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Richie Nanan, Social Advocate
Richie Nanan has called Kitchener home for nearly 30 years. He brings a legal education, community service and lived experience to one piece of work: reading what the City of Kitchener and the Region of Waterloo decide, and putting it in front of the people it affects.
A first-generation Canadian with roots in Trinidad and Tobago, Richie champions inclusion, accessibility and accountable leadership. Every post names its source and its date, so you can read the record yourself.
We have no shade to throw. We're throwing light.
Learn MoreWhat Working for Change Looks Like
Six values, one building. Choose a pillar to see what it looks like on the record.
Inclusivity
Every neighbour counted.
Decisions land differently on different households. We ask who a rule was written for, and who it leaves out.
On the recordSame Diwali, two rules. Kitchener allows fireworks on Sunday, November 8, 2026 only, 8 to 10 p.m. Waterloo allows November 8 and 9 (by-law 2025-030). Source: the two cities' fireworks pages.
Accessibility
Not everyone can stand in line.
Voting, meetings and City services should work for people living with a disability, an illness, a shift job or no car.
On the recordFive of Waterloo Region's seven municipalities offered online voting in 2026. Kitchener and Waterloo did not. Source: CTV News Kitchener, October 27, 2026.
Diversity
A face and a voice.
Kitchener's diversity is a strength that deserves greater recognition and representation, in who decides and in who is asked.
Transparency
See why, in writing.
A decision should come with its reasons, published where anyone can read them. Where the record is silent, we ask the question out loud.
On the recordCouncil decides by by-law how Kitchener votes, and the Clerk runs the election. Source: Municipal Elections Act, 1996, sections 11 and 42.
Accountability
Same rules for everyone.
Votes, promises and spending are on the public record. We quote them with the date and leave the judgment to you.
On the recordWe no longer elect our Regional Chair. Under the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, the Minister of Municipal Affairs appoints the chair. Source: Bill 100.
Integrity
Throwing light, not shade.
No sarcasm, no guesses about motives, no conclusions the record does not support. What an office publishes, quoted.