Latest news with #BerryVrbanovic
CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Council votes to increase parking fines in Kitchener
Fines are going up for drivers who park illegally on Kitchener streets. City council voted unanimously in favour of the staff recommendation at Monday night's committee meeting. The majority of fines will increase by $10, including those for parking on private property or in a no parking zone. Other safety violations, such as parking in front of a fire hydrant or along a fire route, will also incur a larger fee. The biggest increase will be for parking illegally in an accessible space. Drivers will be ticketed an extra $100, bringing the total fine to $400. 'We want to make sure that those who have accessibility needs are getting the parking spots they need,' Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said. parking graph fines kitchener Taken from the City of Kitchener staff report to council. Staff said they've seen a substantial increase in the number of parking complaints since 2017. In that year, the city received 7,826 complaints and issued almost 62,000 tickets, compared to 2024 when they received 17,162 complaints and issued over 67,000 tickets. 'There is some proactive enforcement in areas like the downtown and so on, but in other parts of the city it's on a complaint basis,' explained Vrbanovic. 'We've seen a marked increase over the last five years. In fact, over 50 per cent, in terms of complaints. Some people would argue that part of that is the fines really weren't a deterrent anymore.' The proposed increases would also align Kitchener's parking fines with neighbouring municipalities. parking graph fines kitchener Taken from the City of Kitchener staff report to council. The staff report also said the city has not had an increase since 2008. The motion on parking fines will be ratified at a council meeting on June 23.
CBC
22-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Kitchener launches Love Local online pop-up shop
On Wednesday, Kitchener launched the Love Local Pop-up Shop in partnership with local business Civilian Screen Printing. The move is part of the city's plan to minimize the impact tariffs have on the local community and economy. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic told CBC K-W's John Dalusong how the initiative was a response to requests from community members who wanted to show love and support for the City of Kitchener.
CBC
18-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Kitchener and Waterloo ban fireworks sales as complaints skyrocket
Social Sharing Kitchener and Waterloo are cracking down on fireworks sales after both cities saw a sharp increase in firework-related complaints. Starting next year, residents in those cities will have to buy their fireworks elsewhere. On May 5, both city councils passed a ban on fireworks sales along with increased fines and time restrictions in an effort to crackdown on misuse. According to the City of Kitchener, staff responded to 314 firework-related calls in 2024. That's up from 186 in 2023 and 170 in 2022. The City of Waterloo responded to 104 firework-related calls last year. Up from 66 in 2023 according to the city. Last year Waterloo regional police charged a teenage boy who shot fireworks into a crowd at Victoria Day celebrations in Kitchener's Victoria Park. Just over a month later, Waterloo Coun. Julie Wright said she was intentionally hit in the face by a firework while leaving a Canada Day celebration in Waterloo Park. In the council meeting on May 5, there was debate over whether a total ban on sales would actually solve the problem. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said that while there are some "rogue actors," he believes the ban is "government overreach." "I'm not convinced that simply restricting the sale locally is going to stop that bad behaviour," he said. "We need to take strong action and punish those who are doing wrong, but I think it's not proper to punish good, responsible residents." Vrbanovic said he also worries the ban could weaken the public's trust in municipal authorities. "If people don't see a change, then people's trust of the rule of law and the fundamental systems our democratic society is based on starts being called into question," he said. 'We are being punished' Bob Gill, who runs PyroBobs Fireworks in Kitchener, told CBC News the ban is unfair to local vendors. "I do feel like we are being punished for other people's actions only because people aren't following the rules," he said. "If everyone just followed the bylaws we could all get along and enjoy these special occasions." Sat Saran, who works at Phatboy Fireworks in Waterloo, doesn't believe the ban will be effective. "People are still going to end up buying them somewhere. If they start the ban of sales, people will end up getting them on the black market," he said. Saran also stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing firework laws. "What we can do is have stricter penalties for those people who don't obey the rules," he said. The ban goes into effect in both cities starting in January of 2026. Fireworks displays are only permitted during specific hours on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. Setting off fireworks outside the permitted time period could lead to a minimum fine of $1,500. Below is full list of the different rules around the personal use of fireworks depending on where you live: Cambridge: Private fireworks displays are permitted until 11:59 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali. In the case of inclement weather, people are allowed to set off fireworks on any day within two days after those holidays. Kitchener: Council recently amended the city's bylaw to only permit personal firework displays on three holidays: Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali. Fireworks can only be set off on privately owned property between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day, and between 8 and 10 p.m. on Diwali. Waterloo: Personal fireworks are permitted between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, Canada Day, Lunar New Year and Diwali as well as the day immediately before and after each of those holidays. North Dumfries Township: Private fireworks are permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as one day before and after those two holidays. All fireworks displays must be completed no later than 10:15 p.m. Wellesley Township: Low-hazard fireworks are allowed on Victoria Day, Civic Holiday and Labour Day on any of the three days during those long weekends. They can also be set off on Canada Day, as well as on the day before and after. Wilmot Township: Fireworks are permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as the days immediately before and after those holidays. Woolwich Township: Private fireworks displays are permitted using consumer fireworks. Guelph: Fireworks are permitted the day before and on the day of Victoria Day and Canada Day. They're also allowed on Diwali and other religious events as approved by the Guelph Fire Department. They can be set off between 9 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Guelph/Eramosa Township: Does not currently have a fireworks bylaw, but the township's website says the fire department "does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays. Public firework displays hosted by a responsible organization are a safer alternative." Centre Wellington Township: Fireworks are permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day. Brant County: Recently changed its bylaw so family fireworks can only be set off on Victoria Day and Canada Day, as well as the three days before and three days after those holidays. Outside those days, the fire chief needs to approve a permit. People who are caught not following the bylaw of their municipality around private fireworks displays can be given a ticket. Some of the bylaws say how much it could be for, such as North Dumfries which says fines can range up to $5,000. Others, like Wellesley, say the fine is determined upon conviction.
CTV News
13-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
City of Kitchener reveals future plans for parks and greenspaces
CTV's Heather Senoran explains how parks and greenspaces in Kitchener could change to keep up with a booming population. The City of Kitchener will be updating many parks and greenspaces in the next decade as part of its Places and Spaces Masterplan. City staff presented 50 recommendations in 15 different categories on Monday at a Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting. 'For many people in our community, our parks are their backyard. They're their cottage, they're their open space,' said Margaret Johnson, a city councillor and chair of the committee. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said it is a much-needed upgrade to the city's 2010 Parks Strategic Plan. 'Staff really updated it to both reflect the fact that we're a growing and changing community and our needs have changed in that regard. But also to recognize what's the next body of work that needs to guide us,' Vrbanovic told CTV News. Soccer field at Woodside Park Kitchener, Ont. Soccer fields are seen at Woodside Park in Kitchener, Ont. on May 12, 2025. (Heather Senoran/CTV News) For kids, rubberized play surfaces will be installed where necessary for safety purposes. The city is also considering more eco-friendly splashpads. 'Planning parks for the future includes creating a policy that prioritizes water conservation when expanding the splash pad network. And in a similar vein, work is underway by our colleagues in the Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities Division to integrate green infrastructure in existing parks,' said Rebecca Roy, the city's landscape architect. City councillors said they were pleased with staffs' work on this. The plan suggests more fenced dog parks especially in the city's south end. The city also suggested micro dog parks that are quieter and less crowded. There's also plans to add more lighting to sports fields and convert some natural fields to artificial turf. City staff said they want to look into upgrades across a network of several parks instead of improving one park at a time. Staff stressed the importance of community gardens. There are currently more than 20 in Kitchener. The city wants to make them more barrier-free and unveiled a plan to re-introduce a city coordinated community garden in an area of need. 'To support food security through opportunities for gardening, food literacy programming, community gathering, and demonstration,' said the report. Queens Green Kitchener Community Garden The Queen's Green Community Garden was photographed in Kitchener, Ont. on My 12, 2025. (Heather Senoran/CTV News) The city said it will take about ten years to complete all the recommendations but noted that some measures have already been implemented. 'Obviously subject to budgets that will be considered by council each year throughout that time period,' said Vrbanovic.
CBC
18-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Kitchener launches 'support local' campaign in response to U.S. tariffs
Kitchener's mayor stood with council members Monday to announce the city would be implementing a more involved approach to supporting local businesses in the wake of fluctuating tariffs from the U.S. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic released the city's new "support local" campaign in a press conference at city hall, officially launching a plan for what he called a "needless and senseless fight." "This initiative aims to bolster our local economy, ensure Kitchener remains vibrant and strong and remind us all that our local businesses are truly the heart of our community," Vrbanovic said. Since March 4, most Canadian goods have been hit with a 25 per cent tariff. Waterloo region and the rest of Canada have since been reeling from fluctuating threats and chaos as business owners and residents have no idea what to expect next in terms of economic drawbacks. Soon after, Kitchener created a tariff and trade task force to assess the effects of the tariffs locally and advocate for trade barrier removal between provinces to supplement imports and stimulate the economy. At the beginning of March, Vrbanovic joined Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other city mayors in Washington, D.C. to fight tariff measures. Now, the Kitchener task force is implementing five main actions to support the local economy: Amending Kitchener's procurement bylaw Communicating with distributors and contractors for Canadian alternatives to supply Prioritizing smaller dollar item supply purchases Import substitution resources for local businesses and outreach to trade exposed companies The launch of the campaign itself, "Support Local", in partnership with local businesses, chamber of commerce and the Kitchener Market In a press release, councillor and finance chair Scott Davey noted that Ontario's procurement policies are already in good standing, with 98 per cent of goods and services being sourced in-province. Vrbanovic also announced that Kitchener would also be working with other cities within Waterloo region to keep communication and partnership clear while also "dialoguing with federal and provincial partners" to keep the region as steady as possible through a "fluid situation." "The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has identified this region as one of the most impacted communities in the country," Vrbanovic said. "Kitchener will work hard and tirelessly to make sure we protect our economy, our businesses and our residents."
