We want kids aged 10 to 12 to tell us what their ideal city looks like! Our My Ideal City contest asks students to think about the programs and services they’d like to see from the city.

On this page:

  1. Enter the contest
  2. Reception and mock debate

Enter the contest

If you’re a student aged 10 to 12 living in Kitchener, write a 250-word creative essay about what you’d like to see in your ideal city.

Submissions for the 2025 contest are due by March 3 at 5 p.m.

Your submission must include:

  • your full name
  • your age
  • a parent or guardian's name
  • a parent or guardian's email or phone number

Please submit your creative essay either:

Office of the Mayor and Council, Kitchener City Hall
200 King Street West
Kitchener, ON
N2G 4G7


Reception and mock debate

We will invite contest winners and their families to a reception at City Hall on April 28 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Winners will meet and be paired with a member of city council.

Winners will prepare a pro or con argument, with support from their councillor, for the live, televised mock debate held in council chambers. The mock debate will be on May 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.