Kitchener’s LoveMyHood matching grant program celebrates $1 Million funding

Earlier this evening, the City of Kitchener celebrated the remarkable journey of its LoveMyHood program over the years. Joined by residents and community groups at the Victoria Hills Community Centre, the city hosted an evening of storytelling, live music, outdoor games, an outdoor movie and a special milestone announcement.

“We are excited to announce that LoveMyHood has reached a significant milestone, in awarding one million dollars in funding to support resident-led, city-supported neighbourhood projects. These projects and initiatives have brought tangible improvements to our neighbourhoods – from revitalized parks to vibrant community events and so much more,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaboration between the City of Kitchener and the commitment and passion of our community. Together, we are creating great places, connecting people, and encouraging neighbours to work together - one neighbourhood project at a time.”

The City of Kitchener’s Love My Hood program was born in 2017 from one of the city’s largest community engagement efforts including neighbourhood parties, street teams, lemonade stands, focus groups, phone surveys, and placemaking pilots. Thousands of residents shared their vision for stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. LoveMyHood reflects the city’s commitment to empowering residents to shape their own neighbourhoods.

Through initiatives like the LoveMyHood Matching Grant, residents can bring their ideas for their neighbourhood to life. From enhancing local parks with greening and seating initiatives, to organizing street parties, and much more, projects supported under LoveMyHood embody the spirit of working together to create great places and connect people. To date, this funding has supported 180 resident-led events, programs, and neighbourhood projects across Kitchener.

“Today, we are celebrating not only the many LoveMyHood projects over the years, but also the many connections made and the sense of joy in each neighbourhood,” said ward 8 councillor and Chair of the Community & Infrastructure Services Committee, Margaret Johnston. “These projects are neighbour-driven and help to foster the spirit of LoveMyHood - a deep sense of belonging and pride - which is what Kitchener is all about.”

To commemorate this milestone, the city has published a collection of LoveMyHood project stories, in collaboration with the resident groups that lead them, that will be featured regularly on the LoveMyHood blog over the next year.

The LoveMyHood grant program accepts applications from residents and community groups through four intake sessions per year, with a selection committee awarding a total of up to $150,000 in funding per year to support eligible grant proposals.

To learn more about the Love My Hood Matching Grant, please visit www.lovemyhood.ca.  

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For more information, contact: 
Shawn Falcao 
Manager, Corporate Communications 
City of Kitchener  
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca