
July 2025 at a glance
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Focused on:Community events and local organizations Jobs, innovation and local business Constituent help and casework Affordability and cost of living Canada Day
In July Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre was listening, celebrating and building in Kitchener Centre. She welcomed new citizens on Canada Day, visited local organizations and met neighbours at festivals. Here is a look at her work in the riding.
Building a stronger Kitchener Centre
Kelly joined Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, MP Tim Louis and neighbours to break ground on the Mill Courtland Community Centre expansion. The project includes a 2,700 sq ft multi-purpose program room, a recording studio, a basketball court, and better accessibility with parking and universal washrooms. Kelly says she looks forward to seeing the hub busy through to late 2026.
Kelly also met with Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region. She described affordable housing as one of the most urgent issues in the community. She praised Habitat for partnering with families to open the door to homeownership.
On jobs and innovation, Kelly visited The Accelerator Centre, which is celebrating 20 years and has supported over 150 startups. She talked with CEO Ruth Casselman and COO Tabatha Laverty. Their local priorities include keeping top talent in the region and engaging more university co-op students. Kelly also shared information on the Canada Summer Jobs program ahead of the July 21 hiring deadline. She offered to send young people a list of approved employers in Kitchener Centre.
“This is the kind of community-driven, long-term solution we need more of.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Listening to and supporting local organizations
Kelly continued her Your Voice Matters tour with the Honourable Anna Roberts, Shadow Minister for Seniors. They met local seniors to listen and hear their concerns firsthand.
Kelly attended the annual meetings of Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and Ray of Hope. The Women’s Crisis Services report showed 2,285 crisis support calls and chats answered, and 395 people sheltered, from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Kelly also noted its Engaging Men program. Ray of Hope offers youth support, addiction recovery and meals for people experiencing homelessness.
She also joined Independent Living Waterloo Region’s summer picnic for Disability Pride Month. She attended the Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region’s AGM and dinner, and she supported the Thrift in the Park event, which benefits the Domestic Violence Victims Alliance.
“This is community care in action — and it’s making a real difference.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Celebrating our community
On Canada Day, Kelly helped welcome 45 new citizens at a ceremony in Kitchener Centre. She also spent the day celebrating with family, friends and neighbours.
Over the month she took part in the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival in Victoria Park, her first as MP. She also attended the Eritrean Festival and the Cherry Park Cherry Festival on July 5. She joined the launch of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s 2025 season, and she visited the Victoria Park Gallery, run by the Victoria Park Historical Committee.
“To each and every new Canadian: welcome home.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Supporting youth and local business
Kelly visited STEM Camp Kitchener and met founder Kevin Cougler. The not-for-profit offers hands-on science, tech, engineering and math programs for kids aged 5 to 13. She also met Olena Chorna at Olena Chorna Fine Arts, where a summer art camp is running for ages 4 to 12. She met the Bandology team, including co-founder Lisa Michaels, and enjoyed a live performance by young musicians in their program.
Kelly also stopped by Arnold Hearing Centres at Frederick Street Mall, which is celebrating 75 years.
Reaching Kelly’s office
Kelly’s constituency office is at 303-305 King Street West in Kitchener. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No appointment is needed, but booking ahead is encouraged. You can call 519-746-8867 or email [email protected].
The office was closed for walk-ins from July 29 to August 1 as the team prepared to move to a new location in Kitchener Centre. Phone and email service continued during regular hours, and the new address and grand opening details will be announced.
Follow along as Kelly and the local team keep showing up in Kitchener Centre. Volunteer or donate to help the team do more for our neighbourhoods.












