The City of Kitchener has launched an equity-driven engagement and education process exploring the history and impacts of the Queen Victoria statue located in Victoria Park. Community engagement activities will unpack multiple perspectives and options related to the statue’s future. The process will provide opportunities for the community to provide input while prioritizing the voices of Indigenous, Black, and racialized community members. The City has partnered with Jay Pitter Placemaking, an award-winning practice mitigating growing socio-spatial divides across numerous North American cities.

Through meaningful conversations and co-learning, community members will have an opportunity to share their perspectives, consider new ideas and explore a few approaches for the statue. By participating in this process, community members will build knowledge and new relationships while contributing to a critically important decision-making process.

The City is inviting community members to participate in these and others:

• Ask Jay Anything Instagram live session

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, from 12 noon - 1 p.m. Community members are invited to join Ms. Jay Pitter for an ‘Ask Jay Anything’ Instagram live session on the City of Kitchener’s Instagram to ask questions about the project and process.

• Community discussion: Witnessing circle

Thursday, Nov 10, 2022, from 5:30- 8 p.m. at the Kitchener Market, 300 King St. E.

• Community discussion: Placemaking options presentation and engagement

Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Kitchener Market, 300 King St. E.

• Community discussion: Closing circle and evaluation

Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, from 5:30- 8 p.m. at the Kitchener Market, 300 King St. E.

Registration for the community discussions will be required. Child minding, transit passes, and a light meal will be provided at community discussions. To register for a community discussion register online or call Shannon Lodenquai at (519) 741-2200 ext. 7407.

Jay Pitter Placemaking will develop the community engagement strategy and public education resources, and co-develop a staff report that will include equitable placemaking recommendations to guide the future of the statue. As the principal placemaker of the practice and an internationally recognized expert, Ms. Jay Pitter has led highly contested public space projects involving Confederate monument sites, sites of gender-based violence, sites impacted by gun violence, and sites involving Indigenous burial grounds.

“Having led projects and conducted extensive research related to historically fraught sites and symbols, I understand that there is no single solution or right approach. My goal is to create space for local knowledge to be centred, respectfully listen to diverse perspectives that build our capacity, and equally important, compassion,” said Ms. Jay Pitter, Principal Placemaker and Lead Consultant on the Queen Victoria Statue Initiative. “These kinds of processes are inherently uncomfortable, evoking a complex range of emotions. However, discomfort is also the precursor to growth and positive transformation. This is my hope for all of us, individually and collectively.”

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