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 -2024-07-26- From celebration to commemoration, KW’s Palestinian festival shifts focus to solidarity

2024-07-26- From celebration to commemoration, KW’s Palestinian festival shifts focus to solidarity.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
Due to the “urgent” situation in Gaza, organizers of this year’s
Palestine Festival in Kitchener have made the theme “Solidarity: the World Stands with Palestine”, shifting the focus from one of celebration to commemoration.  

CKMS News spoke with Suhaila Salah, a co-founder of Sporas Scattered, who along with the local chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement is organizing the 3rd annual Palestine festival with the name  Palestinian Solidarity Day.  While speaking about the shift in the festivals’ theme Salah explained, “It is not a day of mourning, it is a day to come together. We are going to commemorate.” she added,  “We still want to celebrate life”.

The Palestinian festival will take place on Sunday July 28th in the public square at Kitchener city hall from 1-9pm and features what organizers call a “packed schedule of entertainment, activities, education, and trivia games” with all donations going to support relief efforts in Gaza.

A statement CKMS News received from Global Affairs Canada about accountability for the violence Israel is inflicting in Palestine is also included in this piece.

CKMS News -2024-07-26- Cashew cheese and climate change, ‘KW VegFest’ returns to Waterloo on Saturday

CKMS News -2024-07-26- Cashew cheese and climate change, ‘KW VegFest’ returns to Waterloo on Saturday

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – With wildfires burning across the continent, and record breaking heat intensifying around the world, the additional focus on climate change at this year’s KW VegFest is very timely. VegFest organizers say the annual festival is “for everyone” and they invite folks to “learn about plant-based and planet-based eating, health, gardening, and climate action.” 

Among the info-booths at VegFest, representatives from the Waterloo Regional Community Garden Network and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment will be present to discuss links between food, climate and health.  The rising popularity of plant based food will be reflected, with vendors from around the region offering their vegetarian and vegan options.

This show features an interview with Mo Markham, a member of Waterloo Region Climate Initiatives, and an organizer of the 7th annual KW VegFest. The event is taking place at the Uptown Square in Waterloo on Saturday July 27th from 2-7pm. 

 

City of Kitchener highlights water safety during National Drowning Prevention Week

After two recent separate incidents in which three people drowned in the Grand River locally, National Drowning Prevention Week comes at an excellent time. Running from July 21st to the 27th, the City of Kitchener‘s drowning prevention program aims to promote water safety through education and community events.

Recent statistics from the Drowning Prevention Research Centre show drowning rates in Ontario have increased since 2011, with seniors and young children being particularly at risk. According to the Life Saving Society of Canada, the great majority of people who drowned were not wearing a personal flotation device or were not wearing it properly.

Patrick King, the City of Kitchener’s aquatics manager, underscores the importance of proper life jacket use, the unique challenges of swimming in natural water bodies and the disproportionately higher incidence of drowning among Indigenous communities.

CKMS News -2024-07-21- In uncertain times, city seeking residents for “Kitchener 2051” community working group

CKMS News -2024-07-21- Planning with uncertainty, city seeking residents for “Kitchener 2051” community working group.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – 
Work on “Kitchener 2051“, the city’s next 25 year official plan has commenced, and staff have opened applications for residents who would like to work in a community working group who will provide guidance throughout the process. 

In the press release, Rosa Bustamante, Kitchener’s Director of Planning and Housing Policy said “Kitchener 2051 is an opportunity to tackle these issues head-on, ask big questions, and prepare us for an uncertain future”. With work starting in the fall, the press release says the community working group will “exert real influence through their expertise and insights”.

This show features an interview with Natalie Goss, the policy and research manager for the City of Kitchener. Goss discusses the scope of “Kitchener 2051”, how the plan will be adapted as we move through dynamic social and ecological conditions, and how folks can get involved in shaping the city’s new 25 year official plan.

 

CKMS News -2024-10-14- Tenant organizer says residents being priced out as landlords continue to increase rents.

CKMS News -2024-10-14- Tenant organizer says residents being priced out as landlords continue to increase rents

dan kellar

Kitchener, ON – The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing recently told CKMS News that their “balanced approach” to the rental market is working, as purpose built-housing rental construction has hit “record-high” numbers. However, renters in Waterloo Region are facing their own record highs. According to
rentals.ca, landlords are now charging 1,935$ a month for a 1-bedroom in Kitchener, and more than 2,327$ for a 2-bedroom. Prices are higher in Waterloo.

Organizations advocating for stronger protections for renters have maintained their focus on landlords and the various levels of government.  One such organization is the Social Development Council of Waterloo Region, who primarily focus on “Housing & Homelessness, Grassroots Infrastructure, and Lived Expertise.”

This show features an interview with Megan Walker, a tenant organizer in the Eviction Prevention program at the Social Development Council. Walker discusses her work and responds to statements the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing made to CKMS News. 

CKMS News -2024-07-11- By-laws, phone zaps, and a day-of-action, ACORN continues push for protections for renters

CKMS News -2024-07-11- By-laws, phone zaps, and a Day of Action, ACORN continues push for protections for renters.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
As rent prices
continue to increase province-wide, ACORN has continued to demand action from all levels of government. At the municipal level, ACORN chapters were part of campaigns that won new renter protection by-laws in Kitchener and Hamilton in June, and province-wide Phone Zaps have targeted MPPs and demanded action.  

On July 11th, ACORN has organised a Day of Action with protests in Ottawa, Toronto, Mississauga, London, Hamilton demanding “the Ontario Government protect affordable housing, and stop placating for-profit corporate developers and their desire for maximum profits.”

This show features Acer Bonapart, the chair of Waterloo Region ACORN. Bonapart told CKMS that while there isn’t an action planned locally on the 11th, the group will be active through the summer.

CKMS News contacted local PC MPPs for comment on ACORN’s demands but were told they were “not available for comment”. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing did not respond.

**shortly after first publishing this piece CKMS News received a short statement from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. We will address the statement in an upcoming CKMS News publication.**

CKMS News -2024-07-08- “A gross way to intimidate” – Independent Jewish Voices WR decries sky-banner

CKMS News -2024-07-08- “A gross way to intimidate” – Independent Jewish Voices WR decries sky-banner

dan kellar

Kitchener, ON – On Friday July 5th, a plane departed from the Region of Waterloo airport (YKF), trailing a sky-banner with religious messaging as it looped around KW for nearly two hours.  According to online flight data, the plane looped directly above the Gaza House encampment at UW several times along its route, before heading back to the airport.

CKMS News interviewed Lauren Weinberg of Independent Jewish Voices – Waterloo Region. Weinberg spoke about the “intimidating” messaging, and how she and others felt when reading the words on the banner.

CKMS News contacted YKF about the banner and was told that “The Region of Waterloo International Airport does not offer sky banner advertising and has no oversight over advertising banners.”

Contacted by CKMS News, the plane’s operator, Flite Line Charters for comment, however, the company would not divulge their client, and said that “no one is available to comment on this” situation.

Pro-Palestinian encampment ends but fight continues at University of Waterloo

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

After 56 days, the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Waterloo has been peacefully dismantled. The university agreed to drop a legal claim and injunction proceeding in exchange for the voluntary decamping.

Throughout its existence, the encampment received significant support from the university community and succeeded in pushing the university to disclose its Israeli-related investments and relationships.

The encampment members criticized what they called the university’s anti-free speech strategies, including surveillance and intimidation, and emphasized their resolve to keep fighting for divestment from Israel.

Citizen’s Committee asks the city of Kitchener to declare a loneliness epidemic

Reporting to the last City Council meeting before the summer break, Compass Kitchener, a citizen committee tasked with assessing the City’s strategic plan, emphasized that this is the City’s opportunity to lead the nation in addressing this public health issue.

The committee’s 2024 report reviewed major projects like the Bike Share Program and the Downtown Vision project, commending the City on several initiatives while suggesting improvements for others. The discussion also focused on post-COVID challenges in arts and culture, affordable housing solutions, and sustainability strategies.

The rise in loneliness and the polarization in society were noted as critical issues. Several councillors noted their concern and discussed the implications of loneliness for the community.

CKMS News -2024-06-27- Federal petition with local origin calls for Liberals to revisit and refine the Canada Disability Benefit

CKMS News -2024-06-27- Federal petition with local origin calls for Liberals to revisit and refine the Canada Disability Benefit

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –
On June 21st,
petition e-4993, Initiated by Chantal Huinink and authorized by MP Mike Morrice, closed with 3219 signatures. The petition wants the government to revisit the terms of the Canada Disability Benefit, and give increased support to more people in a less bureaucratic manner. While MPs have left Ottawa for the summer, the petition will be presented once the house of commons resumes activities in September.

In the 2024 budget, the federal government announced the benefit which would be a payment of $200 per month restricted to those who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit.  Payouts are to start in July of 2025. 

This show features interviews with Waterloo Regional Councillor Chantal Huinink and Kitchener Centre Green Party MP Mike Morrice, responding to the implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit and discussing petition e-4993. Liberal MP for Nickel-Belt, Marc Serré, provided a short statement to CKMS News regarding the CDB.

Kitchener demands fair share of federal arts funding

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

Arts institutions in Kitchener are struggling, and the city is pinning it on inequities in the Federal regional arts funding model. City Council noted that Kitchener receives five times less in arts funding than larger cities like Montreal and Winnipeg. In response, they passed a motion requesting the federal government to address these disparities.

Despite the City’s assistance, local arts institutions have been struggling for some time. In 2023, the KW Symphony closed due to lack of funds and more recently the Museum has experienced economic troubles.

City Councillor Dave Schnider highlighted the significant funding cuts by the federal government and how this impacts local arts organizations.

While the motion was supported unanimously by council members, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic suggested also seeking additional support from the provincial government.

CKMS News -2024-06-26- Waterloo approves affordable housing tax exemption, extending regional program

CKMSNews-2024-06-26-CKMS News -2024-06-26- Waterloo approves affordable housing tax exemption, extending regional program

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – On June 24th, Waterloo council voted unanimously to approve the city’s Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption Program, extending a regional program which was approved earlier this year. After the vote, Waterloo Mayor Doroty McCabe said the program “will make a real difference in our community”. 

The program exempts owners of affordable housing units from paying property taxes on the properties, provided that at least 30% of the units in a building are affordable, and that the affordable rents must be provided for a term of 60 years, or the remaining useful life of the building.  

This show features clips from the June 24th council meeting, primarily of the single delegate, Sean Campbell the executive director of Union Co-op, an organisation which operates two buildings in Kitchener with affordable units. Campbell supports the new by-law, noting it would make it easier to bring more buildings into community ownership and provide even more “permanent affordability”.

Public Health advises Waterloo Region residents to take caution when outdoors this summer

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

Summer hiking season is back, and along with it, warnings to be on the lookout for ticks.

At Waterloo Regional Council on June 19, the Waterloo Region Public Health Department warned residents of the increased presence of black-legged ticks in the area. A black-legged tick bite can transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Dr. Adele Chang, the Region’s Associate Medical Officer for Health describes the detection of these ticks in Cambridge and that three additional tick-borne diseases — anaplasmosis; babesiosis; and Powassan virus disease, have been added to the provincial list of diseases of concern.

Bolstering Dr. Chang’s warning, the eTick website reports a doubling of tick sightings in the area.

Alongside these warnings comes advice on how to prevent tick bites in the first place. Rebecca Piavison the Public Health Manager for Vector-Borne Diseases at the Region of Waterloo, provides practical tick tips, emphasizing the importance of physical barriers, insect repellents, and thorough body checks after outdoor activities.

Waterloo Region gets to the heart of residents’ noise complaints — using a smartphone app

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

Waterloo Region residents have been vindicated by a simple phone app after a complicated computer noise model failed to recognize real-life noise.

Staff used a phone app to assess the noise and determined that vehicles with modified mufflers are to blame.

At a Waterloo Region Council meeting in early June, Kitchener residents living near Highland Road West, raised concerns about noise following the expansion of Highland Road. At that time, Council requested information and staff presented their findings at the Regional Council meeting on June 19.

Doug Spooner, the Acting Commissioner of Transportation Services for the Region, reported back to Council, explaining he went to the impacted neighbourhood and tested the noise with an app on his phone.

Spooner discovered excessive noise caused by disruptive peak noises generated by vehicles with modified mufflers or exhausts and recommended regulatory measures.

CKMS News -2024-06-20- Pay-what-you-can food market working with community gardens for fresh produce

CKMS News -2024-06-20- Pay-what-you-can community food market working with community gardens for fresh produce.

dan kellar

Kitchener, ON –
An initiative from Community Healthcaring Kitchener Waterloo has resulted in the region’s first consistent pay-what-you-can food market. Stemming from the organization’s integrated strategy around supportive health care, the market is a part of the Community Health and Wellness program, which also includes a weekly breakfast club, cooking skill-shares, and other capacity and community building activities.

While the market has been stocking its shelves since January through donations and the Second Harvest food rescue app, as the growing season blooms, the project is teaming up with community gardens to bring in more fresh produce.  

Located in the organization’s office at 44 Frances St. in Kitchener, the market is open to everyone from 9-5 Monday through Thursday, and Friday 8-4.

This show features an interview with Megan Vander Hoek, a food program worker at Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo, discussing the pay-what-you-can food market and the organization’s efforts to support healthier communities through food.  

Kitchener’s Willow River Centre celebrates National Indigenous Month and calls for more substantial action

The Willow River Centre in Kitchener is advocating for more meaningful support for Indigenous people and culture instead of what they characterize as routine performative gestures from municipalities and organizations.

The Center, which serves Indigenous, racialized, Two Spirit, and LGBTQ youth, is hosting Summer Solstice Saturday on June 22nd to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month. The Willow River Centre co-directors Amy Smoke and Bangishimo said that their past efforts on the day have often resulted in overwork and stress.

“It’s been so many years now since the TRC calls to actions came out and still to this day for a lot of organizations and spaces, we’re still considering an afterthought where, where we get emails like the week of before June and these organizations and corporations are looking for somebody to sing and dance for them,” Bangishimo told CKMS News.

The Summer Solstice Saturday will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at the Kitchener Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Local Residents Challenge Waterloo Region on Noise Data

 

The recent expansion of Highland Road West in Kitchener has increased noise pollution, significantly impacting residents who live along the road between Ira Needles Boulevard and Fisher Hallman Road.

Residents raised concerns about noise pollution and how it is measured at the Regional Council Planning and Works Committee meeting in early June.

Despite residents’ complaints and self-initiated noise-blocking measures, Regional staff insist the levels in this area do not exceed thresholds. Staff have said they will continue to rely on theoretical models that predict noise levels and that live noise tests are not routine due to precedent, policy and budget constraints. The residents, on the other hand, argue that the models are flawed and real-time noise data and live noise studies would provide a more accurate reflection of the situation.

Regional Councillors asked questions of both sides, eventually agreeing to draw up a motion to conduct live measurements in the impacted neighbourhood, with further discussions planned for the next Regional Council meeting.

CKMS News -2024-06-18- Alliance For a Liveable Ontario urge Conservatives to rethink housing plans

CKMS News -2024-06-18- Alliance For a Liveable Ontario urge Conservatives to rethink housing plans

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON –

The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario has been petitioning Ontario’s progressive conservative MPPs for months to scrap Bill-185 and some proposed changes to the Provincial Planning Statement. On May 22nd they sent a letter to the premier highlighting 10 “key problems” with the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act and the PPS.  

CKMS News spoke with founding member of the ALO, Mark Reusser. He discussed the coalition’s opposition to the government’s actions, and alternatives to address the housing availability and affordability crises, including specific effects for Waterloo Region.

While Bill-185 received Royal Assent on June 6th, Reusser told CKMS News that the ALO, which consists of 65 member organizations and over a thousand individuals, is “not giving up”, and will “continue to push for good planning.”

The provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing did not respond to requests from CKMS News for comment on ALO’s analysis.

CKMS News -2024-06-07- Worker-led campaigns on injury prevention and injured worker support focus of OFL’s recent actions

CKMS News -2024-06-07- Worker-led campaigns on injury prevention and injured worker support focus of OFL’s recent actions.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON –
The Ontario Federation of Labour’s campaigns to protect all workers and support those who have been injured have been heating up. The OFL is collaborating with the Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups on the Injured Workers Campaign Tool Kit and the “Injured Workers Bill of Rights“, are honouring workers through Injured Workers Day, and are launching the “Heat Stress” campaign.

Celebrating the passing of the second reading of the Injured Workers Day Act on May 30th, Willy Noiles, acting ONIWG President said in a press release  “We look forward to seeing West’s long overdue legislation becoming law in time for June 1, 2025.”

This show features OFL president Laura Walton, discussing the organization’s efforts supporting injured workers, and keeping workers from getting injured in the first place. Walton also discussed the government’s track record on worker rights. Requests for comment to the Conservative government from CKMS News were not answered. 

Waterloo Region Health Coalition Calls for Public Vote on Health Care Privatization

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

Waterloo Region Health Coalition has called for the Ontario government to hold a public vote on healthcare privatization in Ontario.

Jim Stewart of the Health Care Advocacy Group criticized the government’s privatization agenda, and the lack of clear communication both during the 2022 election and since, arguing privatization lacks public support and undermines the public system.

The Ontario Health Coalition highlights significant underfunding of public hospitals by the Ford administration, leading to increased wait times and operational challenges.

While Kitchener Conestoga MPP Mike Harris, Jr. defended the government’s health care spending (but provided no citations for his claims), Kitchener Centre MPP Aislinn Clancy argued the government has been underfunding the system, ultimately increasing the costs for taxpayers and creating a two-tier system.

 

Waterloo City Council approves community-driven changes for affordable housing project

MP Holmes, Kitchener, ON

After gathering community input, the City of Waterloo has modified its plan to develop vacant city land near Rim Park.

Michelle Lee, an Executive Officer at the City of Waterloo, highlighted how the idea of increasing building heights from 6 storeys to 12. The push for more commercial units came from the community.

The project aims to provide over 700 homes in a sustainable, affordable neighbourhood with commercial opportunities. The city has submitted the modified plan and now waits for approval for the Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO). An MZO authorizes the Minister of Municipal Affairs to fast track zoning changes on specific pieces of land.

Financial structure and long-term affordability remain critical questions still to be resolved. Staff favour land lease models, where land remains in community ownership but is leased to developers, while Sean Campbell, the Executive Director of Union Sustainable Development Cooperative, cautioned against prioritizing land leases over other potential models, highlighting that the core objective is perpetual affordability and public benefit.

Waterloo Region Board of Health finds success updating school immunization records

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

 

As Regional schools prepare for their final month of the school year, the Waterloo Region Department of Public Health reported to Council on May 23 that over 37,000 immunization records have been updated for school students since January, preventing student suspensions.

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the region, provided an update on the enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act. While Dr Wang discussed the suspension of some students due to their outdated records, she also noted the Region’s high compliance rate, particularly for measles immunization, with no local cases reported.

A full compliance report will be provided in the fall.

CKMS News -2024-05-28- Tri-City Roller Derby ready to roll into busy summer season

CKMS News -2024-05-28- Tri-City Roller Derby ready to roll into busy summer season

by: dan kellar

Waterloo – Tri-City Roller Derby’s premiere team, Tri-City Thunder, have returned from the North American northeast regional championships in Pennsylvania two places higher in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association rankings, and are now readying for the “home season”.   

Tri-City skater Maggie Middleton spoke with CKMS News about the tournament, where Thunder “beat the calculator” in their loss to Boston’s “A” team, and then ended with a win against Montreal’s secondary team “Sexpo”. 

Middleton also discussed the welcoming environment in the sport, which has a “role for everybody”, and invited folks to a meet-and-greet on June 2nd ahead of the seasonal intake which starts on June 26th.

Tri-city Roller Derby has 3 teams at different levels of competition. The house league team “Storm”, the secondary team “Lightning”, and the premiere team “Tri-City Thunder”.  The opening derby matches of the summer season are on July 27th at Moses Springer arena in Waterloo.

 

CKMS News -2024-05-26- Support grows for “Gaza House” solidarity encampment at UWaterloo

CKMSNews-2024-05-26-CKMS News -2024-05-26- Support grows for “Gaza House” solidarity encampment at UWaterloo

by: dan kellar

Waterloo – The Gaza House solidarity encampment at the University of Waterloo continues to gather support while negotiations with the school’s administration have stalled. 

First, a letter of support from faculty, staff, and librarians from UW and Wilfrid Laurier University. Secondly, a statement of solidarity from the chairman of PSAC 902 which represents graduate students and teaching assistants at WLU. Then on May 25th Gaza House hosted a rally which brought out over two hundred supporters.

This show features Sarah, a student member of the encampment’s negotiating team. Sarah has requested partial anonymity due to safety concerns. CKMS News also spoke with Law Professor Irina Ceric about students’ protest rights and reactions to encampments from administration at different universities. 

CKMS News requested comment from UW administration and was told no one was available but that they “will look to see what we can do later this week”. The University has not responded to further communication.

CKMS News -2024-05-24- Bike Rides, street parties, comedy galas and rainbow crosswalks – Spectrum is set for a busy Pride 2024.

CKMS News -2024-05-24- Bike Rides, street parties, comedy galas and rainbow crosswalks – Spectrum is set for a busy Pride 2024.

by: dan kellar

Kitchener –
 Spectrum, an organization that serves local 2SLGBTQIA+ folks has been busy ahead of Pride 2024, planning many initiatives including participation in
Tri-Pride Summerfest on June 1st, Pride Ride on June 7th, and Spectrum’s 3rd annual gala on June 13th.

“Kicking things off” on May 31st, Spectrum’s executive director, Scott Williams will join Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe and others to unveil a new “Rainbow Crosswalk” in uptown. Speaking about the importance of projects like the crosswalk, Williams told CKMS, “we need to be very visible in order to remind people that we have always been here and will always be here.”  Mayor McCabe also provided CKMS a statement about the crosswalk.

This show features an interview with Scott Williams on Spectrum’s activities, Pride 2024, and the new rainbow crosswalk. Williams also speaks about ongoing effects and efforts related to the June 28th 2023 hate-motivated attack in a gender studies classroom at the University of Waterloo.