Extreme heat causes sidewalks to buckle in Kitchener

Sidewalks along Wilson Avenue in Kitchener, Ont. buckling due to the heat on July 3, 2026. (Courtesy: Ravi Koripelly)

The extreme heat has caused sidewalks to expand and crack in one Kitchener neighbourhood.

Photos, shared with CTV News, showed buckling along Wilson Avenue.

“Occasionally, high temperatures like we have had this week can cause the material in a sidewalk slab to expand, causing buckling or heaving,” the city explained in an email to CTV News. “Sometimes these areas will go back down on their own after the heat dissipates but can also require further intervention.”

That can include barriers, cones or paint.

“Depending on the situation, we will replace the affected area, if necessary,” the city said.

A similar situation happened in June 2025. Sidewalks in Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge also buckled under the stress of the heat and humidity. Those slabs were either repaired or replaced.

The heat wave is coming to an end, but southern Ontario won’t be getting much of a break. Here’s what Environment Canada is predicting for the next week.

Residents can report problems to 519-741-2345 or visit Kitchener.ca/contact.