Cannabis Legalization in Kitchener
The push for the legalization of cannabis in Kitchener is gaining momentum, with a number of high-profile politicians and businesspeople throwing their support behind the cause.
One of the most vocal proponents of legalization has been Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who has repeatedly stated his belief that cannabis should be regulated and taxed in a similar manner to alcohol. “I think it’s time for a serious discussion about the legalization of cannabis,” Vrbanovic said in an interview with The Record last month. “I think there’s a lot of myths out there that need to be dispelled.”
The mayor’s stance on the issue has won him praise from some quarters, with local activist group Decriminalize Kitchener applauding his “courageous leadership” on the issue.
However, not everyone is on board with the mayor’s plan. Police Chief Bryan Larkin has spoken out against legalization, saying that it would lead to more impaired drivers on the road and put a strain on police resources. “From a public safety perspective, I have significant concerns,” Larkin said in an interview with CTV News last month.
The divided opinions on the issue are mirrored in the broader community, with a recent poll finding that 50% of Kitchener residents support legalization while 41% are opposed.
With both sides dug in, it looks like the debate over cannabis legalization in Kitchener is far from over.
The Places for Tourists in Kitchener
The city was originally known as Berlin until 1916 when it was renamed Kitchener in honour of British Field Marshal Horatio Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener. The city is home to a number of large businesses and employers, including Google Canada, Christie Digital, BlackBerry Limited (formerly Research In Motion), Constant Contact, Manulife Financial, and Sybase.
The City of Kitchener covers an area of 136.86 square kilometres and had a population of 233,222 at the time of the 2016 census. The urban area, which includes the cities of Waterloo and Cambridge, has 523,894 people, making it the tenth largest Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) in Canada.
Kitchener is located approximately 100 kilometres west of Toronto, and 50 kilometres east of Hamilton. The city is also situated within the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s Central Region in southwestern Ontario; it is adjacent to Waterloo’s suburban areas to the north, and Guelph’s to the south.
The Grand River flows through the city, which is also bisected by the Huron River. The city has a humid continental climate of the warm summer subtype (Dfb).
Kitchener and Waterloo are considered “twin cities” which are often referred to jointly as “Kitchener–Waterloo”, “KW”, or the “Twin Cities”. Including Cambridge, the three cities are known as “the Tri-Cities”. Although they have separate municipal governments, the region generally refers to the townships of Wellesley, Woolwich and Wilmot, which surround Kitchener–Waterloo, as well as North Dumfries and Grand River townships, which include Cambridge.
Historically, the area was part of Black Creek Township until it was incorporated as a town in 1854 and later became the City of Waterloo in 1948. The name “Waterloo” was applied to what originally had been named Johnstown, by John Eby, who founded it in 1829. It was chosen due to its traditionally English connotations, which reflected Mr. Eby’s desire to settle nearby German Mennonites.
There are many things for tourists to do in Kitchener including exploring the historic downtown, visiting the Waterloo Region Museum, or enjoying the many festivals and events that are held in the city throughout the year.
Some of the popular attractions in Kitchener include:
-The Grand River
-Queen’s Square
-Kitchener City Hall
-Waterloo Region Museum
-St. Jacob’s Farmers Market
-Oktoberfest
-The Blues Festival
-The Jazz Festival
There are also many restaurants, cafes, and bars located in Kitchener, so visitors can enjoy the city’s culinary scene.
If you are looking for things to do in Kitchener, Ontario, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to explore the city’s history or participate in its vibrant festivals and events, there is something for everyone in this beautiful Canadian city.