Tag Archives: CKMS Newsroom

by: dan kellar
Kitchener ON – Ahead of the official municipal campaign period, community builder, housing advocate, and mayoral candidate David Alton has started hosting a series of community townhalls which will focus on how to ensure that all residents share the same rights to live their lives and be integrated in efforts to “build a joyful city”.

The first event, which took place in June was The Right to Belong, with the second in the series The Right to Housing happening Saturday July 25th at the Chandler Mowat Community Centre in Kitchener. The other events will take place once per month in the lead up to the October election.

According to government data including the “Point in Time” count, nearly 2,400 people were experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region, with about 78% of those folks experiencing “chronic homelessness. Provincially, the rate of homelessness increased by 25% between 2020 and 2024 and across the country according to the federal government “Over the past five years, the total population experiencing homelessness on a single night has increased by 59%”. The total number of homeless folks on any given night in Canada is over 65,000.

Candidate Alton, who was a recipient of the Region of Waterloo’s “Community educator award in housing” told CKMS News that “I see this campaign as a public education opportunity” and that each townhall will lead to calls to action and it is their intent to “Spread these calls to action and these platforms that are community built, to every candidate to try to get them as far as possible.”

This show features an interview with David Alton

Newsroom, Station

Job Posting: Journalists for the Radio Waterloo Newsroom (part time)

3 June 2026 Radio Waterloo Leave a comment

This posting is now closed. All applicants will be contacted the week of 15 June 2026.

Organisation: Radio Waterloo Inc. (CKMS-FM 102.7)
Job Title: ~~Freelance~~ Part Time Journalist (2 positions)
Term: June 2026 to March 2027.
Compensation: $30.65/hour

The Radio Waterloo newsroom is looking for two dynamic journalists who care about local journalism and local issues. The positions are funded by a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI), through the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC).

The focus for news stories is primarily in Kitchener and Waterloo; other communities covered are Cambridge, North Dumfries, Wilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich, and Guelph. Stories will centre on social issues such as housing, homelessness, poverty, mental health, the war on drugs, and social activism. There will be a focus on the municipal election from August to October.

Duties and Responsibilities

Produce 10 to 25 minute audio pieces with interviews, and analysis, edited for radio broadcast.
Provide a photo or illustration for each piece, self-created or using a permissible license.
Write a synopsis of these stories for publication on the Radio Waterloo website, and the CRFC website, Frequency News.
Set up and undertake interviews for assigned or approved pieces.
Pitching ideas for pieces.
Use audio editing software to produce the piece.
Upload the completed work to the appropriate servers.

Qualifications

Ability to critically assess potential news stories and interviews ethically and efficiently.
Journalism training/experience and documentary production experience are assets.
Self-motivated and willing to initiate and complete projects.
Experience with audio editing software is an asset.
Familiarity with website and social media platforms are assets.
Familiarity with issues of homelessness, poverty, and drug use are assets.

Journalists will report to the Senior Journalist, with additional oversight from the Newsroom Coordinator.

Position 1: 20 hours/week. Produce at least two pieces each week.

Position 2: 10 hours/week. Produce at least one piece each week.

How to apply: Send your resume/CV and a brief cover letter to news@radiowaterloo.ca by Friday 12 June 2026.

— 30 —

TVB Newsroom 20020724 from Wikimedia Commons used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license.

Events, Station

2024 Golden MP3 Award Winners

4 May 2025 Radio Waterloo Leave a comment

The Golden MP3 Awards were given out at the Radio Waterloo Membership Appreciation Night on Saturday 15 March 2025 to shows that aired in 2024.

If you’ve won an award but didn’t make it to Membership Appreciation Night then you can pick up your award certificates at the studio, in the file holder under the deposit box.

DJ AdRock: Street Hop — Carmelo Farruggio

DJ Adrock Memorial Award is given for exceptional DJing. First awarded in 2012. Last year’s winner was Father To Son (Ben Van Osch and Gary Van Osch).

Community Radio Award: Welcome To The Civic Hub — Ritika Shrimali

Given to a show that exemplifies what Community Radio is all about. First awarded in 2013, then known as The Local Hero Award. Last year’s winner was Atardecer Ranchero (Felix Grande).

LP Show: Interzone — Coral Andrews

Awarded to a great Long Playing show that has been on the air for three or more years. First awarded in 2013. Last year’s winner was Interzone (Coral Andrews).

Freshest Beats: Through The Static — Jordan Kalist

Awarded to a show in the first three years of existence. First awarded in 2013. Last year’s winner was Through The Static (Jordan Kalist).

Talk Focused Show: Readers Delight — Jody Swannell and Richard Stephens

For the most interesting spoken word and informative talk. First awarded in 2019. Last year’s winner was Story Telling (Kerime Caan).

Culturally Diverse: Atardecer Ranchero — Felix Grande

Either best show expanding the cultural diversity of the station or a show that features many diverse cultures or features a culture that is under-represented in the area. First awarded in 2016. Last year’s winner was Mazaj Show (Bassam Awwad).

Graphic Material: Radio Nowhere — Don Janzen

Awarded to the show with best supporting images either through a poster, logo, or website posts. First awarded in 2015. Last year’s winner was From The Void (Chris Sherren).

Most Original: Unlimited Fortune — John Keating and Stephen Baltus

Awarded to a show that is very original and can only be found on Radio Waterloo. First awarded in 2014. Last year’s winner was Unlimited Fortune (Stephen Baltus, John Keating).

Sonic Boom: No Crap Radio — PJ Smith

The name is an homage to the old sonic boom awards and is given to a show playing great music. First awarded as a Golden MP3 Award in 2018, but dates back to at least 2006. Last year’s winner was Truth Radio (Mandeep Chagger).

SoundFM Soldier: Jeff Stager — (Programming Committee Coordinator)

The SoundFM Soldier award is given to members who have put in a lot of work behind the scenes to keep Radio Waterloo Community Radio alive. The name is an homage to the past nickname of the station and the hard work that people did at that time to move the station from the UW campus and to become its own entity) *This award is often given to two people. First awarded as a Golden MP3 Award in 2013, but dates back to the time the transmitter was relocated to the Albert Street location (2008?). Last year’s winners were Gary Van Osch and Barbara Urbach for painting the studio.

Video Crown the Radio Star: Community Connections — (Jenniefer Stronge)

Given to the show that best utilizes the studio video system to support their program. First awarded in 2018, then called Video King The Radio Star. Last year’s winner was Community Connections (Jenniefer Stronge, Jeff Stager, Bob Jonkman).

Teamwork Transition: Bandwidth — The Bandwidth Crew, and So Old It’s New — Karlo Berkovich

Given to the best 1-2 seamless transition programs on Radio Waterloo. First awarded in 2018. Last year’s winners were Wax Jungle (Raph Kanai, Maciek Gudrymowicz, Carmelo Farruggio) and Pressure Drop (Nat Persaud).

The Bandwidth Crew in 2024 was:

William Bernier
Charlie Dickson
William Dolson
Siimar Leen Kaur
Catherine Maddock
Bastian Perez
Emma Schuster
Jess Xu
Joyce Yang
Chris Barclay
Celina Cayabyab
Fio Gandola
Sahal Sajeer
Arya Shababi
Nicholas Verberk

Local Liaison of Canada — CKMS News — Dan Kellar and MP Holmes

Given to a DJ who puts local stories on a national level. First awarded in 2013, then called Community Champion. Last Year’s winner was Let’s Chit Chat with Narine Dat (Narine Dat Sookram).

FUNdraiser Of The Year — Klausterfokken — Mason Tikl

Award is given to a FUN spirit during our fundraising efforts. First awarded in 2016. Last year’s winner was Carmelo Farruggio.

Robot Apocalypse Remote Broadcast: Late Night Vibes — Maciek Gudrymowicz

Given to the show that best uses Remote Live-To-Air. First awarded in 2020 when Remote Live-To-Air kits were made available to keep programmers on the air during Covid 19. Last year’s winner was Virasat Radio (Baljinder Tamber).

Boomerang Award — DJ Bridge (Sedrick Thomas) of Megamix Show

For long ago programmers who have come back. (Not selected on form, it’s just awarded…) First conceived in 2023, but not awarded until now.

Best Podcast: $A-surreal-image-of-a-teratoma-with-lava-pouring-out-of-a-screaming-mouth.-The-lava-is-vibrant-with-fractal-colors-creating-a-psychedelic-effect.-Arou$ From The Void — Chris Sherren

Awarded to the program with the best podcast based on the on-air show. First awarded this year for 2024.

Service Recognition

First Year Service Award

Alex Adefemi
Stephen Baltus
Richard Brereton
Fio Gandola
Jordan Kalist
John Keating
Lori Gentle Eagle Lafond
Anne Leslie
Issac Two White Feather Petonoquot
Ritika Shrimali

Second Year Service Award

Kerime Carpan
Don Janzen
Kara Shaw
Lynda Shaw

Fifth Year Service Award

Richard Giles
Winston Vassell

Twentieth Year Service Award

Raph Kanai

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

Stories of Hope: Community-Led Food Assistance Programs in Waterloo Region

4 April 2024 News Leave a comment

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

In the last three months of 2023, food assistance programs in the region marked almost a 50 percent increase in usage compared to the same period in 2022. In those last three months of 2023 alone, almost 15, 000 unique households accessed a food assistance program, a 43 percent increase over that period in 2022.

These numbers are from the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and they highlight the surge in demand for food and the growing issue of food insecurity within our community.

However, amidst these challenges, there are stories of hope and compassion emerging through community-led initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of those in need.

These initiatives include the Tiny Home Takeout and Food Not Bombs, which are both operating on shoestring budgets with a crew of volunteers and demonstrate the power of grassroots movements in addressing basic human needs.

CKMS has more on this story

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Kitchener Centre by-election: waiting on a train that never arrives

28 November 2023 News Leave a comment

In early November the NDP leader Marit Stiles introduced a motion called on the government to provide a timeline and funding commitment for the Kitchener GO Line expansion, which was then promptly voted down by the Conservatives (66 to 30).

With the Kitchener Centre by-election this week, CKMS took the opportunity to ask the four front-runner candidates if, after all the effort that has been applied, the government still won’t budge, what can they add to this effort?

The four main candidates are Rob Elliott of the Progressive Conservatives, Debbie Chapman of the NDP, Kelly Steiss of the Ontario Liberal party, and Aislinn Clancy of the Ontario Greens.

CKMS News made three attempts over 10 days to contact the Progressive Conservative candidate Rob Elliot, but did not hear back from the PCs in time for broadcast of this story. The other three candidates responded and spoke to CKMS News about GO train service in Kitchener Waterloo.

First up is Debbie Chapman of the NDP who says two-way, all-day GO service is a top priority for her and her party, and despite the Conservatives voted down the motion, the fight continues.

The Liberals have also called for all-day and all weekend train service to Toronto. Kelly Steiss, the Liberal candidate explains how people have been pushing for more GO trains and acknowledges the frustration riders feel.

Aislinn Clancy of the Ontario Greens noted how the PCs have said they are supportive of the idea of increased GO service, but then vote against it. Clancy has called on focusing on financial elements of the decision to appeal to the Conservatives. All levels of government to speed up the process to secure increased GO service.

CKMS asked the candidates who agreed to speak about their familiarity with local transit is and if they actually use it, asking them “When was the last time you went to Toronto on the GO train?” and “When was the last time you took the GRT (Grand River Transit buses) and Ion Rapid Transit Service (light rail)?”

Debbie Chapman of the NDP had not taken the GO transit to Toronto recently, but does take local public transport

Aislinn Clancy of the Greens has had recent experience on GO transit and the GRT and highlighted the problems that she has experienced and heard.

While Kelly Steiss of the Liberals has not had recent experience with GO Transit, her campaign staff have. She also has recent positive experience with the Ion.

This is one in a series of shows about the Kitchener Centre by-election and in which we ask candidates some of the less-asked questions that are important to our community.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News – The GRT proposes increased accessibility measures and increased fare hikes in the 2024 regional budget

3 November 2023 News Leave a comment

CKMS News – 2023-11-03 – Proposed GRT increase

MP Holmes
Kitchener, Ontario

Proposed changes to the Grand River Transit (or GRT) fares would see cash fares rise, but under these proposals, accessibility services would also increase. Commissioner for Transportation Services Mathieu Goetzke presented the proposals to Regional Council during a budget consultation meeting on Wednesday November 1.

This budget consultation meeting, one of several in the run-up to the final budget day on December 13, focused on determining the budgets for the Region’s equitable services and opportunities. Items of discussion included improving community safety and well-being, automated speed enforcement, youth-focused initiatives, paramedic services, transportation, and proposed transit fare changes to the GRT.

These proposed fare changes include increasing the electronic cash fare by two cents from $2.98 to $3.00, increasing monthly passes from $92 to $96; and increasing cash fares from $3.75 to $4 per single ride.

GRT fares last increased this past July, by 25 cents, from $3.50 to $3.75, which means that, with this proposed increase, fare hikes of will have increased by 50 cents or 12.5% in two years. Despite this, ridership has never been higher. In September, the GRT set a new ridership record with 150,000 boardings per day.

Commisioner Goetzke explained why this cash fare price increase is needed, but several councillors expressed concern. Councillor Natasha Salonen wondered if the cash fare increase wouldn’t hurt the most marginalised.

Another proposed increase is the fare window, which is how long one bus ticket is good for. Currently the GRT offers a 90-minute window and is proposing a 120-minute, or two-hour, window. Councillor Rob Deutschmann suggested increasing the fare window to three hours, arguing the size of the region justified increasing the transfer window. Councillor Jim Erb agreed and noted that Waterloo Region riders often switch between the bus and ION train systems, which takes more time.

Commisioner Goetzke listed the proposed measures to increase accessibility, including removing $5 minimum load on easy go card, developing a mobile payment app, increasing the discount on needs-based fares, and introducing a new group pass for $12, which would allow unlimited travel for up to five people regardless if they are a family or not.

These proposed changes were presented as a preview of what will be discussed in more detail at a later council meeting. The intention of this review was to bring forward a budget-day motion to adopt a new user fee and charge bylaw.

Councillors have until December 4 to make a motion to amend the budget before the final budget day on December 13.

At the next Strategic Planning and Budget Committee, on November 8, Council will be examining the draft 2024 budgets focusing on the theme homes for all.

You can listen to the show below:

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Chief medical officer announces COVID-19 vaccine availability timeline

30 October 2023 News Leave a comment

MP Holmes
Kitchener, ON

Up-to-date COVID and flu vaccines will be available for all residents on Monday, October 30. The announcement was made at last week’s Waterloo Regional Council meeting by Dr. Hsui-Li Wang, the chief medical officer for Waterloo Region.

Up until now, vaccines had been reserved for vulnerable individuals, but starting Monday, the new vaccine will be made available to the wider public at local public health clinics and participating pharmacies and health care providers.

There are no walk in appointments at this time, and clinic appointments must be made through the provincial booking system.

Also on October 30, the Board of Health will begin sending notifications to parents as reminders to update children’s immunization records and vaccines.

The update also stated that while COVID 19 has been increasing slightly in the Region, wastewater data remains at elevated levels with signals dominated by most recent variant (XBB).

Listen to the show above:

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

Kitchener City Council approves motion to examine construction of fourplexes on single residential lots

18 October 2023 News Leave a comment

by MP Holmes
Kitchener, Ontario

Kitchener City council unanimously passed a new motion to begin the process to increase the missing middle housing stock by allowing fourplexes on single residential lots.

The housing advocacy group YIMBY delegated in favour of the motion at the Council meeting. “YIMBY” is an acronym which stands for “Yes In My Back Yard”.

The ‘missing middle’ is defined as medium-density housing that sits somewhere between single-family residential properties and high-rise condominiums. The intention behind missing middle housing is that it is cheaper for each resident because costs of living on a property are split between four residents rather than one. Currently, fourplexes need special zoning approvals to be built in Kitchener. This new possible bylaw would legally allow fourplexes under the municipality’s zoning bylaw, so special permission to build will not be needed.

Councillors were mostly open and optimistic although wary of opposition. Councillor Paul Singh encouraged city staff to prioritise issues of parking in their development. Councillor Debbie Chapman raised the issue of affordability and how the city will ensure this initiative doesn’t fall prey to the allure of AirBnB revenue, and Councillor Bill Ioannidis lamented the community’s expectations related to housing.

The idea of fourplexes has been brought forward in other Ontario municipalities. Mississauga has decided to not move forward on fourplexes, while Toronto passed a motion to allow fourplexes back in May.

The motion in Kitchener City Council was similar to a motion the mayor of Guelph brought to a council meeting in Guelph on Tuesday afternoon. That motion was passed unanimously as well. Waterloo City Councillor Royce Bodaly has also brought forward a motion looking at permitting four units on one lot in Waterloo. That motion is set to be discussed at the October 30 Council meeting.

The music on today’s show is called “Maple Music” by Godmode courtesy of by Expectantly Maple Music on youtube.

Listen to the radio story above:

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Waterloo Region community responds with generosity after community fridge theft

16 October 2023 News Leave a comment

By MP Holmes
Kitchener, Ontario

A gathering was held on Sunday to celebrate the return of a community fridge and the community collaboration that made it happen.

The fridge, which is run by the 519 Community Collective and located behind the Café Pyrus outpost at the Spur Line and Roger Street, had been at the location for almost two years before it was stolen in August.

Although the theft shocked the community, the theft was not reported to the police and there are no suspects. The incident was well covered by major media outlets, and thanks to that exposure, many individuals and businesses have contributed to the installation of two new fridges.

Several members of the community and the 519 Community Collective spoke to CKMS News about the theft and subsequent response. Lisa Braun, one of the 519 Community Collective Board members, explained the community’s reaction to the original theft, and Tyzun James, owner of the Café Pyrus Outpost, which hosts the fridge, also noted the outpouring of support. Julie Sawatzky, the founder and also a board member of the 519 Community Collective, described the collective’s stoic and resilient response to the theft.

About 25 people attended the early afternoon ceremony on Sunday October 15, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic who said, “There are many challenges around the community right now for some folks in terms of food security and this is a very meaningful way to help those who need supports to get access to them.”

The 519 Community Collective is a non-profit Kitchener-based organization with eleven different programs that cater to those who are in need across the region. At this time of year, with Thanksgiving and Christmas weighing heavy on organization’s like the 519 Community Collective, Julie Sawatzky explained that they are focusing their efforts and how they are planning to deal with additional demand. “We just finished our Thanksgiving community event where we served over 800 hot turkey dinners to the community, and we’re super excited that we’re going to be doing something similar this Christmas.”

The fridge will return to normal operations within the week. Food donations can be made at the fridge directly, and other donations, including monetary donations, can be made by contacting the 519 Community Collective.

The music on today’s show is called “Maple Music” by Godmode courtesy of by Expectantly Maple Music on youtube.

Listen to the radio story below:

The music on today’s show is called “Maple Music” by Godmode courtesy of by Expectantly Maple Music on youtube.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Pro-Palestinian rally in Waterloo Region responds to events in Israel and Gaza

12 October 2023 News Leave a comment

By MP Holmes

Pro-Palestinian supporters gathered in the Waterloo Public Square on Tuesday, October 10 to express support for Palestine after Hamas’ surprise deadly assault in Israel last weekend. About 250 people turned up to the rally, which was hosted by the Palestinian Youth Movement.

Although Hamas has been in government in the Gaza Strip since 2006, they have been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union because of its armed resistance against Israel. Now, Israel has declared war on Hamas following last weekend’s planned attack which was the deadliest on the country in decades killing over 1000 and injuring close to 3000 across four locations. The Israeli response has been swift and hard. As of press time, it has been reported that the Israeli military has so far struck more than a thousand targets in Gaza, which is 365 km² in area. These retaliatory strikes have left 1100 people dead and over 5000 injured. Almost a quarter of a million people in Gaza have been displaced and the scale the humanitarian disaster is expected to get worse as Israel has cut off the flow of electricity, food, water, and fuel into Gaza.

In Waterloo Region, flags in the region are at half mast. For several nights this week, Zehr Square at Kitchener City Hall was lit blue and white in memory of the victims. The mayors and regional chair have all expressed shock at the attack, solidarity with Israel, and sympathy for all involved. The Beth Jacob Synagogue in Kitchener held a solidarity gathering on Tuesday evening, which was attended by Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.

The synagogues weren’t available to talk to CKMS news before press time but Temple Shalom in Waterloo did issue a statement that expressed concern for those trapped in the conflict and that Israel has a right to defend itself.

Back at the rally in Uptown, protestors flew Palestinian flags, while others carried signs that read “End the Nakba” and “free Palestine” For a brief time, there were hecklers yelling over the speakers but with a strong police presence of at least 24 Waterloo Region police officers, the heckling did not last long. Shatha Mahmoud with the Palestinian Youth Movement, one of the organizers of the rally, talked to CKMS about what is happening in Gaza, the decolonial nature of these attacks, and their reaction to Justin Trudeau’s condemnation of these pro-Palestinian rallies.

The Land Back Camp/Willow River Centre provided a strong show of support and allyship, providing volunteers for the rally and march. Amy Smoke of the Willow River Centre provided comment on the rally and their support.

Listen here:

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Take Back the Night celebrates 40 years in Waterloo Region and puts the spotlight on personal safety at night.

21 September 2023 News Leave a comment

CKMS News -2023-09-21- Take Back The Night

MP Holmes, Kitchener

The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region is hosting the 40^th anniversary of the Take Back the Night event and march this Thursday September 21.

The event and march hopes to raise awareness of the threat of sexual violence and comes in the wake of the city of Kitchener and the Region of Waterloo declaring epidemics of intimate partner violence.

A few weeks ago, CKMS aired a show on Intimate Partner Violence and explained how this Region stands out in cross-Canada data as the least safe place for women to live in all of Canada.

From 2008 to 2019, the Waterloo Region sexual assault incidence rate has been higher than the provincial average, and that rate and numbers it represents continue to increase. This report from The Feminist Shift elaborates on those findings.

Statistics Canada reported that in 2018, just over one in five (22%) Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo residents aged 15 and older experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in public.

Many research studies have found that in the vast majority of sexual assaults, the accused is known to the victim. According to a report by the Department of Justice only 20% were victimized by a stranger.

However, sexual assaults are considered significantly underreported to the police. Results from the 2019 General Social Survey on Victimization show that only 6% of sexual assault experienced by Canadians aged 15 and older were reported to the police.

So, we know sexual assaults are seriously underreported, often committed by someone the victim knows, and that these assaults continue to increase. Contradicting these statistics were the conversations CKMS news had with locals on the street, who said they felt safe at night. Statistics on perception of safety are also available.

In 2020, the Statistics Canada Safe Cities Profile for Kitchener Cambridge Waterloo reported that 42% of women in the region felt very safe when walking alone after dark, while 63% of men felt very safe walking at night.

Over three quarters of Regional residents thought crime levels in their neighbourhood were lower than the rest of Canada, however the Crime Severity Index tell a different tale. The Crime Severity Index is defined by Stats Can as changes in the severity of police-reported crime by accounting for both the amount of crime and the relative seriousness of these crimes. So while three-quarters of Regional residents thought their communities had lower crime levels than the rest of the country, the Crime Severity Index for Waterloo Region in 2022 was higher than the national average and third highest in the province behind Thunder Bay and Sudbury.

There may be a discrepancy between our perceptions and reality, however as the respondents to our street survey noted increased lighting on the streets and trails, safer transit, and staying closer to built up areas all contribute to the perception of safety. Whether or not we are safer at night than we were 40 years ago, it seems the night remains beyond our reach.

Take back the Night happens at the Gaukel Block from 6-9 on Thursday September 21.

Listen to today’s show above with Karley Doucette of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region and hits the streets to ask people if they feel safe walking in their community at night.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

World Literacy Day puts the spotlight on low levels of literacy in Waterloo Region

7 September 2023 News Leave a comment

CKMS News – 2023-09-08 – Literacy in WR

MP Holmes

World Literacy Day on September 8 coincides with the first week of school under the Ontario provincial government’s new Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, which was passed in June of this year. This new education act overhauls what came before. It broadens the minister’s powers and among other things increases reporting requirements, provides more supports for literacy education, and allows for major changes to the language curriculum

Literacy is more complex than just knowing how to read and write, The Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines literacy as “the ability to understand, evaluate, use and engage with written texts to participate in society.”

Statistics Canada defines it as “the ability to use and understand information that is fundamental to daily life at work, at home, and in the community.”

In Canada, literacy is measured with a 5-level scale, 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. If a person functions only at lower levels, they may be considered to have problems with literacy.

In the International Assessment of Adult Competencies survey, the OECD found that 49% of Canadians (aged 25 to 65), scored at or below level 2 for literacy and 55% also scored at or below level 2 for numeracy on the 5-level scale. Level 3 is the threshold required to compete in a knowledge-based economy.

In February 2022, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released the ‘Right to Read‘ report, which found, among other problems that one-third of students graduate school without attaining the level of literacy that the OECD deems necessary to function fully in today’s economy.

The Waterloo Region District School Board serves more than 64,000 students in more than 121 schools. In 2018 to 2019, only 70 per cent of WRDSB students were meeting the provincial standards for reading proficiency, according to data from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). There are explanations for this. Historically, local students have typically lagged when compared to students in other areas of Ontario. In a November 2022 article about dropout rates, Jeff Outhit in the Record noted that in times past in this Region, people used to be able to support families by relying on good-paying factory jobs that did not need much education. Outhit notes that more than 10,000 of these factory jobs have disappeared since 2006.

In the fall of the 2021, WRDSB released a multi-year structured literacy plan. Within a year, in October 2022, local grade 10 students taking the Ontario literacy test beat the provincial average by three percentage points with 85 percent of students in the wrdsb meeting or surpassing the provincial standard. Literacy levels in the Region have risen a full 15 points to 85%. Scott Miller, assistant director of the WRDSB explains how this was achieved.

But what about those people who left school before the recent focus on increasing literacy? They may have left school 2 years ago or forty years ago.

Jane Teur of Project Read Literacy Network explains what this looks like, misconceptions about the people who fall below the literacy line, the Ontario government’s return to phonics in language curriculum, and the gaps in the system.

Regardless, WRDSB says they are ready and explain how they’ve prepared.

The music on today’s show is called “Maple Music” by Godmode courtesy of by Expectantly Maple Music on YouTube.

This program is a part of the “Local Journalism Initiative” and is funded by the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Heritage Canada, and the CKMS Newsroom.

Check out the archived versions of this program on radiowaterloo.ca/news., and listen to all the LJI content at canada-info.ca.

If you want to get in touch with comments, or ideas about stories to cover, email us at news@radiowaterloo.ca

Shows

2020 CKMS GOLDEN MP3 AWARDS

10 February 2021 DJ Steel Leave a comment

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Video Crown the Radio Star — Video Crown the Radio Star: 2020 – Atardecer Ranchero

Atardecer Rancher | CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo | Horario de 04:00pm - 06:00pm | Tiempo del Este | Tel: 519-884-2567

The Video Crown the Radio Star award is given to the show that best utilizes the OTF video system to support their program: Felix Ranchero of Atardecer Ranchero / Dusk On Ranch.

CKMS Golden MP3 Awards | Teamwork Transition — Teamwork Transition: 2020 – Wax Jungle & Street Hop

The Wax Jungle with a face between the words

Street Hop | Thursdays @ 10PM | 102.7 CKMS FM | DJ CARMELO | RADIOWATERLOO.CA (silhouette of DJ Carmelo with a cane, white on black)

The Teamwork Transition award is given to the best 1-2 seamless transition programs on CKMS: Raphael Kanai, DJ Maciek, Andre Brown, and DJDC AJ Baylee of The Wax Jungle and Carmelo Farruggio of Street Hop.

CKMS Golden MP3 Awards | SoundFM Soldier — SoundFM Soldier: 2020 – Bob, Jeff (COVID support)

The SoundFM Soldier award is given to two members who have put in a lot of work behind the scenes to keep CKMS Community Radio alive. The term “SoundFM” was once used as the name of the station as community members put in countless hours of volunteer work to keep the station alive: Bob Jonkman and Jeff Stager of the Technical Committee.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Sonic Boom Award — Sonic Boom Award: 2020 – Pressure Drop & Requiem for Rock

Poster: Winter Dance Party | Buddy Holly and the Crickets | Big Bopper | Ritchie Valens | Dion and the Belmonts (and much other text)

Sonic Boom is a throw-back to the old CKMS Sonic Boom awards and is awarded to the best music based program of the year: Nat Persaud of Pressure Drop and Mr. Smart of Requiem For Rock.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Robot Apocalypse Remote Broadcast — Robot Apocalypse Remote Broadcast: 2020 – Mano A Mano (COVID & ISO fest)

The winner of the Robot Apocalypse Remote Broadcast award is Rob McKenna of Mano A Mano.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Most Original Program — Most Original Program: 2020 – Klausterfokken

The Most Original Program award is given to an original program that you will not find on radio anywhere but on CKMS! Dr. Tikl of Klausterfokken.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Local Liaison of Canada — Local Liaison of Canada: 2020 – CKMS Newsroom

The Local Liaison of Canada award is given to a DJ who puts local stories on a national level: The winner is the CKMS Newsroom.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Best Graphic Material — Best Graphic Material: 2020 Rob’s Rewind

The Best Graphic Material award is given to a program that is creating the best accompanying images for their podcast or program: Rob Curwain of Rob’s Rewind.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: FUNdraiser of the Year — FUNdraiser of the Year: 2020 – DJ Steel

The FUNdraiser Of The Year award is given to a FUN spirit during our fundraising efforts: DJ Steel.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Freshest Beats — Freshest Beats: 2020 – Changemakers Without Borders & Val Scheer’s Eclectic Garage

Changemakers Without Borders | with May Cooper (May Cooper next to a globe with a swirly pattern)

The Freshest Beats award is given to a great program that is in its first 3 years: May Cooper of Changemakers Without Borders and Val Scheer of Val Scheer’s Eclectic Garage.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Best Cultural / Culturally Diverse — Best Cultural / Culturally Diverse: 2020 – Caribbean Spice

The Best Cultural/Culturally Diverse Show is awarded to a show that either features many different cultures or represents a culture that is under-represented in the area: Narine Dat Sookram of Caribbean Spice.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Best Talk Focus — Best Talk Focus: 2020 – I Am Everything

The Best Talk Focus award is given to a show that has had the best talk focused programs for the year: Shyun Atøwn of I Am Everything.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Best LP Show — Best LP Show: 2020 – Denim Entertainment Radio

The Best LP Show (LP is “Long Playing”) is awarded to the years best show that has been running for 3+ years: Cam Matthews of Denim Entertainment Radio.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: Community Radio Award — Community Radio Award: 2020 – Community Connections

CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo | Community Connections

The Community Radio Award is given to a show that exemplifies what Community Radio is all about: Jenniefer Stronge (Executive Producer), James Jordan, Jeff Stager, Dylan Bravener, and Bob Jonkman of CKMS Community Connections.

2020 Golden MP3 Awards: DJ AdRock Memorial Award — DJ AdRock Memorial Award: 2020 – Indira Singh

The DJ AdRock Memorial Award for Exceptional DJing is given to a DJ who exemplifies the qualities of the EDJ Academy: Indira Singh of Sargam.

CKMS-FM 102.7 Radio Waterloo

Tag Archives: CKMS Newsroom

CKMS News -2026-07-23- Community town-hall discussion to guide David Alton’s mayoral run

Job Posting: Journalists for the Radio Waterloo Newsroom (part time)

Duties and Responsibilities

Qualifications

2024 Golden MP3 Award Winners

Service Recognition

First Year Service Award

Second Year Service Award

Fifth Year Service Award

Twentieth Year Service Award

Stories of Hope: Community-Led Food Assistance Programs in Waterloo Region

Kitchener Centre by-election: waiting on a train that never arrives

CKMS News – The GRT proposes increased accessibility measures and increased fare hikes in the 2024 regional budget

Chief medical officer announces COVID-19 vaccine availability timeline

Kitchener City Council approves motion to examine construction of fourplexes on single residential lots

Waterloo Region community responds with generosity after community fridge theft

Pro-Palestinian rally in Waterloo Region responds to events in Israel and Gaza

Take Back the Night celebrates 40 years in Waterloo Region and puts the spotlight on personal safety at night.

World Literacy Day puts the spotlight on low levels of literacy in Waterloo Region

2020 CKMS GOLDEN MP3 AWARDS

Community Radio in Waterloo Region