A legacy walk to celebrate the achievements of community members with global recognition is being planned for the City of Kitchener’s 175th anniversary in 2029.

The idea received unanimous support from Kitchener city councillors on Monday night. It was part of a motion brought forward by Coun. Bil Ioannidis.

The goal will be to establish a pathway between Victoria Park and Centre in the Square in the city’s downtown core that will feature murals and other public art installations.

“Kitchener has produced individuals who have achieved international recognition in arts, sports, entertainment, science and more and these stories deserve to be visible, celebrated and shared with the world,” Ioannidis told council Monday night.

“A legacy walk gives us that permanent, public way to honour these achievements.”

Ioannidis, who had been mulling the idea for over a decade, said it’s more than public art as it opens the city up to more tourism, possible business opportunities, as well as the chance to work with local artists.

He said the project could also be interpreted digitally with an online map or storytelling to expand it beyond its physical space.

Ioannidis said he also envisions the project being integrated with Kitchener Takes the Stage, a new annual initiative that puts a spot light on local performers and artists.

“It re-enforces the district as the home of Kitchener’s cultural identity and gives residents a reason to return year after year,” he said.

Other members of council praised Ioannidis’ work on the idea, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who said he is excited to see how the project will evolve in the coming years.

“I really like the launch being tied with the city’s 175th anniversary [in 2029], which gives us lots of time to plan away to do this in an appropriate and classy way,” he said.

More details to come

The project will now be part of the city’s arts and creative industries action plan.

Jeremy Dueck, director of arts and entertainment for the city, told councillors that action plan is expected to be presented to council in May.

Dueck added once the plan is approved, staff will present the legacy walk project at a future date during the budget process.

“In the future, in terms of the budget ask, it would come as a separate budget issue, so speculating 2027 we come forward with the issue saying, ‘OK, now is the time to identify this work to be done,'” Dueck said.

“Staff then have the chance to approve it or not approve the issue paper and at that point it would trigger the actual work.”