City celebrates 100 years as ‘Kitchener’

It’s a historical day for the City of Kitchener as it has now been 100 years since the name ‘Berlin’ disappeared from local signs.

It was on this day, September 1st, 1916, that the name ‘Berlin’ was officially changed to Kitchener.

The change of name happened in the middle of the First World War, when anti-German sentiments were high and some city officials wanted to distance the city from our ‘enemy’ at the time.

Some local residents have spoken out that they’d like to maintain our proud German heritage, and would like to see the city revert back to ‘Berlin’– but others disagree.

570’s Jeff Pickel spoke to Diane, a Kitchener resident for the last 40 years, “We should just keep things the way they are and keep it Kitchener. Berlin has it’s meaning and significance– but there’s no need to go back to it.”

“I don’t think it’s ever going to go back to Berlin, nor do I want it to. I’ve lived here all my life, and I think it’s going to stay Kitchener for sure,” said Chad, another Kitchener resident.

When the city was renamed back in 1916, there was also a strong difference in opinion. Less than 350 people actually cast ballots in the vote, and ‘Kitchener’ won by a very small margin.

The city took its name from Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener, who died in that same year while serving as the Secretary of State for War of the United Kingdom.

Statement by Mayor Vrbanovic recognizing the 100th anniversary since Berlin changed its name to Kitchener

“Today marks 100 years since Berlin officially became known as Kitchener. In the face of global turmoil during World War 1, Berliners made a decision – to reinvent their city.

While the circumstances that prompted the name change were grim, that drive to reinvent, re-imagine and move forward in the face of adversity carried our city through and ultimately defined Kitchener and how we would continue to shape our own future in the century to come.

Through what was likely one of our first community engagement campaigns, citizens chose to “Make it Kitchener” and we have been doing that every day since. Where other cities have struggled as economies and industries suffer declines, that resilient spirit has become the foundation of many courageous and innovative decisions that have given Kitchener an economy that is envied.

Kitchener has continually reinvented itself as technological revolutions and economic recessions swept across the globe and now proudly boasts a diversity of industries that drive a strong and enviable economy and invite and inspire people to pursue and realize their dreams and ideas.

We are a city of makers that has transformed not only with the times, but also ahead of the times – driving trends rather than following. The decision made 100 years ago today reminds us that, like those who went before us, we must be visionaries – strong in our convictions and adventurous enough to being the journey.

On this milestone, I wanted to share how proud I am to serve this city where the strength of our people has overcome challenges and lead us to be a globally competitive, vibrant and connected city alive with culture and experiences for those who live and work here.”