The City of Kitchener is developing its first Municipal Newcomer Strategy to enhance newcomers' access to the City’s services, supports facilities, and events to foster:
- Economic prosperity
- Cultural inclusion
- Active community participation
Why are we doing this?
Kitchener is growing, and newcomers are a big part of that growth. By making it easier for newcomers to access City services, programs, and spaces, we can:
- Support smoother settlement and community connections and participation
- Strengthen the local workforce and economy
- Ensure our city grows in a way that works for everyone
How is the strategy being developed?
This work will be guided by a working group made up of those with lived experience as newcomers, representatives from newcomer-serving organizations, and City of Kitchener staff. This group will play a critical role in reviewing the engagement strategy and results, refining priorities, and formulating the recommendations that will make up the strategy presented to Council for its consideration.
Also, we're currently listening - to newcomers, to the organizations that serve them, ethnocultural groups, and to the community at large.
How to get involved
Over the next few months, you can share your insights through the following opportunities.Summer events and festivals
Find our booth to learn more about the project, explore engagement opportunities, grab some sweet treats, and enjoy fun activities.
June 02, 2025 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Victoria Hills Community Centre
Address: 10 Chopin Drive, Kitchener
Join us at the feedback fair hosted by A Seat at the Table
June 03, 2025 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Huron Community Centre
Address: 80 Tartan Avenue, Kitchener
Join us at the feedback fair hosted by A Seat at the Table
June 04, 2025 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Stanley Park Community Centre
Address: 505 Franklin Street North, Kitchener
Join us at the feedback fair hosted by A Seat at the Table
June 07, 2025
Tri-Pride Summerfest
Victoria Park
June 21, 2025 to June 22, 2025
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival
Victoria Park
July 19, 2025
Afrovibes
Carl Zehr Square (200 King Street West)
August 09, 2025
Blues Festival
Victoria Park
August 23, 2025
Caribana Ignite
Wherever you are
We’d love to meet you where you are!
Are you part of an ethnocultural or religious group hosting a community event or festival in Kitchener between June and August 2025? We’d be honoured to join you! As part of our ongoing community engagement for the Municipal Newcomer Strategy, we’re looking to connect directly with residents at local events and gatherings.
To invite us to your event, please contact Ola Mise at Olabukonla.Mise@kitchener.ca or 519-783-8641 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994)
Past opportunities
May 27, 2025 from 5 to 8 p.m.
SDG Idea Factory (2 King Street West, Kitchener)
This event was part of SDG Talks 2.0, a speaker series dedicated to showcasing local changemakers, organizations, and individuals working toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each session is centered on a different SDG theme—in May, we highlighted Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Goal 8 promotes inclusive economic growth and access to decent work, helping newcomers find meaningful employment and contribute to the local economy. Goal 10 focuses on reducing inequalities, ensuring newcomers have equitable opportunities to thrive and participate fully in community life. This event featured a panel discussion and conversation café activity.
This special community engagement event was hosted as part of the City of Kitchener’s Municipal Newcomer Strategy development process. it took place June 5, 2025 in the evening at Kitchener City Hall.
The interactive evening brought residents together to explore our shared experiences. It opened with a short artistic performance to set the tone. A panel session and Q&A session offered insights into the newcomer experience in Kitchener, supported by local data and lived stories.
Attendees then rotated through three interactive activities:
- Sharing input into the Municipal Newcomer Strategy
- Participating in community story weaving
- Contributing to the City’s community engagement review
The evening closed with reflections, feedback, and a sense of collective momentum. Light refreshments were provided, and all were welcome to be part of the gathering.
Share your voice online
Whether you’ve recently arrived in Kitchener or have been here for several years, we want to hear from you.
