Key Decisions of Kitchener Council: April 7, 2025

Key decisions of Council is a summary of major discussion items presented at Kitchener City Council meetings. It is circulated immediately following each meeting. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting. 

Kitchener recognized as a Tree City of the world

Kitchener has been recognized as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Kitchener is one of 210 cities across 24 countries recognized as a Tree City of the World, which speaks to the city’s role in the global community in maintaining a commitment to growing a thriving urban canopy that creates a healthier environment for all.

To celebrate this milestone, the City of Kitchener is giving away 210 free trees to residents to help share the benefits of trees with the entire community! Interested residents can pick up a 2–3-gallon potted tree this spring to plant on their property. Each household is eligible for one free tree while supplies last, but additional trees may be offered based on demand during the sign-up period. To learn more and apply to receive a free tree as part of the giveaway, check out the sign-up form.

Council approves $300,000 funding for THEMUSEUM

Kitchener Council approved a conditional funding agreement for THEMUSEUM, allocating up to $300,000 annually for the next three fiscal years (from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028). This agreement includes financial and operational conditions and is contingent on approval from both the THEMUSEUM Board and the City. Support for THEMUSEUM ensures one of Kitchener’s key cultural institutions can achieve financial sustainability, continuing to provide necessary cultural programming to our community, vibrancy to Downtown Kitchener and economic impact to the region.

Council approves public art commission for Mill Courtland Community Centre

Kitchener Council approved the commission and creation of a new public artwork titled “Swoop” by artists Agnes Niewiadomski and Michelle Purchase. This artwork will be installed at the Mill Courtland Community Centre (MCCC) as part of its expansion and renovation project.

Following an open call for submissions for artwork at MCCC, the City conducted a three-stage selection process which resulted in the jury’s recommendation of the chosen proposal. The financial investment totals $35,000, with $25,000 from the facility’s renovation budget and $10,000 from the consolidated public art account.

The City of Kitchener’s public art program installs site-specific artworks at newly constructed facilities such as libraries, community centres, fire stations, parking garages, and other public spaces and civic buildings. These artworks include permanent installations in a wide variety of styles and materials, chosen with a preference for artistic merit and material innovation, site responsiveness, public engagement and accessibility, durability and sustainability.

Council approves amendments to procurement bylaw

The City Council has approved amendments to the procurement by-law, aiming to align with Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) dollar thresholds to support the procurement of Canadian and local goods, services, and construction.

The key changes include:

Council endorses development of Municipal Newcomer Strategy

Council endorsed the scope and approach for a Municipal Newcomer Strategy. With 30 per cent of Kitchener’s population born outside of Canada and 71 per cent of newcomers actively employed, newcomers are already making vital contributions to our community and to our local economy. This new municipal strategy will take a targeted approach to supporting those connections and fostering more opportunities for economic prosperity, cultural inclusion and active community participation.

The strategy will reflect the real needs, experiences, and aspirations of newcomers. To help guide this work, the City is creating a working group of newcomers, newcomer-serving organizations, and City staff from a variety of different divisions.

This strategy supports the City’s 2023-2026 strategic priority to foster a caring city together.