The City of Kitchener is working to make walking, cycling, and rolling easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Last year, we launched a project to enhance trail and bike route signage and branding, making it simpler to navigate and connect neighborhoods across Kitchener.

Here is a summary of what the community shared during the engagement process:

• Strong support for the project:
  • Respondents agreed the proposed routes and signage align with the project’s goals.
  • Fewer than 5% expressed opposition to the project.
• Subway map sign:
  • Over 70% found the subway-style map clear and easy to understand.
  • Suggestions to improve included simplifying the design, adding a legend, and improving symbol clarity.
• Destinations:
  • Respondents supported the eight Level 1 destinations within Kitchener, including Downtown, Boardwalk, and Fairway.
  • Most also supported nearby destinations such as Uptown Waterloo and Cambridge.
• Signage preferences:
  • Most respondents found the directional signs easy to read. While some preferred distances in kilometers, the City uses minutes to help newcomers estimate travel time. A new sign showing kilometers will be added to accommodate different preferences.
• Overall:
  • Feedback highlighted the importance of high-quality infrastructure that prioritizes safety and comfort, as well as winter maintenance and lighting.

For more details, view the What We Heard report.

Next steps

Based on community input, we are making changes to signage and infrastructure. Updates and installation for Route 1: Boardwalk to Downtown are scheduled for Fall 2025.