‘No place in Kitchener’: Mayor Vrbanovic speaks on Nazi flag flown in city

A home in Kitchener was seen flying a Nazi flag, causing controversy after photos and video circulated to social media.

Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), along with Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, have both released statements after reports of the flag’s presence were brought forward.

In a statement, police say they were originally notified on August 19 of the flag being flown at a residence on Stirling Avenue South, launching an investigation through its Neighbourhood Policing Patrol Unit along with its Investigation Services.

The incident reached a wider public view on Wednesday, August 21 after photos and video were uploaded to social media platforms X and Reddit. The posts began to garner controversy after users could be seen both attacking and defending the incident, with some pointing to the hateful history behind the flag and others pointing to right to freedom of expression.

“Through residents who have reached out to me, the presence of a flag that symbolizes hatred and one of the darkest periods in the history of our planet, was allegedly being flown at a residence in our community,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “I am told that flag has since been removed from the residence in question and the incident is being investigated by the Waterloo Region Police Service.”

Members with Waterloo police’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit say they have also begun reaching out to members of the community who have been impacted by the symbols displayed on the flag.

“Offensive expression, rooted in hate, has no place in Kitchener, in Canada or anywhere.”

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic in a statement.

“We understand that the presence of any symbol associated with hate can be deeply offensive,” says Regional Police in a statement. “Waterloo Regional Police Service is committed to addressing any unlawful behaviour.”

A police spokesperson said no charges have been laid in relation to the incident, though adds that it has not been able to speak with the homeowner in question.

“As a community, we stand against those actions or symbols that are not consistent with love, inclusivity and a sense of belonging for all,” says Vrbanovic. “While we recognize that as Canadians, we all have the right to freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, offensive expression, rooted in hate, has no place in Kitchener, in Canada or anywhere.”