Kitchener, Ontario

The City of Kitchener, in southwestern Ontario, Canada, has a population of 190,399 (2001 census). The metropolitan area, which includes the two neighbouring cities of Waterloo and Cambridge, has 414,284 people, making it the eleventh largest in Canada by population. http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/standard/popdwell/Table-CMA-C.cfm?CMA=541&T=2&SR=1&S=1&O=A It is the seat of the Waterloo Regional Municipality, and is adjacent to the smaller cities of Cambridge to the south, and Waterloo to the north. Kitchener and Waterloo are often referred to jointly as "the twin cities" or "K-W" (Kitchener-Waterloo), although they have separate municipal governments.

City parks and trails

Kitchener's largest and most famous outdoor park is Victoria park, in the heart of downtown Kitchener. Numerous events and festivities are held in this park.

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Inspired by the City Beautiful movement in 1894, the Town of Berlin moved to purchase land to create what is now Kitchener?s Victoria Park. One hundred and fifty years later, the City is looking to revitalize the Gaukel Street entrance to this key core element and secure the park?s place in the growing realm of great public spaces in downtown Kitchener.

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A statue of Queen Victoria is located in Victoria park. In an effort to display loyalty to the queen, the statue was placed in the park, after the city's name was changed to Kitchener.

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Kitchener has an extensive community trail system. The trails, which are controlled and run by the city, are hundreds of km. in length, and are well maintained and safe.

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Due to Kitchener's close proximity to the Grand River, several community trails and paths border the river's shores. The convenient access to the Grand River has drawn nature seeking tourists to the city.

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