Kitchener mayor holds State of the City address

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic held his annual State of the City address on Thursday. 

It was held at the Kitchener Operations Facility on Goodrich Drive.

Vrbanovic opened the event by addressing change. 

“For many, the word change carries with it a sense of uncertainty. We have a tendency to resist what we do not know – ideas, concepts and ways of doing things that are new to us or that challenge our understanding of the world and the way we have come to see it. But, the City of Kitchener and its people have never viewed change in this way. We don't fear or resist change, but rather, we embrace it. We are resilient and see change as an opportunity – for growth, development, and prosperity. Change to us means a better city – a vibrant, innovative and caring city, achieved through continuous progress.”

Vrbanovic said for 2019, the city is focused on positive change that will ensure Kitchener is strong, safe and livable today, and for our children and grandchildren.

He also addressed transportation concerns, including for cyclists and pedestrians. 

“We are implementing change in the form of a pilot project that will see a five-kilometre continuous network of protected bike lanes installed on our streets. This network will make it easier and safer for people to get from the suburban landscape of the Westheights Neighbourhood in Bil Ioannidis' Ward 7, to Belmont Village in Margaret Johnson's Ward 8 and further into the downtown core.”

Vrbanovic said they're also implementing a change in the design of a pre-existing roundabout in Ward 5. 

“Changing for the good also means acknowledging that we need to address the increase in speeding in our neighbourhoods, to make them safer for everyone.”

Vrbanovic added they'll continue to encourage investments and developments in the City of Kitchener, and make efforts to help mitigate the effect of climate change.

He also touched on the Ford government's review of regional governments in Ontario.

“Broad and meaningful consultation is a hallmark of who we are at the City of Kitchener. As the provincial review of regional government continues, it is important that we listen to, and understand the perspective of our citizens – seeking meaningful input on an important decision affecting the order of government closest to their day-to-day lives. That's why Kitchener is launching a public engagement survey in the coming weeks – to ensure that in addition to the participation opportunities available in the regional and provincial public consultations.”

You can read Vrbanovic's full wrap-up statement from the SOTC address below. 

Earlier, I acknowledged that change is never easy.

Changing for the good – of our economy, our safety, and our planet takes vision, determination, and time. But, most of all, it takes courage.

It takes courage to change our perspective and practices.

It takes courage to change the outcome of our collective future.

We've had the courage and the foresight to embrace change before. I know we have the courage and the fortitude to continue to change for the good – to ensure prosperity and security for Kitchener for our children and grandchildren.

Our city has a culture of setting long-term vision and achieving our goals. We have a history of showing leadership, putting forward policies and processes that reflect the very best of our city and its people.
This tradition will continue.

It's easy to be skeptical – to think that our actions can't make a difference in the face of a global crisis – but, I promise you they can.

Our actions, however small they may seem, can do so much.

And so, as we stand on the cusp of change – looking toward the future with greater optimism and enthusiasm – I hope you share my confidence in the incredible things we will do and achieve together.

Because, change for Kitchener is strength. It's community. It's prosperity. And above all, it's good.