Council Welcomes Sri Lankan Delegation - 2026-04-20 - Special Council

Kitchener City Council held a special meeting to welcome a delegation from Sri Lanka participating in the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation (PMI) – Women in Local Leadership initiative, a six-year program funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Council heard updates on the program’s training and infrastructure projects, then moved to local business including a reopened vote on mayoral compensation and two urgent motions on congestion and pedestrian safety at Victoria Street North and Aaron Street West near a Metrolinx transit station.

Topics Discussed

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: Council received presentations on the PMI initiative and Kitchener’s partnership role. Speakers described the program as focused on “advancing gender equality and strong leadership both locally and globally,” and said it supports local governments to “deliver inclusive services, promote gender equality and build more resilient communities.” Presenters said the project is in its final year and that one Sri Lankan council was removed from the partnership due to “administrative issues” and the need for “additional approvals from the central government,” leaving four partner councils.

SRI LANKAN PROJECT IMPACTS: Delegates outlined projects intended to serve marginalized residents, including upgrades to public spaces and sanitation facilities. One presentation described a planned facility serving “women and girls,” including “safe spaces for sanitary napkin change disposal,” as well as “lactating mothers,” “disabled people,” school children, tourists, and “LGBTQ 2 to 5,” with daily usage estimates provided for each group. Another delegate described a market project: “We are selected upgrading of Kiran central market… with proper sanitation facilities.” A representative from Masakalia Praadeshia Sabha linked project scope to limited municipal finances, saying: “Our annual tax revenue is just 28 million. That’s all.”

MAYOR’S COMPENSATION REVERSAL: Council revisited a previous decision on mayoral compensation after Councillor Misho sought to change her vote. During the discussion, Councillor Singh said, “I think I didn’t understand it the first time around and I may have voted incorrectly myself.” Council ultimately approved the amended approach accepting the consultant’s recommended increase.

VICTORIA STREET TRAFFIC CRISIS: Council debated two motions brought forward by Councillor Stretch on congestion and pedestrian safety at Victoria Street North and Aaron Street West. Councillor Johnson described the area as “like the Hunger Games trying to either trying to find a parking spot… trying to get out… anybody trying to cross the street. It is it is a nightmare.” Stretch pointed to timing pressures, telling council that “the Region has detailed design plans for construction in 2027 along Victoria Street,” which councillors said could worsen conditions if interim measures are not in place.

CONSTRUCTION COMMUNICATION PLAN: Council also approved a direction for staff to coordinate with the Region of Waterloo and Metrolinx on a communications plan for the multi-year construction tied to the transit hub. The plan includes establishing community meetings before 2027 and continuing them through construction, aimed at keeping residents, businesses, neighbourhood associations, and elected officials informed.

Motions

Passed: - Appointment of Kong Rang Xi to the Anova Energy Corporation board as an independent director - Amendment to mayoral compensation (Councillor Misho’s amendment accepting the consultant’s recommended increase) - Motion directing staff to work with regional staff on temporary traffic solutions at Victoria Street North and Aaron Street West - Motion directing staff to coordinate with the Region of Waterloo and Metrolinx on a comprehensive communications plan for the multi-year construction process, including community meetings before 2027

Attendees

• Mayor (name not specified in transcript)
• Councillor Misho
• Councillor Davey
• Councillor Johnson
• Councillor Singh
• Councillor Stretch
• Councillor Anitis
• Councillor Rodriguez

Special Guests: - Sri Lankan delegation from partner municipalities - Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) representatives