Berry Vrbanovic

Candidate for Mayor

Elected (official result)

In their own words

berryonline.com — Berry Vrbanovic’s campaign website, opens in a new tab

Where they stand

Every candidate in this race is shown against the same 16 issues, in the same order, whether or not we’ve found something for each one. Why we do it this way.

Housing

Will I be able to afford to live here?

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Vrbanovic's 2026 vision centres on housing, infrastructure and planning: over 17,000 homes approved since 2023, with faster processes and affordable-housing priority.

Three pillars: housing, infrastructure, future-focused planning.
More than 17,000 homes approved since 2023; city advancing development despite market challenges.
Focus on what municipalities can control: aligning planning policy and infrastructure readiness, improving processes to accelerate housing construction, especially affordable housing.
Growing Together Plan enables 100,000+ new homes; Inclusionary Zoning bylaw secures affordable units near major transit stations.

“Made in Kitchener is not just a reflection of our past — it is how we move forward. It means focusing on what we can control, working together, and turning ideas into action right here in our community.”

(reported remarks)

Source: Mayor Vrbanovic's 2026 State of the City address (city news release) · February 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Vrbanovic's campaign focus: keep Kitchener affordable and build more housing.

Build more housing over the next four years
Keep Kitchener affordable

“My focus for the next four years is straightforward: keep Kitchener affordable, build more housing, improve the roads and infrastructure you rely on, protect local jobs, strengthen neighbourhoods, and ensure our transforming city continues to deliver the services and quality of life you expect.”

(a page or more)

Source: Berry Vrbanovic for Mayor of Kitchener (campaign homepage)

Confidence:High

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Taxes & spending

What happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go?

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Vrbanovic delivered a 2.2% 2026 budget increase, described as likely the lowest in Waterloo Region, funding parks, trails, trees and over $45M in road construction.

2026 budget: 2.2% property tax increase, or $29 for the average household; 'likely the lowest rate increase in Waterloo Region'.
Budgets averaging below Ontario inflation both during this term of Council and over the past decade.
Includes $1.5M for new community parks, $2.4M for trail upgrades, $3.3M for the tree canopy plan, over $45M in full road construction.

“This budget once again delivers what will likely be the lowest rate increase in Waterloo Region, without sacrificing necessary investments that will allow us to meet the needs of a growing community.”

(reported remarks)

Source: Kitchener Council Finalizes Affordability Budget at 2.2% for 2026 (city news release) · October 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Vrbanovic cites Kitchener's lowest cumulative tax-rate increase of any area municipality.

Delivered the lowest cumulative tax rate increase of any area municipality
Keep costs down while investing in the services residents depend on

“I've worked tirelessly with Council to ensure Kitchener has had the lowest cumulative tax rate increase of any area municipality, helping keep your costs down while investing in the services you depend on.”

(a page or more)

Source: Berry Vrbanovic for Mayor of Kitchener (campaign homepage)

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Emergency services

When I call for help, will it come fast enough?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Transit

Can I get where I need to go without driving?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Government

Will decisions be made in the open, and will anyone answer for them?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Roads & infrastructure

Will the things I use every day actually get fixed?

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Vrbanovic is lobbying Ottawa for predictable, long-term infrastructure funding and faster-flowing housing dollars for cities.

Pushing for predictable, long-term federal funding for housing, infrastructure, transportation and trade diversification.
Expediting federal funding programs so budgeted dollars flow faster for housing and infrastructure projects.

“Canada's big-city mayors are united in our priorities as we look to be partners in prosperity with Ottawa to build strong cities and a strong, resilient Canada.”

(reported remarks)

Source: Mayor Vrbanovic at Canada's Big City Mayors Caucus, Ottawa (city news release) · October 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Vrbanovic cites investment in roads, parks, trails and recreation.

Invested in roads, parks, trails and recreation
Improve the roads and infrastructure residents rely on

“We've accelerated housing, invested in roads, parks, trails and recreation, supported local businesses and jobs, strengthened our downtown, and worked to build safe and welcoming neighbourhoods where everyone can belong.”

(a page or more)

Source: Berry Vrbanovic for Mayor of Kitchener (campaign homepage)

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Economy

Will our main streets and local jobs thrive?

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Vrbanovic backs the downtown innovation ecosystem and a new Make It Kitchener 2.1 economic strategy targeting health innovation and AI.

Investments in the Innovation Arena and the downtown innovation ecosystem.
Forthcoming updated economic development strategy 'Make It Kitchener 2.1' focuses on supporting businesses, attracting investment, and expanding into health innovation and artificial intelligence.

“The Mayor highlighted investments in the Innovation Arena and the broader downtown innovation ecosystem, alongside the City's forthcoming updated economic development strategy, Make It Kitchener 2.1, which focuses on supporting businesses, attracting investment, and expanding into emerging sectors such as health innovation and artificial intelligence.”

(reported remarks)

Source: Mayor Vrbanovic's 2026 State of the City address (city news release) · February 1, 2026

Confidence:High

Vrbanovic pledges to protect local jobs and support local businesses.

Protect local jobs
Support local businesses and jobs

“supported local businesses and jobs”

(a page or more)

Source: Berry Vrbanovic for Mayor of Kitchener (campaign homepage)

Confidence:High

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Environment

Is the candidate protecting the nature we live in?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Healthcare

Will there be a doctor and a hospital when we need one?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Growth & development

How fast should we grow, and who decides what gets built where?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Social & community services

Who looks after the most vulnerable residents?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Active transportation

Can I walk and bike safely around town?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Arts & culture

Does the candidate value what makes this place feel alive?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Data centres

Should energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Water & waste

Is our drinking water safe and our waste handled?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Bylaw enforcement

Are the rules fair, and are they actually enforced?

Not reviewed yet. Know something?

Think we got something wrong?

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