The boats are back at Victoria Lake
Posted Jul 6, 2026 02:09:49 PM.
Last Updated Jul 6, 2026 03:02:59 PM.
It didn’t take long for the City of Kitchener to partially reverse its decision to ban recreation on the lake in Victoria Park.
While swimming, fishing and skating are still not permitted, canoeists and kayakers can once again take to the water.
A statement from the City of Kitchener, emailed to 570 NewsRadio, reads:
“As shared through media over the past few days, boating is now permitted at Victoria Park Lake. The city recognizes that this is a unique and beloved feature of our community and is once again allowing boating at this site in recognition of its historically differentiated status. With that said, the city continuously assesses its programs, services and facilities to help ensure the safety of residents while supporting community enjoyment of public spaces. Should circumstances change, updates will be communicated through official City channels, including signage and social media. Our goal is to balance safe community use with the long-term stewardship of this valued public space.”
At the beginning of June, regular users of Victoria Park Lake noticed new signs had been erected, announcing the recreation ban. It was because the lake was part of the city’s stormwater management system. The signs were put up following a review of the stormwater system and the installation of new signs around the city.
Skating, swimming and boating are prohibited on all stormwater ponds in the city. The signs at Victoria Park were the same as seen at other sites.
While it’s unknown if the pressure from the community led directly to the review, the city did reverse the decision on the boating portion of the ban.
Matt Morris was one of those people who pushed back on the ban in the first place. When speaking to The Mike Farwell Show, he expressed sadness over the idea that a wonderful resource in the community was going unused.
“To think of going for a little paddle in the core of your own city is such an odd idea for many. And yet, it’s just a wonderful experience. I don’t have to hop in a car and drive to Algonquin or somewhere for four hours and book a place and maybe avoid jet skis on a lake or something.”
Victoria Park was established in 1896 and has a long history of recreation on and around the lake.
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