July 2026: Housing, Recovery and Local Business in Kitchener Centre

July was a busy month for Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre, with 37 posts and videos shared with residents. She wrote to the federal government on a local housing project, spoke up for recovery and rehabilitation, and backed local innovators. She also spent time at festivals, open houses and celebrations across the riding.

Housing and advocacy for Kitchener

Kelly wrote to the Minister of Housing urging approval of federal funding for Kitchener's Fire Station 8 and affordable housing project. She says the investment would strengthen emergency services and create 281 affordable homes. She also notes that building both together would save taxpayers millions.

Kelly also said every dollar spent on housing and homelessness should focus on getting people the support they need and moving them toward safer, more stable housing.

Recovery, rehabilitation and safer communities

Kelly shared her own story of overcoming addiction and talked about her Private Member's Bill C-240. The bill would expand rehabilitation opportunities and support abstinence-based recovery. The goal is to help break the cycle of addiction and crime.

She also spoke about a restorative justice centre in Waterloo Region. She said it could help change lives, and that passing Bill C-229 would be an important step toward making projects like it possible.

Kelly visited the Oasis Centre and thanked the people supporting those who are rebuilding their lives.

“Addiction should never be a life sentence.”

From Kelly’s Facebook video

Local business, jobs and innovation

Kelly highlighted Kitchener Centre innovators, including SkyWatch Space Applications and SmartTrace Software Development. She also took part in conversations at the Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor Summit about growing the economy and supporting local talent.

Her weekly small business features this month recognized Mom's Bread & Pie Co., Mac Repair Man, Markatoo Fresh Produce and Metro Restaurant. Kelly also invited local businesses to a CUSMA Roundtable on trade and tariffs, and said she is watching to see that Canadian companies are part of new supply chains. She also pointed to AI tools that could help cities find and fix potholes faster.

Around Kitchener Centre

Kelly joined many community celebrations in July. She attended the Multicultural Festival, the Philippine Extravaganza, the Cherry Park Neighbourhood Cherry Festival and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony season launch. She also congratulated CYAC on 10 years of serving the community.

She stopped by the Nihal Grewal Summer Open House at Fierce & Fit Boxing, the Kitchener-Waterloo Kids Badminton Tournament and the Ontario Men's Lawn Bowling Singles Championship. She joined Indigenous Elder Myeengun at Sheppard Public School, met JUNO Award-winning producer DJ Dub J, and congratulated the Grand River Collegiate Institute class of 2026.

“A strong community is built through arts, culture, and the people who bring them to life.”

From Kelly’s Facebook post

Local news and ways to take part

Kelly spoke up for local journalism and local radio after Rogers ended broadcasting at 570 NewsRadio in Waterloo Region. She expressed concern for the affected employees and families, and for the future of Kitchener Rangers radio coverage. She also sponsored a petition on local journalism and invited residents to sign a petition on local radio.

Residents can also join a town hall on the federal social media ban with MPs Connie Cody and Dr. Matt Strauss, submit a photo for the 2027 community calendar, and mark September 12 for the Summer BBQ.

“Local radio matters. It’s where communities hear their stories, local news, and emergency updates.”

From Kelly’s Facebook post

Follow along with Kelly's work for Kitchener Centre and come meet the local team at an upcoming event. You can also volunteer or donate to help the team keep showing up for the community.