News

The City of Kitchener is recruiting residents aged 55 and older for the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS). MACKS volunteers are encouraged to share their perspectives on the impact of city programs, services, strategies, and policies to help older adults live well and age well in the community.  

Shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, Kitchener Fire responded to a call on Chapel Hill Drive. 

The fire is believed to have originated from a piece of electrical equipment in the building. The fire is not being treated as suspicious. There are no structural concerns with the building and damage is estimated at $10,000. There were no occupant or fire fighter injuries.

The City of Kitchener has been made aware of individuals reaching out to local businesses falsely claiming to be City employees.

In this scam, fraudsters contact small business owners via email, claiming to represent the City's Special Events team, offering "exclusive" vendor opportunities for the Christkindl Market. The email uses specific details about the event and links to legitimate City webpages to dupe the recipient into sending money. City of Kitchener staff have contacted Waterloo Region Police Services (WRPS) to alert them to this scam and to prevent community members from being taken advantage of.

On Wednesday, May 20, we’re giving residents an insider look at how we keep the city running during our annual Public Works Week Open House and Family Fun Night. Dive into the exciting world of public works with free games, activities, hands-on equipment and more.

The City of Kitchener is inviting applications from local artists for several exciting opportunities at the 44 Gaukel Creative Workspace (44G). Apply for the 44G Mentorship Matchup program, The Beasting digital mural mashup or the Ontario Culture Days interior and exterior mural opportunities.

Kitchener, ON – The City of Kitchener has been awarded gold status by the Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) Program, administered by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. This designation recognizes Kitchener’s significant progress in advancing safe, connected and equitable cycling infrastructure.

The Gold designation places Kitchener among the leading municipalities in Ontario for cycling excellence and reflects the City’s sustained investment in high‑quality facilities, education initiatives and long‑term planning. This recognition is the direct result of years of investment into a range of infrastructure improvements outlined in the award-winning Cycling and Trails Master Plan, which prioritizes a comprehensive, all‑ages‑and‑abilities network.

As part of the City of Kitchener’s policy to include public art in new projects, the City has agreed to commission a series of five playful bronze sculptures by Canadian artist Pierre Poussin for the outdoor entrances of the Cowan Recreation Centre, opening late 2026. The artwork, titled Let’s Play!, will welcome visitors with imaginative animal characters captured mid-sport, celebrating movement, teamwork and the joy of play.  

Key decisions of Council is a summary of major discussion items presented at Kitchener City Council meetings. It is circulated immediately following each meeting. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.  

Students with a business idea are encouraged to apply to the Summer Company program, an exciting opportunity to start and run a real business over the summer with funding, mentorship and hands‑on experience. Applications are open now and close May 15 at 11:59 p.m. 

The City of Kitchener has started gathering community feedback to inform its 2027–2030 Strategic Plan. 

The Strategic Plan sets Council’s priorities, goals and actions for each four‑year term. The upcoming plan will build on the success of the current 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and carry forward Kitchener’s long‑term vision of “building a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us – and each other.” 

Early insights from a statistically significant community survey led by Abacus Data signal the strengths, opportunities and priorities residents have for the City for the next four years. Abacus Data surveyed 861 Kitchener residents using a mix of phone and online methods. Survey insights will be presented during a Special Council meeting on May 4, 2026.