Your MP at Work

July 2025: Listening, Celebrating and Building in Kitchener Centre

Monthly update · July 2025 · Published October 28, 2026

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.

Featured in this update

Facebook · July 22, 2025

🎉 Groundbreaking Day at Mill Courtland Community Centre! 🎉 Exciting day in Kitchener Centre as we broke ground on the expansion of the Mill Courtland Community Centre! It was an honour to join Mayor Berry Vrbanovic , MP Tim Louis, and neighbours to celebrate this exciting mile… Read more

stone. This is about more than just bricks and mortar — it’s about creating a space where people can gather, grow, and connect. I’m proud to support investments that reflect the heart of our community. 📍 What’s included: - A spacious 2,700 sq ft multi‑purpose program room - A brand-new recording studio and basketball court - Enhanced accessibility: parking and universal washrooms Looking ahead—this is a major step toward a more vibrant, accessable, and connected Kitchener Centre. Can’t wait to see this hub bustling with activity through to late 2026! Let’s celebrate this milestone and look forward to a stronger community together 💪🏽 #KitchenerCentre #CommunityGrowth #Accessibility #Infrastructure #TogetherWeRise #cityofkitchener

Facebook · July 28, 2025

I recently had the chance to meet with Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, and I’m deeply moved by the work they’re doing right here in our community. Affordable housing is one of the most urgent issues in our community. Families are being priced out of safe, stable homes—and i… Read more

t’s putting enormous pressure on their health, their finances, and their futures. Habitat isn’t just building houses—they’re partnering with families to break the cycle of unaffordable rent and open the door to homeownership. They walk alongside each family, helping them build equity, resilience, and hope. This is the kind of community-driven, long-term solution we need more of. I'm proud to support their mission—and I encourage others to learn more about this fantastic organization. https://www.habitatwr.ca/site/home #KitchenerCentre #HabitatForHumanity #AffordableHousing #BuildCommunity #HousingIsAHumanRight

Facebook · July 18, 2025

🚀 Recently visited The Accelerator Centre — Canada’s #1 Private Business Accelerator, now celebrating 20 years of launching and scaling some of the country’s most exciting startups! With over 150 startups supported, this powerhouse is fueling innovation, creating jobs, and help… Read more

ing entrepreneurs turn big ideas into thriving businesses — right here in Waterloo Region. Had great conversations with CEO Ruth Casselman and COO Tabatha Laverty about the Centre’s full-service model and its real impact on our community. 🔑 Key local priorities: ✅ Retaining top talent in the region ✅ Engaging more university co-op students to keep innovation flowing Proud to support organizations that keep Kitchener Centre at the heart of Canada’s innovation economy. 💡 #KitchenerCentre #Startups #Innovation #TalentRetention #AcceleratorCentre #WaterlooTech #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship

Facebook · July 14, 2025

🌞 Canada Summer Jobs: Supporting Youth & Communities 🇨🇦 Every summer, the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program helps thousands of young people (ages 15–30) gain meaningful, paid work experience — while supporting local businesses and non-profits. In 2025, the program is creating… Read more

over 70,000 summer jobs across the country in areas like: ✅ Climate action ✅ Community services ✅ Tourism & recreation ✅ Skilled trades and more 🗓️ Hiring deadline is July 21st, so it’s down to the wire — but there are still great opportunities out there for those looking to gain experience and earn a paycheque this summer. Anyone interested, please send me a direct message, and I can forward you the list of employers in Kitchener Centre that are approved for this program. This is a win for young workers, local employers, and Canada’s future economy. 🌱 #CanadaSummerJobs #YouthEmployment #SupportingYouth #kitchenercentre

Facebook · July 23, 2025

Thank you to the Honourable Anna Roberts, Shadow Minister for Seniors, for joining me as part of my Your Voice Matters tour. It was a pleasure to have her alongside me as we met with local seniors to listen, learn, and hear their concerns firsthand. We gained valuable insight fro… Read more

m those who helped build this country — their stories and experiences are a reminder of the work we must continue to do on their behalf. Anna, thank you for your continued commitment to being a strong voice for seniors in Ottawa. @annarobertsmp #kitchenercentre #yourvoicematters #seniorwisdom

Facebook · July 11, 2025

It was an honour to attend the Women in Crisis AGM this year, hosted by Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. I was deeply moved by the incredible work being done to support not only women and children, but also to engage men in preventing domestic violence. While no photos… Read more

were taken (for privacy and safety reasons), I want to share some of the powerful impact this organization made over the past year: 📊 April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 Impact Report: • 4,043 people reached through prevention and education • 2,285 crisis support phone calls and chats answered • 1,297 outreach clients supported • 395 individuals sheltered — 198 women and 197 children These numbers represent lives changed — and in many cases, lives saved. What also stood out to me is the Engaging Men program, a unique initiative providing one-on-one and group counselling for men — all of which is voluntary. With three dedicated male clinicians, this program fosters accountability and healthier relationships, creating safer communities for everyone. Thanks to support from the Waterloo Region Upstream Fund, education among men has increased by 35% in the last year alone. This is community care in action — and it’s making a real difference. 💜 #WomensCrisisServices #SupportSurvivors #EndViolence #EngagingMen #WaterlooRegion #CommunityImpact #GiveHope #kitchenercentre

Facebook · July 21, 2025

I had the privilege of attending the Ray of Hope AGM recently— and left feeling inspired by the powerful stories of transformation and the deep care this organization brings to our community. From youth support to addiction recovery to meals for those experiencing homelessness, R… Read more

ay of Hope offers more than just services — they offer hope, dignity, and a path forward. As someone who is deeply passionate about improving services for those struggling with addiction, I’m especially grateful for the work they do to walk alongside people on some of the hardest journeys — helping them reclaim their lives with strength and support. Thank you to the incredible staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters who make this work possible. Our community is stronger because of you. 💛 I have added links to their website and their annual report. Please check them out. https://rayofhope.net/ https://rayofhope.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Ray-of-Hope-Annual-Report-2025.pdf #RayOfHope #CommunitySupport #KitchenerCentre #HopeInAction #AddictionRecovery #StrongerTogether

Facebook · July 17, 2025

July is Disability Pride Month—a time to honour the strength, self-advocacy, and contributions of people with disabilities. I had the privilege of joining Independent Living Waterloo Region for their Annual Summer Picnic—a joyful gathering that reflects the heart of their work: b… Read more

uilding community, fostering independence, and celebrating the right to live with dignity and choice. ILWR continues to be a leader in supporting adults with physical disabilities across our region. Their work matters—this month and every month. Learn more at ilwr.ca #DisabilityPrideMonth #InclusionMatters #KWCommunity #IndependentLiving #kitchenercentre

Facebook · July 31, 2025

🌾 Working Toward a Sustainable Food System in Waterloo Region 🌾 I had the pleasure of attending the AGM & Dinner Night hosted by the Food System Roundtable of Waterloo Region, a non-profit group that’s been advocating for a healthier, more sustainable food system since 2007. Th… Read more

e Roundtable began as a grassroots initiative, bringing together community voices to address food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and local food policy. Over the years, it’s grown into a respected platform for collaboration and advocacy across the region. It was wonderful to connect with: 🌱 Josalyn Radcliffe – Roundtable Director 🌍 Steffanie Scott – Founding member 🥕 Andrew Spring – Director, Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food 🌾 Doug Jones – Director Their commitment to food justice and community resilience is inspiring. Proud to support their work and help amplify the conversation around sustainable food systems! 🍽️💚 #SustainableFoodSystems #LocalFoodMatters #CommunityFoodSecurity #kitchenercentre

Facebook · July 13, 2025

On the heels of my Women in Crisis post, I wanted to highlight the Thrift in the Park event—an incredible day of community, connection, and conscious shopping. 🌿🛒💕 Thank you to everyone who came out, supported, and made it such a success. We didn’t just thrift—we helped creat… Read more

e safety, dignity, and healing. 💪💖 In support of the Domestic Violence Victims Alliance (DVVA), Retail Therapy was launched as a thrift and consignment store to strengthen DVVA’s ability to support survivors of domestic violence. Their brick-and-mortar shop is located at 150 Victoria Street South, Kitchener. Every donation, purchase, and volunteer effort has helped fund critical mental health support, legal aid, and emergency resources for those rebuilding their lives. 💻 Learn more or donate: dvva.ca #RetailTherapyKW #DVVA #SupportSurvivors #ThriftInThePark #ConsciousShopping #CommunityCare #DomesticViolenceAwareness #kitchenercentre

Facebook · July 15, 2025

On Canada Day, right here in Kitchener Centre, we welcomed 45 new citizens into our Canadian family. 🇨🇦 I was deeply honoured to be part of such a meaningful moment in their journey — a day filled with pride, joy, and the promise of new beginnings. To each and every new Canadia… Read more

n: welcome home. Your stories, your strength, and your dreams are now part of the fabric of this community, and we are better for it. 💙🤍❤️ May this be the start of something truly special. #WelcomeHome #NewCanadians #KitchenerCentre #CanadaDay2025 #CitizenshipCeremony #StrongerTogether

Photos and videos from July 2025

Multi-Cultural Festival

Help Kelly keep working for Kitchener Centre

Kelly's work in Ottawa is backed by volunteers and supporters here at home. A monthly donation of any size keeps the local team going, and political contributions earn a generous federal tax credit.