News & Updates
Here you will find all sorts of cool things we are working on, important member events and information.
Member Town Hall
April 30, 2025
Town Hall - May 27 - Follow up meeting regarding DTK safety
On January 20th, 2025 our members shared their concerns about Downtown Safety. We are pleased to bring you this follow up session. Much work has been done by the DTK BIA, the City of Kitchener, Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Region of Waterloo. At this meeting you will learn about many new initiatives that have been developed to address the concerns you shared with us in January.
Please mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 27th, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. as the group will share progress updates and discuss plans for the future.
Please RSVP to Stefanie Golling.
November 13, 2024
Thank you to everyone that attended the Annual Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, November 12. As mentioned, we have held Tuesday, November 26 between 10:00am - 4:00pm for members to drop-in with any comments or questions.
To help us accommodate, please email [email protected] to confirm your attendance.
November 1, 2024
We have scheduled our Annual Town Hall Meeting for Tuesday, November 12th, at 2:00 p.m. At the meeting we will present the 2025 operating budget to the membership.
Please see below the Annual Town Hall package:
Members: Please RSVP by emailing Stefanie Golling
Should you have any questions regarding the 2025 budget please contact Linda Jutzi to set up a meeting.
Safety & Security
April, 2025
Meet our new Community Safety & Wellbeing Coordinator, Alison Brown
Alison will join us in a new contract role to support safety and data collection. Following feedback received at the recent January 20th Town Hall Meeting, it became evident that members are encountering frustrations with the current reporting system.
We are pleased to report that Waterloo Regional Police Service is making changes to the online reporting system to make the process easier, but stressed that reporting all incidents is still crucial to their Crime Suppression model.
Alison will be instrumental in highlighting safety impacts on our downtown business community and supporting members with inputting incident reports to ensure the data-driven model for crime suppression properly highlights members' experiences.
March, 2025
Downtown Safety Ambassadors
We've been working closely with the City of Kitchener Bylaw team to bring two additional Downtown Safety Ambassadors to the core. Funded by the BIA, these added Ambassadors are here to continue creating a safe and inclusive space for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
The Downtown Safety Ambassador program (designed and managed through Bylaw) is to be proactive and reactive, ensuring our downtown area is safe and welcoming. Championing a vision where everyone's needs are met, from supporting our most vulnerable members to maintaining a lively hub for commerce and tourism.
Starting this April and running through October, these dedicated Ambassadors will be available (in addition to the other four full-time ambassadors) Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
February, 2025
Downtown Safety Ambassadors
The Downtown Safety Ambassador team has increased their program hours to run 7 days per week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
January 17, 2025
Member Backgrounder - WRPS
The following is a resource guide for businesses located in DTK outlining the deployment of resources by the Waterloo Regional Police Service as well as some recent operational updates for your awareness.
January 2025
Member Safety Meeting
On Monday, January 20th, 2025, we will facilitate a member meeting where we will collaboratively address important topics such as safety. Representatives from the Region of Waterloo, Member of Parliament and Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, the City of Kitchener, and Waterloo Regional Police Services will be in attendance to listen to the voices of our member businesses.
October 29, 2024
The Downtown Safety Ambassador (DTK) Program
An initiative launched by the City as part of their broader efforts to address safety and well-being in the downtown core. This pilot program is designed to be both reactive and proactive, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Their approach centers on balancing diverse needs—supporting vulnerable populations while ensuring the downtown remains a thriving space for commerce and tourism. The ambassadors work closely with community partners to create an environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
Proactive and Reactive Engagement The ambassadors serve as a non-enforcement arm of bylaw enforcement, focusing on two key areas:
Proactive Engagement: Ambassadors regularly patrol key areas, engage with individuals before issues arise, and provide resources to those in need. Their presence offers early intervention, helping to prevent situations from escalating.
Reactive Support: When concerns or disruptions occur, the ambassadors respond promptly, offering assistance and connection to services. They also help "move people along" when necessary, maintaining a respectful presence while de-escalating situations.
Downtown Safety Ambassadors The Downtown Safety Ambassadors currently service the core Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please note these hours may change based on need and programming.
May 3, 2024
Exciting news - the City of Kitchener, is launching a new Downtown Safety Ambassador Program.
The intention of the program is to provide safety through relationship building. The Downtown Safety Ambassadors will offer directions, connect with DTK businesses, and work with street outreach, and other partners.
Depending on programming, the ambassadors will work from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday or Wednesday to Sunday and be easily identifiable with branded t-shirts and sweaters.
Should you require support, please reference the Who to Call Card
Waterloo Region Police Service
Update from WRPS - September, 2023:
Cst. Matt Wilson has joined the team at Central Division, and will be a dedicated officer to the downtown core.
Statement from WRPS - April, 2020:
The Waterloo Regional Police Service continues to provide essential service in the Kitchener Downtown. Increased presence by our Community Engagement Officers, Central CORE Team, Community Resource Officers and Zone Officers is ongoing and we are responding to concerns throughout the downtown. I would encourage business to include messages about closures to be temporary and check your business regularly. It is important to report any activity, property damage or other issues promptly so we can respond.
Please reach out to us via Slack, email or by phone if you have any questions or comments.
Statement from WRPS - March, 2020:
"The Waterloo Regional Police Service continues to offer essential service to the community.
We understand business owners may be feeling anxious at this time of uncertainty. We want to reassure you that it is business as usual for us and officers will remain on patrol throughout Waterloo Region responding to calls for service.
This is a time when our community needs to come together, to help each other, and to watch out for one another. We remind business owners and residents of this community to report any suspicious activity or individuals to police."
Keeping Downtown Clean
April 2025
Power washing schedule
Below is the City of Kitchener's power washing schedule. Power washing is expected to be completed between 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on the following dates:
• April 28 to May 16 • June 23 to July 11 • August 11 to August 22 • September 22 to October 3
2024/2025
Graffiti Removal Request and/or Notification Form
We truly appreciate your dedication to keeping our downtown area vibrant and beautiful. Together, we can create a community that embraces transformation and takes pride in its appearance.
We understand that graffiti can be a concern for residents and business owners alike. By addressing issues like graffiti promptly and effectively, we can create a welcoming environment for everyone. Please complete our online form below, and our team of dedicated professionals will carefully review your submission, and should the submission meet the program requirements, we will take the necessary steps to remove the graffiti.
Downtown Clean Team 2
The Downtown Kitchener BIA has contracted the Working Centre to collect curbside waste from King Street on weekdays after 4:00 pm and Saturdays.
Should you require additional support, please reference our Who to Call Card
Process
Finance Overview
An operating budget is prepared annually by the Executive Director and then reviewed for input and approval by the Board of Directors. Members are given the opportunity to provide feedback following the Annual Town Hall Meeting. Once feedback is collected and the Board of Directors has approved the budget, it is submitted to the City of Kitchener for Council approval.
Should you have any questions regarding the information above, please contact Linda Jutzi.
Streetscape
November 29, 2024
Snow Removal Downtown
As we move into the snowy season, the City of Kitchener needs your businesses support in making sidewalks accessible for snow removal. This means on heavy snow days, they will need businesses to ensure sandwich boards are moved indoors.
In addition to this, please ensure that you are following waste management requirements, and not placing garbage and recycling curbside until after 5:00 p.m.
March 13, 2023
Tree & Paver Replacement Project
The City of Kitchener is undertaking work along King Street to replace trees and improve the paved surface between the sidewalk and roadway. There are many benefits to this work, including:
Replaced aging electrical equipment and damaged or uneven pavers Improved performance of the planters and tree wells Easier management and better health of trees along King Street Improved installation and maintenance of horticulture displays in planters.
The first part of this project is already complete. It took place fall 2022 between Water Street and Ontario Street. The final part takes place spring 2023 between College Street to Young Street.
This work will take place from March 17 to the end of May, as follows:
- King Street, the south side opposite Carl Zehr Square, College to Young (Area 3)
- King Street, north side Young to Ontario (Area 5)
- King Street, south side at 125 King St. W. (Area 2)
The work in Area 3 involves concrete work and may be subject to some weather delays if we have a particularly cold end to winter.
How you might be affected
- There will be no full street closures. We will sometimes need to close a lane for a short time to allow for the delivery of construction materials.
- We will close lanes intermittently as needed for short periods of time. As described in the image above, traffic control personnel will be present to direct traffic flow during those times.
- Parking may be affected during construction. Businesses along this part of King Street should tell delivery services about this work and the effect on parking and lane closures.
- Public access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. But temporary adjustments to the pedestrian routes will occur as the work progresses.
- Your garbage collection may be affected. In this case, take your garbage either across the street where work is not happening or to the nearest side street for collection.
- Patio installations for 2023 in the areas above will take place following the completion of construction.
- The current design of King Street will not change because of this work.
Publications
January 6, 2025
We are currently working on the next edition of Own It magazine, stay tuned for more information. In the meantime please check out our past issues as well as some of our other publications.
Online/Social Media Opportunities
Social Media Marketing
Members: We've made it super easy to have your events featured on our DTK social media platforms. Submit your event coverage form (linked below) at least two weeks in advance, and we'll take care of the rest. Together, let's promote the vibrant events in our community.
Google & Website Optimization
Our community can help support your business online by leaving reviews and providing a star rating. Keeping up with these reviews and relevant information on your accounts is important.
Follow the link attached to learn a few tips on how to keep your online presence relevant.
Business Training Resources
2025
Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre is a collaboration between the municipalities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo, funded in part by the Provincial Government; Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
We are one of 54 Small Business Centres in Ontario that provide business support for individuals and entrepreneurs alike.
Whether you have an idea, are looking to start your own business or want to grow your existing business, the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre can help. The Waterloo Region Small Business team is passionate about supporting small businesses. Our advisors provide one-on-one consultations, inspiring people to start and grow sustainable businesses, here in Waterloo Region.
Government of Ontario
Learn how to register your business, apply for funding and tax credits, and get free help to start your business.
Government of Canada
Business Benefits Finder: Find programs and services to help your business grow.
Regional and Municipal Updates
Long-Term Parking Strategy
January 28, 2025
The City of Kitchener recently asked for input on the parking in Downtown Kitchener. Immediate feedback from BIA members was that it did not fully capture the experience of business owners and employees. Thank you for letting us know. They have additionally created a DTK business specific survey to help capture information that may have not been inputted on the original. Please share the survey below with your employees. The Survey includes a comment area where additional information can be provided. We appreciate you taking the time to help us create an updated parking vision for Downtown Kitchener.
January 17, 2025
The City of Kitchener is developing a Long-Term Parking strategy. The strategy will be a 20-year visionary guide for a coordinated, strategic approach to parking. Your input is important! Please answer the survey included by clicking the button below. Please note this survey closes on Friday, January 31, 2025.
January 28, 2025
The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (Region of Waterloo)
Developing an effective plan requires an innovative approach. Attached below is a link to the Region of Waterloos timeline and plan to end chronic homelessness.
The Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
January 26, 2024
The Future of DTK Garbage Collection
The Region of Waterloo is undertaking a study as the contract for picking up waste in Downtown Kitchener is up for renewal in March of 2026. We believe that change could be on the horizon. our perspective as a business owner is crucial, considering the potential impact of these changes on your operations, waste disposal, recycling challenges, and the absence of an organic waste program.
Recommendations and findings collected by Regional staff and Dillion Consulting will be presented at Regional Council this spring to endorse future service levels.
Media Releases
Waterloo Region Extreme Heat and Cold Partnership
Community Services have updated their Pocket Card of food and housing resources and have hard copies available at the 3 local Welcome Spaces (which are also Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces).
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