Access Without Fear
The City of Kitchener's Access Without Fear policy helps reduce barriers to municipal services and programs. It supports residents in accessing City services with dignity, respect, and confidence, regardless of their immigration status.
On this page:
- What is Access Without Fear?
- Privacy and information collection
- What you can expect
- Supporting a welcoming community
What is Access Without Fear?
Everyone should feel welcome and safe accessing City services.
Access Without Fear is a City of Kitchener policy that supports equitable access to municipal services, programs, and facilities. Whether registering for recreation programs, using community centres, applying for jobs, or connecting with staff at City Hall, everyone is welcome.
The City of Kitchener's Access Without Fear policy is designed to remove barriers that may prevent residents from accessing City services, programs and facilities. The policy recognizes that concerns about personal information or immigration status can discourage people from seeking support, participating in programs or using community services. By limiting the collection of immigration status information and providing clear explanations when information is required, the policy helps create equitable access and supports the City's commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community.
As a general practice, City staff do not ask for, record or disclose a person's immigration status. In limited circumstances, information may be required to meet a legal obligation or program requirement. If information is required, staff will explain why it is needed and how it will be used.
Privacy and information collection
The City of Kitchener is committed to protecting personal privacy.
For most City services, immigration status is not required. In situations where information is needed to determine eligibility for a program, fulfill a legal obligation, or meet another requirement, staff will explain:
- what information is being requested
- why it is needed
- how it will be used
The City collects, uses, and protects personal information in accordance with applicable legislation and municipal policies.
What you can expect
When accessing City services, residents can expect:
- respectful, welcoming, and inclusive service
- to be treated with dignity and fairness
- staff to collect only information necessary to provide a service
- an explanation if personal information is required for a specific program or legal purpose
- personal information to be handled in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and City policies
We provide staff training on the Access Without Fear policy to support consistent service delivery across our programs and facilities.
Supporting a welcoming community
Access Without Fear is one of the ways the City works to create a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.
The policy complements other City initiatives that help residents access information, opportunities, programs and services, including the Municipal Newcomer Strategy.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.