On today’s show we chop it up with Dox Tha Doctrine and Pro Logic! News on Kaya Fest, CNE and so on. Plus, the hottest old school and new school joints.
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Tag Archives: Kitchener
CKMS News -2026-08-13- AI Boom Raises Questions as Waterloo Region Studies Data Centre Impacts
CKMS News -2026-08-13- AI Boom Raises Questions as Waterloo Region Studies Data Centre Impacts
Eren Yoruk
Kitchener, ON — Waterloo Region Council has unanimously passed a motion to study the potential impacts of future data centre development in the Region, following concerns raised by residents about water use, electricity demand and infrastructure.
Regional Councillor Colleen James brought the motion during Tuesday’s Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee meeting. It directs Regional staff to examine the economic, environmental, infrastructure and fiscal implications of data centres, as well as community safeguards and best practices in other jurisdictions.
The council approved the motion with two amendments, including additional consideration of source water protection and impacts on traditional lands. Regional staff will report their findings back to Council by the first quarter of 2027.
The discussion comes as the rapid growth of artificial intelligence drives demand for larger and more energy-intensive data centres across Canada and beyond.
Waterloo Region already hosts data centres, including Ascent’s facility in Cambridge. James says the motion is not intended to approve or reject any specific project, but to help the Region understand how future facilities could affect its infrastructure and environment.
Residents who spoke at the meeting raised particular concerns about water consumption and the Region’s reliance on groundwater.
James says the goal is to gather information now so future councils can make informed decisions about data centre development.
David Par Radio Presents The All Out Show
News on Toronto’s hottest events for the month of August; CNE, Fan Expo Canada, and so forth.
Music from Drake, Justin Bieber, Danny Miles, Tyla, Joe Cash, DJ Khaled, Jay Z, The Game, etc!
CKMS News -2026-08-08- St. John’s Kitchen Opens Around the Clock as Homelessness Crisis Deepens in Waterloo Region
Eren Yoruk
Kitchener, ON — St. John’s Kitchen in Kitchener has permanently expanded its services to operate around the clock, responding to growing demand from people experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region.
The kitchen, operated by The Working Centre, began its new 24/7 schedule on July 27. It now welcomes drop-ins from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., before providing overnight support from 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. The facility closes briefly each morning for cleaning and setup.
The expansion comes as homelessness continues to grow across the region. The Region of Waterloo reported in 2024 that chronic homelessness had increased by an average of 28 per cent each year since 2020. Joe Mancini, director and co-founder of The Working Centre, says the growing number of people experiencing homelessness has put increasing pressure on services.
In this story, we speak with Mancini, St. John’s Kitchen staff and volunteers, and a person experiencing homelessness about the impact of the kitchen The interviews explore what the 24/7 operation means for people using the facility, how staff respond to the growing demand, and the broader housing, employment and drug-related factors contributing to homelessness in Waterloo Region.
For more information about St. John’s Kitchen, visit theworkingcentre.org.
CKMS News -2026-07-28- Kitchener ‘Unplugs’ King Street with First Week-long Pedestrian Event
CKMS News -2026-07-28- Kitchener ‘Unplugs’ King Street with First Week-long Pedestrian Event
Eren Yoruk
Kitchener, ON — For the first time, King Street in downtown Kitchener has been transformed into a week-long pedestrian-only space as the City launches King Street Unplugged, a pilot project aimed at creating a more people-focused downtown.
Running from July 26 to 31, the event closes a section of King Street between College and Young Streets to vehicle traffic, replacing it with live entertainment, games, workshops, markets and family-friendly activities. Mayor Berry Vrbanovic says the initiative builds on previous car-free events but marks the city’s first attempt at a week-long pedestrian experience.
Manager of Downtown Development and Innovation Aura Hertzog says the project responds to community feedback seeking more welcoming public spaces where residents can connect while supporting local businesses. If successful, the pilot could become an annual event.
The city will evaluate the initiative by gathering feedback from businesses and visitors, monitoring attendance and measuring community engagement throughout the week.
Local businesses are already seeing positive signs. Mandy Kowitz, owner of Square Peg, says she noticed increased foot traffic on the first day and expects more customers throughout the week.
Visitors also welcomed the idea. Resident Mila Purcell says closing King Street for a full week creates a more enjoyable downtown experience and hopes the event returns next year.
For more information about King Street Unplugged, visit downtownkitchener.ca.
David Par Radio The All Out Show
We have news on Fan Expo Toronto, Rogers Stadium and more! Interviews with hip hop artist John Kabongo and artist Tia McGraff.
Playlist
Memphis Bleek Featuring Jay Z – Is That Your Chick
The Notorious BIG – I Love The Dough
Jon Kabongo – The Follow Through
The Game – All Eyez
Daz Dillinger – In California
Drake – Feel No Ways
David Banner – Like A Pimp
Drake – STFU Janice
Tia McGraff – Caterpillar Song
Super Hero Songs – Spiderman Song I Am Spiderman
DJ Khaled – I’m The One
DJ Khaled – No New Friends
Tyla – Push 2 Start
Soundgarden – Live To Rise
Drake – Nice For What
Drake – Q And A
T.I. – And Won’t
K OS – Man I Used To Be
DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince – Summertime
Rascalz – Movie Star
Drake – Headlines
Tupac – Do For Love
CKMS News -2026-07-23- Community town-hall discussion to guide David Alton’s mayoral run
CKMS News -2026-07-23- Community town-hall discussion to guide David Alton’s mayoral run
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
The All Out Show July 19 2026
I sat down with hip hop artist Zaire Ink. He’s making headlines with his unique sound and approach, to say the least! Plus, information on Fan Expo Toronto which is coming up August 27 To August 30th at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, old school and new school tunes, and more!
Let’s get it
All Out Show
On today’s show we discuss the Jay Z 30 concert, Fan Expo Canada and play only the best in old school and new school music!
Plus, find out what’s happening in Kitchener Waterloo, with Rogers Stadium, etc!
Engineering a Self-Funding Machine with Adam Finch -Replay
Why Elite Professionals are Failing the Science of Keeping Wealth
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.
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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 News -2026-01-14- One Million Neighbours WR launches their Neighbourhood services map
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 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 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 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 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 News -2025-09-19- The Child Witness Centre is Doors Open during regional event
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.
The All Out Show Sunday August 31 2025
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 News – 2025-07-10- Kitchener encourages kids to get outdoors with summertime “Play In The Park” program
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 News – 2025-05-27- Everybody wants to be a part of Erick Traplin Day
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 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 News – 2025-04-09- Kitchener named as a “Tree City of the World”
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 News -2025-03-28- HART Hub roll-out to begin as government forces closure of CTS site
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
Dom Vallie, Kitchener native, nominated for the second time at the Juno Awards
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
More affordable housing slated for downtown Kitchener, along with a new fire station
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.
Cricket is so popular now in Waterloo Region, the cities are making a strategy to accommodate all the new players
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.