Mayor Berry Vrbanovic’s statement on Canada Day 2024

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate, let us remember the history that has shaped our country. From coast to coast to coast, Canada is a tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. This rich diversity is our strength and our shared identity.

As we celebrate Canada Day, we also acknowledge and pay respect to the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land for thousands of years. Their contributions and heritage are integral to the Canadian story, and it is our collective responsibility to continue working towards reconciliation. With the past month being National Indigenous Heritage Month, let us continue our efforts and learnings about reconciliation efforts in our community, donating to an Indigenous organization or supporting an Indigenous artist or business.

This year, Canada Day celebrations for some of our neighbours will be somewhat more subdued, as while they may want to celebrate this great country they now call home, they do so with the heartache of conflict and instability playing out in their homelands. Let’s never forget that our collective strength comes from being together and supporting each other through our respective journeys, and being Canadian today and everyday always means showing grace, kindness and support to each other.

For me, Canada Day is a day we also recognize the hard work and resilience of our community. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteerism, or simply being good neighbours, each of you plays a vital role in making our city, and our country, a better place. Your dedication to our community, especially during challenging times, exemplifies the Canadian spirit.

Today, the City of Kitchener is excited to host an in-person, family-friendly celebration in Carl Zehr Square at City Hall from 2 – 11 p.m.

The awesome line-up of live music at City Hall features many local musicians including Kitchener-born, Danny Michel with Romeo Sex Fighter and our headline act, April Wine. Let’s celebrate together as a community. Come out today to reconnect with friends, family, and neighbours, and stay until dusk to cap off the evening with a beautiful fireworks display.

As we come together this Canada Day, let us think about what this great country means to us and beginning tomorrow, what each of us will do to build a more caring, welcoming and supportive community and country for all of us.

I hope to see many of you at Carl Zehr Square throughout the day but regardless of where or how you celebrate today, from our families to yours, Happy Canada Day!

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic on behalf of Kitchener Council