From organizing street parties, to growing community gardens, building little libraries, and much more, the City of Kitchener’s LoveMyHood program reflects its commitment to empowering residents in shaping their own neighbourhoods - one resident-led project at a time.  

 In 2017, thousands of residents shared their vision for stronger, more connected neighbourhoods in one of the city’s largest community engagement efforts. From this, Kitchener’s first official neighbourhood strategy, LoveMyHood, was born. To date, LoveMyHood funding has supported 180 neighbourhood events, programs, and projects across Kitchener.  

 “We have reached a significant milestone for the LoveMyHood program, as we surpass one million dollars granted to resident-led neighbourhood projects over the years,” announced Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, “Together, we are creating great places, connecting people, and encouraging neighbours to work together.”    

 This summer the city celebrated this incredible funding milestone and the remarkable journey of its LoveMyHood program over the years with an evening of storytelling, live music, barbecue, and an outdoor movie at the Victoria Hills Community Centre.   

 To also commemorate this milestone, the city has published a book, ‘Stories from the Heart of our Neighbourhoods’, a collection of stories highlighting LoveMyHood projects, in collaboration with the neighbourhood groups that lead them. These stories will also be featured regularly on this blog starting in October.  

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