Kitchener Council Meeting: Inaugural Date Rescheduled, Councillors Recognized

Kitchener council rescheduled the inaugural meeting for the 2026–2030 term, recognized departing councillors Ayo Owodunni and Stephanie Stretch, and reviewed projects and policy issues associated with their terms. The city also announced the Cowan Recreation Centre's grand opening and its annual Remembrance Day service.

Topics Discussed

2026–2030 INAUGURAL MEETING

Council approved moving the inaugural meeting for the 2026–2030 term from November 16, 2026, to November 23, 2026. Councillor Ayo Owodunni moved the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Stephanie Stretch.

DEPARTURES OF OWODUNNI AND STRETCH

Council recognized the departures of Ward 5 Councillor Ayo Owodunni, who served from 2022 to 2026 and is relocating to Nigeria with his family, and Ward 10 Councillor Stephanie Stretch, who served from January 2024 to 2026.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic credited Owodunni with supporting investments in the Huron and Williamsburg community centres, expanded services at the New South Community Library, neighbourhood street safety, housing affordability, economic opportunity and inclusion.

Vrbanovic also recognized Stretch's service, saying she "quickly became a beloved colleague, a trusted friend, and a passionate champion for our community." He added that Stretch brought "a genuine love for people, a deep commitment to community, and a determination to make Kitchener better for everyone."

Owodunni discussed residential speed limits, landlord-tenant issues, municipal spending and Business Improvement Areas. He also cited his advocacy for reducing residential speed limits from 40 km/h to 30 km/h.

LOCAL POLICY AND PROJECTS

Council members discussed the redevelopment of a former fire hall site for affordable housing, downtown safety, the Kitchener Market, arts and culture, neighbourhood parks, the urban tree canopy and climate action.

Owodunni also reflected on constituent service and citywide policymaking during his term, including work on neighbourhood services and affordability.

COWAN RECREATION CENTRE

The city announced the grand opening of the Cowan Recreation Centre at RBJ Schlegel Park on Saturday the 14th.

Mayor Vrbanovic described the facility as "the largest facility ever built in the city's history." He said the opening would welcome council and the community and that the facility had received positive reviews from people who had visited it.

Events are scheduled throughout the following week. Information is available at kitchener.ca/rbjlpark.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

The city's annual Remembrance Day service will be held on November 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cenotaph at Duke and Frederick streets. Former councillor Dave Schnider will serve as master of ceremonies.

Motions

• Amendment to the 2026 Council Schedule: Reschedule the 2026–2030 inaugural council meeting from November 16 to November 23, 2026. Passed.
• End-of-meeting bylaws: Three readings of standard closing bylaws. The meeting notes do not provide bylaw numbers. Passed.

Attendees

The meeting notes identify the following councillors and mayor:

• Mayor Berry Vrbanovic
• Councillor Ayo Owodunni
• Councillor Stephanie Stretch
• Councillor Dave Schnider
• Councillor Jason Deneault
• Councillor Bil Ioannidis
• Councillor Debbie Chapman
• Councillor Margaret Johnston
• Councillor Paul Singh
• Councillor Christine Michaud
• Councillor Scott Davey