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

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.

Over the next few months, you can share your insights through different opportunities like online activities, events, visiting our booth, or contacting us directly.

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.

Over summer 2025 we invited visitors to this page to answer a survey or share their story.

• Survey: We want your insights
• Stories: Celebrating the community spirit in Kitchener

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 11, 2025

Pop-up booth

Wilson Pool (78 Wilson Avenue)

July 19, 2025

Afrovibes

Carl Zehr Square (200 King Street West)

August 16, 2025

Community Conversation

Chandler Mowat Community Centre (222 Chandler Drive)

September 6, 2025 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Movie night

Kingsdale Community Centre (72 Wilson Avenue)

September 13, 2025 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Cinema Under the Stars

Country Hills Community Centre (100 Rittenhouse Road)

September 20, 2025 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Market pop-up booth

Kitchener Market (300 King Street East)

Between June and August 2025, we connected directly with residents at community-led engagement events planned and hosted by ethnocultural and religious groups.

We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the following organizations for helping to plan those events and inviting us:

• Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis
• African Canadian Association of Waterloo Region & Area (ACAWRA)

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August 09, 2025 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Community Dialogue Series: Navigating Settlement Pathways and Challenges

ACAWRA Centre (Suite 201, 675 Queen Street South)

Hosted by the African Canadian Association of Waterloo Region & Area