Bylaw & Property Concerns
For any of the following concerns, please contact the City of Kitchener by phone at 519-741-2345 or by email at info@kitchener.ca.
- Snow & Ice: Snow and ice must be cleared from any city sidewalks abutting private property within 24 hours of the cessation of a snow fall.
- Property Standards: All properties must be maintained in good condition on the exterior, including porches, decks, stairs, roofs, eavestrough, siding, paint, sheds, garages, fences, etc.
- Property By-laws: Questions or concerns regarding invasive species, rental units, snow clearing, or pruning boundary-line trees or tree limbs can be directed to the City of Kitchener by email at info@kitchener.ca.
- Garbage & Waste on Properties: Any garbage or waste materials stored improperly outside a property. For waste management information, please visit Region of Waterloo Waste Management.
- Dog Waste Concerns: Dog waste concerns, including waste left on sidewalks, parks, trails, or green spaces, improperly discarded dog-waste bags, and garbage bins requiring cleaning due to dog waste being disposed of inside.
- Parking: Parking concerns include vehicles parked over the permitted time limit, parking where prohibited, overnight parking between December 1 and March 31, and vehicles blocking fire hydrants. For additional information, please visit Kitchener Overnight Parking Exemptions.
- Storm-Damaged Trees & Branches: Storms and strong winds can sometimes bring down large branches or damage trees.
See full list at www.kitchener.ca/bylawguide
Development, Construction & Neighbourhood Projects
- Development Inquires: For information on current development applications and projects under construction, visit Kitchener Planning Applications or email Garett.Stevenson@kitchener.ca, Director of Development & Housing.
- Development Concerns: For concerns about a specific development, your City Councillor can connect you with the appropriate planner or site manager. For Heritage and Policy Planning inquiries, call the City of Kitchener at 519-741-2200. For meeting information or Committee of Adjustment inquiries, visit Kitchener Meetings or email CofA@kitchener.ca.
- Construction Concerns: For construction-related concerns other than noise and parking, such as dirty or unsecured construction sites, please email building@kitchener.ca.
- Traffic Calming: For traffic calming concerns or requests in your neighbourhood, contact your City Councillor for assistance.
- Neighbourhood Greening: Neighbourhood greening requests vary by situation. It is best to contact the Ward 10 Councillor’s office first, as requests are often coordinated with the Parks Department. LoveMyHood may also be able to provide funding support.
- Development of Weber Park: If you’d like to discuss the development of Weber Park, please contact your City Councillor. The Parks Department can also be reached at 519-741-2345.
- Public Art in Neighbourhoods: Rules and approvals for public art vary depending on the project. For guidance, contact the Manager of Arts and Creative Industries at Andrea.Hallam@kitchener.ca. LoveMyHood may also be available to support funding.
Provincial & Other Agencies
- Train Noise & Pollution: Train noise is a provincial issue, as Metrolinx is a provincial agency. Train pollution concerns are handled by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP); residents may contact Luke Hanna at luke.hanna@ontario.ca. The Ward 10 Councillor’s office can also be contacted to help raise concerns and advocate for residents. For train noise questions or feedback, email WaterlooRegion@metrolinx.com.
Waterloo Regional Police: Non-Emergency
For any of the following concerns, please contact the Waterloo Regional Police by phone at 519-570-9777.
- Noise: The City’s noise bylaw is in effect 24/7 and covers concerns such as loud music, barking dogs, parties, and other excessive noise.
- Construction Noise: Construction noise is permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week. Work taking place outside these hours is not permitted unless an exemption has been granted.
- Backyard Fires: Backyard fire pits are permitted provided they meet the required safety conditions: they must be at least 5 m from any property line, fence, deck, shed, tree, or other structure; may only be used between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.; have a water source, such as a hose, readily available; have an adult present at all times; and not produce excessive smoke that may cause a nuisance to neighbouring properties.
- Fireworks: Fireworks are permitted only on Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. Fireworks are not permitted after 11 p.m., on any city street, in parks, trails, sports fields, or woodlots, within 25 feet of any building or structure, or in areas containing trees or undergrowth.
- Theft Monitoring & Trespassing: Concerns may include theft of property or trespassing onto private property in the neighbourhood. Can also be reported online.
- Crime & Community Safety: Concerns may include suspected drug trafficking or other criminal or community safety issues. For additional information on crime statistics and reporting, visit Waterloo Regional Police Statistics and Data.
- Speeding & Wrong-Direction Driving: Concerns may include vehicles travelling at excessive speeds, driving against traffic, or using the wrong lane or direction of travel.
- Emergencies: Call 911 for immediate threats to someone’s safety, including situations involving loss of life, an overdose, or the presence or use of a weapon.
Still Not Sure Who to Contact?
Ward 10 Councillor’s Office
If a resident isn’t sure who to contact about an issue, the Ward 10 Councillor’s office is always happy to help. Residents are welcome to call or send an email.
Stephanie Stretch
Councillor, Ward 10 | Office of the Mayor and Council | City of Kitchener
519-741-2786 | TTY 1-866-969-9994
Email: Stephanie.Stretch@Kitchener.ca
Website: www.StephanieStretch.ca