New Year's Day 2026 Statement from the Mayor

Happy New Year, Kitchener! 

Today, Kitchener residents, together with family and friends, join Canadians and people around the world in celebrating the start of the New Year, 2026!

As we reflect on the year that was, this past year had more than its fair share of challenges for Kitchener, for Ontario and for Canada. But we also saw something more powerful - a renewed sense of Canadian resilience and pride being ignited amongst us in ways we have not seen in a long time. From our Support Local initiative to caring for those who needed a helping hand, Kitchener once again demonstrated that we are a caring and generous community and that we are at our best, when we are building a caring Kitchener, together! 

In the year ahead, may we all commit to being kinder, respectful and more compassionate to each other, and may we strive to build a community and country where everyone feels a sense of belonging and a collective responsibility to help us all be the best that we can be.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic on behalf of Kitchener Council