Kitchener Life - Spring 2023

YOUR PROPERTY TAXES AT WORK

OMMUNITY GRANTS

REJUVENATION... AND registratioN!

AS THE SEASONS CHANGE AND THE DAYS GET LONGER, WE BECOME MORE ACTIVE, BOTH INDOORS AND OUT. THE CITY OF KITCHENER IS PLEASED TO RETURN TO A FULL OFFERING OF SPRING RECREATION AND LEISURE PROGRAMS, MARCH BREAK AND SUMMER CAMPS AND WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US!

MARCH BREAK (March 11-19)

MARCH BREAK CAMPS (fee-based) for children ages 4-11 offer games, outdoor play, crafts and more, and may have a few spots remaining! Registration is required. kitchener.ca/marchbreak

MARCH BREAK MADNESS (free) will challenge youth ages 12-17 to some indoor 3-on-3 evening basketball. For schedule and locations visit kitchener.ca/marchbreak

Youth can also upgrade their certifications for LIFEGUARD and SWIM INSTRUCTOR during MARCH BREAK as training will be offered at city pools. Registration is required.

Visit kitchener.ca/lifeguard

The City of Kitchener also offers SPECIALIZED CAMPS FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES ages 9 – 17. Inclusion support may also be available for children and youth who require one-to-one assistance to enjoy a successful camp experience. For more information about services for people with disabilities, visit kitchener.ca/inclusion

SUMMER CAMPS

CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS Tuesday, March 21 at 8:30 a.m.

It is never too early to think about summer! The city offers fantastic neighbourhood summer camps for children ages 4-13, featuring weekly themes, guest speakers, and entertainment at community centres and pools across the city. Register online at kitchener.ca/camps or in person at a community centre, pool or city hall.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR OLDER ADULTS (ages 55+)

Programs include FIT MINDS®, a virtual or in-person class, that stimulates the brain with five mind exercises, as well as LEARN TO POWER WALK, RHYTHM N’ BEAT cardio class, KARATE for older adults, and KARATE for families (all generations).

To register or learn more, visit kitchener.ca/olderadults

SPRING PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Now open)

With a full schedule of activities offered, there really is something for all ages and interests! Kitchener’s guide to recreation and leisure activities, ACTIVE KITCHENER, highlights all spring program activities offered by the city, community partners and neighbourhood associations. Visit kitchener.ca/activenet to register.

THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE THIS SPRING AND SUMMER! If

Bringing your vision for a

MORE VIBRANT and sustainable DOWNTOWN to life!

Are you ready to shape the future of Downtown Kitchener (DTK)? We are excited to share the next steps for the launch of our DTK Vision project, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

Over the past 20 years, our downtown has transformed into a bustling hub of innovation, education, and growth, thanks to the ION LRT, post-secondary institutions, a thriving tech and knowledge economy, and ongoing residential development. But we know there’s still more work to be done, and that is where you come in.

This spring, we are inviting residents, property

owners, educational institutions, and businesses in the area to join us in creating a new vision and set of principles for downtown Kitchener that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. This is your chance to have your voice heard and shape the growth and development of the downtown core over the next decade.

Whether you live, learn, work, or play in DTK, visit engagewr.ca/dtkvision to follow along with project updates. Let us make downtown Kitchener the best it can be, together! Stay tuned for more details.

Filmmaking is a way for young people to creatively express themselves. Henry Dobozy, 16, produced and directed a short film that was selected as a winner in the 2020 youth video contest. “Film is a combination of all the arts, so I often find it easiest to express my vision through it,” Dobozy shared in a recent interview. “Film gives me a creative outlet that mirrors the world I live in. I love the feeling of framing a shot and directing actors. It’s extremely satisfying.”

Youth between the ages of 12 and 25 with a passion for filmmaking, production, acting, and screenwriting are encouraged to challenge their creativity and storytelling skills by entering a short film of any genre, up to three minutes in length, into the juried competition. Eligible film submissions will be reviewed

by a jury of industry professionals, film enthusiasts, artists and past winners. The city will award up to two $300 cash prizes in each of the age categories (Ages 12-14, Ages 15-17, and Ages 18-25) as well as several honourable mentions. The winners will have their films screened as part of the 15th Annual Grand River Film Festival from May 9-14, 2023.

“Since the Youth Video Contest, I’ve made many films that have been accepted into other festivals,” added Dobozy. “I’m very proud of how far I’ve come and in some way it all traces back to the Kitchener Youth Video Contest. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to have participated in it.”

The submission deadline is March 23, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Visit kitchener.ca/youthvideocontest

At the heart of a great community is its people. We are truly fortunate in Kitchener to have so many amazing volunteers that make our community a great place to work, live, grow and thrive.

Do you know an outstanding Kitchener senior aged 65+ who enriches everyday life in our community? Someone who volunteers their time to help in their community or is just a good neighbour? Nominate them for this year’s Senior of the Year Award.

Each year, the City of Kitchener proudly celebrates the generous community contributions of seniors through the Senior of the Year Award. This provincial recognition honours outstanding older adults who have improved the social, cultural or civic life of their community. The nominations deadline is Friday, March 31, 2023

To be eligible for this award, a nominee must:

H be 65 years of age or older

H be a current resident of Kitchener

H have contributed as a volunteer to better the community

H give permission to be nominated

H not be a past recipient of this award

All nominees and their guests will be invited to a special recognition ceremony on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, hosted by Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS).

To nominate a special Senior of the Year, or to read more about last year’s award recipient Lois Millar and all the nominees, visit kitchener.ca/senioroftheyear

Young filmmakers and content creators are invited to submit their creative works to the annual Youth Video Contest presented by the City of Kitchener, in partnership with the Kitchener Public Library and Grand River Film Festival.

“I’m very proud of how far I’ve come and in some way it all traces back to the Kitchener Youth Video Contest. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to have participated in it.” – Henry Dobozy

We maintain parks, trails and greenspaces across our city.

We celebrate the arts and our community with exciting events and programs.

Kitchener Fire keeps our community safe from fires and teaches us about safety. We build better city streets that work for everyone. We provide natural gas services to homes, keeping you warm during the winter.

If you have questions about Kitchener or our services, please visit

We provide clean drinking water to homes and manage sewers and stormwater.

We’re proud to help you with all our services 24/7 in more than 200 languages.

PARKING IN KITCHENER

WE’VE GOT SOME PARKING POINTERS TO MAKE YOUR TRAVELS LESS STRESSFUL

CURRENT BYLAW & PARKING EXEMPTIONS

Until March 31 between 2:30-6 a.m., there is no overnight parking on any city street. During this period, you can request up to five overnight parking exemptions

You do not need an exemption to park in a legal parking spot overnight between April 1 and November 30.

During a snow event, the ticket for parking on the street is $80.

TICKETS & PAYMENT

If you get a parking ticket, you can pay parking tickets online, in person or by mail. You will need your ticket number.

• To pay online visit kitchener.ca/parkingticket or pay through your MyKitchener portal. There is a $1.50 charge for online payments.

• Pay in person at City Hall’s Revenue Desk or at bylaw enforcement office at 33 Ontario Street North or drop off a cheque with your ticket in a payment box outside of City Hall on Young Street

• Mail your cheque payment to: City of Kitchener - Revenue Division, 200 King St. W., P.O. Box 9058, Kitchener, ON, N2G 4G7

FIND A PLACE TO PARK

When getting out and about in Kitchener, don’t forget about the 15 surface parking lots, five parking garages and more than 300 two-hour street parking spaces. Whether you’re in downtown Kitchener or around Grand River Hospital, you can find an affordable parking option for your visit.

Visit

JOIN #TEAMKITCHENER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

WHEN KITCHENER FIREFIGHTERS SPRING INTO ACTION, ANGELA INCH HAS THEM COVERED – LITERALLY.

In her role as administrative assistant with the Kitchener Fire Department, Inch ensures that fireresistant bunker gear is in top condition and other personal protective equipment is readily available.

They’re just some of the many duties Inch has undertaken in her two-decade career with the city.

“There’s a lot of opportunity to grow,” Inch said, reflecting on her work since starting as a part-

time lifeguard while in high school. “I’ve been able to use the skills I’ve brought into the job and been able to build many new skills.”

That’s one of the things that makes the City of Kitchener a great place to work.

About 2,200 city employees make Kitchener a great place to live, and there’s lots of opportunities to join the team serving the community.

A wide variety of positions come open each year, from recreation, operations and parks to planning, customer service and human resources.

The available jobs fit people at any stage of their working life: roles can be part time; summer student or co-op; temporary contracts; and permanent full-time positions.

YOUR PROPERTY TAXE S AT WORK

As sure as spring brings fresh blossoms, property tax bills will soon be arriving at local homes and businesses. City of Kitchener property taxes form about one-third of your total tax bill. Here are just some of the services your City of Kitchener property taxes support:

> Provide firefighting emergency response, fire prevention and education.

> Fix potholes in springtime; cut weeds in the summer; remove leaves in the fall; and clear snow in winter.

> Provide tree-filled parks and inviting trails; healthy creeks; sports fields; swimming pools; ice rinks; kids’ playgrounds and community centres.

> Provide roads and bike lanes.

> Empower neighbourhoods, give voice to local artists and strengthen other community builders.

In February, after an extensive community engagement process, Kitchener Council passed the budget for 2023.

For the average home in Kitchener, the property tax rate increases 4.8 per cent or $56 annually based on the average assessed value of $326,000. (Note that assessed value is different than the market value houses may be selling at in your neighbourhood.)

Council allocated $1.5 million towards strategic investments including $1 million for parks, playgrounds and trails, with the rest dedicated to traffic

calming, free recreational programming and arts and culture. This funding became available from electricity savings from the city-wide conversion to LED streetlights and additional investment income due to interest rate increases. Council also allocated additional capital funding for Love My Hood and RISE (Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity) community grants, and funding to advance the review of the City’s lodging house bylaw.

Earlier this year, Council also approved below-inflation increases to user fees and water utility rates to cover capital, operational and financial requirements. The changes include:

> A four per cent increase in user fees, which are often used for programs and services where customers have a choice whether to use them.

> A combined water utilities rate increase of 4.5 per cent, or $42/year for the average residential customer.

> For natural gas, a decrease from 21.45 cents per cubic metre to 20.85 cents per cubic metre.

To learn how to request a property tax certificate (usually ordered before the sale, purchase or refinancing of a property); calculate your property taxes; or learn about options for paying your tax bill, visit kitchener.ca/taxes

S TRA TEGIC PLAN

KIT CHENER’S 2023-2026

Together, let’s build an innovative, caring and vibrant Kitchene r

Kitchener residents love their hood!

Neighbourhood pride is at the heart of Kitchener’s LoveMyHood Matching Grant program. Residents take the lead on a neighbourhood project, and the city supports them to make great things happen across our city.

RESIDENT PANEL HELPING TO SHAPE CITY PRIORITIES

To help us form the City of Kitchener’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2026, we’re going to great lengths to learn about your priorities for our city.

Thirty-six volunteers from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences form the Plan WITH Us Resident Panel. They’re researching important issues, meeting and shaping a draft plan that will go to council in June.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

“Being new to Kitchener and only in high school, I was a little worried that my experiences wouldn’t be anywhere close to the others. But as we were having discussions, it was enlightening to see my opinions still matter, and how I was able to provide a new perspective on the topics. After seeing how passionate everyone else was about their city, I have to say I am more motivated to continue moving forward and help make Kitchener even better than it already is.” —SRIHASYA KANDALA

“It’s exciting to come together with such a diverse group from across the city to see what we can come up with! I’ve already met many people on the panel who I wouldn’t likely have interacted with otherwise. It’s cool to connect with the broader Kitchener community in this way! These are some complex topics that we’ll be looking at, and I’ve already heard some ideas and perspectives I would never have considered before.” —

JOSH RAMPERSAD

“I was greatly encouraged to see the passion and care for this city shared among other residents and city staff. I am excited to plan a future for the city of Kitchener where we all can thrive.” —

CHARISA GEROW

“This is not an easy process for the panel when it comes to the tasks that we have, but what I have seen so far from the city team and the enthusiasm that my fellow panellists have shown is very inspiring. We are a group of individuals that have a passion for the city and want to see it grow in a sustainable and inclusive way for everyone that lives, visits and works in Kitchener.” —

NICK BURKE

Check engagewr.ca/PlanWithUs for updates.

“Since 2017, LoveMyHood grants have been helping neighbours build meaningful connections,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Our LoveMyHood matching grants have supported over 150 projects across our community and have helped residents come together, create new programs and revitalize spaces that make Kitchener a great community to live, work and play in.”

Projects funded over the years include community gardens, greening projects, traffic calming projects, little libraries, public seating, neighbourhood events, pop-up markets, recreation spaces, community art projects,

and community programs. In return, residents match the funds through volunteer time, in-kind donations and matching funds. This spring, families can enjoy the Montgomery Park Disc Golf course, a recent LoveMyHood project. Residents worked together with the Grand River Disc Golf Association and Eastwood Collegiate last year to install Kitchener’s first free, nine-hole, familyfriendly neighbourhood disc golf course. Grant applications are reviewed four times a year and the upcoming intake deadline is March 16, 2023, then May 18, August 17 and November 16.

For more information or to apply, visit lovemyhood.ca

COMMUNITY GRANTS

The City of Kitchener offers many community grants to support neighbourhoods and community groups:

• The Community Development Infrastructure Program (CDIP) grant is available to neighbourhood associations and communities of interest to strengthen neighbourhood cohesion and stability (up to $10,000).

• Community Grants support organizations that offer services in arts and culture, special events, community support and development, and minor sports and recreation.

• The Facility Grant offers in-kind support to groups that host a public event at one of our facilities in Kitchener (up to $500).

• The LoveMyHood Matching Grant supports resident-led projects and neighbourhood initiatives across the city from placemaking, to events, to community gardens, and other capital projects (up to $30,000).

• The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Fund is a community grant that provides support for community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black, Indigenous and racialized communities (up to $5,000 for events and up to $10,000 for groups).

For full descriptions, deadlines and grant criteria, visit kitchener.ca/grants

Engage Kitchener is our online space where you can learn about, give feedback on, and exchange perspectives or ideas about City of Kitchener projects and initiatives. This space is hosted on EngageWR.ca, a site we share with other local municipalities. We want residents to have a meaningful role in our decision-making. One way we can do this is by reducing barriers to participation.

Traditional community engagement may include things like attending public meetings, sitting on an advisory committee, or answering a paper survey. Engage Kitchener complements these and other approaches by making it even easier for you to give input or share ideas. It helps us hear from even more residents by including those who cannot attend an inperson meeting.

You can even get updates about the projects you’re interested in. Every Engage Kitchener page has a ‘Stay Informed’ section where you can subscribe to the project newsletter.

Share your feedback on these initiatives and others. Register for a free account at engagekitchener.ca and you’ll be the first to know about new opportunities to have your say.

WHY REGISTER FOR ENGAGEWR?

You don’t have to register to be part of the conversation online. But when you register you get these benefits:

• Be the first to know about new projects and initiatives.

Get news about engagement activities in the municipalities that interest you.

It is even faster to sign up for project email newsletters and take part online. Manage your email subscriptions by signing in and editing your profile.

Registration is free and only takes a few seconds to do! Only one registration is needed to get involved in projects across all municipalities in Waterloo Region.

ARE YOU AN ADULT 55 + ?

We want to hear from you about the older adult programs we offer at Kitchener community centres. Help us understand what interests you and what would best meet your needs. Tell us what makes it difficult to attend programs offered at community centres, and how we can improve. We will use your feedback to improve and create new social, recreational and fitness programs in your neighbourhood.

Visit engagewr.ca/olderadults

> > > CALENDAR OF EVENTS < < <

MARCH APRIL MAY

FAMILY COOKING CLASS:

CLASSIC THAI KITCHENER MARKET

Wednesday, March 15, 6 to 8 p.m.

Discover new culinary skills and techniques.

KitchenerMarket.ca/cookingclasses

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY

ROCKWAY CENTRE

Friday, March 17, noon to 1 p.m.

Enjoy homemade Irish stew, baked potatoes with all the trimmings. Live entertainment.

kitchener.ca/rockwaycentre

TEENS TRY TRADES

CONESTOGA COLLEGE

SKILLED TRADES CAMPUS

Tuesday, March 21, 6 to 9 p.m.

A trades exploration experience for teen girls (ages 14-18), hosted by the City of Kitchener and Conestoga College.

youth@kitchener.ca

TASTE OF CARIBBEAN COOKING CLASS KITCHENER MARKET

Friday, March 24, 6 to 8 p.m.

Discover new culinary skills and techniques.

KitchenerMarket.ca/cookingclasses

MEXICAN CUISINE COOKING CLASS KITCHENER MARKET

Thursday, March 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Discover new culinary skills and techniques.

KitchenerMarket.ca/cookingclasses

FAMILY COOKING CLASS:

PASTA NIGHT KITCHENER MARKET

Wednesday, April 12, 6 to 8 p.m. Discover new culinary skills and techniques.

KitchenerMarket.ca/cookingclasses

EARTH DAY KITCHENER MARKET

Saturday, April 22

Celebrate Earth Day with sustainable and eco-friendly activities and events!

kitchenermarket.ca

TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS COOKING CLASS KITCHENER MARKET

Friday, April 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Discover new culinary skills and techniques. KitchenerMarket.ca/cookingclasses

KYAC YOUTH AWARDS 2023

VICTORIA PARK PAVILION

Wednesday, May 3, 6 to 8 p.m.

Celebrating the contributions of young people (ages 14-24) in our community.

kitchener.ca/youthawards

ROCKWAY ENTERTAINERS

SPRING CONCERT

ROCKWAY CENTRE

Saturday, May 13 and Thursday, May 18, 2 to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the Spring season with our in-house choir, the Rockway Entertainers.

kitchener.ca/rockwaycentre

TASTE OF THE SUMMER COOKING CLASS

KITCHENER MARKET

Friday, May 26, 6 to 8 p.m.

Discover new culinary skills and techniques. kitchenermarket.ca

SENIOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Tuesday, May 30, 7 to 8 p.m.

Recognizing the social, cultural and civic contributions of outstanding residents aged 65+. kitchener.ca/SOTY