Kitchener launches partnership with Equip Sport and Jumpstart to provide free access to sport equipment across the City
The City of Kitchener is expanding access to recreation through a new partnership with Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), providing free access to sports and fitness equipment at community locations across the city.
Announced by Mayor Berry Vrbanovic during the 2026 State of the City address, the initiative will introduce 30 self-serve equipment lockers at 27 recreation sites throughout the City of Kitchener, enabling residents to borrow equipment such as basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and fitness gear at no cost.
“This new partnership reflects our commitment to creating inclusive, active communities,” stated Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “These lockers are a simple, practical solution that helps more people participate - and ensures our public spaces are welcoming, active, and affordable for everyone.”
The lockers are secure, easy-to-use, and designed to be accessible for residents of all ages and abilities. Equipment can be borrowed and returned for others to use, creating a shared, community-driven model of access.
The program is funded by Jumpstart, in partnership with the City of Kitchener and Equip Sport. Through this initiative, Jumpstart is helping to remove financial and access barriers by providing free equipment, making it easier for kids and youth to participate in sport and play in the neighbourhoods where they live.
Equip Sport delivers the service through a turn-key model that includes installation, maintenance, daily operations and data reporting, ensuring that expanded access to sport and recreation can be achieved without additional cost to taxpayers.
“Jump Start and Equip Sports are allowing us to remove barriers to participation,” said Mayor Vrbanovic. “For many families, the cost of equipment can prevent people from getting involved in sport. This program makes it easier for everyone in our community to get active and can be the difference between participating or sitting on the sidelines.”
The partnership supports the City’s broader focus on community health, belonging, and equitable access to services, and will be rolled out at 27 locations across Kitchener in the coming months.
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For more information:
Corporate Communications and Marketing
City of Kitchener
Media@kitchener.ca
About Equip Sport lockers
Founded in Switzerland in 2021, Equip Sport is redefining urban sport through free, open-access equipment stations powered by a smartphone app. The model has expanded to more than 500 stations across Europe, 50 in the City of Ottawa and 80 in British Columbia.
About Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) is a national charity committed to enabling lifelong success through access to sport and play for children and youth across Canada by addressing financial, physical, and systemic barriers. With an extensive national network comprising more than 1,000 grantees and 289 local chapters, Jumpstart is dedicated to empowering community partners in the development of inclusive programming and infrastructure for Canadian kids of all abilities. Supported by Canadian Tire Corporation, Jumpstart has provided more than 4.5 million opportunities for Canadian kids to get into the game since 2005.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.