Category Archives: CKMS Community News

News from the Waterloo Region community.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-07-17- Waterloo Region launches pilot study to make roundabouts safer

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CKMS News -2025-07-17- Waterloo Region launches pilot study to make roundabouts safer.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The Region of Waterloo will be piloting modifications to three roundabouts to find ways to make them safer and more comfortable for pedestrians to traverse the intersections.  The pilot program will run for a year from September 2025 when the modifications are installed, and a report is expected to be delivered to the Regional council in late 2026.

The 3 roundabouts included in the pilot are Homer Watson Boulevard and Block Line Road in Kitchener, Franklin Boulevard and Bishop Street in Cambridge, and Erb Street W and Ira Needles Boulevard in Waterloo.

This show features an interview with  Darryl Spencer, the Manager of Transportation Engineering for the Region of Waterloo who told CKMS News that “statistically speaking we do have a good track record at our roundabouts… but we do hear feedback from members of the public that some of these roundabouts are a safety concern”.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News – 2025-07-10- Kitchener encourages kids to get outdoors with summertime “Play In The Park” program

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CKMS News – 2025-07-10- Kitchener encourages kids to get outdoors with summertime “Play In The Park” program

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Kitchener is piloting a new free program this summer aimed to get kids outdoors and interacting with each other and with nature.  The program, which started on July 2nd is called Play in the Park and will run weekdays from 10am-noon until August 22nd at three neighbourhood parks spread across Kitchener: Wilson Park, Morgan Park, and Gzowski Park.

In a press release Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said “Play in the Park will offer organized outdoor activities that encourage a greater appreciation of nature, our parks and our environment. Some of the best childhood memories come from exploring the outdoors in the summer and discovering new things with friends.”  Play in the Park is a drop-in program which does not require registration.

This show features an interview with Lori Palubeski, the manager of neighbourhood programs and services at the City of Kitchener.

For more information about Play in the park visit Kitchener.ca/PlayInThePark.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-06-25- Library Of Things celebrates OTF grant at annual summer garage sale

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CKMS News -2025-06-25- Library Of Things celebrates OTF grant at annual summer garage sale

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The Library of Things of Kitchener-Waterloo has been awarded a big grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation which will facilitate a new project and lead to 5 new part-time staff positions for folks who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. The $440,100 grant was celebrated at the annual community garage sale on June 24th at the organization’s headquarters on Moore St in Kitchener.

The LoT, which freely lends out items such as tools, camping gear, and kitchen appliances, and is the social enterprise of the charitable service organization Extend-a-Family has a mission to “build a sharing economy in Waterloo Region by equipping individuals with the tools and resources they need to create, build, and explore, while fostering equity through meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”

This episode features clips from speeches given at the event, including from Kitchener-Centre Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy, and a short interview with Kim Sproul, the Community Program Manager for the Library of Things.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-06-18- Sunrise ceremony and “Land Back Camp” celebration to kick off the Multicultural Festival on Indigenous Peoples Day

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CKMS News -2025-06-18- Sunrise ceremony and “Land Back Camp” celebration to kick on the Multicultural Festival on Indigenous Peoples Day

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Ahead of the Sunrise Ceremony and celebration for the 5 year anniversary of Land Back Camp on June 21st, CKMS News spoke with Bangishimo, an organizer of the event and an Indigenous advocate in the region.  June 21st is also National Indigenous People’s Day and the summer solstice.

Bangishimo told CKMS News that the Sunrise ceremony will run from 7am to around 9am in the courtyard at the Willow River Centre in downtown Kitchener.  For the first time the ceremony is being held in partnership with the multicultural festival which runs over the weekend in Willow River Park.

The Sunrise ceremony will feature a ceremonial fire, drumming and song, and words from youth activist Skye Smoke, and advocate, educator, and Residential School Survivor Lila Bruyere.

Bangishimo, a coordinator at the Willow River Centre also discusses the impact that “Land Back Camp” has had locally in the five years following land reclamation action.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-06-11- Wildfire smoke triggers air quality warnings in Waterloo Region

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CKMS News -2025-06-11- Wildfire smoke triggers air quality warnings in Waterloo Region

Kitchener, ON – An active start to the wildfire season in Canada has led to warnings about air quality in Waterloo Region over the past weeks.  While currently bouncing between 3 and 5 out of 10, or low and moderate risk on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Air Quality Health Index website, on June 5 and 6th, an air quality warning was issued as measurements were 11, or very high risk.

According to federal government data, the last 3 years are the first to have had days in Waterloo Region with Air Quality Health Index peaks over 10.  As experts expect the frequency and severity of wildfires to increase due to climate change, low air quality could become seasonally endemic.

This show features an interview with Dr Eilish Scallan, a physician working in the Environmental Health department of Region of Waterloo Public Health.  Scallan discusses how air quality affects the health of residents and what folks can do to reduce their exposure to wildfire driven low air quality.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-05-29- An “Urgent Mobilization for Gaza” in Waterloo demands immediate government action to stop the killings in Palestine

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CKMS News -2025-05-29- An “Urgent Mobilization for Gaza” in Waterloo demands immediate government action to stop the killings in Palestine

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – On Sunday May 25th, several hundred residents attended a demonstration in Waterloo which demanded that the Canadian government implement a full, two way arms embargo and sanctions against Israel.  Speakers at the demonstration called out the “ongoing genocide against Palestinians”, highlighted Canadian complicity in the violence through ongoing sales of weapon and technology, and linked the violent settler colonialism happening in the Palestine to the ongoing dispossession of Indigenous people of their lands in Canada.

This show features an interview with Nick Joseph, the media liaison for the demonstration. Joseph speaks about the demands made by demonstrators, the weapons industry in the region, and other actions folks in Canada can take to work towards justice for Palestinians.  Joseph was previously the spokesperson for the Gaza House protests at the University of Waterloo in 2024.

CKMS News reached out to the local members of parliament, including MP Chagger whose office was along the march’s route, asking for a response to the demands made by demonstrators, but did not receive a response from any of them.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News – 2025-05-27- Everybody wants to be a part of Erick Traplin Day

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CKMS News -2025-05-27- Everybody wants to be a part of Erick Traplin Day

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – With Erick Traplin Day approaching, CKMS News spoke to the cherished entertainer about his craft, his wide-ranging support, and the June 8th celebration of his decades-long career and continuing musical efforts.  Erick Traplin who is based in rural St Clements is a children’s entertainer with 7 albums. He has performed at countless events across Waterloo Region and throughout Ontario.

Speaking about Erick Traplin Day, Traplin told CKMS that he is overwhelmed and grateful and reflected that “when I perform, I feel a joy going through me.”

CKMS News also interviewed Steve Roth, the manager of special events for the city of Kitchener, and a lead organiser of Erick Traplin day.  Roth said the event is an all-ages variety show with activities throughout the afternoon.

Erick Traplin day will take place from noon to 5pm on Sunday June 8th at Carl Zehr square at Kitchener’s city hall. Additional details of the event are available at ErickTraplinDay.ca.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-05-15- Mike Morrice remains committed to Kitchener Centre despite losing his seat in parliament

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CKMS News -2025-05-15- Mike Morrice remains committed to Kitchener Centre despite losing his seat in parliament

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Mike Morrice made history in 2021 by becoming the first elected Green Party MP from Ontario, however  he will not be returning to parliament in 2025 after being defeated in April’s federal election by 375 votes by the Conservative Party candidate Kelly DeRidder.

This show features an interview with now former Kitchener Centre Green Party MP Mike Morrice.  Morrice  discusses what he accomplished in parliament and what was left undone.  Speaking about what he was proud of, Morrice brought up his work on securing and strengthening the Canadian Disability Benefit, saying that “regardless of the results of the election, that work will continue”.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-05-08- Kitchener council celebrates the Dark Eyed Junco with “official bird” designation

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CKMS News -2025-05-08- Kitchener council celebrates the Dark Eyed Junco with “official bird” designation

dan kellar
 Kitchener, ON – With a unanimous vote on Monday, Kitchener’s council declared the dark-eyed junco as the “official bird” of the city.  The vote came on the heels of a public delegation from Meredith Blunt, of Bird Friendly City Kitchener. Blunt helped run the City Bird Poll which occurred in November and December 2024.

With 1265 votes cast in the poll, the dark-eyed junco, also known as the Junco Hyemalis,  had 45.1% of the vote. The subspecies most likely to be seen around Kitchener is the Slate-coloured dark-eyed junco.

City staff also recommended the designation of the dark-eyed junco, noting it builds on Kitchener’s “Bird Friendly City” status, and aligns with the city’s strategic plan under the “Cultivating a Green City Together” heading.

This show features the delegation from Meredith Blunt, as well as a question and comments from councillors.  Blunt is hosting birding walks and talks at City Hall’s pop-up space Sq. Peg on Wednesdays through Sundays all through May.

Audio of dark-eyed junco by Matthias Sirch and Doug Hynes from Wiki Commons: xeno-canto. Used under Creative-Commons licence 4.0;

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-05-01- Indigenous artwork at new library branch focuses on interconnectedness and storytelling

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CKMS News -2025-05-01- Indigenous artwork at new library branch focuses on interconnectedness and storytelling.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – While the neighbourhood surrounding Kitchener’s newest library branch in still under construction, inside the building, a 15m long wall sculpture has been installed and unveiled, which according to a city press release “explores and honours connection to the earth and to each other, but also the traditional sharing of knowledge within Indigenous communities.”

The artwork, a collaboration with Anishinaabe Indigenous artists Isaac Murdoch and Nyle Johnston is named Wintertime Stories and is a sprawling mixed medium sculpture made with acrylic and wood and features pictographs and iconography. The press release notes the sculpture is “rooted in the Anishinabek storytelling tradition, intersecting cultures and life in the northern woodlands”.

This show features interviews with Wintertime Stories co-creator Nyle Johnston and Eric Rumble, the Coordinator, or Arts and Creative Industries at City of Kitchener, who helped facilitate the selection process for the artwork.

Watch a short film on the artwork here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiputhmpSH4

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-04-25- More Strong Mayor Powers Granted In Waterloo Region

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CKMS News -2025-04-25- More Strong Mayor Powers Granted In Waterloo Region

dan kellar
Waterloo Region, ON – On May 1st, mayors of 169 small and medium sized municipalities will be granted Strong Mayor Powers by the provincial government, giving them new abilities to direct hirings, enact by-laws, and set their budgets with less democratic participation by city councillors or the public. Since 2023, 47 other mayors have been granted the new status.

The conservative government says that the powers will help municipalities deliver on provincial priorities like building homes and infrastructure.  However, data from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation  shows that housing starts were down 33% in January and February compared to the same months in 2024, leading critics, including the Green Party to question the effectiveness of the Strong Mayor strategy.

This show starts with an interview with MPP Clancy and moves onto interviews with the Mayor of Wilmot Township Natasha Salonen, and Mayor Sandy Shantz of Woolwich Township, who are both about to be granted the Strong Mayor Powers.  Also included is a statement CKMS News received from Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

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

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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. 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Police confirm human trafficking is on the rise in Waterloo Region

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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.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

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

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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.