K-W Oktoberfest partners with #NotInMyCity safety initiative
Posted Oct 1, 2026 03:18:32 PM.
K-W Oktoberfest has partnered with the #NotInMyCity initiative to take a stand against sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Bavarian festival said it aims to raise awareness and create safer spaces for revellers, staff, and volunteers.
Posters promoting #NotInMyCity will be visible at K-W Oktoberfest events and festival workers have been encouraged to take a free e-learning course.
The online course provides education on sexual exploitation and human trafficking, including potential signs and how to make communities safer.
“Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival welcomes hundreds of thousands of people from across Waterloo Region and beyond each year and creating a safe, welcoming environment for every visitor, guest, volunteer, staff member and stakeholder is central to everything we do,” said KWO Executive Director, Tracy Van Kalsbeek, in a release.
“Our partnership with #NotInMyCity strengthens that commitment by helping us build awareness, provide education and empower our Festival community to recognize concerns and take action.”
In 2024, K-W Oktoberfest became the first festival in Ontario to partner with an online reporting platform for unwanted sexualized behaviours through a campaign called No Means Nein.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service has already partnered with #NotInMyCity as data continues to show rising rates of human trafficking in the community.
