Kitchener is a city in the southern portion of Ontario, located approximately 100 km west of Toronto. Kitchener has a diverse population of over 200,00 residents dispersed into over forty neighbourhoods, each varying in terms of housing, education, and community services. The neighbourhoods surround the downtown core, the most densely populated area in terms of residents and industry. The area is home to a fine mix of commercial, recreational and cultural attractions, as well as an impressive selection of health care services for all health needs. The primarily shopping area is the Fairview Park Mall, located at 2960 Kingsway Drive, and contains a multitude of retail stores, banks, and restaurants.
The city is often seen in conjunction with its twin city, Waterloo, referred to jointly as the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The area is served by three main hospitals, Grand River Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, and Cambridge Memories. Kitchener-Waterloo is served by Grand River Transit, an efficient and accessible transportation system that comprises of light rail and bus rapid transit.