Compass Kitchener report card highlights strong progress on City’s strategic priorities

Kitchener, ON – Compass Kitchener, a resident advisory committee, has released its 2025 Report Card reviewing the City of Kitchener's progress on its strategic priorities. For the third consecutive year, Compass Kitchener's Report Card finds that all projects evaluated under the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan either met or exceeded expectations.  

The twelve 2025 projects included in this review advanced the City's priorities on housing, transportation, sustainability, economic development and community wellbeing.  

“This report card reflects the significant progress we've made on the priorities that matter most to our community during this term of Council," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "Whether it's creating more housing options, investing in safer transportation networks, growing our tree canopy or enhancing public spaces, the Strategic Plan continues to guide investments that improve quality of life for residents while also always focusing on affordability. I want to thank Compass Kitchener for their long-standing independent perspective, which helps ensure both Council and staff remain focused on achieving our strategic goals and realizing our shared vision for Kitchener’s future."   

Compass Kitchener is one of the only resident-led committees in municipalities across Canada that is dedicated to supporting the development of the strategic plan, evaluating its outcomes and reporting directly to Council. 

The committee evaluates completed projects based on responsible delivery, public value, transparency, communication and community engagement. Its work gives Council and residents an additional measure of accountability and insight into the City’s progress on its strategic priorities. 

“It’s an honour to serve as Chair of Compass Kitchener and help provide Council with an independent community perspective on the City’s Strategic Plan,” said Troy Glover, Chair of Compass Kitchener. “As members, we help shape the City’s community engagement approach for each strategic planning cycle, support key community engagement activities, ensure community perspectives are accurately reflected by providing feedback to staff, and evaluate the City’s progress on strategic priorities once the plan has been approved by Council.” 

Residents can read the Compass Kitchener report here. 

“I’m incredibly proud of the work City staff are doing to bring Kitchener’s Strategic Plan to life. The progress being made in our community reflects the dedication, innovation, and collaboration across the organization," said Dan Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer.  “It’s encouraging to see residents recognize and take pride in these accomplishments, and I value Compass Kitchener’s independent review of our progress. Their perspective helps ensure we stay accountable to the goals we’ve set and continue moving closer to our shared 20-year vision for Kitchener.”  

Work has been underway since January to develop Kitchener's 2027-2030 Strategic Plan. Since we have started, over 1,500 residents have helped shape future priorities through surveys, community conversations and other engagement activities across the city. Residents can follow the Strategic Plan process and upcoming milestones at engagewr.ca/KitchenerStrategicPlan. 

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