About the event

Kitchener is growing fast and facing city-building challenges. As we plan for the Kitchener of 2051, our community will embrace opportunities like new technologies, a young and highly skilled workforce, strong neighbourhoods and communities, a rich and diverse culture and a growing desire for urban connection.

Kitchener 2051 presents an opportunity to ask big questions and prepare us for an uncertain future. It should reflect who we are, what we value, and the Kitchener we can become – a thriving city that offers well-being, potential and quality of life – for everyone.

This will be a panel discussion, asking:

• How we live and ensure a prosperous future for all? How do we create vibrant communities for all? Elements of the official plan that relate to this theme include housing, economy, community facilities, arts and culture, and heritage.
• How we come together to plan and build for individual and collective wellbeing? This theme is related to every aspect of the official plan. It's about embedding equity and inclusion into everything we do in hopes that we all feel a sense of belonging in our city.

Our panelists

Our panelists are:

• Dr. Nadine Ibrahim, Associate Professor and Turkstra Chair in Urban Engineering, University of Waterloo
• Sam Nabi (he/him), Project Coordinator, One Million Neighbours WR
• Kelly De Fogain, Founder & Executive Director, Afropolitan Canada
• Jason Sweers, B.Arch, OAA, MRAICb, Partner, Martin Simmons Sweers Architects

Moderated by Bob Egan, Hall of Fame Musician and Public Speaker.

Event Schedule

6 p.m. Open House

6:30 to 8 p.m. Panel discussion

Panelist bios

Dr. Nadine Ibrahim, Associate Professor and Turkstra Chair in Urban Engineering, University of Waterloo

Nadine Ibrahim is an Associate Professor and the Turkstra Chair in Urban Engineering at the University of Waterloo. She holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Civil Engineering, and a Certificate of Preventive Engineering and Social Development from the University of Toronto. Her mandate to promote industry-academic collaborations gets her working with municipalities on urban infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience, focusing on climate change mitigation in global cities, energy and material flows in megacities, and sustainability assessments in megaregions. She launched the Master of Engineering in Future Cities and the Waterloo Engineering Leadership Lab to support graduate students pursuing leadership roles.

Sam Nabi (he/him), Project Coordinator, One Million Neighbours WR

Sam Nabi is a community organizer, small business owner, and hip hop artist living in downtown Kitchener. Through One Million Neighbours WR, he led the co-creation of a vision for growth in Waterloo Region based on the needs of non-profits and grassroots groups. With a background in urban planning, co-owning a grocery store, and live music events, Sam’s perspective sits at the intersection of multiple sectors. He uses frameworks like Multisolving and Asset-Based Community Development to build unlikely coalitions and solve complex challenges.

Kelly De Fogain, Founder & Executive Director, Afropolitan Canada

Kelly De Fogain is the Founder and Executive Director of Afropolitan Canada, a bilingual nonprofit organization that empowers BIPOC, Francophone, and newcomer communities through inclusive programs that promote recreation, life skills, wellness, and cultural connection. Founded in 2018, Afropolitan Canada has become a regional leader in creating culturally responsive programs. A passionate advocate for equity, belonging, and access to wellness, Kelly brings a unique blend of policy insight, community experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to her work.

Jason Sweers, B.Arch, OAA, MRAICb, Partner, Martin Simmons Sweers Architects

Jason Sweers is a Partner at Martin Simmons Sweers Architects, where his work focuses on shaping resilient, human-centred environments that strengthen communities. His experience spans hospitality, healthcare, and residential design—sectors that share a commitment to wellbeing, comfort, and connection. Drawing from these disciplines, Jason approaches civic and urban design with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and the creation of spaces that foster lasting social and environmental value.

Moderator: Bob Egan, Hall of Fame Musician and Public Speaker

Hall of Fame musician Bob Egan is best-known for his decades as a member of Blue Rodeo and Wilco.He was awarded the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2014. Prior to his music career, Bob spent 7 years as a corporate consultant specializing in employee attitude and organizational culture research.Retiring from the music business in 2017 he worked as the Manager of Development for Kitchener Public Library and the Film and Music Officer for the City of Kitchener. One year ago he launched a new career as a public speaker.

Can't make it in-person?

We'll share a recording of the speaker session on this page once available.