Indigenous communities use of space
We're working with the City of Kitchener to make it easier for Indigenous communities to access public spaces to celebrate their culture and ceremony.
This is part of our commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation.
On this page:
Browse spaces
Bookable spaces in Waterloo include:
- meeting rooms at community centres
- outdoor green space at city parks
- picnic shelters
Visit our Plan an event page to find a full list of available spaces.
Find bookable spaces in Kitchener on their website.
Check fees
We waive rental-related fees for eligible Indigenous cultural and ceremonial events.
Rental-related fees include:
- space rental fee
- city fees for associated permits if applicable (such as tent permits for example)
- insurance coverage (speak to your staff contact to discuss)
Depending on your event, you may still need to pay fees charged by the region or province.
Confirm eligibility
To be eligible for waived rental-related fees, an event must:
- be an Indigenous ceremonial or cultural event
- be open and accessible to members of local Indigenous communities
- follow all city policies and bylaws related to space rentals
Book a space
Follow these steps to book space for eligible Indigenous cultural or ceremonial events:
1. Contact city staff
- for City of Waterloo bookings, email Indigenousbookings@waterloo.ca or call Brian Hill at 226-750-3845.
- for City of Kitchener bookings, visit their webpage.
2. Staff coordinate support
- staff work with the event organizer to book a space depending on availability
- some events may require permits – staff can help with any city, regional or provincial policies
- insurance is required – the amount of coverage needed varies depending on the event
- staff can answer any questions about what insurance is needed
3. Space is booked at no charge
- staff schedule the booking and waive fees required by the City of Waterloo
Contact us
If you have questions or need help before booking, email Indigenousbookings@waterloo.ca.