Citizen Committees and Boards

Thank you for your interest in being a volunteer with one of the City of Kitchener's Citizen advisory committees.  The deadline for applications is Sunday, September 27, 2020 at midnight. 

What Citizen Advisory Committees and Boards are recruiting?

Many Citizen Advisory Committees (Art and culture advisory committee; Compass Kitchener; Cycling and trails advisory committee; Downtown action and advisory committee; Economic development advisory committee; Environmental committee; Heritage Kitchener; Property standards committee and Safe and Healthy Community advisory committee) and Boards (Centre in the Square 1 vacancy ending 2020; Kitchener Housing Inc. 4 vacancies ending 2020 and Kitchener Public Library 1 vacancy and 2 alternate positions) are currently recruiting.  For more details on each committee and board click here.

What is the difference between a citizen advisory committee and a board?

Kitchener's citizen committees provide advice and feedback to city council and standing committees on a variety of issues, including arts and culture, accessibility, downtown and the environment; whereas boards have the autonomy to make decisions for the good of their organizations.

How will meetings be conducted?

In response to COVID-19, advisory committee meetings are all being held electronically until further notice. Committee members are encouraged to participate in meeting by video-conference or by telephone.

What qualifications are required to be considered for a citizen committee or board volunteer?

To meet the initial requirements, you must be a resident of Kitchener, work in Kitchener or own property in Kitchener to apply.  You must also identify the committee and the specific position that you are interested in. 

I am a current Citizen Committee or Board volunteer do I need to re-apply?

Yes, to be considered for the next term all current Citizen Advisory Committee and/or Board volunteers must submit an application.

To review and update your application details please click on the orange button (Fill in an application) on the right than enter your username and password in the “I already have a username section” and click on login and continue which will take you to your application details. 

Please note once you have updated and submitted your application you will not receive an email notification.  If you would like to verify that we have received your application, please email volunteer@kitchener.ca for a confirmation.   

I have submitted an application in the past and was not placed.  How do I update my application?

Please click on the orange button (Fill in an application) on the right than enter your username and password in the “I already have a username section” and click on login and continue which will take you to your application details. 

Please note once you have updated and submitted your application you will not receive an email notification.  If you would like to verify that we have received your application, please email volunteer@kitchener.ca for a confirmation.   

I forgot my password and/or username?

If you have forgotten your USERNAME and/ or PASSWORD, there are two options to receive the information.

Auto generated message

1. Click on Orange Button to the Right (Fill in an application)
2. Click on forgot USERNAME or PASSWORD
3. Follow the instructions
4. A new USERNAME and/or PASSWORD will be emailed to you

Contact Volunteer Engagement

1. Email volunteer@kitchener.ca we will provide you with your USERNAME and new PASSWORD
2. Please note that we will be able to assist you with this Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

I would like to be considered for both a citizen advisory committee and board position do I need to submit separate applications?

Yes, to be considered a citizen advisory committee and board position you must complete separate applications.

I don’t have time to complete to the entire application at one time, can I save it and come back later to submit it?

 No, you cannot save your work and return to it later.  You must complete the entire application at one time.   

How will I be notified if I have accepted as a citizen advisory committee or board volunteer?

You will receive an email from the City indicating whether you’ve been appointed by Council for an advisory committee/board (and which one if you indicated an interest in more than one) or if you have not been appointed.

I am not comfortable completing online forms, can I get a paper version of the application?  

You may contact Sarah Coutu at 519-741-2200, extension 7592 or email her at sarah.coutu@kitchener.ca to arrange to obtain a paper copy of the application.

I have some questions about the process and/or a specific citizen advisory committee or board.

Who can someone contact?

You can contact Sarah Coutu at 519-741-2200, extension 7592 or email her at sarah.coutu@kitchener.ca.  She will be very happy to answer any questions you have.

Accessible formats of the volunteer application and communication supports are available upon request. If you require assistance to complete an application to volunteer, please call 519-741-2200 ext. 7592 or TTY 1-866-969-9994.