At MTE, we celebrate our history and the people who bring our vision to life. With over 50,000 projects behind us, our journey from a small team to a multidisciplinary firm reflects a lasting commitment to building better communities—one project at a time.
With 22 years of experience in building assessment and diagnostic testing, Tania specializes in the restoration and repair of diverse building types. She has worked extensively with large institutional clients, providing roofing and cladding assessments across their building portfolios. Her expertise includes detailed condition evaluations, forensic failure investigations, design development, and construction management services.
Tania also serves as a Growth Director at MTE, helping guide the firm’s strategic development and supporting opportunities that align with our long-term goals.
Tania has worked on a variety of projects spanning across Ontario, all with unique stories and challenges. For Tania Krysa, one of those meaningful projects was the City of Kitchener City Hall Outdoor Spaces Rehabilitation.
This project holds special significance for Tania—not only because of its technical complexity, but also because of the meaningful impact it’s had on the community. With the revitalized space, residents can enjoy the square year-round, from skating on the rinks in winter to cooling off in the splash park during the summer, and more.
Revitalizing a Community Landmark: City of Kitchener City Hall Outdoor Spaces Rehabilitation
The City of Kitchener City Hall Outdoor Spaces Rehabilitation Project marks a significant step forward in reimagining one of the city’s most important public spaces. Focused on enhancing the infrastructure surrounding City Hall, including Carl Zehr Square and the adjacent streets—this revitalization effort was designed to deliver a more durable, functional, and inclusive environment for the community to enjoy year-round.
A Vision for Longevity and Accessibility
At its core, this project was driven by the need to improve the long-term performance of the square while creating a space that’s welcoming and accessible to all. Key infrastructure upgrades included the restoration and waterproofing of the underground parking garage, improved drainage systems, and the resurfacing of surrounding pavements. These critical improvements ensure the space can withstand the elements, remain safe for public use, and function smoothly for years to come.
Year-Round Enjoyment for All
The redesign also brought with it exciting upgrades to major community features, most notably the ice rink and water feature. These elements were reimagined to serve dual purposes and adapt quickly to the seasons. The new water feature can be turned off and hidden within minutes, transforming the square into a flexible open space for concerts, markets, and other public events. In winter, the square becomes a vibrant destination for skating.
Accessibility was a guiding principle throughout the project. The renewed space now meets modern standards, with barrier-free access, enhanced seating, and a new accessible stage. Whether it’s relaxing among native plantings or attending a local festival, everyone can now fully engage with this central community hub.
Innovative Design in Action
The design, led by GSP Group, incorporated unique technologies and thoughtful solutions tailored to the existing space. One of the standout challenges was creating a rink and water feature system that could switch functions without the need for extensive manual setup. We also implemented a waterproofing membrane beneath the surface materials, designed to outlast the stamped concrete above it—preserving the structure while maintaining aesthetics.
From landscaping and lighting to ramps and stairs, every element was carefully considered. The result is a modern public space that balances technical complexity with community-focused usability.
We extend our sincere thanks to the entire project team for their dedication and collaboration throughout this important initiative. One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the team itself. A special acknowledgment goes to GSP Group, who led the team responsible for developing the Kitchener City Hall Outdoor Spaces Master Plan. Their leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping a thoughtful, community-focused plan that balances functionality, accessibility, and long-term performance.
MTE’s Contribution
MTE played a key role in bringing this vision to life. Our team was responsible for structural restoration, building envelope work, site grading and drainage, and full-time construction review. Tania had the privilege of serving as Project Principal and technical lead for MTE’s Building Engineering team throughout the entire project.
This was one of those rare projects where everything aligned: a committed team, a clear vision, and a shared focus on delivering something meaningful for the community. We faced our share of challenges—working within the constraints of an existing space always comes with surprises—but it was also an opportunity for collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. And that’s what Tania loves the most about this impactful project.
Looking to the Future
The City of Kitchener City Hall Outdoor Spaces rehabilitation is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a reimagining of how public space can serve a growing and diverse city. With its renewed infrastructure, enhanced accessibility, and thoughtful design, the square is now equipped to support the community for decades to come.