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: MP Holmes, dan kellar

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

CKMS News -2024-10-30- Senior Women Living Together matches housemates to counter rising costs of living

CKMS News -2024-10-30- Senior Women Living Together matches housemates to counter rising costs of living.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
As landlords continue to raise rental prices across the country, many are being left behind. According to
rentals.ca, average rent in Canada has been increased by 25% since 2021. For some, the result is homelessness, and Waterloo Region is no exception – a recent report shows at least a 129% rise in chronic homelessness here since 2020.

“I knew I was going to be homeless at some point if I did not do something” says Pat Dunn, a widowed retiree now living in Peterborough. Dunn is the founder and the executive director of the non-profit organization Senior Women Living Together. Through subscriber generated profiles on their website, the organization finds matches for senior women, who then meet up to discuss living as housemates.  

This show features an interview with Pat Dunn who discusses her own brush with homelessness and rising rent led her to helping others in the same situation. The organization is currently promoting their free service in Waterloo Region.

CKMS News -2024-10-25- New sanitary master plan aims to keep the sewage flowing through Kitchener

CKMS News -2024-10-25- New sanitary master plan aims to keep the sewage flowing through Kitchener

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The city of Kitchener’s new
integrated sanitary master plan has been officially implemented and with over 800km of sewers, 23 pumping stations, 1300 maintenance holes, and a growing population, the city is reminding residents to watch what they put down the drains. 

In a recent press release, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said “the integrated sanitary master plan ensures that we can reliably meet the needs of Kitchener residents today and in the future. I encourage everyone to help us keep maintenance costs as low as possible and disruptions infrequent by only flushing or pouring suitable material down our pipes.”

This show features an interview with Nick Gollan, the Manager of Planning and Programs for Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities in the city of Kitchener. Gollan discusses the new sanitary master plan, the “3 p’s” for flushing, and the maintenance required to keep the system, which includes some infrastructure nearing 100 years old, flowing.

CKMS News -2024-10-25- New public health clinic opens in downtown Kitchener

CKMS News -2024-10-25- New public health clinic opens in downtown Kitchener

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
A new public health clinic in downtown Kitchener is offering services to regional residents.  The new location at 20 Weber St E, is one of several regional services that has moved into the former courthouse building, adding to an emerging regional services hub in a central and accessible location. According to
Region of Waterloo Public Health, appointments at the new location have been booking up daily.

The new site offers vaccines and sexual health services and will be adding other services, such as a breastfeeding clinic through November and into the winter. Residents can book an appointment through an online portal or by contacting the site by phone at 519-575-4400. 

CKMS News spoke with Amber White, the manager of clinical services with Region of Waterloo Public Health.  White discussed the services offered, the impetus for the new location and she mentioned the “grand opening” event for the new location in January.

CKMS News -2024-10-23- The Kitchen KW serving up fresh support for local musicians

CKMS News -2024-10-23- The Kitchen KW serving up fresh support for local musicians

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
The Kitchen KW has been busy since opening their new studio and creators space in downtown Kitchener on October 1st.  While the company has been organising hip-hop shows since March 2024, the new space will further integrate the organization with local music scenes through a dedicated studio, low-cost artistic development and production assistance, and monthly workshops.

The new studio is located at 44 Gaukel, a city of Kitchener owned space which is operated by ArtsBuild Ontario. For the Kitchen KW, the new space gives more options for local hip-hop artists to emerge in a city which is often dominated by singer-song-writer and rock acts. 

This show features an interview with The Kitchen KW CEO Aiden Rusten, who is known in the locally as AJ.  AJ speaks about the company he co-founded, the first month in the new studio, and how The Kitchen KW is working to expand the local hip-hop scene.

Three people standing in front of a black and white checkerboard wall in The Kitchen KW's studio at 44 Gaukel. On the wall there is a framed record picture and and the word "billboard". AJ is on the right of the picture wearing a black spyder touque, a camo sweater, a white shirt, and a gold necklace. Beside him is a man in a black touque and a grey sweatshirt, and his hands covering most of his face. Beside him a man with flowing brown hair and a red sweatshirt. Behind the three on a desk, there is some musical equipment including a speaker and a piano keyboard.
Photo: Courtesy of the The Kitchen KW
A picture of a person at a laptop, beside a mixing board and infront of a speaker. In the background there is a checkerboard wall with white paint and black noise chillers. The person at the desk is in a black sweater and a black hat.
Photo: Courtesy of the The Kitchen KW

CKMS News -2024-10-16- MT Space screens recently rediscovered documentary following capacity boost from resiliency fund

CKMS News -2024-10-16- MT Space screens recently rediscovered documentary following capacity boost from resiliency fund.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – 
The rediscovery and presentation of a piece of local theatre history are the latest results of a resiliency grant for the MT Space theater company.  The 2022 grant from the Ontario Trillium Fund, added 3 apprenticeship positions to the group. This boost to organizational capacity led to the rediscovery of a documentary which was filmed during the first IMPACT festival that MT Space organized in 2009.

On October 4th, at the First United church in Waterloo, MT Space presented the documentary, which invited viewers to “See the vision that our Founding Artistic Director Majdi Bou-Matar had laid out for MT Space”. Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife spoke at the event which also celebrated the organization’s 20th year of producing theater.

This show features an interview with Yazan Maarouf, MT Space’s Associate Producer. Maarouf speaks about the funding’s effects, the documentary screening, the fundraising events which run until November, and upcoming projects from MT Space.

A black and white near-profile headshot photograph of Yazan Maarouf who has short hair and a beard and is wearing a dark shirt. The background is black.
Photo courtesy of Yazan Maarouf

CKMS News -2024-10-08- Municipal-lands development partnership proposal deadline passed

CKMS News -2024-10-08- Municipal-lands development partnership proposal deadline passed.

dan kellar
Waterloo – During Monday’s council meeting, Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe said that she is “excited to see that there were a number of applications that came in” to develop city owned land near RIM park in Waterloo.  McCabe also called the project at 2025 University Ave E, “a significant opportunity for the city”. 

In June, CKMS News reported that “the project aims to provide over 700 homes in a sustainable, affordable neighbourhood with commercial opportunities”.  

The project is partially funded by the federal Housing Accelerator fund and is awaiting a provincial Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) which will fast track development. 

This show features Ron Ormson, the Commissioner of  Integrated planning and public works for the city of Waterloo speaking at the October 7th council meeting. After discussing other housing and development plans the city is working on, Ormson outlined the next steps on the 2025 University Ave project.

 

CKMS News -2024-10-04- Kitchener’s Community Canopy tree planting program celebrating 1st year

CKMS News -2024-10-04- Kitchener’s Community Canopy tree planting program celebrates 1st year

dan kellar
Kitchener – The Community Canopy tree planting program will see over 100 new trees planted in the Chandler-Mowat neighbourhood this year. Some of the trees have been planted already with more going into the ground over the fall.  The initiative is a partnership between the City of Kitchener and Reep Green Solutions, and builds on efforts to have 30% of the city covered with tree canopy by 2050

This program targets “deserving neighbourhoods” based on metrics which measure socio-economic factors as well as the current tree canopy cover.  

On Thursday October 10th, from 3-5pm, a community event will take place at Laurentian Park to celebrate the accomplishments of the pilot program, and to announce the transformation of the Community Canopy program into an annual initiative. 

This show features interviews with Hajnal Kovacs, the forestry project manager for the city of Kitchener, and Taylor Ross the community engagement coordinator for Reep Green Solutions.  

 

CKMS News -2024-09-30- A province-wide doubling of hospital patients exposed to hallway medicine since 2018.

CKMS News -2024-09-30-A doubling of patients exposed to hallway medicine since 2018

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – 
A recent exposé by The Trillium newsroom has revealed that the practice of hallway medicine in Ontario’s hospitals has on average, doubled from 2018 when Doug Ford’s conservatives were elected to government. Hallway medicine or hallway healthcare, is the practice of patient beds being placed in “unconventional spaces” or areas that are not designed for the purpose, such as hallways, closests, or staff rooms. 

The data, which was obtained through the freedom of information process, reveals that Waterloo Region’s two hospitals mirror the provincial data while Guelph’s hospital experienced a 6-fold increase in hallway medicine. 

This show features interviews with RN Erin Ariss, the President of the Ontario Nurses Association, and Jim Stewart of the Waterloo Region Health Coalition, a non-partisan advocacy group. Both Erin Ariss and Jim Stewart live in Waterloo Region.  

CKMS News received a statement from the office of the minister of Health Sylvia Jones, some of which is included.

CKMS News seeking to immediately fill PT contract position

CKMS News is seeking to hire a journalist for a 6 month contract.

The journalist is responsible for all matters associated with a story (identify the story, organize and execute interviews, edit show together, work with national editors to approve story, post to the web and to 102.7fm).

Stories will focus on local government and local news.

The position is 23 hours a week and $30.50/hour and runs from October 1st 2024 to to the end of March 2025.  The journalist is responsible for 2-3 stories a week anywhere from 2-25 minutes. See radiowaterloo.ca/news for examples of the work or frequencynews.ca for more examples. If the LJI grant is extended, the contract could be extended.

For more information about the position or to apply, contact news@radiowaterloo.ca with a cover letter and/or resume.

CKMS News -2024-09-19- Protest planned for “Hands off our kids” demonstration.

CKMS News -2024-09-19- Protest planned for “Hands off our kids” demonstration.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – On September 20th, the 2nd annual #1MiillionMarchForChildren will be at Kitchener city hall for a planned day-long rally. Uniting under the banner Hands Off Our Kids, the rally organizers say they are concerned about parental rights and how sexual orientation and gender identity are being taught in public schools.

Also planning to be at city hall is the group Queer Youth Defense, who have organised a 2nd annual counter demonstration to “drown out hate with a little bit of light”.

This show features an interview with Acer Bonaparte of Queer Youth Defense along with statements CKMS News received from trustee Cindy Watson of the Waterloo Region District School Board, from jeewan chanicka, the Director of Education at the WRDSB, and from Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. CKMS News tried to contact local organizers from Hands off Our Kids, but did not receive a response, however, material from the group’s website is referenced. 

CKMS News -2024-09-19- Documentary screening “one in a stream” of local Palestinian solidarity events.

CKMS News – 2024-09-19- Documentary screening “one in a stream” of local Palestinian solidarity events.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
In the evening on September 19th, the Waterloo Region Friends of Palestine are hosting a screening of the documentary film
Where Olive Trees Weep, which is described as offering “a window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.”

The film’s website continues   “We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also witness Dr. Gabor Maté offer trauma-healing work to a group of women who were tortured in Israeli prisons”. 

Before the screening, CKMS News spoke with Robert Massoud of Waterloo Region Friends for Palestine. Massoud spoke about the new documentary, the ongoing Palestinian solidarity actions from several local organizations, how injustice in Palestine is decades old, and how Canada is still “active and complicit in arming Israel” after a year of “genocidal” violence.

CKMS News – 2024-09-17 – Grassroots group hosting the “People’s Conference for Palestinian Solidarity” at the University of Guelph

CKMS News -2024-09-17- Grassroots group hosting the People’s Conference for Palestinian Solidarity at the University of Guelph

dan kellar
Guelph, ON – 
While Palestinian solidarity encampments at universities across the country have been dismantled, strategizing to keep up the pressure hasn’t stopped. The grassroots organization Guelph 4 Palestine is hosting the People’s Conference for Palestinian Solidarity at the University of Guelph on September 21st and 22nd.   The conference’s website says participants “will engage in meaningful conversations, learn and share lessons and resources, and continue to propel efforts to support a free Palestine”. 

Representatives from several Palestinian solidarity student encampments will share their experiences along with health care workers, labour organizers, Independent Jewish Voices, and others. Organizers from the “Gaza House” encampment which was set up at the University of Waterloo will be presenting.
The event will feature workshops and speakers, discussion and resource sharing spaces and programming for kids.  Registration is available online or in person at the event.

This show features an interview with Shabina Lafleur-Gangji of Guelph 4 Palestine.

CKMS News -2024-09-12- Kitchener reminds drivers to slow down as students return to school

CKMS News -2024-09-12- Kitchener reminds drivers to slow down as students return to school

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – With students returning to schools across the region, the city of Kitchener is reminding drivers to slow down on the roads and pay special attention in school zones, at pedestrian crossings,  and where crossing guards are on duty.

In a press release sent by the city, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vbranovic expressed “I encourage all of us grownups to take a bit of extra care, slow down and exercise some extra caution on area roads.” These efforts are tied into the city’s Vision Zero strategy, which was adopted in 2021.

This show features interviews with Aaron McCrimmon-Jones, the manager of transportation safety and policy at the city of Kitchener and Margaret Johnston, the Ward 8 councilor for Kitchener and the chair of the city’s Community & Infrastructure Services Committee.  Visit kitchener.ca/visionzero for more on the City’s plans to eliminate traffic related injuries.

 

CKMS News -2024-09-10- Waterloo’s Snow Assist program expands as applications for the program’s 2nd year open

CKMS News -2024-09-10- Waterloo’s Snow Assist program available for eligible residents

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – The City of Waterloo has expanded the availability of their Snow Assist program for the upcoming winter to help more residents. Reflecting the city’s accessibility and inclusion efforts, Snow Assist is aimed at residents 65 years of age and older and for low-income folks with disabilities.  The program will place qualifying applicants in one of three streams of service for snow removal on their properties throughout the winter.

Applications are due by the end of September and can be accessed on waterloo.ca/snow-assist.  Folks who were approved for the program last winter will be automatically re-enrolled.

This show features an interview with Tiffany Smith the manager of community programming for the city, who discusses the impetus for the program, and the various streams of service available.

CKMS News – 2024-09-06- Kitchener’s inaugural Endless Summer music festival aims to “keep the summer vibes rolling”

CKMS News – 2024-09-06- Kitchener’s inaugural Endless Summer music festival aims to “keep the summer vibes rolling”

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
With shifting demographics in the downtown, and the return of thousands of college and university students to the region, the city of Kitchener is hosting the inaugural
Endless Summer music festival on Saturday.

Featuring Canadian artists such as Rêve, Helado Negro, Born Ruffians, and I, the Mountain, the festival is free to attend and is headlined by Juno award winner TALK.  DJ Joanna Magik will be performing a set and filling the silence between sets.  In a press release the city described Endless Summer as an event which will “keep the summer vibes rolling”.

This show features an interview with the Manager of special events for the city of Kitchener, Steve Roth,  who speaks about the inaugural Endless Summer music festival taking place in the Victoria Park Commons on Saturday the 7th.  The free event runs from 2-11pm.

CKMS Community Connections for 2 September 2024 with Alfred Lowrick of Fight For Farmland

 

Show Notes

Alfred Lowrick (a man wearing a dark shirt smiling at the camera, panelled walls in the background)
Alfred Lowrick

Alfred Lowrick of Fight For Farmland tells us about the “Land Assembly” proposed by Waterloo Region, the provincial government’s involvement, and what farmers and other citizens are doing about it.

The interview starts at 8m16s.

We also hear some of the speeches given at the Fight For Farmland protest rally held Monday 26 August 2024.

Fight For Farmland (a protest fist holding a stalk of wheat; black and white letters on a puce background)
 

Fight For Farmland Online:

Upcoming Events

Podcast

Download: ckms-community-connections-2024-09-02-episode166-Alfred-Lowrick-of-Fight-For-Farmland.mp3 (53 MB, 58m01s, episode 166)

Index

Time Title Album Artist
0m00s Theme for CKMS Community Connections ccc CKMS Sunflower logo (yellow petals surrounding a black centre with white wavies all on a teal background)
CKMS Community Connections
Steve Todd
0m54s 770 Acres 770 Acres - Steve Todd (gold and black letters, with a picture of Steve Todd in a field, wearing a black Stetson hat and black T-shirt and playing guitar)
(YouTube)
Punkeydoodles Steve Todd
4m08s The Sign on the 7/8 The Sign on the 7/8 Steve Todd (collage of gold and black lettering, the sign "Drinking Water Protection Zone", and Steve Todd wearing a black cowboy hat and black T-shirt and playing guitar)
(YouTube)
8m16s Alfred Lowrick tells us about the issues with the Wilmot land assembly: No consultation with the community; the planning for the environmental impact has not been done; the farmers don’t want to sell their land. Personally, Alfred is concerned that the Regional plan is not being followed, that the Countryside Line is not being observed, that employment lands are supposed to be on the east side of the Region. There was a one page letter that said “We want to buy your land, and we’ll come back and make you an offer.” It was a lowball offer, and if there was no agreement within ten days then expropriation would be an option. Alfred organized meetings between the farmers and the CAO and planning director of Wilmot Township, but they couldn’t talk about it because of a confidentiality agreement with the Region. This was followed by a delegation to Wilmot Township Council, but Alfred was limited to three minutes. Now, six months later they know a bit more, but not much.
16m50s Alfred has 70 questions for Regional Council, but his Freedom of Information requests have all been denied. There have been numerous town hall meetings organized by Fight For Farmland. And on Wednesday 28 August 2024 there was a protest rally outside the Regional headquarters with 40 tractors. There were numerous speakers, and support from the opposition in the Provincial government. There was a statement from the Provincial government stating they were funding this land assembly, but the “ground game” was at the Region of Waterloo office.
19m13s The Provincial government has changed the rules around municipal planning: Bill 185 (“Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act”) and Bill 162 (“Get It Done Act”). Both make it easier for expropriation, making it easier for the Province to establish guidelines for planning. Some of this is driven by Federal policy, such as increased immigration which requires more housing, but it leaves the municipalities without much of a say in the planning process. Fight For Farmland has asked Wilmot Township councillors to declare themselves “unwilling hosts”, but Alfred thinks they won’t be able to do much, leaving it to the Regional government to decide who is an unwilling host or not. Fight For Farmland continues to work on it, they have some say at the municipal level, but once they get to the provincial level it’s more difficult.
21m23s A number of people presented at the Wilmot Township Council meeting on Monday 26 August 2024, but not exactly for what Fight For Farmland is asking Council to do. People from Fight For Farmland haven’t been able to delegate directly to Council, they’re planning on doing that on Monday 9 September 2024. Letters have been sent to Council to ask them to declare Wilmot Township an unwilling host, but there’s more process to go through. At the Regional Council meeting on Wednesday the staff was threatening to disband the meeting because there were too many people standing. But some people from the Fight For Farmland steering team, including Mark Reusser of the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture spoke directly to Regional Council. The rally showed that there is something that Regional Council needs to address. But no motions were brought forward.
24m22s Based on the statement from the Province that it’s a Regional issue, Bob thinks the Region could put a stop to this. But Alfred has heard too many conflicting statements from different levels of government, and doesn’t know who to believe. Alfred and Fight For Farmland wants this land assembly stopped, a proper planning process to take place with consultation from the community.
25m49s Bob is worried about the lack of transparency coming from all levels of government. Alfred says this is why he doesn’t believe anyone. This is affecting the lives of everyone in Wilmot, everyone in Wateloo Region. We know this is supposed to be an industrial site, but not whether it’s a chemical plant or an electronics plant. Alfred worries about a chemical spill affecting ground water. Bob points out that industrial plants damaged the ground water in Elmira, where he lives. All the wells in Elmira are contaminated, and there are still plumes of chemicals drifting through the aquifers. There are environmentalists on the team that keep raising these issues. Bob and Alfred talk about environmentalism in farming
33m20s Next steps: The Wilmot Council meeting on 9 September. Any other rallies or protests? Alfred points out that they’re just volunteers, it is unfair that farmers with 24/7 jobs need to take on this extra work. There is some legal work that needs to be done, more Freedom of Information requests to be sent… There are other groups that want to join, communications that need to go out, a website that needs to be maintained… They’re waiting for the Region to come forward with a plan to address some of the concerns they have. Except for one, the farmers have not had further contact about acquiring their land. If it comes to expropriation, that’s the legal aspects they have to address. To keep in touch people can go to https://www.fightforfarmland.com/, join the mailing list, and sign the petition. Make sure to sign the hardcopy petitions at the rallies. And there are other petitions from opposition parties as well. And everyone should write their Regional councillors, and Wilmot Council. All their contact information is on the Fight For Farmland website.
39m30s Plow-Down Putdown Plow-Down Putdown Steve Todd (collage of gold-and-black lettering, and Steve Todd wearing a black cowboy hat and T-shirt, and holding a guitar)
(YouTube)
Punkeydoodles Steve Todd
43m31s Speech by Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario.
49m41s Speech by Kevin Thomason, Environmentalist and co-organizer of Fight For Farmland.
53m50s Speech by Jenn Pfenning, President of the National Farmer’s Union.
57m11s Bob gives the end credits.

Other speeches that weren’t in the show:

CKMS Community Connections Hour One airs on CKMS-FM 102.7 on Monday from 11:00am to Noon, and Hour Two airs alternate Fridays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

Got music, spoken word, or other interesting stuff? Let us know at ccc@radiowaterloo.ca or leave a comment on our “About” page.

CKMS logo with wavies coming out the sidesSubscribe to the CKMS Community Connections podcast!

CKMS | 102.7 FM | Radio Waterloo | Community ConnectionsSee all CKMS Community Connections shows!

Bonus Video

Video: CKMS Community Connections for Monday 2 September 2024 (Radio Waterloo Video, 159 MB, 58m43s)

Show notes and podcast interview content is Copyright © 2024 by the participants, and released under a CC BYCreative Commons Attribution Only license. Copy, re-use, and derivative works are allowed with attribution to Radio Waterloo and a link to this page. Music selections are copyright by the respective rights holders. The theme music is written and performed by Steven Todd.

CKMS News -2024-08-30- Kitchener recognized for its “most inspiring” stormwater management program by International organization.

CKMS News -2024-08-30- Kitchener recognized for its “most inspiring” stormwater management program by international organization

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
The
International Water Association has recognized the City of Kitchener for its stormwater management projects through the organization’s Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme.  

The recognized work, which the IWA calls “most inspiring”, has focused on re-naturalizing stream beds throughout the city and is aimed at adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change, which includes more frequent storm events with increased intensity. The recognition was made at the IWA’s annual congress, which was held this year from August 11-15th in Toronto.

This show features an interview with Bu Lam, the Director of Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities for the City of Kitchener, who speaks about the recent recognition the city has received for its work on stormwater management.  

CKMS News -2024-08-25- Paddle Palooza serves a pickleball festival in downtown Kitchener

CKMS News -2024-08-25- Paddle Palooza serves pickleball festival in downtown Kitchener.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The 1st annual
Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival is taking place in the public space in front of Kitchener city hall on August 27th. A friendly tournament with local politicians and small businesses will open the festival, followed by a few hours of open community play. The festival will wrap up with a tournament for professional players in the evening. The pickleball courts will be temporarily set up on the drained out splash pad and right out on King St which will be closed for the day. 

This show features an interview with Julie Doherty, the Sport Development Coordinator at the City of Kitchener who speaks about the pickleball festival and other efforts the city is taking to promote the growing sport.

Paddle Palooza will also have live music, local merchants, and coaches from the local pickleball advocacy organization Pickleball of Waterloo and Wellington Region (POWWR) to provide basic instruction or advanced tips to anyone interested. The event is free to attend and is scheduled to run from 2-8pm.

Public is supportive of new Benton/Frederick Street bike corridor despite concerns

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

Region of Waterloo community members expressed strong support for new bike lanes on Benton and Frederick streets at the Region of Waterloo’s Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee meeting on August 14, 2024.

Despite concerns about emergency vehicle access and pedestrian safety, the proposal to reduce car lanes and add bike lanes received broad support. The project’s first phase will include painted bike lanes. Phase 2 includes long-term plans for physically separated lanes to be completed by 2031.

Even with these phased-in plans, community members asked council to forgo Phase 1 and immediately start with separate bike lanes. They highlighted the benefits of safer, physically separated cycling paths connecting major areas in Kitchener. However, the delegates also discussed concerns about service vehicle access and suggestions for immediate safety improvements like precast concrete barriers.

Waterloo Region Approves New Shelter for Women and Non-Binary People

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

The Region of Waterloo has endorsed a new 66-bed shelter in Kitchener will serve women, gender diverse, and non-binary adults exclusively. The decision came after a lengthy debate at the Region of Waterloo’s Community and Health Services Committee on April 13th.

Public pressure has been mounting since the closure of the previous women’s shelter at the end of June, which has left no dedicated shelter beds for women in the region. At the meeting, community members and delegates, including those with lived experiences, highlighted the importance and urgency of dedicated shelter spaces for women and gender-diverse individuals for their safety and well-being.

The new shelter at 84 Frederick Street plans to offer a different operating model than the previous shelter, which was operated by the YWCA. The new model will focus on housing outcomes and additional wraparound supports, with an increase in employees with lived expertise.

This announcement came just days after the region secured a location for a temporary emergency shelter for women with 20 beds operated by the Cambridge YWCA.

CKMS News -2024-08-08- Kitchener based playwright presenting double-bill at Guelph Fringe festival

CKMSNews-2024-08-08-Kitchener based playwright presenting double-bill at Guelph Fringe festival

dan kellar
Kitchener –
Kitchener based playwright Ciarán Meyers is presenting a double bill at Guelph Fringe, his debut at the local theater festival.  According to Meyers, the two short plays, Hum-Buzz and Amygdalal  take a “goofy—sometimes biting—view of human evolution, how we got here, and what we are”.

Recent UW theater graduate Zaniq King is featured in both plays, which are polished versions of works Meyers has been developing for several years in more informal settings..

The Guelph Fringe festival runs from August 8-11 with 45 total performances. Meyers’ will have 3 show times for Hum-Buzz and Amygdala, one on each of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Visit GuelphFringe.ca for more information.

Federal government announces $25 million for affordable housing builds, repairs in Waterloo Region

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

The federal government has announced over $96 million in contributions and loans aimed at affordable housing across South Central Ontario, including Waterloo Region.

Locally, the funding amounts to $25 million which will help create 336 new affordable homes and repair more than 7,300 homes in the region.

The announcement was made at an affordable housing construction site in Kitchener on Thursday. The event was attended by political representatives, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Regional Coun. Colleen James, and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development of Canada Jenna Sudds, who made the announcement on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

Key local projects that will receive this funding, include the revitalization project at 82 Wilson Ave., St. Mark’s Place in Kitchener and the Beaver Creek Housing Cooperative in Waterloo.

The federal government has also introduced a “frequent builder” status to streamline funding applications for experienced builders.

CKMS has more on the story.

CKMS News -2024-08-01- Ontario pirate festival drops anchor outside of Guelph in Marden Park

CKMS News -2024-08-01- Ontario Pirate Festival Drops Anchor In Marden Park, Outside Guelph

dan kellar
Marden
, ON – Dropping anchor 1.6 nautical miles north-west of Guelph to set up the Dry Bluffs shanty town, the
Ontario Pirate Festival will take over Marden Park on the civic holiday long-weekend.  The immersive festival will have different styles of live entertainment, local vendors, “food for yer gob”, an ale and grog house, “the spray of the sea” (misting tents),  and child-focused theater.

This show features an interview with Captain Zoltan the Adequate, who along with captain Kelly have taken over organizing the festival, following a few years of the event sailing through choppy waters.  Calling this the “recovery breakout year” Captain Zoltan gives CKMS News the details on what folks can expect at the festival over the weekend, provides some background on the festival’s voyage, and answers one of life’s big questions “Why Pirates?”

Time’s up for the Wastewater Surveillance Initiative in Waterloo Region

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

As of July 31st, the Ontario government will discontinue the Wastewater Surveillance Initiative. Unlike situations in Peterborough and Ottawa, funding for the program has not materialized from the Region of Waterloo. Councillor Colleen James updated CKMS News on the situation locally stating the Region is seeking federal support to keep the regional surveillance programs operational.

Wastewater surveillance data has fueled numerous research projects and imparted information that health authorities could rely on to accurately predict and prepare for illness outbreaks.

The cancellation has had its critics, including Professor Trevor Charles, director of the Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research.

Professor Charles discusses the potential for negative impact on public health preparedness and the loss of a world-leading research community in Ontario. The Ottawa Science Policy Network highlights that 95 researchers will be affected, potentially leading to a brain drain.

Despite government assurances of continued efforts, the Public Health Agency of Canada has not disclosed any plans to take over the initiative.

CKMS News -2024-07-28- Activate’s homecoming introduces new gaming experience to Waterloo Region

CKMS News -2024-07-28- Activate’s homecoming introduces new gaming experience to Waterloo Region

dan kellar
Cambridge, ON –
A new active entertainment experience is available in Cambridge as
Activate Games has opened a new location. The Winnipeg-based company, now with 26 locations across the continent, says it is the world’s first active gaming experience, which “seamlessly blends physical activity with gaming.”

Ahead of the grand opening on July 22nd, CKMS News spoke with Activate Games’ Canadian Director of Marketing and Communications, Tanya Williams who discussed Activate’s origins and operations. 

Originally from Waterloo Region, Activate co-founders Adam and Meghan Scmidt said in a recent press release “This opening is more than just an expansion; it’s a heartfelt return to our hometown”.

This show also features segments from an Interview with Dr. John Edison Muñoz, an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo, and a researcher with the school’s Games Institute. Dr. Muñoz speaks on the state of the research for Exergames and the technology’s use beyond entertainment.