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City Council Columns - June 2026
Hi Ward 1,I hope you’re well. As I write this, I want to give a shout-out to our Kitchener Rangers, who have just become the 2026 Memorial Cup Champions! This well-coached, physical, and dominant team went undefeated at the tournament after a remarkable 16-2 run through the OHL playoffs. That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes years of dedication, smart decisions, a group of young men who believe in each other, and a highly effective coaching staff. Blueshirts...the city of Kitchener is very proud of your accomplishment! That same spirit of long-term commitment guides the work we do at City Hall. Right now, Council is finalizing Kitchener’s new Official Plan which is a blueprint for how our city grows toward 2051. Through thousands of community conversations, key themes have emerged: residents want better mobility and accessibility, including safer travel, better infrastructure, and improved services for older adults.Housing affordability and building a strong local economy have risen to the top of residents’ priorities, and our plan reflects both. Finally, I’d like to remind everyone that Neighbours Day is on June 20 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event is effectively dozens and dozens of front yard/porch parties where you can meet your neighbours. Details are available at www.kitchener.ca/neighboursday. I hope to see you there! For questions on this, or anything else city related, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime using the above contact information.
Thanks to residents who attended the June 4th Prospect Park Open House for design updates on the stormwater, drainage, park and trail amenities. Staff will consider your input for incorporation into the final plans. Construction will begin in 2027.The Stanley Park Community Association is reviewing the programs, activities and events they offer. They’d love your input on what’s working, missing, needed, and how they can serve your family even better. Look for SPCA Community at www.engagewr.ca/kitchener.
The amazing new Splash Pad and Play Structures at the Centreville Chicopee Community Centre are open! Improvements were also made to the basketball courts, and some nice seating has been added to make it an even better place to connect and play.
Neighbours Day is Saturday, June 20. Thanks to the Ward 2 residents hosting Porch Parties with live music from local performers. It’s a great way for neighbours to meet and connect.
Grandview Church and St Luke’s Lutheran Church are holding free, fun family activities. I’ll have details when they’re available at daveschnider.com
Support Madison Letizi’s Ice Cream for Breakfast for Make a Wish Canada, Saturday, June 13 from 9-Noon at the Stanley Park Community Centre.
The 59th KW Multi Cultural Festival returns to Victoria Park on June 20 and 21, and Cruising on King is back on June26.
Thank the gardener of a garden you like. Pick up a Kitchener in Bloom recognition package at any Kitchener Community Centre and deliver it to their home. If I can assist you, please email dave.schnider@kitchener.ca. Our 24/7 contact centre can be reached at 519.741.2345
The first day of summer is just around the corner, and by everything I’ve read, it’s shaping up to be a great one! This summer season, you’ll enjoy the beautiful shade umbrellas at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre splash pad. They are a welcome addition, thanks to the Love My Hood Grant and the DPPCC. Our park is still under construction, but it is making great progress. The two-week closure of Pioneer Drive was necessary to connect a new sanitary line for the upcoming washrooms in the park. The reopening of the skatepark and playground has been delayed; however, the new parking area and all other project elements remain on track. Thank you to everyone for your patience during this construction period. We will have an amazing park to enjoy again, once the project is complete. Following the public meeting on June 1, the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee approved the Kitchener 2051 Official Plan, including some key neighbourhood changes. The plan will now go to City Council for final approval on June 29, 2026. For information on the Official Plan, visit www.engagewr.ca/kitchener2051.
I’ll be at the Community Centre on the third Saturday of each month. Please drop by on Saturday, June 20, between 10:00 and 11:30am. I’m always happy to chat with you about anything that’s on your mind.
Hello Ward 5 neighbours,Ward 5 Summer Update
I hope you and your family are enjoying the start of summer. This is one of the best times of the year to get outside, enjoy our parks and trails, attend community events, and connect with neighbours. As Canada Day approaches, I would like to remind residents about Kitchener’s fireworks regulations. Backyard fireworks are only permitted on July 1 between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Fireworks must be set off on your own private property and are not permitted in parks, sports fields, trails, roadways, school properties, or any other public spaces. Violations can result in significant fines starting at $1,500. For more info, visit www.kitchener.ca/fireworks. Let’s celebrate safely and respectfully.
If you have an idea that could bring neighbours together, consider applying for a LoveMyHood Matching Grant. The next application review deadlines are June 11, and October 29. Whether it’s a community garden, neighbourhood gathering, public art project, or placemaking initiative, LoveMyHood helps residents turn great ideas into reality. Visit lovemyhood.ca.
Summer is also construction and road maintenance season. If you notice a pothole, please help us identify it by reporting it online through the City of Kitchener or by calling the Corporate Contact Centre at 519-741-2345. Check for road construction throughout Kitchener at www.kitchener.ca/roadclosures.
I look forward to seeing many of you at community events throughout the summer. Thank you for helping make Ward 5 a welcoming and vibrant place to call home.
At our recent Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting, we advanced vital components of the Kitchener 2051 Official Plan to responsibly shape our city’s long-term future. My core focus is to ensure that urban intensification is equitable, continuous, and highly responsible. While true equity means creating a diverse housing stock so families aren’t priced out of the market, I firmly believe development must happen in the right places. Growth is best focused along active main corridors and underutilized commercial zones where infrastructure already exists, rather than forcing aggressive density in stable suburban neighbourhoods.To protect this balance, I brought forward a key amendment regarding Laurentian Hills East and West, on both sides of Westmount Road. My amendment successfully removed these areas from the aggressive ”Strategic Growth Area,” keeping them under the standard “Neighborhood” designation. While this framework still allows greater gentle density, it critically mandates proper planning justifications and appropriate setbacks. This ensures future builds are integrated sensitively into our community fabric rather than where they don’t make sense.Additionally, I pressed staff to activate the Smart Centres plaza at Ottawa and Strasburg (the vacant Target site). I advocated for highly permissive mixed-use zoning to properly incentivize vibrant vertical redevelopment and secure ground-floor commercial spaces. Finally, I supported crucial, collaborative amendments securing a three-storey height limit to preserve our city’s distinct historic neighborhoods.
Hi Ward 7, Happy Summer!I want to update you on the Westheights Greenery Project, one of several neighbourhood initiatives in Kitchener through the City’s LoveMyHood program. The project’s focus is on improving local green spaces by adding trees, native plantings, and pollinator-friendly gardens in key areas of the Westheights neighbourhood.LoveMyHood is a City of Kitchener grant and support program that provides residents with funding, resources, and staff guidance to lead community-based projects. Eligible initiatives include neighbourhood beautification, environmental sustainability efforts, community events, and small infrastructure improvements. The program is designed to encourage resident-led ideas that strengthen neighbourhood connections and enhance public spaces. In West-heights, organizers used LoveMyHood funding to increase urban canopy cover and introduce landscaping that supports biodiversity. Projects like this contribute to broader city goals around environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community well-being. Residents across Kitchener who are interested in launching their own neighbourhood projects can apply for LoveMyHood funding and support from staff.
The current intake period is open, with applications due on June 11, and then October 29. More information about eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and the application process is available atwww.lovemyhood.ca
Congratulations to our Kitchener Rangers for winning the Memorial Cup and going undefeated in the tournament! I’ve been a lifetime fan of Junior Hockey and a Rangers fan since moving to Kitchener, I was proud to be in attendance when they won the 2003 Memorial Cup in Quebec City and thrilled to watch them win it again in 2026! The Rangers got it done!The City of Kitchener passed Kitchener 2051, our future Planning Guide. I put forward an amendment to the Official Plan for the Westmount neighbourhood which was unanimously supported by Council recognizing the historical significance of Westmount and put Planning provisions in place to honour it as a Cultural Heritage Landmark. Thank you to the team of residents who worked diligently to preserve the character of the neighbourhood; our City Planning Staff who listened and acted; and to my Council colleagues for supporting my amendment for Westmount. It truly was a team effort.
I continue to advocate for a community meeting with Regional staff and officials following the indefinite postponement of the housing, daycare and community amenities that were planned for Mooregate after moving the residents out of their homes. We continue to hope for regular communication with the residents and answers about when this building will move forward.
Great weather has made it a challenge to keep up with grass cutting. Crews will get to your area soon--thank you for patience.
Neighbours Day is June 20. Visit www.kitchener.ca/neighboursday for an interactive map showing porch party times and locations near you. Enjoy the great music with your neighbours.
Whether you call it a cornerstone park or a signature park, Victoria Park (VP) receives about 4,600,000 visitors each year. Staff presented the VP Master Plan to committee on June 1 (to be confirmed by Council later). Some proposed changes for next year include replacing the picnic shelter and upgrading the playground and electrical services around the park. The electrical services upgrades include the installation of an outlet for the food trucks, where Dill St intersects with the parking lot by the Rangers outdoor workout equipment. Thank you to the residents who shared their concerns with me regarding the noise and the fumes from the gas generators used to run the trucks.The Master Plan also proposes to upgrade the basketball court, its compatible site furnishings and adjacent seating in 2028. Widening and repairing the trail system throughout the park is also being proposed.VP is in the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District which describes the park as ‘one of the nation’s finest examples of a civic park in the 18th century Romantic Landscape style.’ I believe Staff have done an excellent job of respecting the heritage value of the park.June marks several important days of significance. You may want to partake in some of the events marking Pride Month, National Indigenous History Month and Seniors Month. Each of these commemorations provides a space to celebrate, reflect and support people in the community in its own unique way. Neighbours Day and the Multicultural Festival are both on June 20. I hope to see you at one of these events.
As discussions about the future of regional governance continue, it’s worth remembering that whatever structure is adopted, the quality of local government depends on informed and engaged residents. Municipal and regional governments make decisions every day that affect our neighbourhoods, from transportation and infrastructure to housing, public health, and community services. You get who you vote for.Residents often face the challenge of knowing which level of government is responsible for a particular issue. The City of Kitchener manages local roads, parks, recreation facilities, fire and many neighbourhood services, while the Region of Waterloo is responsible for transit, policing, regional roads, waste collection, public health, housing and social services. In Kitchener, approximately 58% of every property tax bill goes to the Region, while 30% goes to the City of Kitchener and 12% funds school boards. Clear responsibilities help residents raise concerns, provide feedback, and hold decision-makers accountable.As our community grows, ensuring you have meaningful opportunities to participate in local decision-making will become increasingly important. Whether through public meetings, surveys, advisory committees, or conversations with elected officials, your input helps shape better outcomes and stronger communities.
I encourage you to stay informed on issues about Ward 10 and the city. Sign up for my newsletter at stephaniestretch.ca, visit engagewr.ca and follow projects that matter to you. Your feedback shapes decisions made today and the future of our community.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic delivers the 2026 State of the City addressMayor Berry Vrbanovic delivered his 2026 State of the City address on June 9 at The Glovebox, outlining a clear vision for Kitchener’s future built on local leadership, collaboration, and action.
This year’s theme - Made in Kitchener - reflects the city’s long-standing approach to tackling challenges: developing solutions locally, working across sectors, and delivering results for residents.
“Made in Kitchener is not just a reflection of our past - it is how we move forward,” said Mayor Vrbanovic. “It means focusing on what we can control, working together, and turning ideas into action right here in our community.”
The address focused on three key pillars shaping the city’s future:
Housing, infrastructure, and future-focused planning
The Mayor outlined Kitchener’s leadership in housing delivery, with more than 17,000 homes approved since 2023 and continued progress in advancing development despite market challenges. He emphasized the importance of acting on what municipalities can control, aligning planning policy and infrastructure readiness, and improving processes to accelerate housing construction – especially affordable housing.
A thriving local economy - built by difference-makers
Kitchener’s economy continues to grow through innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent. The Mayor highlighted investments in the Innovation Arena and the broader downtown innovation ecosystem, alongside the City’s forthcoming updated economic development strategy, Make It Kitchener 2.1, which focuses on supporting businesses, attracting investment, and expanding into emerging sectors such as health innovation and artificial intelligence.
Community infrastructure, health, and belonging
Investments in neighbourhood programs, recreation, and cultural initiatives are strengthening connections and improving quality of life. Projects such as the the Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park, alongside programs like Love My Hood, reflect the City’s commitment to inclusive, accessible spaces and community-led initiatives.
New partnership to expand access to recreation
As part of his address, Mayor Vrbanovic announced a new partnership with Equip Sport and Jumpstart Canada to provide free access to recreational equipment across Kitchener.
The program will introduce a network of 30 self-serve equipment lockers at 27 community recreation locations, allowing residents to borrow items such as basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and fitness equipment at no cost.
“Access to sport and recreation should not depend on your ability to pay,” said Mayor Vrbanovic. “This partnership is about removing barriers and making it easier for everyone - especially children, youth, and newcomers - to get active, connect, and belong.”
The initiative is sponsor-funded and designed to be scalable, supporting increased participation and activation of public spaces without additional cost to taxpayers.
The evening also featured performances by local artists in celebration of Kitchener’s creative community and the inaugural Kitchener Takes the Stage event this summer.
A video of the address, and a copy of the speech will be available at Kitchener.ca/SOTC.
Happy Spring Ward 3. In just a few weeks, summer will be here, along with a wide range of free programming offered by the City of Kitchener. Canada Day will bring great music, friends, and fireworks.
Attention Soccer fans! The FIFA World Cup is coming to the Kitchener Market from July 11 to 19. The Downtown Kitchener BIA is bringing fans over 100+ matches on a massive 21 ft screen for free. This free event will welcome football fans for live match viewings, football-themed activities, cultural programming, music, food, and moments of national pride at the Kitchener Market. For more information on these and other great events, please visit www.downtownkitchener.ca and www.kitchener.ca/events.
Neighbours Day is a city-wide porch party! Local musicians will showcase their unique talents by staging pop-up concerts in neighbourhoods across Kitchener. From porches to driveways to front lawns, you’re invited to join in the fun by bringing your lawn chairto enjoy some live entertainment in celebration of Neighbours Day. This is a free event with no registration required. Visitwww.kitchener.ca/neighboursday for their interactive map to find times and locations near you.
Homeowners, please make sure you are following property standards by-laws. Garbage and lawn maintenance are among the most common concerns I hear about year-round. Open garbage cans attract pests, while long grass and weeds can affect the appearance of a neighbourhood. Please be a good neighbour and take care of your property.
Have a wonderful summer everyone.