Category Archives: CKMS Community News

News from the Waterloo Region community.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News 2025-01-24- A deep connection to place brings new classical composer back to Waterloo to launch debut album.

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CKMS News -2025-01-24- A deep connection to place brings new classical composer back to Waterloo to launch debut album.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – The Icarus Album, which is the debut work of new classical composer Erik Lankin, is being released today with a listening party and discussion at the Waterloo North Mennonite Church, a place with deep connection to his family. Lankin, who “grew up slowly in Kitchener-Waterloo” and is now based in Montreal, has reinterpreted the myth of Icarus and Daedalus for this album, as a metaphor for losing his father to mental illness.

Lankin says the musicians involved in the project are some of canada’s top classical soloists and neoclassical producers.

In an early review of The Icarus Album, Robin B. James of Igloo Magazine wrote “This amazing work of Erik Lankin creates a new triumph, which I would place high in the pantheon of significant human musical expressions.”

This show features an interview with The Icarus Album composer Erik Lankin. The listening party is a free event which starts at 7pm.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Gutsy farmers are taking on the challenge of re-invigorating the Canadian wool market

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Host: Leah Gerber

These days, most Canadians source their sweaters, socks, hats, mitts, blankets, and all the other things we use yarn and cloth for, from abroad. The textile industry was once a major part of Waterloo Region and across Canada, but it’s been globalized away. For many farmers, selling their fleece isn’t worth the cost of transporting it, so much of Canada’s fleece is thrown away or burned. 

But, there is a small contingent of people in Ontario joining in a movement to make their living in a local textile industry. This includes raising sheep or other fibre-bearing animals, processing their fleece, and selling new products.

Radio Waterloo spoke with Romy Schill, Lindsay Webber and Donna Hancock, all women who keep fibre animals and have blazed new trails to make products from Canadian wool.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-01-22- Extreme cold threatens lives while regional government initiates action.

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CKMS News -2025-01-22- Extreme cold elicits advocate pressure and forces regional government action

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – As daytime temperatures dipped below -20 degrees this week in Waterloo Region, anti-poverty advocates in Waterloo Region demanded action from municipal governments to open more indoor space for homeless community members. In response, the region teamed with local service providers to open a new 20 person emergency overnight shelter in Kitchener. A second emergency overnight shelter will open early next week in Cambridge.

This show features interviews with anti-poverty and housing advocate Regan Sunshine Brussé and councillor Jim Erb of the regional government. 

Brussé discusses the human rights approach to housing which the regional government adopted in the 2024 Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and offers her thoughts on how to address the extreme cold this winter.  Councillor Erb says the regional government and staff are working diligently to address the extreme cold, and he responds to ideas advocates have brought forward such as using Grand River Transit’s bus fleet or regional properties for emergency warming sites.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

What Waterloo Region’s home buyers, sellers and renters need to know going in to 2025

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Host: Leah Gerber

Heading into 2025, the Region’s potential home buyers, sellers and renters are anxious to know what the outlook is for this year’s real estate market. Experts including Christal Moura of Cornerstone Association of Realtors and Anthony Passarelli of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation say the Bank of Canada’s recent decrease in interest rates means more buyers will be entering the market – hopefully helping the backlog of potential buyers who have been sharing homes or staying at home longer than intended finally buy a home. For renters, the recent federal cap on the number of international student permits will mean a decrease in demand for rental units. This, coupled with the increase of for-purpose rental units completed this year in the region will mean more choice, though not necessarily lower prices, for the region’s renters.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-01-17- MT Space hosting “Works-in-Progress” mini festival this weekend

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CKMS News – 2025-01-17- MT Space hosting “Works-in-Progress” Mini Festival this weekend.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Theatre lovers in Waterloo Region will have a chance this week to peek behind the curtain and experience some of the creative process involved in creating a play, as MT Space hosts their first ever “Works-in-Progress” mini-festival, part of their 20th year celebrations.

Patrons are invited to the Registry theatre for presentations of plays which are still being worked on by their creators.  Putting the “process over the product” each play will give audiences a glimpse into the creative process, and provide them the opportunity to give feedback to the playwrights.

This show features an interview with MT Space artistic director Pam Patel. Patel discusses the themes of the plays being presented and speaks about the value of developing a piece of theatre with audience feedback. Visit MTSpace.ca for more information about the festival.  Tickets for shows on January 17th and 18th are still available and are pay-what-you-can. 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-01-17- Art exhibition brings Palestinian culture and heritage to Kitchener’s city hall

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CKMS News -2025-01-17- Art exhibition brings Palestinian culture and heritage to Kitchener’s city hall

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The second annual Palestinian Art Exhibition will take place at Kitchener’s city hall this weekend and will feature poetry, music, dancing, visual artworks, and several interactive workshops.  Organised by grassroots groups Sporas Scattered, the exhibition is “celebrating Palestinian culture, heritage, and resistance”.

This year, organisers have added an art camp to the exhibition geared for youth and have included workshops on Tatreez embroidery and Dabka dancing.

Organisers are also hoping folks will come out and celebrate the tentative ceasefire that has been announced in Palestine after 15 months of devastating violence.

This show features an interview with Malak Sameh an organiser with Sporas Scattered. The exhibition runs from 9am to 9pm on Friday January 17th through the 19th and is free to attend. For a full schedule of events, check out the Sporas Scattered instagram page and look for the pinned post.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-01-15- Exploring Indigenous futurisms at WPL’s Indigenous reading circle

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CKMS News -2025-01-15- Exploring Indigenous futurisms at WPL’s first Indigenous reading circle.

dan kellar
Waterloo – A new Indigenous reading circle at the Waterloo public library will explore a variety of short stories, essays, and poetry by Indigenous writers.  Amy Smoke, a co-facilitator of the reading circle, told CKMS News “people think we are stuck in the past and only write about ceremony or history”, however, she noted “we write sci-fi, we write all kinds of things”.  Smoke added “we are so much more than our trauma”.

The first book to be discussed is Love After the End, an  anthology of queer Indigenous speculative fiction edited by Joshua Whitehead.

The casual reading circle at the WPL’s main branch is a collaboration with the Willow River Centre.

This show features an interview with self-described “book fanatic” Amy Smoke, an IndigiQueer, two-spirit parent, teacher, and community organizer, and a co-director of the Willow River centre. 

Two dates are booked, January 16th and February 13th from 7-8pm, register at wpl.ca.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-01-09- New mental health tool accessible for youth in Ontario

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CKMS News -2025-01-09- New accessible mental health tool for youth in Ontario

dan kellar
Ontario – A recent report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a decline in mental health in Canada. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 report shows 26% of people reported “poor” or “fair” mental health in 2021, up from 8.9% in 2019. 

The report, which was released in November 2024 revealed that “2.5 million people with mental health needs in Canada reported that they weren’t getting adequate care”.

One initiative to help address mental health care is “One Stop Talk”, which “provides immediate access to mental health services, when they’re needed, wherever they’re needed.” The service, which launched in the fall of 2024, and is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, is free to access and is available for youth up to 18 years of age. 

In Waterloo Region, Camino Wellbeing and Mental-health are One Stop Talk partners, but were unavailable for an interview. 

This show features an interview with Robert Royer, the Vice President of strategy for Strides Toronto, a mental health and development support organization and a leading partner of the One Stop Talk initiative.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

No library? No problem. Kitchener Public Library and city staff co-launch a new library locker pilot

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Host: Leah Gerber

Starting this week, people can access the Kitchener Public Library’s resources through a library locker pilot program, with lockers located at Victoria Hills and Chandler Mowat community centres. The lockers function like mini library vending machines, with resources accessible for anyone with a library card number. If you residents don’t have a library card, they can sign up for one online – even through the community centre’s public computers – and instantly start using the library lockers with their new card number. The whole purpose is to bring libraries closer to neighbourhoods that are relatively further away from actual library branch locations, and make accessing library resources easier for everyone.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

City of Waterloo staff and council release the 2025 budget, announce 6.34 percent tax increase

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Host: Leah Gerber

The City of Waterloo staff published a press release last week announcing the confirmation of the 2025 budget and a 6.34 percent property tax increase. Waterloo staff and council determine the budget in three year increments, so this was a confirmation of a budget and tax increase that had been predetermined last year, says councillor and finance liaison Diane Freeman. Director of financial planning and asset management for the city, Brad Witzel explained how the average annual increase to each household is determined, as well as the city’s infrastructure funding gap of 39 million dollars.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Compelled to craft: more people turning to arts programming after the pandemic

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Host: Leah Gerber

Since the pandemic, recreation managers across Kitchener-Waterloo are noticing a sustained increase in the number of people participating consistently in arts and crafts programming. Radio Waterloo spoke with programming managers for the City of Waterloo, City of Kitchener and the Kitchener market, who all had similar observations: Whether it’s for seniors during the day, the general public in the evenings, or the delivery of solo crafting kits to peoples’ homes, more and more people across both cities seem drawn to taking up a craft in the last two years since programs started opening up after the pandemic. While some thought an interest in crafting might be temporary, the trend seems to be growing, not shrinking. 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Rink volunteers are needed at the City of Kitchener. If you can brave the cold, it might be for you.

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Host: Leah Gerber

There are about 25 neighbourhood rinks throughout Kitchener, and they are all run by volunteers who go out in the darkest and coldest time of night to keep the rinks clear and flooded. It’s not a glamorous job, but Chris Letizi, a volunteer rink coordinator for the rink at the Stanley Park Community Centre, says the role a rink plays in fostering community by providing a place for kids and families to get out and skate or for groups to play hockey, is worth it. He says finding volunteers willing to come out and do the work to keep the rinks operating is a problem all across the city and hopes more people will pitch in to share the load. Josh Joseph runs the Love My Hood program with the city and says the outdoor rink program is a decades-old program that could not run without volunteers.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Local student meal program and school sound alarm on inadequate budget for feeding hungry kids

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Host: Leah Gerber

Nutrition for Learning has been serving food to kids in Waterloo Region for about 30 years. This school year was the first they were unable to fill all the food needs of their schools. CEO Erin Moraghan says they need about twice the budget they have to meet the demand. 

Vanessa Haffner, an educational assistant and the volunteer coordinator for the program at Centennial Public School in Waterloo, speaks about her first-hand experience trying to stretch the budget to meet the need. She and principal Stephen Sherlock speak about the difference the food makes for the students and the program’s importance. 

Haffner says food insecurity in schools is a real issue that can go unseen by the larger community. “If you’re not within the school walls and seeing every day what our students are coming with for lunch, it’s easy to miss. And I think sometimes our community doesn’t realise how many students are coming to school feeling hungry.”

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Aberfoyle water bottling plant set to sell. Water advocates call it a win, mayor says its not

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Host: Leah Gerber

Staff with Blue Triton, a multi-national water bottling company, confirmed earlier this month their Ontario operations will close by the end of January. This includes the controversial plant in Aberfoyle, Puslinch township. 

Advocates with the Wellington Water Watchers are calling this a major win for their cause, as they’ve sought the closure of all water bottling activity at this well for about 18 years, beginning when it was owned by Nestle. 

Township mayor James Seeley says the sale of the plant is a loss for the township, as it was the third-highest tax payer. He also estimates the loss of about 200 jobs.

Water advocates with the Six Nations of the Grand River also lay claim on the well, saying the water rightfully belongs to their community. They believe the Six Nations community should have the final say on what happens to the water, especially as the community continues to endure a long-term water crisis. 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Pining for clarity: Gauging the environmental impact of the Region’s large Christmas trees

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Host: Leah Gerber

In many communities, the Christmas season is kicked off with a city tree-lighting ceremony, where a large bedecked Christmas tree is lit up for all to see – in fact, Waterloo Region’s three cities are all lighting their Christmas trees this coming Friday. But in today’s environmentally tough times, some may be wondering if cutting down 30-foot giants is the best choice for a city’s Christmas tree. Radio Waterloo takes a look.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Local politicians say they’re working to keep All Day Kitchener Go train service on track

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Host: Leah Gerber

It’s been over seven years since the federal government committed over 750 million dollars to Kitchener’s two-way-all-day Go Train service, and ten since the provincial government originally committed to the project – so why the long wait?

Radio Waterloo spoke with conservative member of provincial parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga Mike Harris about what the hold up is, and when riders can expect to see this service, as well as Kitchener-Centre MP Mike Morrice who has been advocating for the project for two years. Radio Waterloo also communicated with Metrolinx to hear about the progress on the Kitchener portion of the line. MPP Harris outlined the challenges faced when implementing the project and says he is optimistic about the progress he expects to see this coming year.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News – 2024-12-02 – KW Symphony members speak about their experiences with the symphony’s tumultuous year

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Leah Gerber

Miriam Stewart-Kroeker, a cellist with the KW Symphony was devastated when she heard the news of the symphony’s bankruptcy last year, wondering if she would have to move her family away from KW so she could continue working. She and her fellow musicians decided to take a stand and fight for the symphony, and last month the debts were annulled. The symphony is back on its feet, but it can never be the same. Stewart-Kroeker and board chair Bill Poole speak about their experiences with the bankruptcy and their thoughts on how they can move forward in a new way that’s more inclusive than ever.

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News – 2024-11-18- Understanding the process for the “Strong Mayor Budget” in Cambridge

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CKMS News -2024-11-18- Understanding the process for the “Strong Mayor Budget” in Cambridge

dan kellar
Cambridge, ON – Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett has used the “strong mayor” powers granted to her in 2023, to present her own “strong mayor budget” for the first time on October 28th. While Liggett had the power ahead of the 2024 budget, she directed staff to prepare that budget. 

Strong Mayor powers were introduced in 2022 by the provincial government for Toronto and Ottawa and expanded in 2023 to include Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchener.  The provincial government argued the new powers would help alleviate the ongoing housing crisis by allowing mayors to gain by-law approvals with only 1/3rd of council support, grant veto powers to mayors in the budget process, and require a 2/3rds majority for councillors to override any vetoes.

The budget presentation in cambrdige initiated a 50 day approval process which includes 30 days for public delegations and amendments, 10 days for the Mayor to veto the amendments, and a further 10 days where city council can override any vetoes with a 2/3rds majority vote. 

On November 7th public delegations responded to the budget, and staff is still accepting written comments to present to city council on November 21st.

This show features an interview with Danielle Manton, Cambridge’s city clerk.  Manton speaks about the “Strong Mayor” powers, how the process for the budget will proceed, and how residents can still take part. Mayor Liggett was not available to discuss the budget.

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2024-11-15- Cambridge manufacturer to be protested in Canada-wide day of action targeting war plane supply chain

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CKMS News -2024-11-14- Cambridge manufacturer to be protested in Canada-wide day of action targeting war plane supply chain.

dan kellar
Cambridge, ON – On November 16th, a “F-35 day-of-action” will be held across the country, to highlight Canadian complicity in the ongoing violence in Palestine and Lebanon by the Israeli military, and to demand a full two-way arms embargo involving Israel. 

Arms Embargo Now, the network organizing the protests have focused on the supply chain for the F-35 war plane, which is tied to the death of thousands of civilians and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure including shelters, schools, and hospitals. In Waterloo Region at least 6 manufacturing facilities are linked to the F-35, including local protest target, the PCC Aerostructures’ Centra plant in Cambridge.

While federal liberals have put a stop to some weapons exports. CKMS News asked Liberal MPs in Cambridge Valerie Bradford and Brian May for comment but did not receive any response. CKMS News’ requests to PCC Aerostructures’ Centra for comment also went unanswered.

This show features an interview with Aamina Parkar, an organiser with the grassroots group Neighbours for Palestine Waterloo Region. Parkar discusses the day-of-action and other tactics that are being used to pressure the Canadian government.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

Waterloo proposing “gentle density” zoning changes

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CKMS News -2024-11-12- Waterloo proposing “gentle density” zoning changes.

dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – Aiming to add housing units while “gently” densifying low-rise residential neighbourhoods, the city of Waterloo is proposing changes to its zoning bylaws and official plan, allowing 4 units and buildings of up to 4 stories on every plot of residential land in the city.  Parking minimums will also be reduced under the plan while maximum building height will increase.

City officials are requesting residents provide feedback on the proposals through the EngageWR web portal ahead of a vote in city council in December.  Kitchener city council enacted similar changes in March of 2024.

This show features interviews with City of Waterloo planner Tristin Deveau, and Meg Walker, an eviction prevention worker at the Social Development Council of Waterloo Region. Deveau speaks on the details and motivations for the changes, and concerns some residents have brought forward. Walker responds to the proposals and discusses other measures the city could take to reduce housing costs. 

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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 Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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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