Category Archives: Newsroom

Posts from the CKMS Newsroom programs, community shows, and associated news sites.

The CKMS Newsroom works to provide a deeper analysis of the issues that impact our communities, than which the mainstream news sources provide.

The CKMS Newsroom is comprised of volunteers and journalists and is organised by the Newsroom Committee:
dan kellar (@dankellar) is the current lieutenant of news with Bob Jonkman as the technical expert and newsie.

From May 2023 the CKMS Newsroom has been receiving funding from the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada through the “Local Journalism Initiative” project. Check out the country-wide LJI content at frequencynews.ca

The journalists for the LJI project are: Leah Gerber, dan kellar

Past newsroom journalists include: Ivan Angelovski, MP Holmes, Shalaka Jadhav, and Namish Modi.

CKMS News -2025-04-17- Local cycling route finder app rolls in with big update

CKMS News -2025-04-17- Local cycling route finder app rolls in with big update.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON –
With the launch of “version 2” of the Cycling Guide, Mark Connoly told CKMS News that the app will find “the best available, low stress, cycling friendly routes available” to get a cyclist to a destination.  Connolly, who is the executive director of the not-for-profit Cycling Guide Foundation, and a programmer on the project spoke with CKMS News earlier this week.

Cycling Guide is a free app that uses data from the open-source Open Street Maps to create routes to a set destination that favours safe cycling infrastructure. The app will show a cyclist where they may encounter more stressful riding situations through a colour coded system, and allow a user to select the route that best fits their comfort levels.

Version 2 of the app still only provides routes in Waterloo Region and Guelph, but Connolly told CKMS News that it is beta testing in Ottawa, Sarnia-Lambton, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

CKMS News – 2025-04-16- “Elbows Up For Climate” action and economic sovereignty in Waterloo

CKMS News – 2025-04-16- “Elbows Up For Climate” action and economic sovereignty in Waterloo.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – Waterloo mayor Dorothy McCabe has joined more than 160 other civic leaders across the country to demand that Canada’s federal and provincial leaders respond to the ” dual threats of tariffs and climate change” by taking bold action on climate initiatives and supporting the national economy.

The demands are presented in a letter released by the Elbows Up for Climate Campaign, a group of elected municipal officials, and argues that the status-quo approaches to climate action is not working. The letter proposes “five bold and achievable ideas the next federal government can implement as soon as it is elected, to tariff-proof our economy and create a jobs boom in every community”

To bring the letter’s demands into a local context, CKMS News spoke with Mayor McCabe, who discussed climate risks in Waterloo Region, actions the city is taking to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and what economic sovereignty looks like in the region.

CKMS News -2025-04-11- Kitchener’s April Pools initiative launches to promote water safety

CKMS News -2025-04-11- Kitchener’s April Pools is in full stroke for water safety

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
April Pools month is in full stroke in Kitchener as the city’s Aquatics team is raising funds to directly support the Water Smart safety programs and offset the costs of participation in swimming programs.

A press release from the city reads “Water safety is no joke.  In Canada, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional injury death among children 1-4 years of age, and the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years of age”.

Throughout April, the admissions on Saturdays and Sundays at three of the city’s pools, Forest Heights, Breithaupt Centre Pool, and the Grand River Rec Complex will go towards the safety programs.  There will also be free water safety resources available at all indoor pools across the city.

This show features an interview with Alex Geisel, Supervisor of Aquatics and Programs for the city of Kitchener.

CKMS News – 2025-04-09- Kitchener named as a “Tree City of the World”

CKMS News – 2025-04-09- Kitchener named as a “Tree City of the World”

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
Kitchener has joined 21 other cities in Canada and 210 cities in 24 countries around the planet in being named a Tree City of the World by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and The Arbour Day foundation.  The designation reflects the city’s efforts in “tree care, policy development, community engagement and maintaining a healthy urban canopy”.  Nearby, both Hamilton and Cambridge also hold the leafy designation.

In a press release announcing the designation, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said “As we look to celebrate Earth Day later this month, this recognition is a wonderful indicator that we’re moving in the right direction for our community, our forest and our planet!”

This show features an interview with Joshua Shea, the Manager of Forestry and Natural Area  Management at the city of Kitchener. Shea reflects on the Tree City of the World designation, speaks about an upcoming free tree giveaway, and discusses his most appreciated trees. For more information visit kitchener.ca/trees

CKMS News -2025-04-04- Sensory Backpack initiative launched in Waterloo

CKMS News -2025-04-04- Sensory Backpack initiative launched in Waterloo

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON –
The city of Waterloo has unveiled a new tool to support the sensory needs of community members while visiting city facilities, the sensory backpack.  Packed with items to help individuals reduce or increase sensory input, such as noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget tools, the new initiative was launched on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness day.

The backpacks also include information about Waterloo’s inclusion services, and items for self-regulation and communication such as a timer, a drawing pad, and Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS), which allows folks to communicate through pictures.

These kits fit in with the city’s reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion framework, and are accessible to any visitor at 6 city run facilities. Similar programs have been launched in other Ontario cities including Ottawa, Toronto, and Barrie.

This show features an interview with Molly Riediger, the Inclusion Services Coordinator at the City of Waterloo.

CKMS News -2025-04-03- Consulting along the path of Baden’s Prime Ministers statue project

CKMS News -2025-04-03- Consulting along the path of Baden’s Prime Ministers statue project

dan kellar
Baden, ON – Another round of public consultations has wrapped up regarding the Prime Ministers’ Path project in Baden. A list of recommendations on possible next steps for the controversial statue project will be delivered to Wilmot council at a special meeting on May 12th.

The most recent round of consultations were accompanied with the creation of a 12 member working group made up of residents who worked on the draft recommendations for the project. The draft recommendations are focused on governance and project oversight, funding, inclusion, education, location, and the project’s place in an era of truth and reconciliation.

This show features an interview with Denise Soueidan-O’Leary, the co-lead facilitator of the public engagement, and a project manager at the consulting firm Lura.  More information about the Prime Ministers Path project, including all of the draft recommendations, can be found at engagewr.ca/prime-ministers-path.

 

CKMS News -2025-03-28- HART Hub roll-out to begin as government forces closure of CTS site

CKMS News -2025-03-28- HART Hub roll-out to begin as government forces closure of CTS site.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
On April 1st the local Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub will begin operating, with provincial funding, with services which replace or build upon those offered by the current Consumption and Treatment Services site.  Notably absent from the HART Hub spaces will be drug testing machines and supervised consumption of drugs, including overdose reversal, which are foundational to the harm reduction model of addictions support.

In August 2024 the Ontario government announced that it would be forcing the closure of the CTS site in downtown Kitchener on March 31st 2025.

This show features an interview with Tara Groves-Taylor, the CEO of Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo, the lead operator of Kitchener’s HART Hub. A statement from the Ministry of Health about the CTS closures that was sent to CKMS News is also included.

For more background on this issue, see the CKMS News interview with Kitchener’s CTS operator Sanguen Health Centre

Local organization connects people to land so they can grow food and increase their food security

Host: Leah Gerber

Food prices are top of mind for many people at the moment. Public Health Ontario describes food insecurity as not having enough income to afford healthy and adequate food. The Waterloo Region Community Garden Network is an organization that connects people with land so they can grow their own food and help stretch their dollars at the store. 

Radio Waterloo spoke with Doug Jones, the chair of the Network to talk about how people can increase their own food security, as well as how food security can be increased at a community level. Radio Waterloo also spoke with Gladys Rosana who gardens a quarter-acre plot at the Petersburg Community Garden with her husband about the reality of what it takes to grow much of the food they eat for the year themselves, and how this has impacted their food security. 

Dom Vallie, Kitchener native, nominated for the second time at the Juno Awards

Host: Leah Gerber

Kitchener-raised rap artist, Dom Vallie, whose real name is Dominic Turton, has been nominated for the second time at the Canadian Juno Awards. This year, he’s been nominated for rap album of the year for his album, “See You When I See You.” Radio Waterloo spoke with Turton, who still resides in Kitchener, to hear more about how the city has influenced his music, how he came up with his stage name, what he’d be doing if it wasn’t music, and where he’s going next. Turton spoke about how the Kitchener-Waterloo community has been behind him from the start, and how his childhood experiences have influenced his music. 

Music sampled from single, “Show Me,” courtesy of Dom Vallie/Dominic Turton

CKMS News -2025-03-20- With an election imminent, MP Mike Morrice reflects on what has been accomplished and what lies ahead

CKMS News -2025-03-20- MP Mike Morrice ready to return to Ottawa as prorogued parliament resumes on Monday

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
As the prorogued parliament gets set to resume on March 24th, Kitchener Centre
MP Mike Morrice says he remains focused on his work and the needs of his constituents. However, he may not get the chance as reports suggest that an election could be called as early as Sunday.

CKMS News spoke with the Green Party MP ahead of his return to Ottawa. The interview covered the work delayed by the prorogation, the likelihood of an early election, election reform, and the implementation of the Canadian Disability Benefit. Morrice also discussed how the government can support all residents of Waterloo Region through the economic uncertainty created by the unfolding tariff war between Canada and the United States.

MP Morrice also responded to questions about ending Canadian complicity in the genocide of Palestinians and the recent letter signed by 29 MPs calling for Canada to implement a two-way arms Embargo between itself and Israel, adopt a clear definition of anti-Palestinian racism, and to recognize the sovereign and independent state of Palestine.

CKMS News -2025-03-19- Strike continues as regional workers demand “a fair wage for essential work”.

CKMS News -2025-03-19- CUPE 1656 strike continues as regional workers demand “a fair wage for essential work”

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
Midway through week 3 of their strike
, CUPE 1656 workers want the region to return to the table with “a fair deal”. The latest offer from the regional government, which they called “competitive”, was tabled on March 15th but was quickly rejected by the union as inadequate.

A rally is planned for 6:00pm on March 19th at the Region of Waterloo headquarters. The rally is taking place ahead of a regional council meeting. The region has said its “goal is to reach an agreement that continues to support employees and is fair for residents.” 

The union represents full and part-time workers who clean drinking water, provide airport services,  maintain regional roads and emergency vehicles, and provide landfill services to the Region of Waterloo. Additionally the union represents the trade workers including millwrights, HVAC, plumbing and signals who “keep water, traffic, and buildings running”. 

This show features an interview with CUPE 1656 president Phil Dominas.

CKMS News -2025-03-18- Waterloo council delays implementing Inclusionary Zoning rules amid “uncertainty”

CKMS News -2025-03-18- Waterloo council delays implementing Inclusionary Zoning rules amid “uncertainty”

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON –
On March 3rd, the City of Waterloo voted to delay implementing inclusionary zoning bylaws which would have required developers to include some affordable units in any new condominium projects in areas around major transit stations.  The new by-law, which was approved in June 2024 would have gone into force at the end of March and the decision to delay implementation follows a similar decision in December of last year by Kitchener’s council.

City staff presented a report to council which argued that tariffs from America, the federal government’s restrictions on international students and immigrants, fluctuating interest rates, and the low resale price of condos, are all creating uncertainties in the building market. 

This show features audio from the council meeting and an interview with Lynn Intini, an eviction prevention and tenant organising worker at the Social development Centre of Waterloo Region.  Intini discusses inclusionary zoning, the focus on investment driven developments, housing needs vs housing demand, and non-market solutions to the housing crisis.

Police confirm human trafficking is on the rise in Waterloo Region

Host: Leah Gerber

Waterloo Region is a hub for human trafficking, confirm police. The number of cases that the Waterloo Region Police Service Human Trafficking Unit investigate is growing each year, as well as the number of victims and people seeking help at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program.

Radio Waterloo spoke with Detective Sergeant Jeff Merrigan with the WRPS Human Trafficking Unit and Lyndsey Butcher the director of care at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region to talk about the numbers they are seeing and what human trafficking looks like in Waterloo Region. Both say the community needs to come to terms with the reality of human trafficking in the Region, and that the problem needs to be confronted.

Region of Waterloo Public Health urging people and children to get vaccinated for measles as measles outbreak continues in Ontario

Host: Leah Gerber

While no cases have been reported in Waterloo Region yet, a measles outbreak that started in October continues in Ontario. So far, over 200 cases have been reported in the province, double the number reported between 2013 and 2023 combined. This comes at the same time Waterloo Region Public Health staff released a notice stating that nearly 9,000 children in the region need to get their vaccination records up to date or face suspension in early April. 

Radio Waterloo spoke with David Aoki, the director of infectious disease and chief nursing officer for Region of Waterloo public health as well as Zahid Butt, assistant professor in the school of public health sciences at the university of waterloo and canada research chair in interdisciplinary research for pandemic preparedness to learn more about measles, and why people might be hesitant to vaccinate their children.

CKMS news -2025-03-06- New mini-documentary series digs into “secretive” assembly of farmland in Wilmot township by regional government

CKMS news -2025-03-06- New mini-documentary series digs into “secretive” assembly of farmland in Wilmot township by regional government

dan kellar
Wilmot Township, ON – 
A new group of concerned residents has formed to support the farmers in Wilmot township whose lands  are being targeted by the regional government for an undisclosed industrial project. Since the
Wilmot Civic Action Network (WilmotCAN) formed in December 2024, members have been raising awareness about the land grab and demanding accountability from local politicians. 

Beyond delegating to municipal councils, and confronting provincial politicians at public events, the group has also co-ordinated the creation of two mini-documentaries about the issue. A third video in the “Unearthed” series is in production.

This show features an interview with John Jordan, a founding member of WilmotCAN and a direct neighbour of the land targeted for purchase by the regional government. Jordan spoke to CKMS News about the Wilmot Civic Action Network, the mini-documentary series they are producing, and the lack of transparency around the project.

CKMS News reached out to Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris Jr and Regional chairperson Karen Redman for comments about claims made in the videos and at council meetings, but did not receive a response.

For more on the land assembly check out this piece from CKMS News: https://www.frequencynews.ca/news/farmers-bring-over-40-tractors-into-downtown-kitchener-to-protest-wilmot-township-land-expropriation/

Many religions practice fasting, and a local Muslim group is hosting an event to talk about it

Host: Leah Gerber

Fasting is the topic up for discussion at an upcoming multi-faith celebration at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda this coming Sunday, March 9. The InterFaith and Multicultural Flavours of Iftar event includes a panel discussion on the role of fasting in various faiths featuring leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Jewish traditions. There will also be a discussion about how fasting and Iftar a celebrated during Ramadan around the world, the keynote speaker Imam Aizaz Khan of the Baitul Islam Mosque in Vaughan. The event is capped with a meal featuring local caterers showcasing food from cultures around the world. 

Radio Waterloo spoke with organizer Nabeel Rana and local Imam Fatir Mahmood Ahmad who is speaking on the panel, both of the local Ahmadiyya Muslim community that is hosting the event. They spoke about the importance of fasting for physical, moral and spiritual health, as well as their hopes the event will bring the community together. 

Anyone interested in learning more or attending the event is encouraged to connect with baitul.kareem.mosque@gmail.com

CKMS News -2025-03-04- City of Waterloo launches “Get READI” plan to address systemic inequity.

CKMS News – 2025-03-04- City of Waterloo launches “Get READI” plan to address systemic inequity.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – As Waterloo works to incorporate reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, the launch of the Get READI plan in mid-February will now guide all city divisions as they plan and provide programs and services for the community. 

While announcing the launch, mayor Dorothy McCabe said that the work the city does must reflect the growing size and diversity of the city’s population. The city has been working towards this goal since 2017 to address historical systemic denial of equity.

This show features an interview with Divya Handa, the director of reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion at the city of Waterloo.  Handa discusses the Get READI plan including the genesis and origin of the city’s work, the cooperation needed in drafting the plan, how implementation will happen, and addresses some of the critiques of DEI that have been raised.

More affordable housing slated for downtown Kitchener, along with a new fire station

Host: Leah Gerber

A new project is in the beginning stages to build a dual-purpose project in downtown Kitchener. The site at 450 and 470 King Street East is slated to be developed with both an affordable housing site and the city’s eighth fire station. 

Radio Waterloo spoke with Rosa Bustamante, director of planning and housing policy with the city, and Lori Trumper executive director of Kitchener Housing Inc, which will oversee the project, about some of the details 

While the project is still in it’s very early stages, Bustamante and Trumper say there will be about 150 units of mixed size and affordability. Bustamante says city staff are hopeful the project will begin construction in late 2026 or early 2027.

CKMS News -2025-02-26- Speed management initiatives put the brakes on driver speeds in Waterloo.

CKMS News -2025-02-26- Speed management initiatives put the brakes on driver speeds in Waterloo.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON –
The
second progress report on Waterloo’s Speed Management Plan was presented to city council on Monday, and in most cases, drivers are slowing down.  The report looked at the data gathered before and after new speed limits were posted on neighbourhood streets across most wards in the city. Limits were reduced to 40km/h in most places and to 30km/h in school zones and ward 7, the area around uptown.

Across the affected areas, city staff found an average reduction in driver speed to be around 5km/h, which according to a 2012 report form Ontario Coroners office would amount to fewer deaths and less severe injuries in the case of a crash with another vehicle or someone not in a car. City staff told CKMS News that the number of crashes and other incidents has reduced since the speed reductions initiative commenced.

This show features an interview with Jenny Renaud, the manager of transport engineering at the City of Waterloo.

A chat with Catherine Fife, NDP candidate and current seat holder for Waterloo’s riding

Host: Leah Gerber

Radio Waterloo spoke with the candidates for the Waterloo riding as the 2025 Ontario provincial election, scheduled for February 27 draws closer. 

We’ll be releasing a series of four pieces, each highlighting our interview with one of the candidates. We’ve included the Ontario Liberal, NDP, Green and New Blue parties. The Ontario Progressive Conservative party did not respond to repeated requests for an interview. 

Today’s piece features the NDP candidate for the Waterloo riding, Catherine Fife. Fife has held Waterloo’s seat since 2012 and is in her fourth term as MPP.

Fife shared her thoughts on what she feels are the top issues in Waterloo, how she and her party plan to address them. She also spoke about what the tariff threats coming from the United States could mean for this community and her party’s stance on addressing them.

Other posts in the series:

Meet Shafaza Esmail, Green Party of Ontario candidate for Waterloo’s provincial riding

Clayton Moore, Ontario Liberal Party Candidate for Waterloo Region wants less talk and more results for average Ontarians

Suja Biber, New Blue Party of Ontario candidate for Waterloo Riding says she’s ready to deal with the root causes of Ontario’s problems, rather than scratching the surface

Suja Biber, New Blue Party of Ontario candidate for Waterloo Riding says she’s ready to deal with the root causes of Ontario’s problems, rather than scratching the surface

Host: Leah Gerber

Radio Waterloo spoke with the candidates for the Waterloo riding as the 2025 Ontario provincial election, scheduled for February 27 draws closer. 

We’ll be releasing a series of four pieces, each highlighting our interview with one of the candidates. We’ve included the Ontario Liberal, NDP, Green and New Blue parties. The Ontario Progressive Conservative party did not respond to repeated requests for an interview. 

Today’s piece features the New Blue Party of Ontario candidate for the Waterloo riding, Suja Biber. 

Biber has a background in physiotherapy, massage therapy and public administration, and previously served on the board of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. She values balancing professional work with giving back to her community.

Note: In her discussion of the local doctor shortage, Biber said there are about 40,000 to 60,000 people in Waterloo without access to a family doctor, but this number more closely corresponds to the rough statistic for Waterloo Region, which is 60,000 to 70,000. 

Note: The audio in this piece was edited to remove a portion saying Biber currently serves on the board of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. She no longer serves on this board.

Other pieces in the series:

A chat with Catherine Fife, NDP candidate and current seat holder for Waterloo’s riding

Clayton Moore, Ontario Liberal Party Candidate for Waterloo Region wants less talk and more results for average Ontarians

Meet Shefaza Esmail, Green Party of Ontario candidate for Waterloo’s provincial riding

 

 

CKMS News -2025-02-20- New exhibitions at city of waterloo museum a “space for reflection” on the region’s colonial roots.

CKMS News -2025-02-20- New exhibitions at City of Waterloo Museum a “space for reflection” on the region’s colonial roots

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON –
New exhibits which explore Indigenous histories and resilience have opened at the City of Waterloo Museum.  These “impactful and informative” exhibits are a “space for reflection” about the effects of colonialism “in our own backyard”.  

Two of the exhibits are Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost and Bi-Giwen: Coming Home – Truth-Telling from the Sixties Scoop, both created by the organisation Legacy of Hope.  The Sixties Scoop refers to actions by provincial governments which intensified in the 1960’s where Indigenous children were taken from their families and communities and adopted out to primary Euro-Canadian middle class families throughout North America. The Sixties Scoop was a continuation of colonial violence, and similar to Residential Schools the goal was assimilating Indigenous children into “western society”.

The other two exhibits are Bead the Tract from the organisation Protect the Tract which is a beadwork representation of the Haldimand Tract, and graphic recordings by Mohawk artist Dakota Brant. Graphic recordings are large-scale colourful drawings with written information, which are used for translating spoken word by facilitators during community engagement.

In a press release announcing the new exhibits, the city says “these exhibitions delve into the lasting impacts of the Residential School system and the Sixties Scoop while amplifying Indigenous voices, resilience and the ongoing journey toward Reconciliation.”

This show features an interview with Jennifer Huber, the program and engagement associate with the City of Waterloo museum, which is located in Conestoga Mall on King Street North in Waterloo. Admission is Free.

CKMS News -2025-02-19- Non-partisan pre-election forum to focus on building local community power

CKMS News -2025-02-19- Non-partisan pre-election forum to focus on building local community power

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
Ahead of the provincial election and in the midst of several overlapping social, environmental, and economic crises, the Social Development Centre of Waterloo Region is hosting the first in a series of community discussions centered on building local community power. 

The first event, called Cutting Through the Noise: A Forum for Building Community Power, is happening on Friday February 21st. Describing the impetus to organise the event’s webpage reads “history has shown us that social change is possible”.

David Alton, the facilitator of the event told CKMS News “I don’t want any political party to think they just get the vote of people in waterloo region, they have to earn it”

This show features an interview with David Alton, the lived expertise program facilitator at the Social Development Centre of Waterloo Region, and the facilitator of this first event which runs from 7-9pm on Friday, February 21 St John the Evangelist Anglican Church, on Duke St in downtown Kitchener.

 

Clayton Moore, Ontario Liberal Party Candidate for Waterloo Region wants less talk and more results for average Ontarians

Host: Leah Gerber

Radio Waterloo spoke with the candidates for the Waterloo riding as the 2025 Ontario provincial election, scheduled for February 27 draws closer. 

We’ll be releasing a series of four pieces, each highlighting our interview with one of the candidates. We’ve included the Ontario Liberal, NDP, Green and New Blue parties. The Ontario Progressive Conservative party did not respond to repeated requests for an interview. 

Today’s piece features the Ontario Liberal Party candidate for the Waterloo riding, Clayton Moore. Moore is a scientist and business professional focused on science communications and start-ups. 

Moore spoke about his take on the top issues in Waterloo, how he and the Ontario Liberals’ plan to address them. He also spoke about what the impact of potential tariffs coming from the United States could mean for Waterloo, and how his party would address these threats. 

Other pieces in the Series:

Suja Biber, New Blue Party of Ontario candidate for Waterloo Riding says she’s ready to deal with the root causes of Ontario’s problems, rather than scratching the surface

 

A chat with Catherine Fife, NDP candidate and current seat holder for Waterloo’s riding

Meet Shefaza Esmail, Green Party of Ontario candidate for Waterloo’s provincial riding