Staff with Blue Triton, a multi-national water bottling company, confirmed earlier this month their Ontario operations will close by the end of January. This includes the controversial plant in Aberfoyle, Puslinch township.
Advocates with the Wellington Water Watchers are calling this a major win for their cause, as they’ve sought the closure of all water bottling activity at this well for about 18 years, beginning when it was owned by Nestle.
Township mayor James Seeley says the sale of the plant is a loss for the township, as it was the third-highest tax payer. He also estimates the loss of about 200 jobs.
Water advocates with the Six Nations of the Grand River also lay claim on the well, saying the water rightfully belongs to their community. They believe the Six Nations community should have the final say on what happens to the water, especially as the community continues to endure a long-term water crisis.
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.
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.
Miriam Stewart-Kroeker, a cellist with the KW Symphony was devastated when she heard the news of the symphony’s bankruptcy last year, wondering if she would have to move her family away from KW so she could continue working. She and her fellow musicians decided to take a stand and fight for the symphony, and last month the debts were annulled. The symphony is back on its feet, but it can never be the same. Stewart-Kroeker and board chair Bill Poole speak about their experiences with the bankruptcy and their thoughts on how they can move forward in a new way that’s more inclusive than ever.
On a chilly late November night, settle into some late-night tunes. From expansive concept albums, to Motown-inspired sounds of the 80s, to modern experimental rock, we’ve got everything you need to take you through the static into the night!
Finally broadcasting again, breaking through the static, through the pouring rain, and through the technical difficulties to bring you the first show of November. From classic 80s tracks, to shipping ballads, to Canadian indie, we’re bringing you voices and sounds from all over the country and beyond!
The Cut-Up (Breaking Glass) – Boys Brigade
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald – Gordon Lightfoot
dan kellar Cambridge, ON – Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett has used the “strong mayor” powers granted to her in 2023, to present her own “strong mayor budget” for the first time on October 28th. While Liggett had the power ahead of the 2024 budget, she directed staff to prepare that budget.
Strong Mayor powers were introduced in 2022 by the provincial government for Toronto and Ottawa and expanded in 2023 to include Cambridge, Waterloo and Kitchener. The provincial government argued the new powers would help alleviate the ongoing housing crisis by allowing mayors to gain by-law approvals with only 1/3rd of council support, grant veto powers to mayors in the budget process, and require a 2/3rds majority for councillors to override any vetoes.
The budget presentation in cambrdige initiated a 50 day approval process which includes 30 days for public delegations and amendments, 10 days for the Mayor to veto the amendments, and a further 10 days where city council can override any vetoes with a 2/3rds majority vote.
On November 7th public delegations responded to the budget, and staff is still accepting written comments to present to city council on November 21st.
This show features an interview with Danielle Manton, Cambridge’s city clerk. Manton speaks about the “Strong Mayor”powers, how the process for the budget will proceed, and how residents can still take part. Mayor Liggett was not available to discuss the budget.
In the second segment DJ Eric continues his set and 1ne Dollar performs. Very awesome, thank you! Yenny calls the Rottweilers around 8:30 and we play some of the tunes from Thee Demo [their newly reproduced album is being released sooooon]. After this session, DJ Quanta joins and brings level to par excellence. Local phenomenon Gavin Breen performs live in studio-thank you Gavin! Calling ES and Shark on the phone [funny blooper by Yenny shall have you in giggles, you’re welcome].
Big Deal Street Hop celebrated 21 years on Halloween. The full six hour broadcasts is uploaded into two hour segments. In the first two hours, DJ Carmelo chatted with DJ Felix from Radio Waterloo. DJ Eric from UW DJ club played his set–Thank you Eric!
dan kellar Cambridge, ON – On November 16th, a “F-35 day-of-action” will be held across the country, to highlight Canadian complicity in the ongoing violence in Palestine and Lebanon by the Israeli military, and to demand a full two-way arms embargo involving Israel.
While federal liberals have put a stop to some weapons exports. CKMS News asked Liberal MPs in Cambridge Valerie Bradford and Brian May for comment but did not receive any response. CKMS News’ requests to PCC Aerostructures’ Centra for comment also went unanswered.
This show features an interview with Aamina Parkar, an organiser with the grassroots group Neighbours for Palestine Waterloo Region. Parkar discusses the day-of-action and other tactics that are being used to pressure the Canadian government.
dan kellar
Waterloo, ON – Aiming to add housing units while “gently” densifying low-rise residential neighbourhoods, the city of Waterloo is proposing changes to its zoning bylaws and official plan, allowing 4 units and buildings of up to 4 stories on every plot of residential land in the city. Parking minimums will also be reduced under the plan while maximum building height will increase.
This show features interviews with City of Waterloo planner Tristin Deveau, and Meg Walker, an eviction prevention worker at the Social Development Council of Waterloo Region. Deveau speaks on the details and motivations for the changes, and concerns some residents have brought forward. Walker responds to the proposals and discusses other measures the city could take to reduce housing costs.
Katherine Loveys is in the studio to talk about Parents for Community Living and the Stand Up for PCL fundraiser to build affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities.
Free tickets are still available! Just go to our Listen Live page and type in the chat box “I’d like to win tickets to Stand Up for PCL” (with your contact info).
Katherine Loveys tells us about Parents for Community Living. It started 1986, now there are 13 locations in Waterloo Region providing accomodation for individuals with intellectual disabilities. There are no longer provincial institutions, these individuals are now living in their own home communities. Katherine tells us about her own journey into PCL, and how it has changed over the years. Katherine talks about the various services provided at the homes, including respite programs .
14m08s
Katherine introduces the Stand Up For PCL fundraiser. The goal is raising funds to build additional affordable housing. Katherine explains some of the previous work done to provide housing at the Bridgeport and Lancaster facility. St. Paul’s church wanted to repurpose their building, which was torn down and replaced with a 48 unit apartment building, of which PCL has ten units. There is also a commercial kitchen for community events. The other 38 units are available to people on the Region of Waterloo affordable housing program, but there are still some 6,000 people on the wait list, not including the 700 people with developmental disabilities on PCL‘s wait list. Katherine supplies more details on the comedy night.
21m29s
Partners for Community Living is offering two free tickets to the comedy fundraiser to the first person to put their name in the Chat Box on our Listen Live page! Be sure to write in that you want the tickets to the Stand Up for PCL comedy show.
Talking about fundraising, and how community living works, giving some more info about the Bridgeport/Lancaster residence. There are cooking classes, and PCL has a partnership with Second Harvest, which provides food for their community kitchen. The community hub is available for use community groups. Contact PCL at info@pclkw.org.
30m22s
Katherine thanks the many sponsors of the Stand Up for PCL comedy night. There are still sponsorships opportunities, and they’re still accepting items for the silent auction. Katherine explains how the silent auction works.
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Katherine discusses the privatization of health care, and how PCL is regulated in the sector. Private firms offering these services are not regulated as well. Katherine says that Developmental Services Ontario is where people can access care-giving services. But there’s a waiting list, 700 people in Waterloo Region; the waiting list across Ontario is 19,000 people. One of the challenges is finding affordable housing; another is finding employees. The pandemic made it more difficult to find people in health care and education. There are many specialty professions required, but there’s always room for volunteers.
Talking about the different awards that Parents for Community Living has received. And there are health and wellness activities for both staff and the community, such as last year’s “Hot Tub Time Machine.” The employees are very engaged with the people they support, to help them fulfill their dreams and goals. Katherine thanks all the employees for what can be a thankless job. The work can be emotionally taxing, but it is very rewarding work. PCL is a major employer in Waterloo Region, and also a major consumer at grocery stores, and even purchasing real estate. There is some employee turnover, but many people have worked there for years. Katherine lists some of the requirements for employment at PCL.
50m17s
Katherine summarizes the Stand Up for PCL one more time.
Through the Static Spooky Special!! It’s the night before Halloween and to celebrate I’m playing some fun and spooky tracks, so sit back and sing along!
Witchy Woman – Eagles
Science Fiction/Double Feature – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – As landlords continue to raise rental prices across the country, many are being left behind. According to rentals.ca, average rent in Canada has been increased by 25% since 2021. For some, the result is homelessness, and Waterloo Region is no exception – a recent report shows at least a 129% rise in chronic homelessness here since 2020.
“I knew I was going to be homeless at some point if I did not do something” says Pat Dunn, a widowed retiree now living in Peterborough. Dunn is the founder and the executive director of the non-profit organization Senior Women Living Together. Through subscriber generated profiles on their website, the organization finds matches for senior women, who then meet up to discuss living as housemates.
This show features an interview with Pat Dunn who discusses her own brush with homelessness and rising rent led her to helping others in the same situation. The organization is currently promoting their free service in Waterloo Region.
dan kellar Kitchener, ON – The city of Kitchener’s new integrated sanitary master plan has been officially implemented and with over 800km of sewers, 23 pumping stations, 1300 maintenance holes, and a growing population, the city is reminding residents to watch what they put down the drains.
In a recent press release, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said “the integrated sanitary master plan ensures that we can reliably meet the needs of Kitchener residents today and in the future. I encourage everyone to help us keep maintenance costs as low as possible and disruptions infrequent by only flushing or pouring suitable material down our pipes.”
This show features an interview with Nick Gollan, the Manager of Planning and Programs for Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities in the city of Kitchener. Gollan discusses the new sanitary master plan, the “3 p’s” for flushing, and the maintenance required to keep the system, which includes some infrastructure nearing 100 years old, flowing.
Paige Warner, Kylie Fox, and Lori Yates are in a hurry to get to the Midnight Run, so Bob interviews them first.
4m08s
Touring together, but as individuals, not a group. Kiley tells us how the three got together. Paige tells us about the logistics of the tour. Will they ever form a band? Unlikely, but they might play together tonight…
8m03s
Kylie Fox tells us about her new album, Sequoia and the song Alberta.
Bob discovers the name Gold Dust Women on the tour website. Lori Yates explains where the name comes from, and gives some background on her career. Bob and Lori talk about the poor income to musicians from streaming services, and instead buying merch and CDs directly from artists, and going to concerts.
Welcoming Tony Salomone back to CKMS-FM; he was a DJ in the ‘oughts. Talking about the variety of music in Waterloo Region. Tony tells us the history of The Saskatones. The band existed for decades, but came together during the pandemic, wrote new music, and are now performing
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The Saskatones implies they’re from Saskatoon, but the name is mostly a gag, a fake band with fake personas, they’re actually from Kitchener. Tony has always loved surf music, and tells us how that happened. There’s a wave of surf revival. The album Mercury is about planet Mercury, and they’re working their way through all the planets. Each album will be proportional to the size of the planet; Pluto will be really short. Tony originally wrote the music for Mercury, but the other band members changed their bass and drum parts w
Tony tells us about their upcoming concert. It’s the first time the band has played together! Jane Bond has been around since about 1995, about the same time as Ethel’s Lounge. Tony tells us the history of the iconic sign.
48m47s
More about the concert at Jane Bond — it’s an all-ages, afternoon show. Tony tells us about the other acts. There are only three songs on the album Mercury but they have an hour to fill. That’s OK, The Saskatones also play music about Godzilla movies.
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – A new public health clinic in downtown Kitchener is offering services to regional residents. The new location at 20 Weber St E, is one of several regional services that has moved into the former courthouse building, adding to an emerging regional services hub in a central and accessible location. According to Region of Waterloo Public Health, appointments at the new location have been booking up daily.
The new site offers vaccines and sexual health services and will be adding other services, such as a breastfeeding clinic through November and into the winter. Residents can book an appointment through an online portal or by contacting the site by phone at 519-575-4400.
CKMS News spoke with Amber White, the manager of clinical services with Region of Waterloo Public Health. White discussed the services offered, the impetus for the new location and she mentioned the “grand opening” event for the new location in January.
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The Kitchen KW has been busy since opening their new studio and creators space in downtown Kitchener on October 1st. While the company has been organising hip-hop shows since March 2024, the new space will further integrate the organization with local music scenes through a dedicated studio, low-cost artistic development and production assistance, and monthly workshops.
The new studio is located at 44 Gaukel, a city of Kitchener owned space which is operated by ArtsBuild Ontario. For the Kitchen KW, the new space gives more options for local hip-hop artists to emerge in a city which is often dominated by singer-song-writer and rock acts.
This show features an interview with The Kitchen KW CEO Aiden Rusten, who is known in the locally as AJ. AJ speaks about the company he co-founded, the first month in the new studio, and how The Kitchen KW is working to expand the local hip-hop scene.
Photo: Courtesy of the The Kitchen KWPhoto: Courtesy of the The Kitchen KW
https://pclkw.org/
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