Kitchener

KITCHENER, ONTARIO

Kitchener is located in the heart of Southern Ontario. The town was originally called Berlin and was home to a large German community. The towns name and loyalties were a concern when World War I broke out. The towns name was changed to Kitchener as a result (Lord Kitchener was a recently deceased English noble.) Other town references were also changed such as the main park which had been named after Kaiser Wilhelm and proudly displayed his statue. It was renamed Victoria Park and the statue was replaced with one of Queen Victoria.

The town revived its German heritage in the late 1960's with the creation of an annual Oktoberfest festivity. It's the largest festivity of its type outside of Germany. Somewhat ironically, the annual event was revived in the same year the town's German ethnicity dipped below 50%. It's been on the decline ever since but Oktoberfest lives on.

Kitchener Dutchmen (1988 - Present)

Kitchener Flying Dutchmen

Kitchener Rangers (1963 - Present)

Kitchener Ranger B's (1969 - 1988)

Kitchener Minor Hockey Association