News & Updates
Here you will find all sorts of cool things we are working on, important member events and information.
Waste Management
Please check back for regular updates!
March 2026
On behalf of the Region of Waterloo's Waste Management Department, please find linked below a digital copy of the waste sorting posters for your business:
Over the coming weeks, we will distribute printed copies to your business if you desire to post them near your sorting/cart area.
February 2026
Starting on March 2, 2026, the Region of Waterloo will provide cart-based waste collection services for garbage, organics and recycling in the designated downtown areas across the Waterloo Region. Cardboard will continue to be collected manually.
All carts and cardboard must be at the collection location by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Kitchener’s collection days for the designated downtown area are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Read the attached documents (also hand delivered to your business) for more information:
December 2025
On January 19th, the City of Kitchener will host an important information session, with the Region of Waterloo and DTK BIA in attendance. It is very important that businesses of DTK attend this session, as it will cover:
- Changes to waste management for Downtown Kitchener, effective March 2026.
- Viewing of the Region’s new garbage and compost bins.
- A message from Economic Development, City of Kitchener.
- Information booths that will provide you with opportunities to ask questions.
Meeting information: Monday, January 19, 2026 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kitchener City Hall - Rotunda
October/November 2025
Important Waste Collection Survey
The Region of Waterloo is conducting this survey to better understand the waste collection needs of businesses located within the Downtown Areas (Business Improvement Areas/Designated Downtown Areas) that are eligible for Regional waste services. Complete the survey before noon on November 5th!
January, 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.
Safety & Security
May 2026
Overnight Security
TNT Security will resume overnight security services on the evening of Thursday, May 14, 2026, actively monitoring and patroling the area to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
April 2026
Overnight Security
TNT Security will resume overnight security services this Spring, actively monitoring and patrolling to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. Stay tuned for their official start date.
November 2025
Overnight Security Reminder
Effective November 2, 2025, TNT Security will no longer be providing overnight security services. We anticipate the return of overnight security in Spring 2026 and are currently exploring the best options for re-engagement at that time.
In the meantime, please refer to the following safety resources:
- Emergencies (police, fire, or medical): Call 9-1-1.
- Non-emergencies (no immediate threat to life, health, or property): Call Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) at 519-570-9777.
- Downtown Safety Ambassadors (available daily, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
- WRPS Downtown Visibility Officers (available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
For any other safety concerns, please contact Alison Grech.
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.
Member Town Hall
Check back for updates.
Waterloo Region Extreme Heat and Cold Partnership
Click here for January 26, 2026 Yellow Level Cold Warning for Waterloo Region
Click here for the January 23, 2026 Yellow Level Cold Warning for Waterloo Region
Click here for the October 8, 2025 Warming, Cooling and Clean Air Spaces
Click here for the June 23, 2025 Heat Warning for Waterloo Region
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).
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.