Tag Archives: kitchener

Rethink Your Retirement Show, Shows

Engineering a Self-Funding Machine with Adam Finch -Replay

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Why Elite Professionals are Failing the Science of Keeping Wealth

In this episode, Senior Wealth Strategist Sunny Kochar sits down with Adam Finch, a Project Scheduling Specialist and Real Estate Investor, to discuss the “Baby Boomer Exodus” from the construction industry and the rising tide of AI. Adam shares his “Kinetic Wealth” journey, moving from a licensed carpenter to owning a multi-property portfolio that funds his lifestyle. Learn why the “Save and Wait” model is dead and how to apply an Engineering Mindset to your personal economy to retire 3x faster. We dive into the “Five Fs” of fulfillment and the critical importance of “Money Velocity” in a high-tax environment.

The “Big Domino”: Why Your High-Demand Skill is Not Your Security

Most high-earners are winning the ‘Income Game’ but losing the ‘Science of Keeping It.’ Whether you are a PhD or a Master Tradesperson, relying on a single-income stream leaves you one corporate restructuring away from the ‘Income Cliff.’

What You Will Learn

  • [08:00] The 91% Paradox: Why elite professionals are “Income Rich” but “Structure Poor.”
  • [17:00] Kinetic vs. Static Wealth: Moving money from “Dead Equity” in your drywall into a self-funding machine.
  • [25:00] The Baby Boomer Exodus: How the skilled trades shortage and AI are shifting the Canadian economy.
  • [32:00] Money Velocity: Why money must stay in motion to create true fulfillment.
  • [41:00] The 5 Fs: Auditing your life for Faith, Family, Fitness, and Fun—not just Finance.

🎧 READ THE DIRECTOR’S CUT: Want to see the mathematical proof and visual charts discussed in this episode?
Click here to read “Tax Deductible Mortgage Canada: The 2026 Executive Blueprint” on the Hexavision Blog.

Reference the Money Compass Framework discussed in this episode to see how Adam Finch applied construction logic to personal wealth.

Ready to Engineer Your Wealth?

We offer a complimentary 15-Minute “Dead Equity” Analysis to calculate your potential tax refund and borrowing capacity.


BOOK YOUR “DEAD EQUITY” ANALYSIS

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Strategies discussed involve risk and may not be suitable for everyone. Insurance products and Segregated Funds are provided through Carte Risk Management Inc. Consult with a qualified professional before making decisions.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2026-01-14- One Million Neighbours WR launches their Neighbourhood services map

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CKMS News -2026-01-14- One Million Neighbours launches their Neighbourhood services map

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – A new tool for assessing how levels of various services differ between neighbourhoods across Waterloo Region has launched by the One Million Neighbours WR coalition.  The first version of its Neighbourhood Services Map ranks each neighbourhood for access levels based on availability of transit, amount of green space, number of schools, libraries, and healthcare infrastructure, and how many community spaces exist.

A key feature of the map is that the calculations account for population, and as the number of residents that call Waterloo Region  home grows to over 1,000,000 in the coming decades, keeping track of the equity of resource distribution across communities as they grow will be key to understanding a neighbourhood’s needs.

This show features an interview with KW local Sam Nabi, the project coordinator of One Million Neighbours W, and a board member of Hold the Line WR. The map was created with open source data by Civic Tech WR volunteers who will update the data on the map “at least annually”. You can access the map from Connected KW‘s webpage.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-12-15- Police budget push-back as cops ask for another 20 million a year and a new building

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CKMS News -2025-12-15- Police budget push-back as cops ask for another 20 million a year and a new building.

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – As the Waterloo regional police ask for another $20,000,000 dollars to be added to their yearly budget, in addition to $173,000,000 for a new “communications centre”, residents and even some regional councillors are questioning the ballooning expenditures. A primary concern is that yearly multi-million dollar increases to the police budgets are starving other services of funding since council is pressured to keep tax increases low.

The Waterloo Region police budget, which was over $230,00,000 in 2025, has increased by more than $100,000,000 since 2014, and has more than doubled since 2013.  This year’s request of over $250,000,000 will represent over 30% of the regional budget.  In comparison, housing and homelessness services are budgeted at $165,200,000 for 2026.

The increase in the police budget will result in an average 6.75% property tax increase for regional residents, that’s another 57$ a month beyond all the previous yearly increases.

The police presented their budget to the Regional Council at the end of November and in a council meeting on December 3rd council heard from the police association and residents.  While the police say more money to the force and more cops “will help save residents” delegates noted that funding upstream services, such as housing options and mental health supports, have more impact on reducing crime than more armed cops with “boots on the ground”.

In a surprise move ahead of the budget vote on December 16th, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic put forth a motion to block the police’s capital budget saying the new communications centre is “beyond their mandate” and it “is highly unlikely that all three emergency services would engage in this partnership in any foreseeable future”. However the same motion calls for the approval of the $20,000,000 yearly increase to the police budget.

This show features audio from both the December 3rd and November 26th council meetings.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News – 2025-12-07- As homelessness increases, a new overnight warming centre offers more than “heads in beds”

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CKMS News – 2025-12-07- As homelessness increases, a new overnight warming centre offers more than “heads in beds”

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – A new space for folks to escape from the cold and receive food and social supports has opened in Kitchener as cold winter weather has set early in Waterloo Region.  Thresholds Homes and Supports opened the doors to the new 30 bed overnight warming centre at 298 Lawrence Avenue in November. The new centre will serve any who is 18+ and is inclusive of all gender identities.

In a press release ahead of the opening Jessica Hill, the new warming centre’s team lead is quoted “We are working hard to go beyond giving people a place to warm up, and will have staff on site, including a peer support worker, to connect folks with other supports, and provide a hot meal and snacks to take with them when they leave.”.

The new warming centre comes at a critical time as homelessness continues to plague an increasing number of local residents. The provincial 2024 “Point-in-time” count found that nearly 2,400 people were experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region, with about 78% of those folks experiencing “chronic homelessness.  At the time only 301 shelter beds were available regionally, and with the new overnight 30 bed warming centre, the number is still well below the required capacity.

This show features an interview with Jessica Hill, the team lead of Thresholds Homes and Supports’ new overnight warming centre in Kitchener.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-12-02- Kitchener fast tracking new housing through the federal Housing Design Catalogue

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CKMS News -2025-12-02- Kitchener fast tracking new housing through the federal Housing Design Catalogue

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Adding to the tool box to build housing in Kitchener faster, the city has fully endorsed the federal government’s new Housing Design Catalogue, which makes full “off the shelf” building design plans available free of charge.  Further the city has fast tracked parts of the application process to make sure that zoning compliance approval is done within 15 days of application, and building permit review is completed within 10 days.

In a recent press release from the city, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said “Together, with Kitchener’s flexible planning frameworks and resources and Canada’s new guide, we’re making it easier to build more housing across our city.”

The press release also claims that the housing design catalogue “aims to make housing more affordable and accessible, providing pre-designed, adaptable housing plans for homeowners and builders, including backyard homes, fourplexes, stacked townhouses and sixplexes.

You can check out the approved designs on the City of Kitchener’s and the CHMC’s websites.

This show features an interview with Katie Anderl from Kitchener’s housing and policy division and Tim Benedict, the manager of building in the city’s building division.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-10-28- Residents warn of environmental harm as development proposal abutting the Huron Natural Area moves forward

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CKMS News -2025-10-28- Residents warn of environmental harm as development proposal abutting the Huron Natural Area moves forward

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – A proposed development 1700 Strasburg Road in Kitchener’s ward 5 received preliminary approval at the planning committee meeting on October 27th.  Saying “the people we hire and create these reports are experts… and no offense to any of the delegates, but we are not all experts… we didn’t all go to school for this” ward 3 councilor Jason Denault supported the decision.

The project would see a nearly 40 acre plot of land which abuts the Huron Natural Area (HNA), transformed into a 10 unit industrial space. The proposal will next be considered for approval at the city council meeting on November 10th.

Representatives of the grassroots environmental group Protect Huron Natural Area delegated at the meeting, alongside other concerned residents, and the project proponent’s consultants.  City staff recommended the approval of the project

This show features interviews with Ray Angod and Yvonne Fernandes Protect Huron Natural Area. CKMS News asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests about the inconsistencies between the survey information and the report, but did not receive a response.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2025-09-19- The Child Witness Centre is Doors Open during regional event

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CKMS News -2025-09-19- The Child Witness Centre is Doors Open during regional event

dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The Child Witness Centre is a Kitchener based organisation which provides support to young victims or witnesses to crime or abuse.  Among their activities, the organisation provides referrals to counseling services, provides education, guidance, and support through police investigations and court processes, and provides strategies for coping and safety planning.

As Robin Heald, the Executive Director of the Child Witness Centre said to CKMS News, these children are “perhaps having the worst day of their lives”.

During this year’s  Doors Open Waterloo Region on Saturday September 20th, Child Witness is opening its doors to the public, for the first time in the organization’s decades long history, to spread awareness about the work done to support child victims or witnesses to crime or abuse.

This show features an interview with Robin Heald, the Executive Director of the Child Witness Centre.

New Music, Shows, The All Out Show

The All Out Show Sunday August 31 2025

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Sit back, relax, and tune in! As we play the best old school, and new school, music!

We take a look at the hottest Christmas gifts for 2025, drama with hip hop artist Will Smith and more.

Plus, interviews with Richard Comley (Captain Canuck), councillor Scott Hamilton (who was dressed up as Captain Canuck at Fan Expo), and Ben Mauro (who’s worked on The Hobbit trilogy, Call Of Duty, etc and he discusses his new, post apocalyptic, graphic novel Huxley!)

David Par Radio

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 – 2025-05-27- 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 -2025-05-08- 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 – 2025-04-09- 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 -2025-03-28- 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

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

More affordable housing slated for downtown Kitchener, along with a new fire station

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Host: Leah Gerber

A new project is in the beginning stages to build a dual-purpose project in downtown Kitchener. The site at 450 and 470 King Street East is slated to be developed with both an affordable housing site and the city’s eighth fire station. 

Radio Waterloo spoke with Rosa Bustamante, director of planning and housing policy with the city, and Lori Trumper executive director of Kitchener Housing Inc, which will oversee the project, about some of the details 

While the project is still in it’s very early stages, Bustamante and Trumper say there will be about 150 units of mixed size and affordability. Bustamante says city staff are hopeful the project will begin construction in late 2026 or early 2027.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

Cricket is so popular now in Waterloo Region, the cities are making a strategy to accommodate all the new players

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Host: Leah Gerber

Cricket has exploded in popularity in Waterloo Region in the last few years. So much so, staff with the cities of Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchener are working together to create a regional cricket strategy so they can accommodate the needs of the booming cricket community. 

Cricket community members have responded saying they need more space to play, indoor facilities and lighting so they can get as many players playing as possible in the area. 

Radio Waterloo spoke with Giridhar Bannaravuri, the president of the Southern Ontario Cricket Association, an organization which facilitates cricket in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Stratford and Guelph, as well as Lisa Collins, the manager of sport development and golf for the city of Kitchener to hear more about the upcoming strategy and the needs of the cricket community. 

Excerpt from “SOCA 2024 Season _ KWC Cricket _ SOCA Gala 2024” used with permission from SOCA.

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.

This episode features an interview with Megan Clare, Division Manager of Resources and Membership Services at Kitchener Public Library.

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

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, Shows

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

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

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

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

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

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

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

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

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

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

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

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

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

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

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

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

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

CKMS Community News, Newsroom

CKMS News -2024-04-19- Kitchener’s RISE Fund address systemic barriers and underfunding of Black, Indigenous and racialized community organisations

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CKMS News -2024-04-19- Kitchener’s RISE Fund

by: dan kellar
Kitchener – Applications for Kitchener’s Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Fund are open until May 2nd and the city has already received more applications than in past funding cycles.

Since 2022, the RISE Fund has awarded nearly 250,000$ to 34 organisations. The grants have funded everything from community garden and swim program projects, to film festivals and community feasts, to gendered based violence prevention programs and a project which works to reunite families displaced by conflict in Syria.

CKMS News spoke with Rea Parchment, the senior equity advisor for the City of Kitchener, about the importance of the grant in helping to address inequities, and support opportunities and well-being for Black, Indigenous and racialized community-led organisations.

To get more information about the RISE fund, visit kitchener.ca/RISEFund.