Tag Archives: News

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2026-09-10- Kitchener’s Community Canopy Program Update

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Leah Gerber

Kitchener, Ontario

The City of Kitchener began a program two years ago to increase its overall tree canopy and increase the number of trees in the neighbourhoods that need them most. But now in its third year, how is the program doing? 

Radio Waterloo spoke with Hajnal Kovacs, the city’s forestry project manager, as well as Ashlynn Fleming, the interim manager of tree programs at REEP Green Solutions and community member David Shaftoe to understand the project’s goals and how well they are meeting these targets. 

 

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2026-09-10- Waterloo Region Wilmot Land Assembly Update

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Leah Gerber

Wilmot, Ontario

Waterloo Region staff have been purchasing land in Wilmot Township to put together a very large shovel-ready parcel to attract major industry to the region. So far the Region has acquired 550 acres of its 770 acre goal. The process began with threats of expropriation over two years ago, and because councilors and staff have all signed non-disclosure agreements, the public has not been informed of most of the major plans for this project.

Radio Waterloo reached out to the Region of Waterloo, Wilmot Township, The Grand River Environmental Network and township citizens to provide an update on what is known about the issue so far.

CKMS Community News, Newsroom, Shows

CKMS News -2026-07-24- Tuning into Transit: The Story Behind Cambridge’s Fife-Playing Bus Driver

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CKMS News -2026-07-24- Tuning into Transit: The Story Behind Cambridge’s Fife-Playing Bus Driver

Eren Yoruk

Cambridge, ON – A Cambridge bus driver is bringing a piece of history to local transit terminals through his passion for music. Tracy MacDonnell, a Grand River Transit (GRT) operator, uses his route breaks to step off the bus and play the fife, an 18th-century military instrument similar to a flute, for waiting passengers.

MacDonnell has been playing the fife for 36 years, after first learning the instrument while working at Toronto’s Historic Fort York. What started as a job requirement became a lifelong passion for traditional fife and folk music.

Over the past two decades as a GRT driver in Cambridge, MacDonnell has continued using music as a way to manage the stress of the job and connect with the public. Passengers have often responded positively, with some applauding his performances and sharing their appreciation.

In this CKMS News interview, MacDonnell discusses the history of the fife, how he became a bus driver, and why sharing a brief moment of happiness through music remains meaningful to him.

 

Newsroom, Station

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

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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.

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