Town and Gown Committee

The Town and Gown Committee is a municipal committee that brings together municipal staff and service providers, universities and colleges, students and community members to discuss community issues.

On this page:

1. About the committee
2. Joining the committee
3. Code of conduct

About the committee

The Kitchener Town and Gown Committee was formed to develop and improve relationships, communications and policies between City staff, universities, colleges, students, police and the surrounding community, as well as enhance community engagement.

The committee provides an informal forum for open discussion between stakeholders to address issues that may include neighbourhood development and community relations, housing, economic activities, health and safety issues, and special events.

Committee stakeholders include:

• City of Kitchener
• Conestoga College
• Conestoga Students Inc.
• Kitchener Fire
• Region of Waterloo
• Waterloo Regional Police Service

Joining the committee

City of Kitchener residents are welcome to sit on the committee as a volunteer in a member-at-large or landlord role. The role of member-at-large includes:

• supporting the community by sharing ideas and information, as well as providing feedback when requested
• sharing information about what is happening in the community and helping identify community priorities that would have an impact on post-secondary institutions and the surrounding community
• helping to make connections with the community when the City or local universities and colleges are seeking feedback on initiatives or developments

The landlord role include the same responsibilities as member-at large but is open specifically to Kitchener residents who own Kitchener property with current tenants. Landlord members must be in good standing with the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.

Application and eligibility

Kitchener residents interested in volunteering on the committee can apply using our online application form. The committee meets three times a year, with volunteer members serving a two-year term starting on January of the year their term begins and ending in December of the year their term ends. 

In order to be eligible, applicants must be a City of Kitchener resident and over 18 years of age.

Available opportunities

 We are currently accepting applications for:

• Members-at-large
• Landlord

Code of conduct 

Members of the Town & Gown Committee must be respectful and inclusive of stakeholders and the surrounding community . The code of conduct includes the following, in alignment with the committee's terms of reference.

• Committee members must maintain a professional and respectful demeanor, treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Foul language, verbal abuse, aggressive and intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated and are grounds for dismissal.
• We appreciate different perspectives and engage in positive discussion, embracing the value of others’ contributions, contributing to a safe, healthy and open dialogue.
• Diversity and inclusion are valued, recognizing and appreciating the unique contributions of each individual, regardless of background or identity.