Statement from Mayor Berry Vrbanovic on the 2026 Federal Budget: Masters of Our Destiny

Today’s federal budget recognizes the real pressures people are feeling across Canada and here in Kitchener. We see them in the cost of groceries and housing, in our workplaces and across our neighbourhoods. This moment calls for meaningful action. 

We welcome the federal government’s focus on making life more affordable and building a stronger, more independent Canadian economy. The budget identifies Canada’s highly skilled workforce, research institutions and capacity for innovation as strengths that can help our country compete and prosper.

Kitchener is ready to contribute. At the heart of Canada’s innovation and technology corridor, our community brings together skilled workers, entrepreneurs, researchers and companies developing ideas and products for markets at home and around the world. Kitchener has an important role to play as Canada strengthens its economic independence, helps Canadian businesses scale and creates good jobs here at home. 

Housing is central to a more affordable future. Today’s budget reflects a shared commitment to accelerating homebuilding and lowering costs, to make housing more accessible to everyone in our community.

Kitchener is ready to be a strong partner and we have a proven record of delivering. We have modernized approvals, invested municipal funding, made land available and supported housing providers. Together, these efforts have helped enable roughly 2,000 affordable homes across 40 projects, including more than 184 supportive homes, with more underway. 

New federal support for municipal e-permitting and technology-enabled approvals is also encouraging. Kitchener’s experience shows that modern processes and responsible stewardship can deliver meaningful results and we are ready to share what we have learned. 

We also applaud the federal government’s 10-year $29-billion commitment towards supportive housing and services for people and communities, which was also announced in today’s budget. We recognize the difference an investment of this scale can make and will require orders of governments and communities to work together to get it right.   

We’re pleased to see new investment through the Build Communities Strong Fund. Here in Kitchener, this partnership is helping us grow with purpose and create welcoming places where residents can connect, stay active and take part in community life. 

The new $1.5-billion investment in arenas and community recreation facilities is a welcome opportunity for growing communities like ours. Recreation is a core municipal service and an important part of a healthy, connected city. Arenas, pools, sports fields and community centres are where children learn new skills, neighbours get to know one another, older adults stay active and people of all ages and abilities find a sense of belonging. 

Kitchener’s soon-to-open Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park reflects that approach. Supported through the Build Communities Strong Fund, it will be a welcoming hub where people can be active, spend time together and participate in community life. 

As Kitchener grows, we will continue to advocate for sustained investment in the infrastructure, facilities and services residents depend on. These investments help us build complete neighbourhoods, support more housing and provide stability for the future.

Kitchener is ready to work with the Government of Canada to turn national priorities into local results. We will bring our experience in housing delivery, our culture of innovation and our strong community partnerships to that work, while keeping the focus on what matters to people here at home.