Strategic Vision

Shape DTK - A Vision for 2020 is a shared strategy in collaboration between the City of Kitchener and Downtown Kitchener BIA.

How did this vision take shape? More than 1,500 participants provided input on downtown Kitchener's future. Based on the community's feedback a new vision for downtown was drafted, including the community's core values:

Local and Unique: The community likes finding unique products, services and interesting food options that are local, nurturing personal relationships with business owners, and having a truly “made in Kitchener” experience.

Diverse and Inclusive: DTK should not only be a place for everyone, it should have a little something for everyone too—it must be welcoming to all people and representative of the community’s many cultures.

Bold and Authentic: Downtown is a place that feels real—buildings steeped in history, a place rich in character, and a local population made of many cultures and sub-cultures.

Community-centric: Community connections fuel DTK, whether that means bumping into friends on the street, coffee shops and pubs that feel like home, businesses being more collaborative than competitive, or facing complex social issues head on and with empathy.

And three strategic priorities:

Ignite downtown as a platform for the next generation of urban shops, restaurants, businesses and services.
Foster heartfelt urban experiences.
Champion a caring and collaborative community.

Read the full strategy to learn more.

Make it Kitchener 2.0

Make it Kitchener 2.0 is an ambitious plan to support economic recovery across the City of Kitchener. Downtown Kitchener plays a vital role in this plan as a core place to build a vibrant and active city.

Our community of artists, musicians, restauranteurs, retailers and cultural producers bring our streets and communities to life. They invite us to see and experience the world differently and inspire others to do the same.

We need to continue to create opportunities and places across our city - in our streets, paths, parks, and places - where difference makers and entrepreneurs can offer experiences and moments that truly matter. We need to think both big and small, to enable the vibrancy, festivals and experiences that can shape Kitchener’s culture.