LISTEN.
CREATING MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO SHARE THEIR IDEAS, HOPES & PRIORITIES
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Residents feel more informed about local decisions
- Increased attendance at public meetings & community events
- Greater participation from underrepresented groups
- Residents reporting they feel heard & included
(Roll over the boxes below to learn more)
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS & CITY HALL
Make City Processes easier to
understand and more accessible to everyday residents.
ACTION : QUARTERLY TOWN HALLS
Hold open public meetings focused on local issues, upcoming decisions and resident priorities
BUILD TRUST THROUGH VISIBILITY & ACCESSIBILITY
Ensure residents regularly see & hear from their councillor in the community.
ACTION : OPEN OFFICE HOURS
Create regular opportunities for residents to speak directly with their councillor without formal
appointments or barriers.
PRIORITIZE LOCAL ENGAGEMENT
Bring conversations directly into
neighbourhoods instead of expecting residents to navigate formal City Hall processes.
ACTION : NEIGHBOURHOOD TALK GATHERINGS
Meet residents directly in
neighbourhoods to discuss traffic,
parks, infrastructure, safety &
community in real-world settings.
ACT.
TURNING COMMUNITY PRIORITIES INTO PRACTICAL RESULTS
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Safer streets and intersections
- Cleaner parks and public spaces
- Neighbourhood appropriate housing options
- Increased resident satisfaction with local leadership
- More visible and measurable progress on neighbourhood priorities
(Roll over the boxes below to learn more)
BALANCE GROWTH WITH LIVABILITY
Ensure growth is connected to
infrastructure, planning,
neighbourhood and environmental wellbeing
ACTION : THOUGHTFUL GROWTH & HOUSING
Advocate for infrastructure-first
planning (this helps protect water supply), support housing diversity, while priortizing social and environmental impacts.
DELIVER VISIBLE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS
Focus on outcomes residents can
actually see & experience.
ACTION : WELCOMING CLEAN & GREEN SPACES STRATEGY
Enhance parks and green spaces through better maintenance, communication, tree planting, and neighbourhood beautification partnerships.
IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN WARD 5
Support initiatives that make it safer & easier to move around Ward 5.
ACTION : SAFE STREETS & BETTER CONNECTION
Advocate for safer intersections, school zones, and pedestrian crossings, while improving sidewalk, pathway and trail connections throughout Ward 5.
CONNECT.
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS THAT STRENGTHEN NEIGHBOURHOODS
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- More residents knowing their neighbours
- More active & welcoming public spaces
- Stronger partnerships between local organizations & residents
- Increased sense of belonging within Ward 5
(Roll over the boxes below to learn more)
SUPPORT GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Encourage local residents and
organizations to lead community
building efforts.
ACTION : IDENTIFY GRANTS & OFFER SUPPORT
Work with residents, community groups and organizations to identify available grants that align with their purposes. Offer help navigating grants & writing support.
ENCOURAGE CIVIC BELONGING
Help residents feel connected not only to their neighbourhood, but to the broader community.
ACTION : ACT ON BLOCK CONNECTOR PROGRAM LISTED IN KITCHENER’S NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY
Proven successful in other cities, this intiative helps connect neighbours at the street and block level by identifying the strengths & skills of neighbours, connecting to local resources & hosting networking events.
REDUCE SOCIAL ISOLATION
Create opportunities for people to
meet, connect & participate in
community life.
ACTION : SUPPORT PARKS, TRAILS & PUBLIC SPACES
Advocate for intergenerational
spaces that create connections.
Connect with Jon
For more than 25 years, Jon Massimi has worked alongside residents, community organizations, and local governments to build stronger neighbourhoods. As a community builder and educator, Jon believes lasting change happens when we listen, connect and act together.
