As part of the City of Kitchener’s Municipal Newcomer Strategy, we are collecting personal stories that celebrate the resilience of newcomers and the spirit of community in Kitchener—stories that reflect moments of welcome, connection, and the shared journey of building a thriving city together.

Whether you’ve recently arrived in Kitchener or have been here for several years, we want to hear from you. Your stories will help us all gain a deeper understanding of what it means to build a life in this city. It will also ensure our strategy is rooted in the real experiences of those who call Kitchener home.

Tell us about:

  • a moment that made you feel welcomed
  • a person or place that made a difference
  • a hope you have for the future

You can submit a short story, a photo, or a link to a short video. Stories and photos can be added directly. Share your video by adding a link to YouTube or Vimeo.

Stories can be submitted in English or in your preferred language. You can also choose to share anonymously.

We believe that community is built through connection, and your story is a powerful way to bring people together. The stories collected will help highlight the enduring spirit of community that is alive in Kitchener, and how newcomers are actively shaping the city’s future.

If you are sharing photos or videos, please only include ones of yourself, your children, or images that do not identify other people.

How will we use your stories, photos and videos?

Some stories may be featured at upcoming community events, in public displays, or in digital storytelling formats to celebrate newcomer voices across the city.

Please only share photos/videos of yourself, your children, or images that do not identify other people.

We will not use photos or videos of you or your children without your permission. If you are willing to allow us to use those photos elsewhere, please fill out the photo/video release form.

You do not need to fill out the form if:

  • you only want to share your photo/video on this page
  • you are only sharing a written memory