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Parks, Trails & Urban Forestry

Living with coyotes in Kitchener

In order to live in harmony with these animals, we must learn to understand and respect them.

Some tips for living with coyotes in the city:

Never feed a coyote or other wild animal. When coyotes are fed by people, they loose their fear of humans and continue to frequent neighbourhoods.
Secure your garbage and compost in durable plastic containers with locking lids. Never compost meat or other animal products in outdoor composters.
Always keep your dog on a leash and under control. Domestic dogs are considered a threat and an easy meal for a coyote. Your outdoor cat could also be mistaken for food by a coyote.
If you are approached by a coyote, do not turn your back and run. Remain calm, stand tall, waive your arms and make lots of noise. The animal should continue on its way.

Concerns about abnormal coyote behaviour should be reported to the City of Kitchener by calling 519-741-2345.

There's no better way to live a healthier, more active lifestyle than by visiting one of the city's parks and trails, or by sitting under the shade of a beautiful tree.

By doing so, you'll learn that we boast more than 1,600 hectares of parkland, which includes more than 75 natural areas, 220 parks, more than 125 kilometers of community trails and 45,000 street trees.

Parks, trails and urban forestry - what's new?

Construction of McLennan Park is now complete. As of July 16, 2011 the park is open for public use.

The City of Kitchener has initiated the first phase of the pilot street tree management plan with the Westmount Neighbourhood Association. The survey results from the first public meeting show a high level of support for Kitchener's urban forest and the direction of this Pilot Street Tree Management Plan.

The City is working to develop a Sustainable Urban Forest Plan. Information about this project was recently presented to Kitchener's Environmental Committee.

The Community Trail Master Plan will develop a long term strategy and implementation plan for the City's off road trail system.

With the confirmation of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in August 2010, the city is working to determine the extent of EAB within the city.

Kitchener city council approved the Parks Strategic Plan in September 2010 which will now guide long term plans, priorities and strategies.

Parks and trails

The city's 220 parks has something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's a game of soccer, a picnic or a playground for your children, there is a park near you to enjoy. Kitchener's three City-Wide Parks offer unique recreational services to the community:

Kiwanis Park - more than 119 acres in size and has trails, a lake-like swimming pool, snack bar, picnic shelters, beach volleyball, athletic fields and a leash-free dog park.

McLennan Park - boasts a tobaggan hill, a lookout, a bike park, a leash-free dog area, and accessible play-structure, beach volleyball and basketball courts, a skatepark, splash pad, and a washroom building.

Victoria Park - located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, offers a large playground, a splash pad, picnic tables, beautiful gardens and the celebrated clock tower bell from the old city hall.

Whether you're biking, jogging or walking, with more than 125 kilometres of community trails - there is a trail near you to enjoy. If you are looking for a bigger adventure you will want to explore the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, Iron Horse Trail or Trans Canada Trail.

To find a park or trail, use the City's Onpoint Mapping Program or purchase a copy of the Grand River Transit (GRT) maps. Copies of GRT maps are $2 and available on the 7^th floor at city hall; the GRT transit terminal on Charles Street; and Fairview Park and Conestoga malls' information kiosk.

Urban forestry

Kitchener's urban forest includes the city's natural areas and trees found in the city's parks and along residential streets. The urban forest is a valuable resource and provides significant economic, environmental and social benefits which all help to create a healthy community.

With more than 75 natural areas in the city, there is one near you to discover. At 250 hectares, the Huron Natural Area (HNA) is our largest natural park, and one place you will want to visit. If you want to learn more about these special places whether it be the plants, birds or animals or if you would like to learn how you can help conserve these areas, visit Kitchener's Natural Areas Program.

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