Latest news with #BerryVrbanovic
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Fifty people become Canadian citizens during Canada Day ceremony in Kitchener
Fifty people were sworn in as Canadian citizens on Canada Day during a citizenship ceremony at Kitchener City Hall. Fifty people were sworn in as Canadian citizens on Canada Day during a citizenship ceremony at Kitchener City Hall. The afternoon ceremony included new Canadians originally from a variety of countries. Many were joined by family members as they recited the Oath of Citizenship, sang 'O Canada' for the first time as citizens and shook hands with local politicians, police officers and judges. Canadian citizens Oath of Citizenship Kitchener City Hall New Canadians after their Oath of Citizenship at Kitchener City Hall on Canada Day, July 1, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News). 'The best way to demonstrate our celebration of Canada Day is with the citizenship court,' said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. 'The reality is, other than our First Nations, everybody has come here and at some point, became a Canadian citizen and so, to see people's faces light up as they take the oath, as they come across and shake hands with you, it's just a magical day.' Vrbanovic, who immigrated from Croatia, said he still remembers his own ceremony and keeps his citizenship card in his wallet. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic citizenship card Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic showing his citizenship card from 1974, June 1, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News). 'We had our citizenship ceremony in 1974 and that is an important moment for our family and one that we're immensely proud of,' said Vrbanovic. 'Yes, I'm still proud of my Croatian roots. [I] still go back and do stuff between Canada and Croatia, but Canada is home now and [I'm] just thrilled to be able to celebrate it and to serve our community as mayor as we celebrate Canada Day.' For families like that of Venudhar Goné and Mounika Bairneni, the ceremony marked a dream realized. Canadian citizens Oath of Citizenship Kitchener City Hall Fifty new Canadians after their Oath of Citizenship at Kitchener City Hall on Canada Day, July 1, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News). 'It's very emotional for us — in a beautiful and wonderful country like Canada, which allows freedom of expression and you can be whatever you want,' said Goné. 'It respects you as you are. So that's the greatest part and it's a dream. It's a dream to become Canadian. There's no other country in this world I would choose other than Canada.' The couple said they first landed in Regina and were especially fond of the prairie landscapes. Their son, Smaran, said his favourite things about Canada were 'Tim Hortons and poutine.' After the ceremony, the new citizens were able to join others in Carl Zehr Square to continue the celebration, with a live concert of multiple performances, including rock band Sloane, a Canada Play area with multiple carnival rides and inflatables for families and children to enjoy and food vendors. This year marks Canada's 158th birthday.
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Kitchener, Waterloo take steps on potential renoviction bylaws
Kitchener city council has formally directed staff to begin drafting a potential renoviction bylaw, despite an earlier staff report that advised against implementing one. The forthcoming bylaw, aimed at curbing bad-faith evictions under the guise of renovations, is expected to be developed in consultation with housing law experts and will complement existing provincial legislation, according to city staff. 'If nothing else, if this helps bring people some peace of mind, some hope that there is some support for them, then for me that is worthwhile at a time when housing continues to be so precarious for so many,' said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. When asked by Coun. Jason Deneault what exactly this bylaw would do, Manager of Policy and Research, Natalie Goss, said the bylaw 'would provide a licencing mechanism and depending on how the bylaw is structured, it could provide tenant compensation options.' Council heard from several delegates during Monday night's meeting, including social worker and housing advocate Jacara Droog who urged action, warning that Kitchener could become a target for speculative landlords if it fails to act. 'Other municipalities are moving forward with similar bylaws,' she said. 'If we don't act, Kitchener risks become a target and magnet for bad-faith investors looking to maximize profits without oversight. We cannot afford to be a weak link.' Ultimately, six committee members voted in favour of developing a draft bylaw, three voted against the idea and two abstained from voting due to possible conflicts of interest. A draft version is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. In Waterloo, a similar discussion unfolded, with city staff also recommending against an immediate bylaw. However, councillors opted to explore the idea further, saying the city needs to be more proactive when it comes to protecting its renters. 'There is merit to passing a renoviction bylaw, it makes a statement to landlords that we're taking a stand against bad actors,' said Coun. Jen Vasic. 'This report, with all due respect, is playing it safe,' said Waterloo resident, Steven Singer. 'I am definitely in favour of a renoviction bylaw. Based on the stories I've heard, there is no time to delay.' One delegate at Monday night's meeting, Elliot Wand of ACORN, told council his building has been nearly emptied through renovictions. 'Only myself and two others remain,' he said. 'Everyone else has been renovicted.' Mayor Dorothy McCabe and staff cautioned that a renoviction bylaw could duplicate existing efforts, arguing the city is already taking meaningful steps to prevent unlawful evictions. They emphasized that the eviction process is ultimately governed by the province and the municipality's role should remain supportive. 'Not passing a renoviction bylaw is not saying staff is in favour of renovictions, but we can't stop renovations,' said Michelle Lee, senior policy planner with the city. 'But we can advocate to the province and say publicly that the province needs to take x,y,z steps in order to help limit.' 'I just want to remind us that we are doing a lot and we've done a good job but I just worry that if we do anything, it repeats work we've already done or the province has already done,' said McCabe. Council asked staff to return with a potential framework for a renoviction licensing bylaw and examine options for better housing system coordination. A timeline has not been confirmed, but discussions could resume as early as fall. Council also approved broader housing measures, including support for legal clinics and possible funding for tenant eviction prevention programs. - With reporting by Spencer Turcotte
CTV News
03-06-2025
- 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.
