hockey will also be grilling hot dogs for a donation.
If I can assist you, contact me 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.
Everyone should feel a sense of belonging in the community where they live. The City of Kitchener strives to be a place where everyone feels safe, included, and respected; yet many still face hate and exclusion.
An anti-hate campaign called We All Belong Here was recently created through the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan and in partnership with the Region of Waterloo, with the goal to reduce hate and celebrate diversity.
We all play a vital role in shaping our city’s culture and values. The City of Kitchener’s Strategic Plan champions a caring and inclusive community. Over the past two years, more than 30 partners, including municipalities, school boards, and local organizations, have worked together to address hate and build solutions.
I encourage you to participate in one of these upcoming City initiatives that are meant to support and build a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
Celebrate Neighbours Day in your neighbourhood on June 20. Each year up to 100 residents host a musician/group for a one-hour performance on their porch, driveway or front yard for their neighbours to enjoy. Gather some friends to attend or apply to host at www.kitchener.ca/neighoursday, Honour an outstanding citizen over 65 by nominating them for the Senior of the Year award at www.kitchener.ca/senioroftheyear.
When you switch off your lights for Earth Hour on March 28 from 8:30-930PM, you’ll be joining many in our community and millions in this global movement to raise awareness about: the role we play in caring for the environment; our impact on climate change here at home; and that our small contributions matter.
As we move through early spring, many of you are noticing the realities of our changing seasons, especially on our roads. Potholes are an unfortunate but common result of winter freeze and thaw cycles. When temperatures hover around zero, melted snow and ice seep into pavement, refreeze, and expand. Over time, vehicle traffic causes the asphalt to break apart. City crews do what they can to monitor and repair potholes regularly, but we need your help. If you spot one, please report it online or call 519-741-2345 so repairs can be scheduled quickly.
I also want to highlight an exciting opportunity through the City of Kitchener. Applications are now open for the 2026 Musician in Residence, part of Canada’s oldest Artist in Residence program. This initiative supports local musicians while creating meaningful, community-engaged experiences for residents of all ages.
There are also important changes to waste collection. The Region of Waterloo has launched its new cart-based system for garbage and organics. Collection schedules may have changed, so residents are encouraged to confirm their pick-up day online or through the Waste Whiz app.
Finally, Earth Day is coming up on April 22! Community clean-ups are a great way to care for our shared spaces and connect with neighbours. I encourage everyone to get involved in whatever way they can.
Together, these small actions help keep Kitchener safe, creative, and connected.
I want to share an update about the Lions Park Splash Pad consultation that was completed through the City’s engagement platform, found at www.engagewr.ca/kitchener.
The consultation period has now closed, and staff will proceed toward the final design phase of the project. I sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate, share feedback, and contribute ideas. Your input plays a critical role in shaping our community spaces that reflect your needs and priorities.
I’m genuinely excited about the progress we’re making. From the beginning, I have strongly advocated to ensure this important splash pad amenity to remain in Ward 6. This includes my work during past City budgets advocating for community infrastructure investments in Ward 6 to make sure projects like this move forward. I’ve continued to collaborate closely with staff throughout this process to protect and advance this priority for our neighbourhoods.
Many residents are aware of the ongoing challenges we’ve faced with the splash pad at McLennan Park, particularly related to ground conditions and maintenance issues. I share the community’s relief that those challenges will no longer be the case once the new splash pad at Lions Park is completed. This relocation allows us to provide a safer, more reliable, and sustainable amenity for families for years to come.
Looking ahead, the next phase of engagement will focus on the McLennan Park Master Plan consultation, which will begin soon. I encourage everyone to stay involved and continue sharing your ideas as we shape the future of this important community space.
City staff monitor road conditions year-round to identify areas in need of repair. Pothole repairs are prioritized based on safety considerations such as size, location, and traffic volume.
They are most common during periods of fluctuating temperatures. Warmer days allow water to seep into cracks in the road surface, and when temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands. Combined with the impact of vehicle traffic, this process leads to the formation of potholes. This is why residents often notice an increase in potholes during the spring and fall.
During the winter months, crews are limited to temporary repairs using cold-mix asphalt, as cold conditions prevent hot asphalt from properly bonding to the road surface. As a result, the same location may need temporary fixes more than once.
Once temperatures consistently rise, City crews return to these areas to complete permanent repairs using hot asphalt.
Residents are encouraged to report potholes at kitchener.ca/ReportAProblem or by contacting the City’s Corporate Contact Centre at 519-741-2345.
I’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to Ward 7 residents for clearing sidewalks this winter and for looking out for one another. Your efforts help keep neighbourhood sidewalks safe and accessible for everyone.
I realize that change can require an adjustment period. So if you need help, have questions, or a concern about the Region of Waterloo’s new waste collection program, please email carts@regionofwaterloo.ca or call the Region at 519-575-4400. Their info page can be found at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste.
Hello Ward 8, we have seen the sun again! Hopefully we’re turning the corner on a long, tough winter! Hang in there, Spring is on the horizon!
I want to provide further information to you regarding Kitchener 2051, Kitchener’s Official Plan that will become our community’s roadmap for how and where the city will grow over the next 25 years. Work on this plan is completed by Kitchener’s Planning Staff with input that continues to be gathered from residents.
Every municipality in Ontario must have an Official Plan. Kitchener 2051 will guide how our city grows and how land is used—showing where homes, jobs, parks, and roads should be located. It’s updated every five years with community input and must reflect local priorities and community needs, while following provincial planning rules. Municipalities must plan for enough land to support growth for the next 20 - 30 years. Learn more at www.ontario.ca.
While Planning Staff have made good progress on Kitchener 2051, the plan is still in its early draft stage and community input is ongoing. The plan hasn’t been presented to Council yet, but Planning Staff are aiming to bring it forward for Council consideration near the end of April. There will be communication about the plan and opportunities for residents to share their feedback. No decisions have been made, and any decisions will take place at public Council meetings.
To learn more, please visit www.engagewr.ca/kitchener2051. You may subscribe there for information updates, including dates it will come to Council.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions you may have.
I have heard from many residents in Ward 9 over the past 7 years with concerns about the tree canopy in the ward.
As stated in the 2016 Tree Canopy Report, trees provide a multitude of benefits to communities, such as improving water quality, reducing stormwater runoff, lowering summer temperatures, reducing energy use in buildings, reducing air pollution, enhancing property values, improving human health, and providing wildlife habitat and aesthetic benefits. A number of these benefits correlate to the size and structure of the tree canopy which is the layer of branches, stems and leaves of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above. Therefore, understanding tree canopy is an important step in urban forest planning.
There are over 72,000 trees on public property and thousands on private property. The City is in the process of reviewing the Private Tree Conservation Bylaw which protects trees on private property. Did you know that you do not need a permit to cut down a tree if your property is less than 1 acre or if the tree is: 1) dead, diseased, or hazardous; 2) damaged or destroyed by a storm or disaster; 3) within 5 metres of an occupied building; 4) within a permitted building envelope; 5) smaller than 10 cm in diameter at breast height? If you’re interested in conserving the tree canopy and expanding it, please visit www.engagewr/PrivateTrees and give your feedback. Contact me with your questions at Debbie.chapman@kitchener.ca or 226-752-7104.
Hope you were able to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and enjoy one of the IWD events around the Region.
Over the past year, I’ve been proud to support a practical climate solution that is already delivering measurable results for Kitchener.
At Sportsworld Arena, we completed a full-year pilot (May 2024 to May 2025) to address what has historically been the highest energy intensity per square foot among municipally owned arenas in Waterloo Region. Built in 2000 and purchased by the City of Kitchener in 2010, the arena provided the ideal test site for innovation.
Ice-making is energy intensive, largely because it traditionally relies on hot water. Hot water contains less dissolved air, which improves ice clarity and quality, but it also requires significant energy to heat.
Our pilot tested a smarter approach: using cold water paired with a mechanical deaerator to remove dissolved air before flooding the ice. The results were clear. We achieved a five per cent reduction in energy consumption, reduced emissions by 14 tonnes of CO2 annually, and generated $6,255 in yearly savings. The system has a projected payback period of just 3.5 years, all while maintaining the high-quality ice users expect.
On March 2, Council unanimously supported my motion to expand the program to Grand River Arena, Don McLaren Arena, Kiwanis Arena and Kinsmen Arena after an issue paper in the 2027 budget evaluates the potential to expand.
This is another small but meaningful step in Kitchener’s pivot to net zero — responsible climate action that reduces emissions, saves taxpayer dollars all while improving user experience and keeping our community active and healthy.
Statement from Mayor and Council: International Women’s Day
On March 8, we joined communities around the world in recognizing International Women’s Day and celebrating the transformative contributions, achievements, and resilience of women, girls, and gender diverse people in Kitchener and across the globe. This day is both a moment of celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work required to advance gender equity in meaningful and lasting ways. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” is a reminder that progress demands action. When we give, whether it be through opportunity, recognition, resources, or simply creating space, we gain stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone feels they belong. However, we know that women continue to face systemic discrimination, gender‑based violence, and inequitable access to opportunities. To truly “give to gain,” we must confront these realities with intention, courage, and sustained commitment. Progress does not happen on its own; it requires action from each one of us. Organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide can all play a part - in the community, at work, at home, and beyond. We also recognize that the experiences of women are not universal. Race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status intersect to create different barriers and different forms of oppression. Understanding these intersections strengthens our resolve to build a city where equity is not assumed but actively pursued. Increasingly around the world, we are seeing that significant barriers to gender equality persist, yet with dedicated resources and support, positive progress has been made, can be made, and will continue to be made. We know that serving in a public office comes with great responsibility, and we are committed to using that responsibility to advance real, lasting progress. We will continue championing efforts that expand opportunity, strengthen inclusion, and ensure that women, girls and gender diverse people are heard, supported, and uplifted.
Councillor Christine Michaud, Ward 4
Councillor Margaret Johnston, Ward 8
Councillor Debbie Chapman, Ward 9
Councillor Stephanie Stretch, Ward 10
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and Council
On March 8, we joined communities around the world in recognizing International Women’s Day and celebrating the transformative contributions, achievements, and resilience of women, girls, and gender diverse people in Kitchener and across the globe. This day is both a moment of celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work required to advance gender equity in meaningful and lasting ways. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” is a reminder that progress demands action. When we give, whether it be through opportunity, recognition, resources, or simply creating space, we gain stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone feels they belong. However, we know that women continue to face systemic discrimination, gender‑based violence, and inequitable access to opportunities. To truly “give to gain,” we must confront these realities with intention, courage, and sustained commitment. Progress does not happen on its own; it requires action from each one of us. Organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide can all play a part - in the community, at work, at home, and beyond. We also recognize that the experiences of women are not universal. Race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status intersect to create different barriers and different forms of oppression. Understanding these intersections strengthens our resolve to build a city where equity is not assumed but actively pursued. Increasingly around the world, we are seeing that significant barriers to gender equality persist, yet with dedicated resources and support, positive progress has been made, can be made, and will continue to be made. We know that serving in a public office comes with great responsibility, and we are committed to using that responsibility to advance real, lasting progress. We will continue championing efforts that expand opportunity, strengthen inclusion, and ensure that women, girls and gender diverse people are heard, supported, and uplifted.
Councillor Christine Michaud, Ward 4
Councillor Margaret Johnston, Ward 8
Councillor Debbie Chapman, Ward 9
Councillor Stephanie Stretch, Ward 10
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and Council
Greetings Ward 3,
What a winter it has been. With warmer weather approaching, I’m hopeful for the renewed energy that spring brings.
As the freeze and thaw temperatures continue, potholes will be created or worsened. If you encounter any that require repair, please report the location to the Corporate Contact Centre at 519-741-2345 or at www.kitchener.ca/reportaproblem. Once reported, it will be prioritized for repair.
I’ve also started receiving questions about the upcoming changes to waste collection. As a reminder, this program is managed by the Region of Waterloo, and recent changes to recycling were introduced by the Ontario government. While I’m always happy to hear from you, the quickest and most accurate responses will come directly from the Region via phone 519-575-4400 or email at carts@regionofwaterloo.ca. For details on changes to the Region’s waste program, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste.
For updates on major city projects, please visit EngageWR.ca/kitchener and sign up for notifications. This platform provides project details, opportunities for feedback, and more. There are currently six open projects, some of which are still open for comment.
We are just under a month away from the Ward 3 Pancake Breakfast at Kingsdale Community Centre on April 18. There will be two sittings, and registration is required through the centre, starting April 1. I look forward to seeing you there.
Wishing a Happy Easter to those who celebrate. As the saying goes, “hope springs eternal.”
As always, please feel free to reach out with your questions, suggestions, or concerns.