Digital Kitchener is building the foundation of our smart city. To realize our full potential, we must be brave. We must go where there are no best practices and create them.
On this page:
Digital Kitchener strategy
We are building a smart city that is inclusive, on-demand, connected and innovative. To realize the full potential of a Digital Kitchener, we are:
- investing in technologies, processes and initiatives that support our goals
- creating partnerships that strengthen and sustain our initiatives
- telling our story, bringing Digital Kitchener to life for every resident
Watch this video to learn more about Digital Kitchener:
Digital Kitchener strategy review
We’re reviewing the Digital Kitchener strategy to make sure it still meets the needs of our growing city and keeps up with changes in technology.
We want to hear from you about what’s working, what could be better and how we can use technology to make life easier and more connected for everyone in Kitchener.
Your feedback will help us:
- improve city services
- make sure more people can access and use technology
- explore new ideas that support innovation
By sharing your thoughts, you'll help shape a strategy that reflects what matters most to our community and helps us prepare for the future.
Digital inclusion
We’re committed to equity and inclusion, and an important part of that work is making sure everyone can access digital tools and the internet. We’re taking advantage of our network of facilities to do just that. Check out our public Wi-Fi and technology map to see how you can access this service in your neighbourhood.
Free Wi-Fi
At our public buildings, community centres, arenas and other public spaces around Kitchener, you can connect your device to free Wi-Fi . We don’t require any personal information, simply agree to our standard terms of use and anyone can use the internet on any Wi-Fi enabled device.
Open our public Wi-Fi and technology map to find a free Wi-Fi location near you.
Public Wi-Fi and technology map
To ensure that those with unreliable computer access can still access the internet, we offer public access computers and printers during dedicated hours at some of our community centres.
Check our community centre pages and public Wi-Fi and technology map to find the public access computers near you.
Inclusion standards
Our long-term plan is to establish a service level standard for public access technology across the city, laying out how and where we’ll help people participate in the digital community.
Working with partners like the Kitchener Public Library and other local groups, we’re working to make it easier for everyone to access information.
Online safety
We care about your wellbeing and safety, especially when it comes to online security. We understand the importance of being informed about cybersecurity risks and how to protect yourself while using the internet. Read these online safety tips provided by Waterloo Region Police Services and read these recommended resources:
- Government of Canada Cyber Safety Resources
- Protect Kids Online
- Media Smarts | Canada's Centre for Digital Media Literacy
- TELUS Wise helps Canadians stay safe in a digital world | TELUS
Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab
The Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab lives in the Communitech Hub and brings new thinking to civic challenges. Kitchener is one of the first cities in Canada to open a lab dedicated to exploring how digital technologies can improve the lives of residents.
Our team explores how emerging technologies can improve city services like:
- climate and air quality monitoring
- multimodal traffic counting
- asset tracking
We experiment with new ways to deliver great service and empower the city with data-informed decision making. This allows Kitchener to constantly evolve and prepare for the city of the future.
Digital Kitchener project stories
| Street light LED conversion/IoT network - installation |
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Between 2017 and 2018, the City of Kitchener, working with the Region of Waterloo, replaced 16,000 old streetlights with new LED ones. But this project wasn’t just about saving energy. Each light also has a smart device that connects to a citywide network. These smart lights can share information with each other, helping the city become more connected. This was one of the first big projects from the City’s Digital Kitchener strategy. The smart lighting system lets the City dim lights when they aren’t needed as much. This saves energy and cuts down on greenhouse gas pollution by 500 tonnes every year. It also helps City workers respond faster when a light goes out, thanks to automatic alerts sent through the network. But the benefits go beyond lighting. This same network now supports traffic and weather sensors, and soon it will help test automatic water and gas meter readings. What started as a simple lighting upgrade is now helping Kitchener use technology to make everyday services better for everyone. How it helps residents
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| Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab |
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In 2017, the City of Kitchener launched a new initiative with a big goal: to create a space where it could test ideas and use technology to improve public services. That space became the Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab- a place where creative thinking and tech came together to solve local problems. Funding for the lab came from savings generated by the City’s smart streetlight project. The lab was created to support work that needed more time, creativity, or technical skills than regular day-to-day work allows. It also provided opportunities for co-op students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience by working on real projects that support the community. The lab focuses on three main areas: design thinking, testing new technology, and building quick prototypes. These tools help the City try out ideas before making larger investments. Being located inside the Communitech Hub fosters collaboration and partnership opportunities between the City and Communitech, with local startups and companies to create real-world solutions. Today, the lab is fully up and running. It gives the City space to move faster on tough problems and explore new tools. It’s a key part of how Kitchener is building smarter, more helpful services for everyone. How it helps residents
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| Corporate website redesign and customer portal |
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In 2021, Kitchener’s website got a big upgrade. It wasn’t just a new look, the new design made it simple to find information, use city services, and get things done online. Features like voice control, step-by-step help, and personalized content suggestions made the site more helpful for everyone. The project was shaped by feedback from the community. Residents shared their ideas and helped guide the design. The result was a website that’s easier to use, more accessible, and better at meeting people’s needs. In 2025, the City took the next step by launching MyKitchener. This new tool, built with help from GHD, gives the City more control over how services are offered online. While GHD handled the setup, City staff worked on rebuilding key tools like the tax and utility pages, so residents can quickly check their accounts. These changes are helping Kitchener offer a faster, more modern online experience. By making services easier to use and more personal, the City is building a digital space that works better for everyone. How it helps residents
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| Public access computers and public Wi-Fi map |
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Kitchener has made it easier for residents to stay connected by mapping out where to find free public Wi-Fi and public computer access. This map was first launched in 2018 and recently updated to include new locations such as RBJ Schlegel Park and recently built or renovated community centres. The map supports the City’s goal of making digital access more inclusive. It helps ensure that all residents, especially those without reliable internet or devices at home, can stay connected. What’s included on the map
How it helps residents
What’s next The City continues to improve Wi-Fi coverage in public spaces and community centres. As new facilities are built or upgraded, more locations will be added to the map. Regular updates will help keep the information accurate and easy to use. |