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News & Updates

Here you will find all sorts of cool things we are working on, important member events and information.

Publications

January 19, 2024

The DTK Art Walk

We have some exciting news: the DTK Art Walk is getting a refresh, and we're launching a brand new field guide this spring. Get ready to discover even more hidden gems and unique art installations throughout the core.

October 18, 2022

The Collective: a beautiful publication showcasing all the fantastic businesses in DTK.

20,000 copies of The Collective were printed, with 18,000 directly delivered to postal codes in and surrounding DTK. With guides arranged to be available at 30 community centers in Kitchener, and in cultural hubs such as the Kitchener Market, KWAG, KPL and Centre in the Square.

We have a limited number of copies available to our businesses; if you would like to share a few with your customers, please contact Breanna Crossman.

View the online version here.

Online/Social Media Opportunities

Social Media Marketing

Members: We've made it super easy to have your events featured on our DTK social media platforms. Submit your event coverage form (linked below) at least two weeks in advance, and we'll take care of the rest. Together, let's promote the vibrant events in our community.

Social media request form

Google & Website Optimization

Our community can help support your business online by leaving reviews and providing a star rating. Keeping up with these reviews and relevant information on your accounts is important.

Follow the link attached to learn a few tips on how to keep your online presence relevant.

DTK Social Media Guide

Looking for a few more ways to engage with your audience? Click the link attached to view our social media guide.

Downtown Live

Downtown Live

Check back soon for an exciting Downtown Live update!

Keeping Downtown Clean

Downtown Clean Team 2

The Downtown Kitchener BIA has contracted the Working Centre to collect curbside waste from King Street on weekdays after 4:00 pm and Saturdays.

Should you require additional support, please reference the attached Who to Call Card.

Business Training Resources

May 30, 2023

Preparing Ontario Workplaces: St. John Ambulance's OWNT program offers vital naloxone training and resources

St. John Ambulance’s Ontario Workplace Naloxone Training (OWNT) Program can provide businesses with information about their resources available to Ontario workplaces as the new Ontario legislation implementation date approaches.

As of June 1, 2023, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) will require that naloxone be available in some workplaces in case a worker has an opioid poisoning. Not all employers have to comply with the OHSA requirements to provide naloxone in the workplace. Employers must provide a naloxone kit when an employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, of the following scenarios:

There is a risk of a worker opioid overdose. There is a risk that the worker overdoses while in a workplace where they perform work for the employer. The risk is posed by a worker who performs work for the employer.

If all of these scenarios are present, the employer must comply with the OHSA requirements to provide naloxone in the workplace. If any one of these scenarios are not present, an employer does not need to comply with the OHSA requirements to provide naloxone in the workplace.

A total of 3,556 apparent opioid poisoning deaths occurred in Canada in 2022 (January – June), and 98% of those deaths were accidental. Most accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths were among individuals aged 20 to 59 years.

St. John Ambulance is a proud program provider for the Ontario Workplace Naloxone Program. Their role is to support employers that are required under the OHSA to provide a naloxone kit in their workplace by offering free workplace naloxone training for up to two (2) workers and/or one (1) free nasal spray naloxone kit per workplace location. For more information on SJA’s Ontario Workplace Naloxone Program, please visit: Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program | St. John Ambulance Canada (sja.ca)

For more information about the Ontario Legislation, please visit: Naloxone in the workplace | ontario.ca.

Safety & Security

Should you require support, please reference the attached Who to Call Card.

Waterloo Region Police Service

Update from WRPS - September, 2023:

Cst. Matt Wilson has joined the team at Central Division, and will be a dedicated officer to the downtown core.

Statement from WRPS - April, 2020:

The Waterloo Regional Police Service continues to provide essential service in the Kitchener Downtown. Increased presence by our Community Engagement Officers, Central CORE Team, Community Resource Officers and Zone Officers is ongoing and we are responding to concerns throughout the downtown. I would encourage business to include messages about closures to be temporary and check your business regularly. It is important to report any activity, property damage or other issues promptly so we can respond.

Please reach out to us via Slack, email or by phone if you have any questions or comments.

Statement from WRPS - March, 2020:

"The Waterloo Regional Police Service continues to offer essential service to the community.

We understand business owners may be feeling anxious at this time of uncertainty. We want to reassure you that it is business as usual for us and officers will remain on patrol throughout Waterloo Region responding to calls for service.

This is a time when our community needs to come together, to help each other, and to watch out for one another. We remind business owners and residents of this community to report any suspicious activity or individuals to police."

Business self security audit

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, watch out for associated scams. Fraudsters want to profit from consumers' fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Fraudsters are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cyber crime. Here are ways to protect your business.

Streetscape Improvements

March 13, 2023

Tree & Paver Replacement Project

The City of Kitchener is undertaking work along King Street to replace trees and improve the paved surface between the sidewalk and roadway. There are many benefits to this work, including:

Replaced aging electrical equipment and damaged or uneven pavers Improved performance of the planters and tree wells Easier management and better health of trees along King Street Improved installation and maintenance of horticulture displays in planters.

The first part of this project is already complete. It took place fall 2022 between Water Street and Ontario Street. The final part takes place spring 2023 between College Street to Young Street.

This work will take place from March 17 to the end of May, as follows:

  • King Street, the south side opposite Carl Zehr Square, College to Young (Area 3)
  • King Street, north side Young to Ontario (Area 5)
  • King Street, south side at 125 King St. W. (Area 2)

The work in Area 3 involves concrete work and may be subject to some weather delays if we have a particularly cold end to winter.

How you might be affected

  • There will be no full street closures. We will sometimes need to close a lane for a short time to allow for the delivery of construction materials.
  • We will close lanes intermittently as needed for short periods of time. As described in the image above, traffic control personnel will be present to direct traffic flow during those times.
  • Parking may be affected during construction. Businesses along this part of King Street should tell delivery services about this work and the effect on parking and lane closures.
  • Public access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. But temporary adjustments to the pedestrian routes will occur as the work progresses.
  • Your garbage collection may be affected. In this case, take your garbage either across the street where work is not happening or to the nearest side street for collection.
  • Patio installations for 2023 in the areas above will take place following the completion of construction.
  • The current design of King Street will not change because of this work.

I want to learn more!

Regional and Municipal Updates

The Future of DTK Garbage Collection

The Region of Waterloo is undertaking a study as the contract for picking up waste in Downtown Kitchener is up for renewal in March of 2026. We believe that change could be on the horizon. our perspective as a business owner is crucial, considering the potential impact of these changes on your operations, waste disposal, recycling challenges, and the absence of an organic waste program.

Recommendations and findings collected by Regional staff and Dillion Consulting will be presented at Regional Council this spring to endorse future service levels.

Important Information and survey link

Process

Should you have any questions regarding the information above, please contact Linda Jutzi.

Waterloo Region Extreme Heat and Cold Partnership

January 16, 2024

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECC) has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Waterloo Region. Please see notice attached. WR Extreme Heat & Cold Partnership

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