Vrbanovic shows off ‘K-town’ pride in annual state of the city speech

KITCHENER — Wearing his “K-town pride” on his sleeve, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic used his third state of the city address Tuesday to celebrate the many ways residents reach out and make their community better.

He praised Ethan Vande-Kuyt, an elementary student at Pioneer Park school, who noticed there were some lonely kids in the schoolyard at recess, and came up with the idea of buddy benches to create welcoming places that foster friendship.

Ethan, who attended the mayor’s speech with his family, went to his school council with his idea. The council not only endorsed the idea, but helped raised money to install two red benches at the school.

His idea has since spread to other Kitchener schools.

Vrbanovic also praised Murray, a west-end resident in his 80s who rises early after every snowfall, to plow his neighbours driveways and sidewalks.

Murray’s neighbours, who haven’t had to pick up a shovel in at least five years, nominated him for the city’s new Snow Angels program, which encourages people to share the stories of those lend a hand shovelling for those in need. This year, more than 150 people shared their stories.

“Let me tell you: if you’re having a bad day, there’s nothing that will change your mood more than reading these amazing stories of kindness,” Vrbanovic said. “They highlight the best of who we are in Kitchener.”

Vrbanovic delivered his speech Tuesday evening at Stanley Park Community Centre, in a setting meant to emphasize the community building theme.

The speech spotlighted the city’s first neighbourhood strategy, which Vrbanovic said “is all about giving you the tools and support you need to take the lead in doing great things in your neighbourhoods, while the city supports you along the way.”

The strategy received unanimous council approval in February, he noted, “because … we all know that the most important thing we make in Kitchener is community.”

The mayor highlighted a number of places and grassroots events that encourage community building; the city’s many markets, from the popular Kitchener market to smaller community markets such as the volunteer-run Belmont Local Food Market, which donates its profits to charity at the end of the season.

Such markets are not only a place to get great fresh foods, they act as a meeting place where neighbours and friends come together, he said.

“Markets are vibrant public places that bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and connection. They encourage experiences that energize our city,” the mayor said.

To mark Canada’s 150th anniversary, he said, the city will celebrate community with a civic pride campaign that encourages people to, as the mayor put it, “tell your K-town story to the world.”

More than 300 people attended Tuesday’s $30 event, which raised funds for the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.