Mayor's Statement: Canada Day

Happy Canada Day, Kitchener! 

Today, as Canadians, we celebrate the 159th birthday of this great country we call home. No matter where you are celebrating today, I invite you to do so together with family and friends, knowing we live in the best country in the world.   

We are fortunate to live on land that has carried generations of stories, teachings, and relationships long before Canada became Canada. This land is the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples, and their connection to it continues to live on today. 

As we all come together with family and community today to celebrate this great country, let’s not forget that Canada Day can also bring a mix of emotions for some of our newcomer neighbours, as their joy about being part of the Canadian family can also carry a sense of longing for the places and loved ones they have left behind. It is this range of experiences and emotions that shapes who we are and continues to define our country today while also uniting us as part of the Canadian story and the Canadian multicultural mosaic.  

At its core, being Canadian is about how we show up for one another. It’s about kindness, respect, and a willingness to listen. It’s about recognizing that while we don’t all share the same experiences, making space to learn from one another and to move forward together is part of what it means to be Canadian. From coast to coast to coast, Canada is a mosaic of different cultures, languages, and traditions. This rich diversity is our strength and the heart of our shared identity. 

Here in Kitchener, we see that every day, in our neighbourhoods, in our parks, and in the ways people come together to support one another. It’s in the small moments, the everyday connections, and the shared sense of belonging that make this community what it is. 

But that sense of belonging extends beyond our city. It’s something we share across this country, and something that connects us to communities around the world in how we show compassion, understanding, and respect for one another. 

So, however you choose to spend today, I hope it’s filled with moments of connection, joy, and time with the people who matter most to you.  I invite you to join us for Canada Day festivities in Downtown Kitchener throughout the afternoon and into the evening, including a concert by Glass Tiger, and a pyrotechnics display. Whether you’re celebrating at home, in your neighbourhood, or at one of our community events, I wish you a safe and enjoyable Canada Day. 

Happy Canada Day! Bonne fête du Canada.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, on behalf of Kitchener Council