Kitchener is growing fast, and community safety looks different in every neighbourhood. Council recently discussed a pilot program for automated licence plate readers and public safety cameras across municipal property. Every ward brings a unique perspective to the table:

Ward 2 (Stanley Park): Councillor Dave Schnider supported the pilot to bolster neighbourhood security. Stanley Park neighbours: do you feel technology like this is the right tool for local safety?

Ward 3: Councillor Jason Deneault voted in favour. For residents near Chicopee and Pioneer Tower, what balance do you want to see between traffic management and privacy?

Ward 4 (Doon South): Councillor Christine Michaud backed the initiative. Doon South: how do you feel about licence plate readers on our arterial roads?

Ward 5: Councillor Ayo Owodunni supported the pilot as well. With growth accelerating across Huron and Brigadoon, what are your top safety priorities?

Ward 6 (Laurentian West): Councillor Paul Singh voted yes. For folks in Laurentian, what questions would you want answered about data storage and community impact?

Ward 8: Councillor Margaret Johnston saw value in moving this forward. Around Victoria Park and Midtown, what’s your perspective on cameras in shared public parks?

Ward 10: Councillor Stephanie Stretch voted in favour. Downtown kitchener did you consent to this? When you asked for community policing and funding for mental health community response services, does CCTV controlled by WRPS address your concerns?

Good governance means listening before, during, and after decisions are made. Whatever your stance, let’s talk about how we keep Kitchener safe, accountable, and connected. Drop your thoughts below. Because we were not consulted on this issue.

Anyone know the background?!

I am genuinely curious if anyone here in the KW Reddit community has a connection to the leadership at the Centre and the Square (a place my family and I *love* and attend shows at regularly) and could ask why they are platforming these folks?

https://centreinthesquare.com/event/bethel-music-nights-of-response/

There is literally *so much* information about Bethel on the internet and social media, I don’t even have to present a case for why these are deeply problematic people to be hosting. You can search yourself or have a read with the links I found and read in about 10 minutes. 

There are lots of other Canadian Christian Worship bands that could have come here for a worship night. Heck, there are a lot of churches in town here that could have have come together and hosted a worship night at the Centre and the Square. I am not opposed to folks getting together, singing and practicing their faith in worship. Its beautiful.

But hosting these folks?

Anyone have an in and might know more?

Trump, election denial and politics

• Bethel’s Bill Johnson calls Biden’s election 100% fraud (Shasta Scout)
• A Bethel pastor posted then deleted an apology for prophesying Trump would win (Relevant)
• Vallotton: God will give Trump another term (Christian Post). Covers the 2019 impeachment prophecy.
• Bethel considers launching election groups with activist Laura Hobbs (Shasta Scout)
• How Bethel leverages “prophecy” to influence politics (Shasta Scout). Ties the church to the New Apostolic Reformation and Seven Mountains theology.
• “Engaging U.S. Politics 2024” event (Shasta Scout). A former Redding mayor called the council votes “the Bethel juggernaut at work.”
• Bethel members now have majority on Redding City Council (MinistryWatch)
• Elections 2022: Some say Bethel and city council politics don’t mix (Shasta Scout)
• Bethel leaders respond to Trump assassination attempt (Shasta Scout)
• Charlie Kirk vigil at Shasta College (Shasta Scout, 2025)

Conversion therapy / CHANGED Movement

• Bethel’s “Changed” ministry draws criticism (ChurchLeaders)
• #OnceGay coverage misses a vital Bethel connection (GetReligion)
• Conversion therapy group rallies at California Capitol (LGBTQ Nation, 2025)
• California church exporting anti-gay efforts to Europe (Fund for Investigative Journalism). 
• Bethel’s ex-gay ties after Joshua Bassett baptism (PinkNews)

Abuse allegations and leadership accountability (2026)

• Bethel apologizes for handling of misconduct allegations (NSPR / public radio)
• Bethel responds to accusation it hid sexual misconduct allegations (Redding Record Searchlight)
• More controversy at Bethel: Ben Armstrong placed on leave (MinistryWatch)
• Bethel places pastor on leave amid clergy abuse allegations (Crosswalk).
• Bethel remaining “respectfully quiet” amid investigation (Shasta Scout). Raises questions about how independent the Safe Church process is.
• Bethel announces third-party investigation (MinistryWatch).

I'm looking to get some film developed here and was wondering if anyone had anything to say about the place.

https://topspinkw.com/ (looks super fancy, but its actuslly a school using their gym with a bunch of ping pong tables so anyone can play)

Was thinking of going tonight, it's 10$ from around 830-10pm anyone can drop in. Looking for someone decent skill level to play for fun and rally (not looking to be playing actual matches, just rallying for fun/practice) - let me know if you're interested to meet up and play -

send me a dm if any questions! :)

Hi all, new to KW and looking to try Gym 41 but am a bit intimidated as I would be newish to lifting weights. I normally do group fitness/pilates from time to time.

I like doing workout classes but don’t like when you can’t use the equipment if you can’t make a class that day. I saw Gym 41 had started doing classes.

Wondering who has experience at Gym 41 thats more of a beginner.

has anyone bought from wagjag the discount voucher (the flash sale) for bingemans scream park? I have never used the website before and am trying to see if it's legit or not.

Looking for recommendations for a good and cost friendly at home vet service for euthanasia of a beloved senior dog. Thank you

With the election coming up on the 26th I wanted to remind everyone of an issue from earlier this year and bring some attention to those who voted in favor of it.

On May 4, 2026 council held a vote which passed thanks to the councilors named in the above image who voted in favor of it. The vote was to enact a pilot program which was proposed by the Waterloo Regional Police Service. The program allows for closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and automated licence plate readers (ALPR) on municipal infrastructure. This includes public spaces, and while the current form of the program does feature some restrictions, such as no live monitoring and no facial recognition, the capability in the type of cameras in use, is there.

For starters this means that in a breach, they could be used for unintended purposes. Which can, and does, happen with camera systems like this elsewhere. But what is more concerning to me is that this sets the ground work for systems like facial recognition, long term storage, live monitoring and even privatization to be added. Ask yourself, Did you know this was happening? If not, how will you know when it's scope expands? How closely do you really watch local politics? Even if you do trust the current elected officials, which, generally I do, how about those in 5, 10, 20 years from now? Is this a power you want in the hands of your government on any level? And if that answer is yes, do you really trust them, and the resources at their disposal in todays environment of AI and international meddling to be able to effectively protect a system like this from ingress?

The security of systems like this has and still continues to be an issue in other places where programs like this have been deployed. Flock in the US is one, high profile, example. The bill of sale sold to city councilors in municipalities in the US initially was not dissimilar to what we saw here. I am aware that there are some key differences between this program and flock, a key one being that flock is a private company, but this still opens the door for uncomfortably similar systems.

While I can see the intention here, and I agree that the potential positives are very present, I simply do not trust any government with this kind of tool and strongly believe we should appose it on principal. A sentiment the mayor himself more or less expressed at the meeting when this was passed. I'm not here to tell you who to vote for, but there is an undeniable lack of basic understanding in the general public when it comes to municipal politics in this city, and frankly, all of Ontario. So I wanted to bring the names of the councilors who voted in favor of this program to the attention of the voters so that you can factor it in to your decision when you vote on the 26th.

Lastly, whether you see eye to eye with me on this issue, please vote. Pound for pound the municipal vote is the most influential one you have in our system when it comes to your every day life. Most years less than 40% of us get out to the polls for these elections. If for no other reason than to express your support for living in a democratic system, please, try and make the time.

Hi,

I'm wondering if it's okay to leave out flattened cardboard in a cardboard box, or if it has to be in a blue bin.

Has anyone tried this?

Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m looking into a few 3-bedroom apartments for myself and my 3 children, and I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who currently lives in or has previously lived in these buildings.

The addresses I’m looking at are:

● 16 Cedarwoods Crescent (Highpoint Towers, Kitchener)
● 24 Midland Avenue
● 285 Erb Street
● 2969 Kingsway Drive

My biggest concerns are bedbugs and cockroaches, building maintenance, management, and the general safety of the neighbourhood.

For anyone familiar with these buildings:
● Have you had issues with bedbugs, cockroaches or rodents? Does management deal with them properly?
● How is the building maintained, and are repairs handled promptly?
● How do you feel about the surrounding area, particularly in the evenings?
● Is it a comfortable environment for families with children?
● How convenient is public transportation if you don’t drive?

I’m currently in the Toronto area, so moving to Kitchener would be a big change for my family. I’m open to it, but I want to make sure I’m choosing somewhere suitable for my children rather than rushing into a decision because of the rent.

I understand that no neighbourhood is perfect, and I’m not looking to judge an area based on rumours. I’d really value honest feedback from people with firsthand experience, especially recent experiences.
Would you recommend living in any of these buildings? Is there anything you wish you’d known before moving in?
Thank you!

Is there are group I can join to play soccer on an indoor turf/field?

I purchased a gift at the Christkindl market this past year and I can't find the vendor now that I'm wanting to get something else.

They sold jewelery and other items with live moss and some little mushroom decorations (those were fake). I've tried looking through the vendors list but I can't seem to find them!! Hoping someone here might know ..

Is there a Facebook or WhatsApp group for GO Train/GO Bus passengers commuting from Kitchener to Union Station in Toronto who share a weekday pass? If so, please share it. Thanks!

LUXURY APARTMENT: 2 Private Rooms Available in a 3-Bed Unit (Female Only - Every Room Gets Their Own Bathroom!)

Move-In Date: November 1st ONLY
Lease Term: 12-Month Lease
Required: First & Last Month’s Rent Deposit
Preference: Female Only
Location: Duke St W, Kitchener – Minutes to Wilfrid Laurier & UW!
Rent: $866 + 1/3 utilities
The Setup: Unfurnished design your dream space

Let’s be honest: sharing a bathroom with multiple roommates is the worst every single person gets their own private bathroom. The entire apartment has a total of 3 bedrooms, and with 1 room already taken, exactly 2 bedrooms are available for rent. You will have your own dedicated, clean space to get ready every morning without anyone knocking on the door.

Fully Equipped Gym
Rooftop Terrace Patio
In-Suite Laundry

Short LAURIER & UW STUDENT COMMUTE

Is there any sale going on candles at bath and body works.

Hi everyone

I have an upcoming career change and am excited to have more free time as a result.

I am looking for recommendations for new hobbies in the Kitchener community, free or fee for service is fine with me. I am already pretty physically active and social so looking for ideas for opportunities that support mental, emotional, creative well being such as:

-art (pottery, painting, creating)
-learning some new skills, like an intro to new language or a life skill
-something relatively short-midterm (ie. a few weeks to a few months)

Thanks!

Subject/Title: 🚨 DASHCAM REQUEST: Hit & Run on my dog at 312 Erb St W (GMC SUV with hanging bumper)

Hi everyone,
I am heartbroken to post this, but I am desperately looking for dashcam or security footage from Fri night/Saturday morning around 12:30pm and up.
A driver hit my dog directly in front of my condo building at 312 Erb Street West (near Erb & Fischer-Hallman) and fled the scene. Because of the severity of the injuries, i had to put my beloved service,best friend and absolute world ,dog down.
Suspect Vehicle Details:
• It was a GMC light silver colour SUV couldn’t get more
• Damage: The collision caused heavy front-end damage, and the driver sped off with half of their front bumper hanging off on the passenger side do the vehicle. They were driving so fast they sent dog 20 feet
If you live in the Beechwood/Westmount area, drive along Erb St W, or were turning near Fischer-Hallman around that time, please check your dashcams or doorbell cameras. A car driving around Waterloo with a bumper dragging or hanging off stands out heavily.
A police report has been filed with the Waterloo Regional Police Service. If you have any footage or saw this vehicle, please DM me or contact WRPS directly at 519-570-9777 (tel:519-570-9777) referencing report number [WA26153032

.
Thank you so much for any help you can provide.

We’re looking to redo our asphalt driveway which is very old and torn up. We’d like to replace it with concrete and when doing so we’d like to bury the drainage lines at the side of the house as they cause a lot of ice buildup. We also have a wooden landing leading to stairs to a front porch and we’d like to replace the wooden landing with concrete and in doing so may have to replace the stairs as well. There’s landscaping involved too.

Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations for going about this work? It seems like we might need three separate contractors - one for the concrete, one for the landscaping and one for the front porch steps but it would be ideal to do it all through one company if possible.

Caught 2 people walking up the driveway at 5am.

Seems like it's that time of year again.

I was gifted an amazing homemade heavy knitted blanket last year. It transformed my sleep and I've found myself wanting to have two more similar blankets for the rest of my home. Canadian winters are cold and I've become my father with an almost pathological aversion to approaching the thermostat. This thing functions like a weighted blanket and I never knew such deep sleep until it entered my life.

Unfortunately, the friend who gifted me such greatness is going through some mentally tough times and I do not want to impose on her so am turning to you all. Can anyone recommend any local businesses that may specialize is such miraculous ware?