About Kitchener & Waterloo Region

Welcome to your new community

Kitchener is a growing and diverse city located in Waterloo Region. People from around the world call Kitchener home and contribute to the cultural, social and economic life of our community.

This page can help you learn more about the city, the land we live on, municipal services and the City’s work to make Kitchener more welcoming and accessible to newcomers.

On this page:

1. Living in Kitchener 
2. Living in the Region of Waterloo
3. The land you're on 
4. Kitchener's Municipal Newcomer Strategy
5. Accessing City services without fear 
6. Services and Support are available at the City of Kitchener 

Living in Kitchener

The City of Kitchener provides many of the services you may use in your everyday life, including recreation programs, community centres, parks, roads, cycling infrastructure, arts and culture programs and municipal services, from snow removal to your local fire department.

• Learn more about City and regional services
• Learn more about living in Kitchener

Who is in our community?

Kitchener is a diverse and growing city. According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Kitchener had a population of 256,885 residents, with the newcomer population representing 30% of the population (75,450 people). The census also found that 18% of residents spoke a non-official language (not English or French) at home. As of 2025, Kitchener's population has grown to an estimated 316,173 residents. More than 61,000 residents report a non-official language as their home language, reflecting the city's multicultural character and welcoming environment for newcomers.

Learn more about Kitchener’s Census Demographics 

Living in the Region of Waterloo 

Waterloo Region is a dynamic, diverse and rapidly growing community comprised of the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, as well as the townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich.

Based on the Canadian Census Demographic data, in 2021, more than one in four residents (25.4%) identified as newcomers, with nearly 28,000 newcomers arriving between 2016 and 2021, contributing to the region's rich cultural, social and economic landscape.

The City of Kitchener is home to the region's largest newcomer population, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive and equitable communities where all residents can access opportunities, services and a sense of belonging.

As one of Ontario's fastest-growing regions, Waterloo Region's diversity is a key strength that supports innovation, community well-being and economic prosperity.

Learn more about the Region of Waterloo’s Census Demographics

Learn more about the Region of Waterloo:

• New to Waterloo Region⁠
• Home | Immigration Waterloo Region
• Community Profile | Region of Waterloo

The land you’re on

When we make Kitchener our home, it is important to learn about the Indigenous Peoples, histories and relationships connected to this land.

The Region of Waterloo is situated on the lands within the Haldimand Tract of 1784, a formally ratified agreement acknowledging six miles on either side of the Grand River as treaty territory belonging to Six Nations of the Grand River. These lands are also connected to The Between the Lakes Treaty No. 3 of 1792, between the Mississauga’s of the Credit and the British Crown.

The City of Kitchener resides on the land known as One Dish/One Spoon Treaty Territory and has been traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Chonnonton Peoples. Kitchener is also home today to diverse First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples whose knowledge, cultures, communities and contributions continue to shape this place. With deep humility, we acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the Indigenous peoples with whom we share this land

Learning about the land is not only about the past. Indigenous Peoples continue to live, work, build community and exercise their rights and responsibilities here today.

Learn more about the City of Kitchener’s commitment to Reconciliation and our collaboration on the Reconciliation, Action, Partnership (R.A.P)

Learn more about the Land you’re on and the city and regions commitment to reconciliation:

• Reconciliation Action Partnership - A Pathway Forward 
• Reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion at the City of Kitchener⁠
• Truth and Reconciliation | Region of Waterloo
• Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
• Reconciliation

Kitchener’s Municipal Newcomer Strategy

Kitchener is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, and newcomers are helping to shape that growth every day. Newcomers are an important part of Kitchener’s present and future. They enrich the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our community while strengthening the workforce, starting businesses, fostering innovation, and contributing to a vibrant and connected city.

The City’s Municipal Newcomer Strategy provides a coordinated approach to helping newcomers access information, services and opportunities and participate fully in community life. The strategy is grounded in the experiences and voices of newcomers, builds on the important work already being done by community and regional partners, and focuses on practical, achievable actions within the City's jurisdiction

The strategy was informed by more than 1,000 newcomer voices, more than 25 engagement activities and community-led events, more than 25 newcomer-serving organizations and extensive consultation with City staff.

It focuses on five themes:

• Boosting awareness of City services
• Small business and employment support
• Community belonging and connections
• Targeted supports for newcomers
• Equipping City staff to better support newcomers

Flip through the Newcomer Strategy below.⁠