The Community Edition: August 2018

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 11 • AUGUST 2018

INTRODUCING HARU NOON PAGE 15

NEW LIFE FOR OLD POST OFFICE IN GALT

IF STREETS COULD TALK: GOUDIES LANE

LEGACY GREENS MOVES TO ONTARIO STREET

PAGE 7

PAGES 8-9

PAGE 12

AUGUST 2018 // @THECOMMUNITYED

IN THIS

ISSUE

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 11

AUGUST 2018

HEY, WHAT’S WITH THE COVER? WE’D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE CARA VANDERMEY ON THE COMPLETION OF HER COMIC, OONA MOON WHICH RAN FOR TWO YEARS IN TCE. IT’S WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT THAT WE WELCOME HER NEW COMIC, HARU NOON, TO PAGE 15 OF THIS NEWSPAPER.

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FEATURE

8-9 IF STREETS COULD TALK: GOUDIES LANE

EDITOR’S PICK 4

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: SAYING GOODBYE TO A CITY

INSIDE

3 4 5 5 6 6 7 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 14 15 16

IN BRIEF // EDITOR’S NOTE THE FACE OF #GALTLOVE FRONTLINE FORWARD ASSISTS THOSE WHO ASSIST HOLD THE LINE IS BACK AGAIN SEXPLANATIONS: A NEW-OLD CURRICULUM BRCH SOCIAL: THE OFFSPRING OF COLLABORATION A FACELIFT FOR GALT’S OLD POST OFFICE THE SIDE HUSTLE: FLOUR PETAL NEW TUNE REVIEW: ROBBIE G BRINGING GOOD BOYS HOME WR & HOWE: YOUR VOTE CAN SPARK CHANGE A NEW HOME FOR LEGACY GREENS STAYING SAFE ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE TCE POETRY EASY BEING GREEN: CUT THE MEAT HARU NOON // EVENT LISTINGS INDIE RADIO ALIVE AND WELL IN KW

COVER BY CARA VANDERMEY

Volume 6, Issue 11 Next issue: September 5, 2018 75 University Ave. W Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5 519-884-0710 x3564

All advertising inquiries should be directed to Care Lucas at 519-884-0710 x3560 care.lucas@wlusp.com

THE COMMUNITY EDITION TEAM

WLUSP ADMINISTRATION

Editor in Chief Beth Bowles beth@communityedition.ca

President Terrence J Mroz

Publisher Lakyn Barton lakyn.barton@wlusp.com Social Media Coordinator Brittany Kovacs Social Media Coordinator Ramona Leitao Web Manager Care Lucas

Executive Director Lakyn Barton Advertising Manager Care Lucas Treasurer Garrison Oosterof Vice-Chair Shyenne MacDonald

Photo Editor Nick Stanley

Directors Maiya Mistry H.G. Watson Rosalind Horne

Photo Editor Paige Bush

Corporate Secretary Maiya Mistry

General Inquiries info@communityedition.ca

CONTRIBUTORS Teghan Barton Nathalie Bouchard Melissa Bowman Stacey Danckert Karli Ferriolo James Gowland Chris Harry Safina Husein Cameron Hoddle James Howe Bashar Lulu Jabbour Stacey Jacobs Cameron Klapwyk Shyenne MacDonald Andreas Patsiaouros Seth Ratzlaff Natasha Rolleman Matt Smith Cara Vandermey

TWITTER @THECOMMUNITYED INSTAGRAM @COMMUNITYEDITION

The Community Edition is an alternative monthly intended to engage and inform the community.

Started in 2012, the Community Edition is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors.

Opinions expressed within the Community Edition are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the Community Edition, WLUSP, WLU or Centra Web. All content appearing in the Community Edition bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.

The Community Edition is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns.

For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ontpress.com or call 416-340-1981.

Preamble to the Community Edition Constitution The Community Edition will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Community Edition believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a

matter of controversy.

The staff of the Community Edition shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly.

When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to reply at the earliest time possible. Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff. The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so the Community Edition will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on the community of Waterloo Region.

Ultimately, the Community Edition will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate.

The Community Edition has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through the Community Edition’s contact with the community. The Community Edition will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of community press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our magazine.

AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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IN BRIEF

This month, in our If Streets Could Talk Series, we ventured downtown Kitchener into Goudies Lane. Read more on page 8.

NICK STANLEY PHOTOS

EDITOR’S NOTE: SUPPORTING DEMI LOVATO, BUT NO ONE ELSE BY: BETH BOWLES

On June 24, former Disney Star and now singer, Demi Lovato reportedly overdosed on heroin. Lovato has always been outspoken about her experiences with substance abuse and mental health; one of her new songs “Sober” actually deals with the topic of relapsing.

After news of her overdose broke, I watched my social media flood with messages of hope, support and care for Lovato.

Other celebrities were posting statuses, photos and tweets about how they wished the best for her. People I knew in my own community were sharing articles and re-tweeting tweets about how sad it was, how they hoped she would be okay. The support undoubtedly outweighed the negativity or stigma.

This obviously was really great. I was happy to see people say kind things about her, when addiction often comes with so much blame

NEWS

ARTS

URBAN

MUNICIPAL RACE BEGINS

BOOK OF REFUGEE PORTRAITS

NEW BRANTFORD CAMPUS

Campaigning for the Oct. 22 municipal election has begun. In KW, seven people have already been acclaimed, including Sandy Shantz, mayor of Woolwich. In Cambridge, long-time mayor Doug Craig is running against four people, Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic is running against three people and in Waterloo, mayor Dave Jaworsky has two competitors.

Kitchener photographer Brian Limoyo has been taking family portraits of refugees living in the Region for the past year, and now his work will be seen in a book.

Some of the portraits enforce the idea that families are still not together, but Limoyo says the project is driven by love. The book will be available for order through Reception House.

After acquiring three new properties, Conestoga College will be expanding a number of it’s programs to Brantford to hopefully attract new students. Conestoga is currently planning a number of expansions including their current expansion of the Waterloo campus, a new research hub in Cambridge and a partnership with Laurier’s Milton campus.

EPI PEN SHORTAGE LOOMS

PHOTOGRAPHER PRAISED

TENT CITY PROTEST IN DTK

Pfizer Canada, the company that manufactures adult-dose EpiPens, will experience limited supplies in August due to a manufacturing issue. While paramedics in Waterloo Region are currently well stocked, they are concerned about the potential shortage. EpiPens are a device that helps save those experiencing an anaphylactic reaction.

Cambridge based photographer, Matt Quinn’s photo of the Milky Way is one of the two images selected for Canada Post stamps honouring the 150th anniversary of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Quinn’s photo, which is incredibly beautiful, was taken during a trip to the Bruce Peninsula. The winner was annouced in June.

After the City of Kitchener kicked tent city activists out of Victoria Park at the end of July, those affected set up their tents on the front lawn of the Region of Waterloo Building at Queen and Weber in Kitchener as an act of protest. They were asked to leave the island in Victoria Park because there were events planned in that space.

KITCHENER WOMAN WINS BIG

KW PHOTO SERIES RECOGNIZED

COYOTE TRAPS REMOVED

68-year-old Carol Knipfel of Kitchener has won $1 million with Lotto Max. The former utility dispatcher for the City of Kitchener bought the ticket from C & J Variety on Belmont Ave. (don’t all go at once, people). Knipfel, who retired this past June, is hoping to buy a Buick SUV with her big bucks and says she will continue to buy lottery tickets.

KW-based photographers Hilary Gauld Camilleri and Hannah Yoon were recently featured in The Globe and Mail for their photo series about trans youths living in KW. The project challenges our understanding of trans teens in our community and sheds light on the lack of services and health-care professionals we have for trans folks in the Region.

The City of Cambridge hired a certified wildlife agent to put traps in Churchill Park after reports of aggressive behaviour from coyotes towards dogs. The traps were said to be “humane,” but when a local man saw a coyote trapped, he posted photos online of the animal visibly struggling.

The negativity garnered caused the traps to be removed.

and never enough compassion.

But this also made me think about who we choose to support, and who do not.

This is because Lovato doesn’t look like an addict. She looks like an innocent, young woman who made a mistake. She’s beautiful; her skin is flawless and her hair is never out of place. Her voice always sounds exceptional live.

She’s an advocate for supporting those with mental health issues.

She’s using her fame to raise awareness. No, Demi Lovato, the girl we saw alongside Joe Jonas in 2008’s Camp Rock on the Disney Channel, she couldn’t possibly be an addict.

But she is. She’s told us so many times. In “Sober,” she literally told us that she was struggling.

It’s easy to support her, and we should. Lovato’s overdose has taught us a lot about addiction — even beautiful people with money, friends, glamour, fame

and flawless skin use heroin. But are those the only people we choose to support, the people who don’t scare us?

Waterloo Region is facing a public health crisis. The opioid crisis is literally in our backyard, standing right beside the people who are opposing supervised injection sites. How many people in Waterloo Region shared a TMZ article on Facebook about Lovato’s recovery, and then subsequently scoffed at a person they stigmatized as a drug user on their way to the Kitchener Market the next morning? How many people in Waterloo Region liked a tweet supporting Lovato, yet rolled their eyes when I preached about how we should all own Naloxone kits in my June Editor’s Note for the Community Edition?

It’s easy to support a celebrity, yet so easy to turn our backs on our neighbours. It’s easier to cross the street when we see

someone asking for spare change downtown. Lovato isn’t bothering us. She isn’t in front of us asking for help, but members of our own community are.

I’m not asking you to go out and solve The Region’s problems on your own. I’m asking you to share articles with accurate stats about our Region’s crisis. I’m asking you to vote in the municipal election for candidates who actually value and plan to support those who work in harm reduction. I’m asking you to call an ambulance when you see someone passed out in the street. I’m asking you stop exchanging false narratives surrounding supervised injection sites.

I’m asking you to talk to your kids about drug use, because addiction doesn’t discriminate in terms of class. Lovato taught us that, now let’s apply it to our own community.

AUGUST 2018 // @THECOMMUNITYED

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THE FACE BEHIND #GALTLOVE

CAMBRIDGE MUSICIAN ADVOCATES FOR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

NATASHA ROLLEMAN CONTRIBUTOR Taking place in Galt right now is a resurgence, whereby a positive movement is taking over and is being felt by the people who live here, work here, and those who come to visit. Where did this feeling come from? What is it that has made the perception of Cambridge begin to shift? In part, it started with the grassroots movement “#galtlove.”

Eric Bolton, owner of EBolt Music School in downtown Galt, has created a zeitgeist, a spirit of the people, in this community. With his optimistic outlook, his love of spreading music and messages of positivity, he has humbly created the grassroots movement “#galtlove” — which I’m sure many people are not aware was single handedly created by him.

Galt Love was originally an idea put forth by Bolton in 2016 when he moved his music school to the downtown Galt core — now known as the Gaslight District. During his move Bolton went around to all the downtown business owners and got them on board with the making the first Friday of every month a “Galt Love” night. Businesses would stay open late, and perhaps do something special for that night in order to create a more engaged community. It turned into a great success, with the community and businesses participating each month.

“Business owners were more interested in it since it wasn’t a city run event. It was more about one-on-one connection

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

SAYING GOODBYE TO A CITY

BY: KARLI FERRIOLO

than being told what to do, and then from there, that engagement and positivity played into this incredible night,” Bolton explained.

The two-year anniversary of Galt Love took place last month, the first Friday of July, and was the largest turnout to date.

Idea Exchange partnered with Galt Love to host the Old Post Office Party, which celebrated the grand opening of the historic post office as a new digital library.

Around four thousand people were in attendance. People came to tour the restored building, listen to live music, eat, drink, and celebrate Galt’s heritage.

Since Galt Love’s inception, it has begun to take on a form of its own. It’s organically changed and grown into more of a mindset.

“It’s less about the shops staying open the first Friday of the month — although businesses still do that — and has turned into a positivity movement ... it’s become more of a mantra,” Bolton said.

Even developers have caught on now.

HIP Developments, who are building the Gaslight District, used the “#galtlove” hashtag in their condo advertisements. “[It’s] really wonderful because now all those people will be moving in with this mindset, that Galt truly is a great place,” Bolton said.

Now that Bolton has started a new position with the Business Improvement Area (BIA) as the communications liaison, he’s working even more with business owners downtown to help facilitate events they would like to see.

“My role in the BIA has changed a bit.

I’m out in the public more trying to rally people, connecting business owners, helping them work on their events. I’m excited to try and build new things for the community, to assess what’s working and what’s not,” Bolton explained.

The Galt Love movement has encouraged business owners to collaborate and create amazing events for the public, even outside of the BIA. The other week Proactive Training and Moksha Yoga collaborated and brought out roughly 150 people for a work out in the park.

On that same energy, the BIA held the Galt Moves Summit. Galt Moves had fitness and wellness businesses come out to run workshops for the public.

“This is quite easily something we could do every month,” Bolton said.

This positive vibrancy that’s rejuvenating Galt’s downtown core still struggles against the negative perception that is both depicted by the media or socially ingrained. Bolton’s idealism is not to say that he is unaware of the issues Galt faces.

“We need to focus on the positive. Of course there are heavy conversations that need to happen, but those conversations shouldn’t necessarily be the forefront,” Bolton said.

“We have a small urban centre, and of course, we get a taste of the problems that come along with a city. But, when you’re walking down here, you don’t see those negative things on such a grand scale, as the media portrays.”

The “#galtlove” movement has played a large role in changing that negative focus, while pumping up and unifying the Galt community. With time will come a shift in focus, but until then, Bolton will continue to advocate for strong community connections in Galt’s downtown core.

“We have this picturesque stunning town that’s on the water: why aren’t we talking about that? Why isn’t that the focus?”

This is Eric Bolton. While we know a lot about his community initiatives, we just can’t figure out how he gets his hair so perfect.

ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS PHOTO

MATT SMITH PHOTO Like a lot of other people, I came to Waterloo when I was an 18-year-old kid: bright-eyed and eager to begin my university career. Seven years later and here I am, sitting alone in my apartment, getting ready to pack up and move to Toronto in a few weeks’ time.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been asking myself, how do you say goodbye to city? There are so many places and faces, nooks and crannies all across Waterloo Region that I’ve come to love over my time living here that I will truly miss when I move.

What if I can’t find a cinnamon bun in Toronto that’s as delicious as The Yeti’s?

Or what if Toronto’s Public Library

doesn’t have the perfect afternoon sun that KPL does? When I move to Toronto I won’t be able to walk past that spot in Waterloo Park where I asked my girlfriend if she would be my girlfriend. Or that spot beside Phil’s where … actually, I think it would be okay if I forgot that one.

Nonetheless, I’ve filled my time in Waterloo Region with tons of memories, both good and bad. But just because I’m moving away from the place where I made them doesn’t mean that they will be gone forever; I get to take them all with me.

When I first came to Waterloo, I was determined to leave as soon as I gradu-

ated because so many people that I knew who came here for school rarely ever stayed after graduation. I could have left right after my four years at Laurier, but I didn’t think I was done growing yet; Waterloo Region still had some things to teach me and I still had space to learn.

Over the years, I have come to understand what it means to be part of a community. Part of making a place feel like home depends on what you put into it. At the end of the day, regardless of your gender, race, sexuality, profession, class — regardless of what makes us all different — all we want is to feel like we are a part of something. That we belong somewhere. And that we will be missed

when we are gone.

When I came to Waterloo those seven short years ago, I did not have much of a plan or any sort of idea of what I wanted to do with my life. Sometimes, I still don’t. But as I reflect back on the years I’ve spent living, working, and learning from everything Waterloo Region has to offer, I’ve managed to become a version of myself that my 18-year-old self never would have imagined, that my 18-yearold self would be proud of. And I have Waterloo Region to thank for that.

AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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NEW INITIATIVE HELPS FIRST RESPONDERS JAMES GOWLAND CONTRIBUTOR When first responders are called upon, it is their job to show up regardless of the adversity. And while the health and safety of the person in distress is priority, how often do we acknowledge our first responders and their overall mental health? Who is looking out for them and their families?

Leading up to his retirement in 2014, veteran first responder Bryan Stevens had not yet been diagnosed with PTSD. But once Stevens’ wife and two daughters made him aware of the mental and emotional symptoms of PTSD that had manifested in his personal and family life, he was grateful enough to seek help.

“We deal with and see so much negative stuff out there that your faith in humanity starts to get chipped away at,” Stevens said. “A strong family support network is super important.”

With a total of 30 years of service, the last 18 of which as Critical Care Flight Paramedic for Ornge, Stevens was responsible for treating and transporting the most critical patients during their trip to highlevel tertiary care centers in Ontario.

After a diagnosis of PTSD, and much hard work and healing, he has found his old self.

He now hopes to extend what he’s learned about PTSD to other first responders in the community. As president and founder, Stevens

JAMES GOWLAND PHOTO hopes to open a holistic PTSD treatment centre, Frontline Forward, by mid-September. Among the three personal trainers in the newly erected gym, four yoga/meditation instructors, a facial-stretching therapist, a massage therapist and speakers specializing in an array of related issues including education for families, staff will also include four physicians with various and vast experience in dealing with trauma and the addiction. The majority of the funding for Frontline Forward has come from the pockets of Stevens and his two partners.

With 35 years of experience, and a history of internal medicine and psychiatry for 27 years at the University of Manitoba, Dr.

Bill Jacyk, physician and lead psychotherapist, will be on staff.

Jacyk has helped develop a trauma addiction program at the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, worked with military and paramilitary personnel and trained and educated peer support groups for airline pilots and air-traffic controllers.

According to Jacyk, PTSD appears often in military, paramilitary, frontliners and first responders.

“They learn to do their job and basically stuff their feelings and never have an opportunity to vent them properly,” Jacyk said. “[Posttraumatic stress disorder] is basically stress that has been installed in someone’s past experiences that has never been addressed, defused, or

debriefed.”

Jacyk said that these “unusually anxious” moments commonly occur after a dramatic change in the individual’s life.

“It will show up when somebody becomes ill or even gets injured and laid up and can’t keep working,” says Jacyk. “As long as you’re active in the intensity of your job, you don’t actually realize that you have the stress installed.”

Acknowledging that first responders are an incredibly proud group, Stevens said that the stigma of mental health and PTSD can make it very hard for first responders to open up and express emotions and feelings that have been suppressed.

“When you introduce a diagnosis

of a mental health illness, that takes something away from you,” Stevens said.

But Stevens also acknowledged that personal struggles can become easier to accept and understand after the realization that there are quite a few other first responders in the same situation.

“Let’s let down that guard, come in, and be in a total non-judgemental place. A place of support and understanding, with everybody that’s there, to make yourself feel safe,” Stevens said. “Once I learned how to do that and connect once again with myself, that’s when the healing process started.”

HOLD THE LINE GEARS

UP FOR ROUND TWO MELISSA BOWMAN CONTRIBUTOR The anticipated start of light rail transit by the end of this calendar year has spawned an increase in development across the Region. This has also led to many discussions about how to best manage that development. Some are resistant to these changes, some are watching with curiosity, and others wholeheartedly celebrate this growth and intensification.

One group is hosting a different sort of celebration however, a celebration of the Countryside Line.

The second annual Hold the Line Festival seeks to: “raise awareness of the Region’s Countryside Line, a regional boundary that curbs urban sprawl and protects rural farmland,” said Rianne Rops, one of the festival’s organizers.

“By putting on the festival, we hope to show Council that the people of Waterloo Region value the Countryside Line and want to see it protected for years to come.”

The two-day festival, this year at Fertile Ground farm in St Agatha

on September 7-8, has lots to offer.

Attendees can join in a guided jam-session with local band Onion Honey, taste local foods, enjoy craft beer from local brewery Together We’re Bitter (TWB), among other fun activities.

And there’s room for kids, also.

“We are focusing on making our event as family-friendly as possible,” Rops said.

There will be a pump track for kids and a hay bale play area with frisbees, hula hoops and balls. In fact, that may be exactly where to find Rops.

“For me, the haybales are particularly nostalgic as I spent many hours of my childhood making forts with my cousins in their hay loft,” she said.

According to their website, Hold the Line is a “small ‘non-profitthat-could’ made up of artists, community builders, sustainability advocates, and Waterloo Region enthusiasts.” They have partnered with local arts organizations Neruda Arts and Sofar Sounds to further represent Waterloo Region’s diversity. Festival goers can listen to a variety of bands including the Blue Sky Singers, Cascabel, and Anwar Khurshid.

If you have your bike, you may want to join others in cycling some (or all) of the Countryside Line.

Camping onsite is also welcomed Friday evening if you bring a tent, and you’ll even be treated to a pancake breakfast in the morning.

Once Rops learned of how the Countryside Line preserves farmland, protects environmentally sensitive areas, and promotes the design of sustainable cities, she wanted to be involved with the festival.

“They embodied so many of my own values of environmentalism, community, local economy, and art, and I knew that joining their team would be a great way to advocate for what I believe,” she said.

Clearly, there are many ways to advocate for the type of Region and community we want to create: petitions, workshops, letter-writing, and connecting with elected representatives are just a few.

The Hold the Line festival offers attendees a unique way to advocate for the Countryside Line while connecting with the land, food, and friends.

Grab your tickets by August 17 to get the early bird price of $20, which includes a $5 food voucher! More information can be found at www. holdthelinewr.org.

Last year’s Hold the Line festival was lively, with cycling and music and crafts!

PAIGE BUSH PHOTOS

AUGUST 2018 // @THECOMMUNITYED

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PAIGE BUSH PHOTO

NEW COLLABORATION PUTS COFFEE IN YOUR CUP KRISTEN PHILIPPI CONTRIBUTOR A new cafe is coming to 1 King Street North in Waterloo. Brch Social is a project born of a partnership between Urbanistyc, a real estate development company of Stratford and Show & Tell coffee of Kitchener.

With large windows, low tables, high ceilings, white walls and a passionate and creative team focused on quality and experience, the Brch Social feels like kismet.

The space, which was previously occupied by One King North, a co-working cafe, is going to be nothing like its predecessor. While office and desk space will still be available on the second and third floors, the focus now is purley is on the cafe. Brch is going to be less of a place to work, and more of a place to come and chat over a quality cup of coffee. Inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese flavor profiles and design,

the interior and the menu at Brch are dialed back to just what they need to be, nothing more. Quality is of the most importance, and no expense is spared to create a curated and consistent coffee experience.

“If you look at that building, it feels like it’s meant to have that style.

[Urbanistyc] is very talented. [They] could make anything work there, but you would be trying to make something work. You know the saying “the block of marble, you are just uncovering the statue.” That space, it just works. It just makes sense,” mused Chris Tellez, one of the founders of Show & Tell coffee shop.

Urbanistyc moved into a long-term lease at 1 King St. N, allowing them to re-make the space however they wanted; they deliberately chose the top floor as their office, and the main floor as the cafe. The majority of Urbanistyc’s past projects have been in Stratford, meaning Brch is the perfect opportunity to showcase their aesthetic to the Region, where they hope to continue to grow their real estate development projects.

Urbanistyc is taking the lead on determining the style and brand of

Brch Social.

“With [Urbanistyc] managing the space, we want it to be the best it can be, especially with such a great location. It would be a shame not to do it justice,” Catalina Berther, the strategic lead for Urbanistyc said.

“Design wise, it’s a little bit different that pretty much everything uptown in the cafe scene and we put a lot of time and effort into every little thing. It’s very curated, and in some areas we did not spare any expense.”

Tellez, alongside other founder of Show & Tell Coffee in Kitchener, Andrew Thom, are managing the operations of Brch Social. Thom and Tellez have collectively been in the coffee business for 25 years and they say that Brch feels like the perfect blank canvas.

While they may not have been able to afford venturing into the more corporate Waterloo on their own terms for quite some time, the partnership with Urbanistyc allows them to develop a cafe of their dreams.

Show & Tell had a previous working relationship with One King North co-working cafe, which opened the

door to Urbanistyc’s Brch. However, this time around they are much more heavily involved.

“Personally, as a creative person, I enjoy making stuff, but I also kind of like having a little bit of a box around it. It gives me something to work within,” Thom said.

“It’s a fun challenge because there is also an aspect of pleasing somebody too…[Brch] seemed like a really cool challenge, and it was the style that we had considered going [at Show & Tell], but we realized we didn’t have the space that would go along with it.”

The food and beverage at Brch will be similar to that served at Show & Tell, just slightly more nuanced and refined, cleaner and crisper.

While Thom, who is developing the menu, emphasizes the importance of working with local bakers and vendors, such as Unity Baking, he also see the value in bringing in the best possible products, even if they are international.

They want to bring in ingredients not often used, and lead the Region in a style of cuisine that seems to be missing here. Eventually, Brch

hopes to get their Liquor License, continuing the thoughtful experimentation into the evening with a cocktail menu.

The energy and passion of Thom, Tellez and Berther is palpable. They are drawn together by a desire to do something different and unique, to shake people out of their routines and to bring some new life to King Street. As the young entrepreneurial demographic in the area continues to grow, they hope this cafe can lead and inspire others to see that their own creative dreams are possible.

The team is just as excited to create the space for themselves, as they are to take their customers on the ride with them. The project is bigger than just coffee.

“Different gets people in the door, quality keeps people coming back.

Yes, we are going to things that are fun, different, weird and exciting but at the same time, with every one of those things the backbone is super consistent quality,” Tellez assured.

Brch Social will open in the early weeks of August, welcoming everyone in the Region to come and enjoy a quality cup.

TEACHING SEXUAL EDUCATION IN TODAY’S ONTARIO

WITH AN OUTDATED CURRICULUM, HOW WILL EDUCATORS NAVIGATE TEACHING SEXUAL HEALTH TO OUR KIDS?

SEXPLANATIONS

STACEY JACOBS COLUMNIST Our newly elected Progressive Conservative government has repealed the 2015 Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum, which includes the sexual health curriculum, taking us back to 1998.

You may be confused, and rightly so, about what this means as the government has been continuously providing mixed messages and statements, not making clear what this means for students and teachers come September.

I have been teaching the sexual health curriculum in the schools since 2007, meaning I have taught both the 1998 and the 2015 curriculums. The 1998 curriculum predates Google, social media, same-sex marriage and does not discuss consent, online safety, sexting, gender diversity or LGBTQ+ relationships.

The more up-to-date 2015 curriculum covers all these topics. It also provides teachers with suggestions on how to have classroom discussions.

However, students don’t know, or

care, what the curriculum guidelines say. They have been asking questions about pornography, sex, diversity and relationships since my first sex ed lesson over ten years ago. What is relevant in their lives does not change because the school curriculum changes.

It is our job and responsibility as educators to listen to what students are asking and telling us about their bodies, their relationships and their online activity. We have one chance to get it right. Sex education is a life skill, a skill that needs to be taught at the appropriate age, and in the appropriate way, to prevent harm.

Talking about puberty after puberty has happened, talking about consent after students have been in an abusive relationship, talking about gender diversity after a student has been bullied is allowing the harm to happen. I also educate adults, and what I hear more often than anything else is this: I wish I had known this information when I was young, it would have prevented so much grief, heartache, pain …

I think the most important part of teaching sexual health education is listening, answering questions and building comfort and trust. Without comfort and trust the questions students most need answers to will not be asked. Without questions, how will educators know what students need to learn? Students may not

be able to ask questions elsewhere, and they may not get the intricate answers they need to keep safe and healthy by googling their questions.

And google they will.

Students are getting a great deal of their sex education online and from the media. We cannot prevent the media from influencing students.

What we can do is talk about what students are seeing online and in the media, and teach critical thinking skills and media literacy.

I have always been a believer in the question box. It is way for students to ask questions anonymously so they can feel safe asking about their biggest fears and worries. If you listen to the heart of each question, most are asking the same thing: “am I normal?” A question we have all asked ourselves, probably multiple times.

A comprehensive, inclusive, sexual health curriculum is essential because it may be the only opportunity students receive to validate who they are, the relationships they have and the people they want to become.

Stacey Jacobs is the sexual health educational manager at SHORE Centre.

JENNIFER LYON PHOTO

AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

7

SIGNED, SEALED

DELIVERED

THE OLD POST OFFICE

IS YOURS (TO USE)

THE OLD POST OFFICE IN DOWNTOWN GALT NO LONGER PROCESSES MAIL — IT IS A NEW INNOVATION CENTER FOR DIGITAL LITERACY

ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS CONTRIBUTOR

ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS PHOTOS

It’s the year 1885 in Galt and the Post Office is complete. Distribution of paper mail is all the rage and electric lights have yet to be installed. The building, which is situated on Water Street, in the heart of downtown Galt stands tall — a hallmark for progress and innovation, a landmark that didn’t know then that it would be a landmark.

Now, fast-forward to July 6, 2018 and the former Post Office no longer serves the purpose of exchanging mail. The building still stands as a hallmark for progress and innovation, but now as a fully integrated space for developing digital literacy in a modern age.

Crowds gathered for the official opening of the $14.9 million Idea Exchange Old Galt Post Office in Cambridge.

It was a six-year long project that resurrected the historic 19th century Old Post Office in downtown Galt as Idea Exchange’s newest location for their first ever digital library.

“This particular digital library is unique in Canada — if not North America — in terms of its complete dedication to the digital world. And it’s wired that way from the basement to the attic,” Mayor of Cambridge Doug Craig explained. “[The community has] something now that’s very unique and special …We’ve taken a 19th century building and we married it to a 21st century architecture.”

There are four floors to the building, each offering something different for public use.

You’ll find access to tools and services like 3D printing, laser-cutting, audio recording, a kid’s Discovery Centre, a café and more.

Certain floors are geared more towards certain age groups, but ultimately, the facility is fully open to the general public and people of any age are encouraged to explore.

Helen Kelly, CEO of Idea Exchange, the organization that runs Cambridge’s libraries and galleries, elaborated on the nature of what the digital library has in store.

“I would say it’s an extension of what we’re doing as a library already. The signal of the name change from Cambridge Public Libraries to Idea Exchange was really looking at how libraries are in a renaissance period right now,” Kelly explained.

Although still in its early stages of operation, the facility is slowly beginning to come to life as more people peer inside the rabbit hole to see just what sort of toys they can tinker around with.

“When you go into a library now, you’ll find that there’s 3D printers and you’ll find that there’s lots of hands-on technology. It’s about hands-on learning and skill development as opposed to our more traditional passive activity planning,” Kelly said.

The weekly programs provided will aim at teaching those who sign-up the skills necessary for using the technology effectively.

“Once they’ve got a basis in print literacy then you’re ready to springboard into digital literacy. Because, you actually need to know how to read and write before you can get comfortable with software and learn how to program,” she continued.

Following its opening earlier this month, group tours have taken place to highlight the facility’s offerings and history.

Light-shows are also displayed on the building’s exterior every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, telling the story of the building’s many lives.

Along with being unique in its function, the building itself holds a certain amount of historical value in the community.

The original structure was built by Thomas Fuller, chief dominion architect of Canada at the time. His work spanned from more than 140 buildings across Canada, including the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.

“When you build a building, especially a public building, it’s not only got to be practical, realistic and come within budget — which it did — it also has to be an inspiring building,” Craig said.

“The whole repurposing of the Old Post Office is to signify the importance of heritage in our community and saving our heritage and repurposing it for other uses for the future.”

This meant the building had to undergo a rigorous process of construction to achieve the intended goal.

“There were a lot of structural pieces that needed to be enhanced, partly because the original building, which has been preserved, was made in 1885. In 1885, the building code wasn’t nearly as robust as it is now,” Kelly said.

The original entrance still looms overhead with decorative archways, but in order to raise the building up to today’s standards of accessibility, a new entrance was made and elevators were added, too.

The building was also expanded in order to create more space.

By the end of the construction process, the outcome was the merging of two worlds, both old and new. And the memories of its many lives has been preserved in a seemingly timeless space.

“There are people who remember when this was a restaurant, they’ll remember when it was a club, they’ll remember when they came here and they were dancing,” Kelly said.

“They’re excited to come back and to see that it’s been completely restored.”

Craig also remains hopeful that this old-meets-new addition to downtown Galt will help to revitalize the core.

“It becomes really not just a digital library, it is a meeting place to bring the community together and it will be transformative in terms of its effect on the downtown,” he said.

IF STREETS COULD TALK:

GOUDIES LANE

WORDS BY SHYENNE MACDONALD PHOTOS BY NICK STANLEY

What’s KW’s best kept secret?

Admittedly the few occasions I’ve been asked this question I dropped the ‘Kitchener’ portion of KW and tossed my lot in with Waterloo. I’m solely blaming this on the fact that I went to high school in Kitchener (go Gaels) and thus am forced to block out the entire city as a means to survive the traumatic memories those four years provided.

It’s only now that I’m slowly beginning to appreciate the city for what it is. Which is, beautiful in its own chaotic way. Walking through downtown Kitchener, it’s easy to get lost in all the businesses that shouldn’t blend so easily together, yet somehow do.

It’s a place where there’s something for everyone, and it’s in this whirlwind that a community has grown into the roots of Kitchener, making the city what it is.

So, with my newfound admiration for Kitchener clearly stated, what’s its best kept secret? While this question is subject for debate, I think it’s Goudies Lane.

If you’ve never ventured down to this secret haven, it’s a corridor, which stretches from Queen St. N to Ontario St. This public space has only recently become a site to see but has always been steeped in local history.

Goudies Lane’s story begins in 1828, when the ancestors of entrepreneur Arthur Russell Goudie first settled and began to build in what would later become Waterloo. So, it’s safe to say that Goudie, born in 1884, was a real “locals man.”

He moved to what was then called Berlin, now of course our beloved Kitchener. It was there, in 1909, Goudie met his wife Alice Weseloh, whose family helped Goudie create his famous department store.

Though originally co-owned with his father-in-law, after a fire destroyed the original store, Weseloh-Goudies, Ltd. and its stock, Weseloh Senior stepped down and Goudie rebuilt using solely his name.

Goudie became known for being the

founder of one of western Ontario’s largest department stores: Goudies, Ltd. He later went on to serve on Kitchener city council in 1931, before dying in 1960.

Goudies Lane, itself, was dubbed such as it was the docking area for Goudies, Ltd. Though the department store officially closed its doors in 1988, if you venture down there today you can still see preserved signs painted onto what is now the wall of J & P Grocery.

“When we chose this space, we were aware of the plans for the laneway,” Sarah Pepper, who owns J & P alongside her partner John Kent, said.

“Though none of them were set in stone yet … that was really exciting to us — that kind of European or Old Montreal feel. These tiny nooks in the city, almost like havens.”

A haven is exactly what Goudies Lane feels like. With beautiful lights dangling between buildings, local artists’ murals painted on the bricks and picnic tables to sit at, it’s like stepping out of the city and into a place where time can just stop for a little bit.

And if you haven’t noticed from the construction that has taken over DTK, the revamping of Goudies Lane was the first step in the City’s process to create more community geared environment. The city has embarked on “Placemaking Plan” that centres around Queen St. “It’s become a real place that I think Downtownies feel a sense of pride in. The murals — particularly Stephanie Bourtari’s geometric piece — [act as] a destination for people [sic]. I think over time this leads to a greater sense of pride and accountability for the broader downtown,” Hilary Abel, manager for the downtown community development in Kitchener, said, explaining why it has become so important to create these community spaces.

“As a pilot project, it’s been an overwhelming success — the two neighbouring building owners have been amazing to work with

… we’re excited to formalize it as a pedestrian-first space with the 2019 redesign,” Abel continued.

Abel explained that Goudies Lane looks to give a new life to the anchors of the corridor. She described it as a “people place.”

Last summer was the first summer Goudies Lane was in full action, with public parties held the first Thursday of every month. However, this year, alongside the Ontario street party, Goudies Lane will be showing movies, in collaboration with Apollo Cinema.

Over the last seven years, independent businesses and grassroots organizations have slowly emerged in Kitchener and through that, a new community is being built.

“All the businesses that are coming here are businesses that are small and independent, which is really exciting. There’s lots of great things about uptown [Waterloo], but small businesses there are a little bit less than the big stores,” Pepper elaborated on the community she has experienced through owning J&P. “I think downtown Kitchener is doing a great job of really keeping it local and having that community.

Additionally, I think all the businesses downtown here, are really supportive of one another and I really appreciate that too.”

As the tri-cities become more connected, and Kitchener continues to grow, having community spaces unique to our city’s history, creativity and beauty are becoming more important. When A. R. Goudie ran his department store, he did so with an unyielding focus on the community he served. He seemed to genuinely love the Region, wanted it to succeed and did everything he could to help aid in that success.

So, it seems fitting that Goudies Lane is upholding the notion of community connectedness. That is, after all, what Goudie himself would have wanted.

AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

10

HOBBY BLOSSOMS INTO ATTAINABLE DREAM THE SIDE HUSTLE

Brianne Coglon launched Flour Petal in July and we’ve been salivating since.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIANNE COGLON

CAMERON KLAPWYK COLUMNIST For Brianne Coglon, food is so much more than something we chew and swallow. A registered nurse and self-professed digestive system fanatic, she believes that the journey food takes through our body is equally as important as the pleasure it gives to our taste buds.

“I’ve always had stomach issues,” she said. “And for the longest time I just thought, this is how I am.”

In July, Coglon launched Flour Petal, a specialty cake company in Kitchener that emphasizes its use of local wholesome ingredients and artful floral designs.

“My baking love started in university,” Coglon said. “But at that point I wasn’t into the nutrition and health and wellness side of food the way I am now.”

After finishing university, Coglon and her partner moved to Calgary to be close to her family.

“Kind of near the end of my time in Calgary, I started getting more into figuring out my health issues,” she said.

When Coglon and her partner moved to Kitchener in August of last year, she had some time off while looking for work.

“I spent this time experimenting and trying to combine my love for baking with my beliefs about wellness and nutrition,” she said.

Coglon began identifying the elements of baking that make desserts so irresistibly addictive.

“White flour and even some of the gluten free flours such as white rice flour contain a lot of starches which make them very high on the glycemic index,” she said. “When you have it, it breaks down right away in your small intestine upon arrival and then shoots out sugar to your blood system causing your blood sugar to skyrocket. This causes a lot of systemic inflammation.”

It is evident that Coglon has put significant time into the research and development of Flour Petal’s offerings, sourcing ingredients that have both a nutritional benefit but are still enjoyable to consume. She admits that the world of nutrition and healthy eating are difficult to navigate.

“I find that there are so many buzzwords out there these days. People will say, ‘oh, it’s vegan, or it’s gluten-free,’ and they will equate that with it automatically being better for you. There’s definitely a disconnect between what people think is healthy and what is actually healthy,” she said.

Coglon works hard to ensure that the cakes and other treats she prepares are reminiscent of desserts as you traditionally know and love them.

“I’ve worked really hard on my recipes to make sure that the consistency isn’t too dry or too dense,” she said.

She said she understands that sugar

plays a huge role in our lives and that it is hard to avoid.

“I’m trying to promote a happy medium. Sugar is sugar and it breaks down into the same molecules in your body, but at least with maple syrup and honey, you get more antioxidants or with date paste and apple sauce you get fiber and vitamins and minerals.

So it’s just trying to get something where there was nothing before,” she said.

A quick glance at the Flour Petal cake menu will leave you salivating. Cake bases range from the traditional chocolate to the adventurous grapefruit olive oil. Frostings include maple syrup swiss meringue buttercream and coconut whipped cream, and you can also choose fillings such as berry chia jam or lemon curd, and a final cake drip option like beet coconut caramel.

To top it off, Coglon includes either dried or seasonal fresh edible floral arrangements that are herbicide and pesticide free, from Bakkerlane farms just outside of Waterloo.

While Coglon’s day (and sometimes night) job has her working as an operating room nurse, she dreams of one day turning her fledgling business into a full-time gig.

“My ultimate dream is to have my own store where I can do cake consults and also sell cookies, mini-cakes, and cakes-by-slices,” she said. “This would also be somewhere where I can also sell small bouquets of flowers and have candles and cards. It would be a very welcoming space.”

NEW TUNE REVIEW

ROBBIE G BRINGS THE FIRE ALBUM: Fire by Robbie G LINK: https://robbieg.bandcamp.com/album/fire

WE SERVE BEER (and wine)

APOLLOCINEMA.CA

There has always been a strong love and support for hip-hop in our community. Local artist, Robbie G, from Guelph plans to keep it that way with his latest album Fire, released earlier this year.

The opening track, “Decade,” hits you hard. The fast paced lyrics speak of his time in the rap game, with no intention of slowing down. Backed by a high hat induced beat, the lead in the track is a solid example of what’s yet to come.

In the song “Reach My Peak ft.

Prada West,” Robbie G raps about the goals he still wishes to reach within his career, while giving props to the city he hails from — Guelph. It’s an insightful tune that will leave the audience fully engaged.

“Music Is My Lifestyle,” while the title is self-explanatory, delves into his personal trials and triumphs within his music career. It shows his strength as a lyricist, as well a story teller.

The lower toned vocals will bring out nostalgic feelings in all lovers of the

golden age of hip-hop. Matching the strong register with a bit of gravel in Robbie G’s voice are comparable to the likes of Rakim or say Canibus.

Having just opened for both Sean Paul and The Wu-Tang Clan within just a two-week time span — two popular artists who recently appeared in Kitchener for two different shows — we may be hearing more about an already established local talent.

I personally saw Robbie G open for Wu Tang last weekend, and his ability to pump up and engage with the crowd was refreshing and well accomplished.

You Can check out Robbie G on his YouTube channel, bandcamp and on Facebook. Keep listening and continue to support our local talent.

- Cameron Hoddle, Local DJ

AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

11

PAIGE BUSH PHOTO

GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE BRINGS PETS HOME

WHEN AN ANIMAL IS LOST IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, WHO YA GONNA CALL? KATT BURTENSHAW TEGHAN BARTON CONTRIBUTOR We all know who to call when an emergency hits, but who do you call when your beloved pet has gone missing? It was that very question that prompted the creation of Ground Search and Rescue, a completely volunteer-run group of community members who respond to the call. If you are a pet owner, you know the fear of losing your furry friend; maybe you’ve even experienced it.

When Katt Burtenshaw started Ground Search and Rescue four years ago, she wasn’t sure just what she’d be getting into. A lifelong animal lover, and early childhood educator, she had participated in animal recovery operations before as both rescuer and fearful pet owner,

but running a rescue organization in her spare time would be interesting.

“Oh, the things I’ve put in my car over the years,” she commented wryly. Those things being anything from cats, dogs, goats, snakes, skunks, peacocks, and beavers.

You might remember the beaver that made its way into the uptown Beertown in May — well it was Burtenshaw and her team that was called in to collect the lost beastie.

In the years since, she’s gotten an education in animal behavioural patterns.

“Most animals establish a circuit pattern with a home base they’ll always return to, which makes it easier to find them,” she said.

But some animals make it difficult.

“Huskies will just keep running and running, [whereas hounds will]

follow their noses,” she said, “[and cats will] hide silently ... but each animal is different.”

She credits the amazing community here in Waterloo Region for their successes, and that every person, from hikers to late-night students, have played an essential role.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the community”, she said, commenting on how the over 13,000 member Facebook group is essential to their work. “We post a photo and people start sharing it, commenting on sightings — things have gotten a lot easier with social media.”

When the call comes in that a pet is missing, the team puts together a profile on the animal (name, breed, age, medical details, etc) and then the ‘bat signal’ is activated. The

photo is posted on social media and a team of volunteers is dispatched to the area and the search begins.

It is through communication with the community, volunteers, and other organizations that an animal is returned home safely.

“We all have the same goal,” Burtenshaw said, reflecting on how supportive other groups have been, such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society and the Waterloo Region Police Service, with officers keeping an eye out for lost pets.

“Reuniting families is the best part of the work, seeing that joy is thanks enough,” Burtenshaw said.

But for a fully volunteer-run organization, Ground Search and Rescue is always open to donations and items in need, such as slip collars and traps. You can also join

their Facebook page and watch for any animals in your neighbourhood that may be lost.

If you’re a pet owner, you can microchip and tag your pet, it makes a huge difference should they ever get lost. Burtenshaw said that it’s the “ability to restore hope” that keeps her going. “[People are] afraid and in anguish when their pet is missing, and we get to help them,” she said.

The group – and Burtenshaw - are always on call, whether she’s in the hospital (which was the case once), or when she’s on vacation, she will always take a call.

“As long as I’m physically able, I’ll be out there. If you need help, we’re here to help you.”

YOUR VOTE CAN SPARK CHANGE WR AND HOWE

JAMES HOWE COLUMNIST I’m writing this column the day after we learned that Doug Ford’s government planned to slash the size of Toronto City Council by about half. This change is happening just hours before nominations for municipal councils were due.

The province has the power to make these changes, but to do so at this point of the electoral process, is arguably anti-democratic. Perhaps there is a case for them, but you’d expect a government for “the people” to take some time in seeing what the people believe is the proper model for governing Toronto and then implement any changes for the next municipal election.

With any luck by the time that you read this column, a more reasonable process or solution has been identified.

None of the changes announced affects Waterloo Region, so why should we care? Well, for two reasons: The first is that changes could be forced upon us at some point.

That could mean fewer elected

positions, or possibly even the forced amalgamation of Waterloo Region into a one-tier government instead of our current mix of cities and townships with one set of responsibilities and the Region of Waterloo with a different set. Those ideas may be worth considering, but not without local input.

The second reason is that municipal government is too important to our daily lives to be changed so drastically and suddenly by any provincial government led by anyone or formed by any party. It is so intertwined with how we live, it is easy to take it for granted. When we walk on the sidewalk, drive on the road, play in a park, need help from first responders like the police, firefighters or paramedics, we don’t stop to think about how decisions made by our municipal governments affect us. Nor the importance of elected officials to represent us and determine what is in the best interests of the city, as a whole. And fewer local politicians mean that fewer people to help us get answers or resolve problems with our local government and fewer voices at the table to make big picture decisions.

Municipal government is so vital to how we live, that the topic of this column was intended to make the case for allowing permanent residents to vote in municipal elections. A permanent resident is someone from another country

who has been given permission to live and work in Canada without being a citizen. They pay municipal property taxes and their daily lives are as affected as the rest of us but they have can not vote for who is on school boards or municipal councils.

In Waterloo Region, that is up to 33,000 people or about six per cent of the total population who have no voice in selecting who is elected.

Cities across Canada, including Toronto and Hamilton have proposed giving permanent residents the right to vote. But it is not a local decision. It is up to the province to make that change. And now, with municipal representation contracting in Ontario, I’m pessimistic about any chance to expand democratic rights.

What can we do? Vote. Let’s see a record turnout for municipal elections so that the provincial government knows that we care about who represents us and makes decisions that affect our lives.

And lastly, this is my last column for the Community Edition. I have enjoyed the privilege over the past two years of sharing my perspectives on urban issues facing Waterloo Region through a social justice lens.

Now is the time for me to step aside and make room for other voices in this space including hopefully those that are under represented.

Thanks to all who have read my columns. I hope I got you thinking.

MATT SMITH PHOTO

12

AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

NICK STANLEY PHOTOS

LEGACY GREENS RELOCATES TO NEW DTK BUILDING ON ONTARIO STREET

THE “GREEN GROCER” MOVES FROM KING STREET TO A BUILDING ALL THEIR OWN ON ONTARIO

SETH RATZLAFF CONTRIBUTOR After a successful three-year trial run in a storefront on King Street in downtown Kitchener, Jordan Dolson has relocated Legacy Greens, her popular independent grocer, in a newly renovated building a few blocks away on Ontario Street.

With maple floors, white walls, and large windows, the new storefront feels as fresh as the Ontario strawberries on display.

Dolson described her business as a “green grocer,” a term more familiar in Europe, denoting a small independent grocer that focuses on providing local fruits and vegetables.

Dolson had always planned to eventually purchase a building, rather than rent — that is, if her business proved successful.

“I never had the ambition to be franchising, to be developing a fleet of stores,” she explained. “So if we wanted to keep it smaller and more unique, having a building that was an asset which would appreciate in value, that would be more strategic for my own personal retirement plan.”

The previous owners had strong connections to the downtown community, owning and operating their own tailoring business. When they retired, they wanted someone to carry on their legacy.

“They were awesome,” said Dolson.

“They wanted to sell to me because I was kind of like them: they operated their business out of their building and I wanted to operate my business.”

“I did all the negotiations with a woman, which was so cool. It felt like two women from two different generations were doing this side realestate deal in downtown Kitchener, in a bubble where it’s a very maledominated industry.”

“She was a good negotiator,” Dolson

added with a laugh.

Once the deal was finalized, Dolson hired a contractor to begin some “aggressive renovations.”

She mentioned that the late 1800’s building had not been updated for at least a couple decades.

“We put in new flooring, new electrical, new plumbing, and we put in an internal staircase to connect the two floors,” she said.

At the back of the main floor there is now a custom-made walk-in cooler, and upstairs is a brand new kitchen. A new HVAC system helps moderate the heat generated by all the refrigerators.

“We definitely want to be a space that anyone feels that they can come and shop here,” said Dolson.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, Legacy Greens carries kitchen staples, such as milk and eggs, locally-sourced dry goods, and prepared food items, such as on-the-go salads, pastas, or soups.

“We’re just trying to provide people with access to awesome fruits and

vegetables, and some local food options,” said Dolson. “And then we do our own prepared food items as well — and we’re tending to kind of veer in the direction of plant-based.”

The product line at Legacy Greens is relatively simple, or “curated,” as Dolson put it. “This is our way of making a recommendation; anything we put on the shelf, we stand behind; we recommend it.”

Upstairs, on any given day, one might find Erin Felder working in the kitchen, fine-tuning and developing new recipes for the value-added line, which was created, in part, to help reduce waste.

“Whenever something no longer looks pretty — it’s a little soft or it’s dented or something — then it gets brought upstairs and turned into something great,” Felder said, pointing to some ripe strawberries she planned to transform later into a cocktail mix.

“In the morning, I don’t know what I’m going to do until I come in, look around the store and see what we

have. And then I just make decisions on the fly” she said.

The grab-and-go items have been a major hit. And Dolson estimates that they’ve helped reduce the store’s waste output to 1-3 per cent.

“It’s honestly really rare that we throw away food,” she said.

Reflecting on her experience opening her business in downtown Kitchener, Dolson said, “The best part of when I opened the store three years ago is I had all these amazing talented people come my way. I had nothing to offer but they wanted to be involved.

They just had similar values and were excited about what I was doing.”

“To spin that, I think that’s a very cool part of KW: it’s a small enough or big enough community that you can reach out to somebody who’s doing something that you’re really interested in, and get some experience or make a connection, and vice versa, that business or person can benefit from them.”

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AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

MATT SMITH PHOTO

CRUISIN’ WITHOUT A BRUISIN’ ON YOUR HOG NATHALIE BOUCHARD CONTRIBUTOR On June the 25, a motorcycle collided with a Nissan Sentra on Weber Street and University Avenue in Waterloo in the early morning.

“The vehicle was traveling … when a car pulled out of a private driveway, like a parking lot, and the motorcycle was unable to stop in time as the vehicle pulled in front of it and the collision occurred. The [motorcycle] driver was transported to hospital but later died of his injuries,” Jeffrey Cooper, of Waterloo Regional Police Services, said.

The investigation of the collision is still ongoing as police are trying to gather more evidence to complete the

investigation.

On July 8, at King and University in Waterloo near Wilfrid Laurier University, a second accident was reported to police involving both a motorcycle and another vehicle.

“There was a collision between a motorcycle and a vehicle. A passenger on the motorcycle was thrown off the bike and was transported to a Hamilton hospital with serious injuries,” Cooper said.

The driver of the motorcycle fled on foot and now the accident is being considered a hit and run.

“I don’t believe he has been apprehended at this point, but I believe investigators are looking into some leads,” Cooper said.

Motorcycles are increasingly prevalent on the roads and highways during the summer months within Kitchener-Waterloo. Don Redekop, executive director of Learning Curves, a motorcycle school in Waterloo,

explained the importance for motorcycle safety for both riders and other vehicles on the road.

“Motorcycles are small. They’re easily missed by other traffic. That’s one of the reasons we had the headlight rule for motorcycles before it applied to cars. It’s also one of the reasons why motorcycles try to look dominant in their space … we have a harder time being seen,” Redekop said.

Having the proper equipment is one of the most important factors when riding and operating a motorcycle.

Because motorcycles do not have the protective barrier of metal doors, they are significantly more at risk for injuries if involved in an accident.

“You want the motorcyclist to have the proper equipment [like a] proper helmet. A lot of the time, officers are doing traffic stops and are seeing improper helmets … people are buying [helmets] with the stamp right on them that say, ‘novelty helmets’,”

Cooper said.

Cooper explained that these novelty helmets, while they could look cool, offer no protection.

“Buy yourself a good quality helmet, high visibility clothing, be aware of your positioning within the lanes, and focus your attention on everything around you,” he said.

Redekop also explained that what you wear can also affect your safety.

He suggested wearing leather or carbon fiber opposed to denim, gloves and boots.

Motor vehicles, such as cars and transport trucks, should also take caution and understand basic motorcycle safety rules. Cooper explained that motorcycles drive to either the left or right of the lane for their own safety, so it is important for other drivers to increasingly check their side mirrors.

“Especially late at night with one headlight, motorcyclists are trained to

not drive in the centre of the lane, but in the left tire track or the right tire track because there is a lot of debris in the middle [of the road] which can cause motorcyclists to lose control,” Cooper said.

Redekop explained that ways in which motorcyclists can prevent accidents and assist with their own skills is to receive proper training from a motorcycle training facility.

Training is for riders not only understand how to operate the vehicle but to understand what the motorcycle is capable of.

“Wherever you receive your training, we’re all preaching from the same rule book: be legal, cover yourself up, obtain skills, and keep an eye open. Be aware and alert — those are the four big rules.”

The Blurst of Times:

simpsons trivia 7pm on August 9th @ chainsaw

STUDY UP - TOPICS MAY INCLUDE MUSIC, SCIENCE, JUSTICE, ANIMALS, SHAPES AND FEELINGS.

$5 PER PERSON | MAX 6 PEOPLE PER TEAM BUY TICKETS ONLINE IN ADVANCE. ALL FUNDS RAISED GOES DIRECTLY BACK TO THIS PAPER.

AUGUST 2018 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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WALKING THROUGH DOWNTOWN KITCHENER, FIFTY DOLLAR BILL IN MY FRONT POCKET TCE POETRY

an evening’s pay. a twinge of heart. my fingers flirt with its deep red, skim the unfamiliar face. it is a 30-minute walk to the bus terminal and 30 minutes until the next bus. I decide to walk. the Tim Horton’s sign jitters in the near distance. I pause at the front window. I want to try the boston cream. Basel claims it is the best they have, but he is easily impressed (he even liked the shawarma place on Highland). is it good enough to break a fifty for a donut? one of the employees glances at me. probably not. I turn back. on King Street, traffic light dallies in the intersection. the left brake of a vehicle, shining. the right broken. baba said you get a ticket for that in this country. I sneak my fingers into my

pocket. the note is still there. my nails search for holes (you never know).

I wonder if I can find an Aziz Nesin book at Second Look. do they even accept fifty dollar notes? I don’t work tomorrow. perhaps I can stop by and browse. in the distance, a Canadian flag flutters above city hall. where can I find a Canadian flag at this hour? is it strange to purchase one, when I am not a citizen yet? I turn onto Ontario street. I wrap my finger around my fifty. the street is quiet. the stillness of a sprawling suburb. in the lobby of Charles Street Terminal, the EXIT sign beams a lonely red. three more fifties and I can buy an iPod mini - Bashar Lulu Jabbour

ON CUTTING MEAT OUT TO CUT YOUR EMISSIONS EASY BEING GREEN

STACEY DANCKERT COLUMNIST

COURTNEY MADRUGA CONTRIBUTOR

CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

What if we told you that you could cut your annual emissions in half and that it wouldn’t cost you anything? When people think about cutting their emissions, they often focus on replacing light bulbs with energy efficient ones, taking shorter showers, driving less, among other things. However, many of these options are inconvenient and don’t have a significant impact on our ecological footprint. Many would be surprised to find out that one of the most impactful and cost-effective lifestyle changes that can be made is to cut meat from our diet.

When summer comes, people often dream of beaches, heat waves, pool parties and BBQ dinners. But when we think of our beloved hamburgers do we think about the ecological cost of making that juicy sandwich?

Typically, the answer is no. Globally, the total greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture outweighs that from all transportation.

Shocking? We thought so too. But, the numbers speak for themselves.

Unfortunately, the impacts from meat production grows as meat consumption continues to increase, doubling over the past 50 years.

Right now, half of U.S. grain is fed to cattle — enough to feed about 800 million people.

Across the globe, about 40 per cent of grain is grown to feed animals.

Not only does this mean that we aren’t able to feed many people across the world, but there is also an enormous amount of land used for the sole purpose of growing feed for livestock. As a result, the Amazon basin has experienced some of the greatest system-altering effects of animal agriculture, including the destruction of about 91 per cent (136 million acres) of the incredibly biodiverse rainforest — one-two acres worth every second.

Waste and ecosystem disruption are rampant within the meat industry. Animal agriculture consumes 20-33 per cent of the world’s fresh water for feed production. A whopping 2500 litres of water are used to make that one hamburger. Ocean ecosystems are also damaged by the removal of 90-100 million tons of fish annually, with 40 per cent of all fish caught being discarded as by-kill. Further damage to water and land-based ecosystems result from the use of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers during feed crop production. These chemicals create over 500 dead zones in oceans around the globe.

In light of this information, switching to a plant-based diet does not have to be all about the doom and gloom. In fact, doing so will make you feel good knowing that you are making a real impact on your own carbon footprint.

It may seem intimidating on the outset, but there are thousands of delicious ways you can eat in an environmentally conscious way without much effort, while also increasing your overall health and saving a few bucks along the way.

If you are learning to cook for the first time, plant-based meals take the stress out of worrying if your meat is cooked safely, so you can simply focus on the enormous variety of flavours you can add to your dish.

Since cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in North America, your health also benefits from removing animal products.

By simply skipping red meat, you drastically reduce your risk of this disease. Overall, choosing plantbased creations like BBQ vegetable skewers or veggie “burgers” will use 70 per cent less water, 95 per cent less land, 87 per cent fewer emissions than their beef counterparts. This means you enjoy your sweet sweet summers and every season that follows much more as you improve the well-being for you, your family, our environment and, at about 20 per cent of the cost, your wallets!

Stacey Danckert is the co-director of Waterloo Region Environment Network (WREN) and Courtney Madruga is an Outreach Coordinator for WREN.

AUGUST 2018 // @THECOMMUNITYED

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ARTS & CULTURE EVENT LISTINGS SATURDAY, AUGUST 4-6 GUELPH PIRATE FESTIVAL 7368 WELLINGTON RD.

Are you into eye patches and being called a landlubber or ye scurvy dog? Walk the plank, dive into a bevy of piractical vendors and indulge in a plateful of garb.

Who doesn’t want to watch fight demonstrations while magicians are doing card tricks in their periphery?

Festival • Free • 11am- 6pm

PINTS FOR PAWS WELLINGTON BREWERY

The Pints for Paws crew is teaming up with Wellington Brewery. Drink beer, save animals and aid in facilitating the support of the Fred Victor organization. This social service fosters long-lasting, postive change in the lives of homeless and low-income people living across the GTA. Food, item and monetary donations are welcome.

Fundraiser • Free • 2pm - 5pm

LIFELINE SUMMER POP-UP 16 BARREL YARDS BLVD

Do you need enamel pins, patches, and graphic tees or wallets? Yes. You do. Join /lifeline supply for their pop-up party in uptown Waterloo!

Indulge on discounts, their new Endless Summer collection and free drinks. Everyone’s welcome!

Party • Free • 3pm - 9pm

Grab a bevvy, elbow your way through the crowd and have your eardrums burst during this indie extravaganza. Performances by Sierra Pilot, Shy Harry and more.

Music • $10 • 7:30pm - 12:30pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 SUMMER BREWFEST WATERLOO BREWING

It’s summer and Waterloo Brewing wants to party whilst indulging in food truck eats and listening to the Hot Karls perform. Sip on some chilled Waterloo Dark and join one of the fi rst-ever tours of Ontario’s First Craft Brewery. Check, please!

Brewfest • $20 • 12pm - 10pm

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 SUMMER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL REVIVAL HOUSE

Become pals with Brew Masters and Beer Reps from all across the land, while chewing on Chef Loreena’s beer-paired apps during this craft fest. All vinyl music will be provided by ‘Revival Vinyl Society’ DJs. Cowbell, Beau’s, Flying Monkeys! Oh my!

Festival • $40 • 1pm - 5pm • 19+

MONDAY, AUGUST 13 FOR-GOOD MONDAYS GOUDIES LANE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 ALICE’S BIG QUEER TRANNIVERSARY SHOW PATENT SOCIAL

Little Alice turns two this month, which is a monthly stand-up comedy show that showcases some of our Region’s most talented LGBTQ+ and allied comedians. This tranniversary show features Robert Watson, Heather Macdonald and more. So, get ready to activate your tear ducts and close your larynx because this event will leave you gasping.

Comedy • $10 in advance • 8pm-11pm

REGIONAL ROAD DINNERS NICK & NAT’S UPTOWN 21

This fine establishment aims to showcase their favorite local farmers along with their local fare throughout their RRDS. This series provides our community the opportunity to become educated on the farmers that feed our city.

A four course Prix Fixe is included, along with a la carte options, as well.

Food • $45 • 5pm - 8pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 BLUES FESTIVAL DTK

Support the sustainability of a local, non-profit event and sway to the sweet sounds of some of the best blues talent around. This festival is hosting performances at three different locations, so take your pick and shuffle your feet.

Festival • Free • 7:30pm - 10:30pm

CAMBRIDGE ROTARY RIBFEST RIVERSIDE PARK

Looking to bathe your hands in rib sauce whilst commendeering picnic tables? Us, too! Head to Riverside Park for a weekend of meats and community members. Cheers!

Festival • Free • 11am - 10pm

INDIE MUSIC NIGHT MAXWELL’S

Students are invited to join the Volunteer Action Centre and the Downtown BIA For-Good Mondays, hosted every Monday throughout the duration of August. This event series features music, games and cheesy pizza. Drop in, make some new pals and support a non-profit organization in your community!

Craft • Free • 4pm-6pm

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 PAINT N’ BREW JACKASS BREWING

Looking to hone your beer-inspired, modern art skills? Even if you aren’t, add a personal addition to any home bar, kitchen or dining area by attending this event. Tickets include one to paint and one pint.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 TWENTY-THREE IN UPTOWN WATERLOO PUBLIC SQUARE

Waterloo Public Library invites you to join them in a crawl through some of uptown Waterloo’s finest establishments. Hunt out clues, ponder riddles and weave through street corners as you attempt to solve the “Twenty-three Mystery”.

If successful, an uptown Waterloo prize pack is yours for the taking.

That sounds both intriguing and ambiguous!

Mystery • Free • 7pm - 9pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 FINAL FRIDAY ART MARKET WATERLOO PUBLIC SQUARE

Would you like to stroll through uptown Waterloo with purpose?

Make the public square your destination! You’ll meet local artists and makers at this evening art market and be humbled by their craft. This event is one of three evening markets, the last one being scheduled on September 28.

Art • Free • 6pm - 9pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 OONA MOON READ BY CARA VANDERMEY OPEN SESAME

OONA MOON has been published in the Community Edition monthly since 2016 in print and online and just finished in our July issue. Join the artist, Cara Vandermey for a reading of a mostly silent comic, which will be available to purchase in full as a small book. Come for a reading and stay for the light refreshments.

Art • Free • 7pm - 10pm

AVIATION FUN DAY REGIONAL WATERLOO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Double-knot your runners and explore our regional airport, meet pilots and gawk at vintage aircrafts during fun day of aviation. In the event of a spike in the humidex, beverages will be available in the overhead bins. Please secure your attendance ahead of time before you secure others.

Aviation • Free • 10am - 4pm

Brewery • $35 • 7pm - 10pm

MOVIE IN THE PARK - FOR DOGS WATERLOO PARK PAVILLION

Do your hearts swell and tear ducts dampen when you see a plethora of pups? Ours do! Taffy’s Legacy Canina Rescue & Rehabilitation is showing Homeword Bound for all the good boys in the Region. There will be a photobooth, dog beds, food vendors and dog-friendly activities.

So, leash up!

Film • $5 donation • 6pm - 10pm

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 I LOVE THE 90’S TOUR ON THE GRAND

So all you fly mothers, get on out there and dance ‘cause Salt and Pepa’s here, and they’re in effect.

Work up a sweat and become number one at this hot party show as you light up the stage and wax a chump like a candle at this all ages event. Performances by Salt N Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Young MC, ROB BASE and more.

Art • $50-100 • 6:30pm - 10pm

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 WATERLOO RIB & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL 100 FATHER DAVID BAUER DR.

Looking to bask in the sunlight whilst balancing plastic cups filled with various craft beers in your hands? If so, hops on over to this festival and you’ll barley believe your eyes. We can’t wheat, can you?

Oh, and there’s ribs, too, so don’t wear white, or pull a Beth Bowles and do, but immediately regret it.

Festival • Free • 4pm - 11pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 K-W KNITTERS’ FAIR THE AUD

Looking for a new throw? Or maybe a sweater? The KW Knitters’ Guild brings the yarn crawl to you! Several vendors are offering knitting accessories, spinning fibre, and tools for a variety of fibre arts.

So join this community of knitters, to promote and celebrate their craft!

Fair • Free • 9:30am - 4:30pm

COMMUNITYEDITION.CA @THECOMMUNITYED

AUGUST 2018 // @THECOMMUNITYED

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THE TIMELESS TUNE OF INDEPENDENT RADIO

AT 102.7 CKMS LONGTIME DJ ROB MCKENNA IS STRIVING FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY RADIO

CHRIS HARRY CONTRIBUTOR People these days are quick to assert that radio is a thing of the past. At 102.7 CKMS however, nothing could be further from the truth.

Take one look at the roster of programmers on their website and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

CKMS began as a student operated radio station in 1977 – the third of its kind in Ontario – and has remained true to its local roots.

Since losing student funding in 2008, they have re-configured themselves to be self-sufficient and community operated, depending only on membership dues and crossed fingers.

Although we live in a golden age of media technology, one where medium paradigms seasonally rise and fall, and connectivity is just one click away, this burgeoning group of FM broadcast fanatics are keeping pace with these changes.

Longtime DJ, Rob McKenna – one of the board members at the station – happened to fall into his own position out of a necessity to keep the station alive.

“I do all the new programmer

training, finance, the setup of all the different user accounts,” he said.

“I’ve been doing the finance for about a-year-and-a-half,” he added.

“Since one of the members who used to ended up leaving for Toronto and the old president just disappeared.”

“Nobody had access to the station’s bank accounts, [so] I had to approach the bank and give them proof that we were now in control of CKMS.” Though McKenna has only recently taken on these responsibilities, a lot has been accomplished in a short period of time.

“We’ve been working on getting grants,” he said. “And with the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant we just received, the video system that is in the station now is pushing us forward.”

“Go online, watch Ryan Seacrest do his interviews,” he urged. “Our system is on that level.”

McKenna has noticed a recent uptick in the amount of programmers interested in broadcasting on CKMS. “Since we’ve implemented video, I find the program schedule is getting packed,” he said. “I’ve been having a hard time taking in all the new programmers, which is a good problem.”

“We’ve even had podcast-exclusive programs from Toronto aired on FM. They could just connect online and have their podcasts on the radio.”

This July, a documentary on 102.7 — Radio Waterloo — premiered at the Deep Cut film festival in Kitchener,

This isn’t Rob McKenna, but luckily we have our own in-house studio so we could stage this picture.

PAIGE BUSH PHOTO and it just so happened to be produced and edited by Rob himself.

“I forget how many hours of footage I had, something around 40 hours,” he said.

“There was an old station computer with some videos of former DJs doing their programs in the Bauer warehouse, so I took all of that and decided to put out feelers, see what I

THE COMMUNITY DEFINITION TEE AVAILABLE ONLINE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 COMMUNITYEDITION.CA/SHOP ALL PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS SUPPORTING LOCAL, INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY MEDIA

could find,” he added.

The beauty of radio is how timeless it has proven to be. But one wonders how you can have a future if you don’t know your past?

“There wasn’t much of a known history on our station as far as our website was concerned. I knew little bits here and there, how CKMS and CKWR were one and then split; how

CKWR was the first community station in Canada,” he explained.

If you’re interested in becoming a programmer or learning more about the history of CKMS, you can visit their website and watch the Radio Waterloo documentary online.