Kitchener Citizen - November 2024 by Kitchener Citizen

BY HELEN HALL

In my years in the newspaper business, I have written and edited many Remembrance Day stories about soldiers who were killed in the two World Wars. And stories about local families who still remember them and lay wreaths at cenotaphs for soldiers who died long ago. I never knew that I had a story to tell.

I was surprised to learn a few years ago that I had a family member who died in the First World War.

While researching my family tree, I discovered that my greatgrandfather William Henry Bennetts was a member of the Royal Naval Reserve in England, and died in World War I. He left behind his wife Sarah and four children including my grandfather George, who was nine years old at the time. Somehow his story didn’t make it to Canada with my parents when they immigrated here in the late 1950s.

Learning that my greatgrandfather was on a war memorial in England, and a few other interesting details from my family’s past, led me on a trip to Newlyn this summer.

Newlyn

My great-grandfather, grandfather and mother were from the small ﬁshing village of Newlyn (current pop. 3,360), located in Cornwall on the southwest coast of England. Newlyn is primarily known as a ﬁshing port, but in the late 1800s started to attract artists who were drawn to the “picturesque quality of its people and

Celebrating 28 Years of Serving

“Because

streetscapes” and the Newlyn School of Artists became quite famous.

My research tells me that my family were the ﬁshermen, not the artists.

Bennetts joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 1898, which was a volunteer reserve for seaman. The 1901 census states that Bennetts was 31 years old and worked as a ﬁsherman.

Between 1898 and 1914 he trained on several ships, including the Alexandra and the Donegal. On February 8, 1914 he shipped out of the harbour in the neighbouring village of Penzance on the HMS Goliath. There have been six ships named Goliath in the history of the British navy. The Goliath that my great-grandfather was on was ﬁrst launched in 1898,

coincidentally the same year he joined the reserve.

Early in 1915, Britain and France attempted to open the Dardanelles, a 60 mile long strip of water that divides Europe and Asia, and attacked Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire. The HMS Goliath was part of the campaign.

On May 13, 1915 the HMS Goliath sank in Morto Bay off Cape Helles after it was hit by three torpedoes ﬁred by an Ottoman torpedo boat. Of the 750 on board, 570 were killed, including my great-grandfather. He was 45 years old at the time, and his body was never recovered.

According to information found in the National Archives, it looks like my great-grand-

mother Sarah eventually received some payment for his service. It is hard to read, but appears to total about 32 British pounds that was paid out in instalments. Some was paid in 1920 and some in 1923.

Newlyn War Memorial

In July of 1920, a war memorial was unveiled in Newlyn. It is 21 feet high with an octagonal granite base, a Cornish cross, and included the names of 72 soldiers who died in WWI, many of whom were aboard the HMS Goliath. The community raised 820 British pounds for the monument.

Sir Arthur Couch, a Professor of English at Cambridge University, spoke at the unveiling, according to a story in the local newspaper The Cornishman.

“For these men who perished

young; and I say to you that no tongue can tell the debt we who stand here owe to these young men; that no ear could hear but the heart would come nigh to break. At no time of life, however assured by religion, are men less than reluctant to exchange this life for another of which we know so little.”

Since then, the names of the casualties who died in other wars have been added to the monument.

We visited the War Memorial this summer. I didn’t have a wreath, but I left a stone by his name to show that our family had been there.

How did William Henry Bennetts’ story get lost in the generations of our family? Rev. Thomas Kay of Knox United Church spoke at the Remembrance Day ceremony this year about how many people in the United Kingdom did not talk about the war after it happened, and those who did often waited until many years later.

Perhaps by the time they started talking about Bennetts’ sacriﬁce, my parents had already immigrated to Canada. Making sure he is not forgotten

In my research, I found a website about the Newlyn War Memorial, which includes information about many of the soldiers on the monument. However some, like my greatgrandfather William Henry Bennetts, are blank. I have contacted the moderator of the website and offered to provide him with information on Bennetts. Now that I have discovered his story, I don’t want him to be forgotten again.

Members of Bennetts’ family by the Newlyn War Memorial, from left: his great-great-great granddaughter Kitra Wiseman and her father Adam, and his great-great granddaughters Andrea Hall and Suzy Hall.

Ask the Expert

The usual time limitation is two years from the date of the accident. However, in motor vehicle claims, you must suffer a permanent and serious impairment before you can bring your claim for pain, suffering (general) and future care damages. Some people may not realize they have a permanent and serious impairment as the hope is to recover quickly. Where the injury persists for a longer period than expected, the limitation period can start from when you became aware you were suffering from a permanent and serious impairment. This could extend the two year limitation period. Victims suffering from chronic pain, post-concussion syndrome and depression often face this issue. Their initial expectation is full recovery, but with time, this expected recovery does not happen. Limitation periods are important and you should consult a personal injury lawyer to review your circumstances.

Submitted photo

STORIES FROM OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Growing Together Community Garden

Searching for something can often lead to unexpected discoveries. This was the case as Priscilla Muzira looked into getting a garden plot, but the community gardens near her had long waiting lists.

Her passion for gardening inspired her to start a community garden. She contacted LoveMyHood, learned about the LoveMyHood Matching Grant, and began working with city staff to ﬁnd vacant space in the Kingsdale neighbourhood.

They found a vacant green space a short walk from the Kingsdale Community Centre

that was perfect for a new community garden. Priscilla engaged with area neighbours and asked if they would be interested in forming a committee.

“The majority of people I spoke with supported the community garden project, so we submitted an application, and we were approved,” she said.

The Growing Together Community Garden consists of 27 individual and 3 communal plots. The garden committee is made up of members from the Kingsdale neighbourhood and the broader Kitchener African and Caribbean community.

With their second growing

season behind them, the Growing Together Community Garden plans to add more communal plants, fencing, and other enhancements that will help to foster a strong sense of connection at the garden.

The Growing Together Community Garden brings people together through growing food, not just for neighbours, but also for the local Food Bank.

“We plan on putting out a table to provide produce for community members and will donate some to the Food Bank,” said Muzira, “This will be our way of giving back to the community,”

To learn more about the LoveMyHood Matching Grant, and how it can help bring your neighbourhood vision to life, visit www.lovemyhood.ca/lmhgrant.

This story, submitted to the Kitchener Citizen, is part of the LoveMyHood storytelling series ‘Stories from our Neighbourhood’ as the City of Kitchener shares stories from neighbourhoods across the city each month.

To read more stories of resident-led projects, visit www.lovemyhood. ca/stories.

The Growing Together Community Garden is a short walk from the Kingsdale Community Centre. It has 27 individual and three communal plots.

5663 Perth Line 86 Just EAST of Listowel

CHANGES TO KITCHENER CENTRE RIDING - Another slice of Kitchener will be voting with its rural counterparts in the next federal election. Changes were approved to the Kitchener Centre riding that will move the boundary between Highland Road West and the Conestoga Parkway east to Westmount Road. The boundary was formerly Fischer-Hallman Road. The change ofﬁcially took place in April 2024. Typically, the province uses the same boundaries as the federal government for elections.

Graphic from Elections Canada

Photo by Helen Hall

NIGHT MOVES - Region of Waterloo crews installed a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians over Highway 7/8 in 20 hours. When the bridge opens in the spring of 2025, people in neighbourhoods separated by the highway will have a safe and reliable route to grocery stores, businesses and important services. The new bridge connects the corner of Strasburg Road/Chandler Drive and the intersection of Avalon Place/Southmoor Drive in central Kitchener. According to the region, work on this project began with a partial closure of the highway on the evening of Saturday, August 24. By midnight, the highway was fully closed. Around 45 people and 15 different vehicles were part of the effort, with staff from the Region’s Engineering and Environmental Services department, general contractor Eiffage Canada, and specialized lifting company Mammoet all out on the highway.

the Con dominium Act regarding deco rating? I have heard conflicting stories and don’t know where to check for this information.

and I am very excited about dec orating the outside for Christ mas. Is it correct that I can dec orate any way I please or are there stipulations in the Con dominium Act regarding deco rating? I have heard conflicting stories and don’t know where to check for this information.

A. purchaser buys their first con do and takes occupancy a few weeks before Christmas. They can’t wait to buy some outside lights and plenty of decorations for the balcony and the entrance door to their apartment. Does this sound like you? Wait a min ute! Not so fast! Buying a condo is not like purchasing a private

blown up Santa and his team of reindeers appearing on several balconies or the rooftop of your regards to fire. This is probably why

Trump can be good for Real Estate

We have all heard the negative about Trump’s victory and what it could do to our economy. It has threatened Canada with tariffs, to renegotiate the Auto deal and Free Trade agreement; all bad for Canada’s economy or not?

We just have to look back to his past term from 2016 to 2020. Our real estate market started to boom in 2017. WHY? I believe one of the main reasons is that the immigrant population looking to go west for a better life were suddenly feeling not so welcome in the United States (and for good reason). Instead, they looked north to Canada.

What they found was a safe, clean, politically stable home that was actually much better than the USA and they came in droves!

Whether you think that is good or bad is another discussion, but what it did do is drive up our real estate prices. I strongly believe that is going to happen again. For that reason and many others, like lower interest rates, homes that were $1,000,000 in 2022 are now $750,000. It’s a great time to be a buyer in Waterloo Region. If you are planning a move, please give me a call at 519-589-3554.

tivity that no doubt enhances holiday spirit. However, don’t let the Corporation Grinch spoil your Christmas and order you to remove your decorations be

you cannot find the information you require in your documents then contact your board of di

tivity that no doubt enhances holiday spirit. However, don’t let the Corporation Grinch spoil your Christmas and order you to remove your decorations be sponsible condo detectors proper concerns bour told battery because times.

A. How this article has removed their smoke who thinks regarding fires better replace diately.

I was thinking of selling year or so I definitely would luck and do it now. No ball but we only have to predict what might happen And what goes up must always has, and always you would like to your house has increased me a call at 519-589-3554, happy to give you an

might happen And what goes up must always has, and always you would like to your house has increased me a call at 519-589-3554, happy to give you an value.

Linda Heber, RPN Foot Care Nurse Foot Care Educator Certi ed Master Pedicurist Nursing Foot Care Free Parking

Photos by Irene Schmidt-Adeney

Oktoberfest mascot Onkel Hans waves as members of the band HMCS Star from Hamilton prepare to get on route for the annual K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade held on October 14.

No Oktoberfest Parade would be complete without ambassadors from local German clubs. Shown above, from left: Miss Transylvania Grace Maier, Miss Hubertushaus Daniella Liehs, and Miss Alpine Brookelynn Schleimer.

Yantsis reached the 50

Hawel is a new forward, who spent the past 2 1/2 seasons with the Guelph Storm. His scoring touch around the net is welcome too, notching 78 points last year.

Ingham who had been a workhorse for the Mississauga Steelheads the last number of seasons. He also possesses a respectable goals-against average. Lucas

Pfeil will be his back-up.

Hope Lutheran

30 Shaftsbur y Drive, Kitchener (519) 893-5290

Worship Ser vice : 10:00 a.m.

Nursery closed at this time ww w.hopelc ca

WIN a Family Pack of 4 Tickets

4 tickets to a Kitchener Rangers game

Luke Richardson, Kitchener’s goalie the last three seasons has gone onto university play at Queens.Another fan favourite of recent campaigns, Joseph Garreffa was traded to the Ottawa 67’s for draft picks. Both these players are in the overage category and a team can only carry three on the roster.

Win 4 tickets to a Kitchener Rangers game

Breslau Evangelic al Missionar y Church

102 Woolwich St., Breslau (519) 648-2712

Who is the Rangers top goalie?

Sunday Worship Ser vice: 10 a m

Who are the new co-captains of the Kitchener Rangers?

with

Who are the new co-captains of the Kitchener Rangers?

In the early going, many teams are off to a good start, which should be an indicator of keen competition for the valued play-off spots come next spring. “Go Rangers”.

Who are the new co-captains of the Kitchener Rangers?

Children’s Ministr y - Youth Ministr y - Small Groups

your

Email your answer to the Kitchener Citizen at citizenwest@hotmail.com for your chance to win the draw. Please include your phone number in your email. Good luck!

answer, your name and phone number for your chance to win.

All are welcome! Visit us at ww w.bemc.ca

Email the Kitchener Citizen at debrone@sympatico.ca with the year, your name and phone number for your chance to win. Deadline: November 30/2019

Stanley Park Community Church

wheeling and dealing talent to form a comthat could be very good come playdepends on the development of the players.

9 Dreger Ave., (at Ottawa St.) Kitchener (519) 893-8186 w w w.stanleyparkchurch.ca

Pastor: John Pearce

Kitchener Rangers are off to a great start

BY ROD HODDLE

Valade,McKenzie’s top choice in 2018, Isaac Joseph Serpa, Declan McDonnell, DoSebrango and Ville Ottavainen will hopefully steps in their game.

fans are delighted to see last years star like Greg Meireles, Riley Damiani and Yantsis back again. Meireles and Damiani team’s new co-captains. Meireles was the sniper last year with 97 points in 68 games. reached the 50 goal plateau. Liam Hawel is who spent the past 2 1/2 seasons with Storm. His scoring touch around the net too, notching 78 points last year.

Local hockey fans don’t like to hear the term “rebuilding year” when their favourite team is being judged for the new season.

That expression, fortunately, hasn’t affected the Kitchener Rangers so far, as they claimed top spot in the OHL’s Mid Western Division in the ﬁrst quarter of this season.

in his native Finland, where he achieved much success over a 20 year period. He coached Team Finland to gold medals in 2016 and 2019.

Sunday Ser vice and Kid’s Church: 10 a m ALL WELCOME!

Jeff Kyrzakos and Brad Flynn are Jussi’s assistants, and Jordan De Kort handles the goaltenders. Fasten your seat belts Rangers fans, and enjoy the ride this winter.

WIN a Family Pack of 4 Tickets

The always competitive London Knights are right behind them, which should make for many great battles over the winter months.

The Rangers three overagers are all playing well. Captain Matthew Andonovski, an Ottawa Senators draft pick, is rock solid on the blueline.

4 tickets to a Kitchener Rangers game

Who are the new co-captains of the Kitchener Rangers?

Who is Captain of the Kitchener Rangers?

Email the Kitchener Citizen at debrone@sympatico.ca with your answer, your name and phone number for your chance to win.

with

Trent Swick who spent the early hockey season with the Vegas Knights has brought his scoring touch and leadership to the locals.

Jackson Parsons has been very stingy to the opposition in net. This trio’s contribution is paying big dividends.

We also can’t forget winger Adrian Misalievi, who is close to putting two points on the board each game too.

Cameron Reid, a defenceman is also proving to be a great playmaker from the blueline.

Centre Luca Romano is off to a good start as well.

Kudos must also be given to this team as a whole, for each player is doing their part for success. The hard working coaching quartet is obviously bringing in the desired results too.

The group is led by Head Coach Jussi Ahokas, who’s in his second year. Prior to coming to the Rangers last year, his hockey resume was built

Bryan Crawford

MEET THE NEW OHL COMMISSIONER

He’s forty two year old Bryan Crawford. He’s taken over the position from David Branch, who held the Ontario Hockey League post for 45 years. The fresh new face has an amazing sports resume. He was a running back in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts, a director of the RBC Canadian Open with Golf Canada, and a senior director of operations for Canada Basketball. He was also a playwriter and actor. In the early going he’ll keep in close contact with former commissioner Branch, but in time will bring his own brand to the position.

Head Coach Jay McKee oto credit: Luke Durda/OHL Images

& R A N T S raves

YOU DON’T KNOW JACK

Let ter to the editor

Now that the hurly-burly’s done

BY JACK NAHRGANG

Dear Carrie Debrone,

1187 Fischer-Hallman Rd. PO Box 48045

Heading heading heading h g

I was pleased to get your Kitchener Citizen (east edition) and found it quite informative and I thank you for it

I just read your short article regarding the natural gas rates going down for residential customers

Whether you’re raising your hands in triumph or wringing them in anxiety, Donald Trump is the president-elect of the not-so-United-States-of-America. But he’s also just a ﬂeshand-blood 78 year-old, not Hitler, nor Moses. True, his manners and moral character are more like Beetlejuice than many of us may like, but he’s a citizen of a different country.

You write that Kitchener Utilities have a 2,100 cubic meter average use annually for its residential customers I still have an imperial gas meter, which shows the consumption in cubic feet I have never been able to read that meter and as for that matter, even the meter readers seem to have a problem with it as well Why else would the city issue a bill in the amount of $452?

For months now, various media outlets have swept us along in the never-ending election drama, but remember that we’re Canadians, not Americans. Yes, we will suffer economic consequences from Trump’s impending policies, but we can take solace that our citizens aren’t as heavily armed, we still possess universal healthcare, and we can choose to spend our tourist dollars here at home or in the land of Disney.

My January bill had been $222 16 February, $295 79, there I already sat up and took notice, but then excused it by, the winter being especially harsh However, when I received my March bill, I knew that something was very wrong I called the Utility Office and was asked to take a piece of paper and a pen and read the meter myself To this request I replied that I did not know how to read the imperial meter and aside from that, it wasn't my job The lady I talked to was very nice and agreed to send somebody out to do

So let’s try to view the American election results as if we were medical students at an autopsy of the body politic; mourn the loss but concentrate on what we can learn, applying knowledge to the political issues in OUR federal election, scheduled for the fall of 2025 (unless the fall of the Liberal government comes early).

Let ter to the editor

Lesson One. Disregard polls. The old adage that “the only poll that counts is voting day” was vividly showcased in the American election. Polling discrepancies can be attributed to the “Bradley Effect,” a tendency for those polled to give an answer that does not reveal their fears. Think of it as being reluctant to be politically “outed.” For instance, we now know that some American males voted Trump for economic reasons but polled for Harris – not wanting to be seen as opposing women’s health care autonomy. Canadians need to be reminded that once

As a relatively new arrival in Kitchener I've been exploring the photographic arts opportunities here and first impressions are very encouraging It's just not just in the tech side of quality that the community should be judged A thriving Arts community usually does well This can not always be measured in the financial spectrum as the living standard expectations of artists are remarkably low

GUEST COLUMN FROM THE WAR AMPS

We don't want that two bedroom house within convenient driving distance to the golf course or mall. Speaking as one of those underfunded independent art producers i'll tell you I've lived in some very bad conditions just to be close to my working environment An example being when living in my various illegal Toronto warehouse studios many years before they were condoized

another reading and also promised to call me back

was the very next day that I received her call telling m

owing was now $200 10, a mere difference of $251

we enter the voting booth, our choice is undoubtedly independent, so why worry about pollsters’ trends?

often the meter had been misread in the past

Williamsburg RO Kitchener, ON N2E 4K6

citizenwest@hotmail.com

My neighbours on either side have metric meters and I had previously asked if I could get one that I would be able to read The answer to that consisted of a flat NO

The city had pre-authorized withdrawal privileges for 2004/005 which they bungled up so badly that I revoked that privilege I did ask that office to please send me a paper trail for my records which I never received nor did I get an answer to my request and, of course, one can forget about an apology

I realize that it is up to your discretion to publish or not to publish my letter However if you decide to print it I would like to warn my fellow "Kitchenerites" to be extra "vigilant" every time that Utility Bill arrives

Which brings us to Lesson Two. We need to abandon niche media for our political knowledge. Despite the obscene amounts of political advertising ﬂung at the American electorate, silo thinking prevailed. We must escape the exhausting echo chamber of preconceived notions. Be inﬂuenced by discourse not algorithms. No politician is getting my vote without context, fact-checking, investigation, and questioning. In Canada we’re aided by the professional journalists of mainstream media that curate sources more reliable than the diatribes of social media boogeymen.

Respectfully, Ingrid E Merkel

Lesson Three – Star power is over-rated. While Kamala Harris’s campaign had a rockin’ soundtrack of A-list celebrities, it rang hollow in the ears of ordinary working-class Americans. Canadians, too, struggle to pay bills, so endorsements by entertainers verge on insulting. Instead, take note of which ordinary folk are backing local and national candidates on issues that matter to you. Trade, climate, and immigration will all be impacted by a Trump administration, but we’ve encountered this danger before. Whom do you trust to navigate the mineﬁeld?

Just what makes Kitchener so good at Ar ts development?

Publishers/Editors

very impressed by the Arts office at City Hall and with how they provided me with information about what was going on here Those people in turn have offered their own advice and contacts, so again two thumbs up for the level of support they give each other

Political overreactions will inevitably subside. This month’s Remembrance Day ceremonies certainly helped us reﬂect upon what elements of Canada that our soldiers, sailors, and airmen fought to keep. Soon it will be this generation’s time to rise up, armed with democracy’s greatest weapon – the vote. Because there’s a battle to be lost or won.

First World War Veteran Ralph Hodgson Inspired a Generation of War Amputees

Yes, there are already many photographers doing the normal photographic needs of the region, but the opportunity to work with emerging image companies like web designers, animation houses, software producers, locally based video firms, electronic images for broadcasters etc is growing as the manufacturing base has declined The live entertainment industries, local graphic designers and most especially the emerging gallery system bodes well for business opportunities, even in this downturn

There are basically two reasons for artists to be in an area A slightly compact arts community with low rents and the availability of galleries or venues to showcase the art produced I have noticed that there is a vibrant theatre network here that none the less is going through hard times The music scene is really good with a solid choice of local talent that is well publicized by a few local free publications Radio generally follows the standard corprock but the University of Waterloo has an outstanding community station

Ralph Hodgson (1895-1948) lived by the motto inscribed on his tombstone: “It’s not what you have lost that counts but what you have.” These words deﬁned his life’s work, as he dedicated himself to ensuring that his fellow war amputee veterans could thrive despite their injuries.

Hodgson, a law student when the First World War began, enlisted with Toronto’s 24th Battalion. In April 1917, he was wounded during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee.

The huge pool of university students to draw from for a vocal audience with some disposable cash helps in keeping the cities vibrant and enthusiastic The number of professional artists is still small enough so that they know one another

Hodgson became a founding member of The War Amps, an organization established over a century ago by amputee veterans of the First World War. Their mission was to unite, support and advocate for the rights of amputee veterans.

We are quickly seeing astounding growth in the digital imaging industry. Fortunately, as a photographer who has been working in digital for years it helps me integrate my own work into video, 3D, web, advertising, etc So I think, personally, the opportunities in Kitchener are better than Toronto An example being the cable TV (Rogers) that works very hard to involve the regions schools and artisians in locally produced programming

These First World War veterans played a pivotal role in welcoming and mentoring a new generation of amputees returning from the Second World War, helping them adapt and sharing their hard-earned wisdom.

Singh

Let's not forget that Kitchener/Waterloo was voted the most intelligent city and speaking as a newcomer it is very evident that the level of professionalism is visibly high here People waste little time and the welcome i've received in presenting my own portfolio to various galleries and companies has been warm and enthusiastic A very nice event held in town is the quarterly parties at the KW regional art gallery Mellow people who enjoy art meet each other with cool jazz and some ambient dub from the djs

Hodgson was best remembered for greeting hospital ships as they returned with injured soldiers from the Second World War. His presence offered encouragement to these young men, helping them come to terms with their amputations and motivating them to move forward.

For his remarkable efforts, Hodgson was awarded the Order of the British Empire, a distinction given to civilians who contributed to the war effort by supporting veterans and their families.

With the projected growth of the regions artists in all mediums I have found there are many dynamic, specifically targeted plans, by the municipal government in particular, to foster a (relatively) large community investment in development towards artist integration I was

Our image production is now all pixels and with the recent announcement of a new 5 million dollar Federal grant to establish a massive digital media centre in the downtown core, it offers unexcelled opportunities to work with some of the leading edge image systems in the world In fact there are plans to make Kitchener a regional communications hub and that leads into the possibility of thousands of new uses for my photos

There is a very good internet system here and if you would like more info just go to the net and most community plans are available The next three years will establish this region of one of the "Silicon Valley" inspired examples of a thriving gateway of new ideas and I feel very fortunate to be able to establish myself here with so many other creative artists

Today, Ralph Hodgson Memorial Park in Port Hope, Ontario, stands as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary commitment to Canada’s war amputee veterans.

“Mr. Hodgson showed other war amputee veterans that their amputations wouldn’t hold them back from succeeding in life,” says Rachel Quilty, a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. “He’s remembered not just for securing jobs for amputees, but for giving them the conﬁdence and strength to persevere.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Kitchener Citizen welcomes Letters to the Editor. All letters must clearly state the writer’s full name, address, phone number and be signed. Names will be published along with the letter, however, addresses and telephone numbers will be used only for veriﬁcation purposes and will not be published. Letters should be submitted at least one week before the publication date. This newspaper reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any contribution for brevity or legal purposes. Copyright in letters and other material submitted to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms.

attractive place to build a career

Rachel Quilty, a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, pays tribute to Ralph Hodgson at Ralph Hodgson Memorial Park in Port Hope, Ontario.

PARLIAMENTARY REPORT

MP Tim Louis for Kitchener Conestoga

Our federal government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan, Canada Child Beneﬁt, and national child care program are providing signiﬁcant cost savings for Canadian families.

As I speak with seniors, many tell me it’s their ﬁrst visit to a dental provider in years, and they appreciate the beneﬁts they are receiving from the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Over one million Canadians have received care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and more than 2.7 million Canadians now have access to the plan. Canadians save more than $730 on average through a wide range of dental care services, from cleanings to screenings for conditions such as oral cancer. In 2025, coverage will be expanded to include all ages. And as of November 1, the range of services has expanded, so more complex services that previously needed preauthorization can be accessed.

The Canada Child Beneﬁt helps parents afford essentials

for their families. In KitchenerConestoga, over 6,300 families receive an average of $6,000 per year. Child care costs here will be reduced to $22 a day by January, saving parents thousands of dollars each year. For a family with two young children in daycare, this means they could save over $10,000 annually.

Recently, the Bank of Canada has taken significant steps to lower interest rates to 3.75%. There have been four rate cuts since June as part of the Bank’s efforts to support economic growth and keep inflation within the target range. The next scheduled rate announcement will be on December 11. These reductions are expected to provide much-needed relief to mortgage holders, making homeownership more affordable and easing the financial burden on Canadian families. We know inflation has been a major concern; it is down to 1.6%, within the Bank of Canada’s target range.

PARLIAMENTARY REPORT

MP Mike Morrice for Kitchener Centre

While the federal government’s upcoming Fall Economic Statement is not a full budget, it’s still an important opportunity for needed investments into some of the most pressing issues facing Waterloo Region. It’s with this in mind that I’ve been amplifying six calls from our community, along with proposals to pay for them, that would be particularly feasible to implement.

As part of this, I’ve been advocating for reasonable extensions of existing measures. One example is extending HST relief - already available to for-proﬁt developers of rental housing - to non-proﬁt affordable home ownership builders to increase our affordable housing supply. This measure would have left Habitat for Humanity’s Kehl Street build with an additional million to invest in affordable units for their Kehl Street build, and we could pay for it by just ending a tax exemption for large corporate investors who largely buy up existing affordable housing and jack up prices.

I’m also advocating to invest

Wages have increased by 4.9% year-over-year in October. This growth in wages is a testament to the resilience and hard work of Canadians. Additionally, 15,000 new jobs were created in October. These gains are a clear indication that our economy is on solid footing.

While these economic indicators are encouraging, I am acutely aware of ongoing affordability issues and will continue to address them in Parliament to ensure all Canadians can beneﬁt from this progress. My focus remains on ensuring that everyone can enjoy a decent standard of living.

in proven affordability and climate solutions – like reducing fares and increasing service on public transit, or providing free heat pumps to ease the strain for those living in energy poverty –by extending the windfall proﬁt tax to the record-breaking profits of the oil and gas industry.

Next, I’m amplifying calls for this government to keep its promises. This includes those made to the disability community, by urging them to fix the Canada Disability Benefit - including increasing the benefit amount to lift people with disabilities above the poverty line. We could pay for this poverty reduction measure by ending the $18.5 billion in annual federal subsidies to oil and gas companies, who already raked in over $66 billion in profits in 2022 alone. This government also needs to keep its promises around reconciliation, including by closing infrastructure gaps in First Nations communities – like the one at Six Nations of the Grand River that’s left 70% of those living on reserve without access to clean water from the tap.

Finally, I’m pushing for two

speciﬁc calls to help our community receive our fair share of federal resources: ensuring hotspots for the poisoned drug crisis like Waterloo Region receive critical dollars for substance use and addictions services (we received nothing in the last round of funding), and restoring arts funding to 2021 levels while at the same time applying the Regional Development Framework to those dollars so that underfunded communities like ours get an equitable share.

If you’d like to learn more about these calls, you can ﬁnd more in the letter I handdelivered to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, at mikemorricemp.ca.

Waterloo Region Council news briefs from October 23, 2024

News briefs from Region of Waterloo Council are submitted to the Kitchener Citizen by regional communications staff. Please refer to the minutes for an ofﬁcial record of the meeting. Hybrid shelter on Erb’s Road renewed as we advance Plan to End Chronic Homelessness

The Region of Waterloo will continue to operate the Erb’s Road Hybrid Emergency Shelter until at least 2030. This site has 50 individual cabins and a main cabin complex to support those experiencing unsheltered

homelessness in Waterloo Region. In its ﬁrst year, the shelter supported 103 people. Nineteen of these have moved from the shelter into housing. In a survey, a majority of Erb’s Road Hybrid Shelter residents said the site was a positive option for stability and recovery.

Regional Council has also approved a funding and engagement strategy to move forward with the wider Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. A projected $345M is needed over the next six years to end chronic

Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?

Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?

Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?

do we!

homelessness in Waterloo Region by 2030, plus $110 million in capital investments. Funding for 2025 will be decided during the upcoming Plan and Budget process and will require investments from other levels of government.

Improving road safety with new pedestrian pathway

Regional Council has approved a design that will improve safety and traffic flow on busy Franklin Boulevard between Bishop Street and Avenue Road in Cambridge. The plan includes two lanes of traffic in each direction plus a third lane between Can-Amera Parkway and Elgin Street, center medians, multi-use trails on both sides of the road and roundabouts where Franklin meets Can-Amera Parkway and Elgin Street/Saginaw Parkway. A new pedestrian pathway underneath Franklin at Saginaw will improve safety for the high volume of pedestrians –most of them St. Benedict High School students. The project will also include important watermain upgrades. The estimated cost is $22 million.

Expanding Municipal Speed Camera program for safer streets

Regional Council has voted to move forward with its Mu-

nicipal Speed Camera program to help enforce speed limits and keep roads safer for everyone. With the program expanding to all eligible school across Waterloo Region, Council has approved bylaws to hire ofﬁcers and other implementation. To keep streets safer, drivers who speed will face penalties ranging from $5 to $19.50 per kilometre over the speed limit.

Region of Waterloo is also adopting a new method for creating Community Safety Zones on Regional roads. The Region will add new zones using data like traffic levels, pedestrian levels, collision history, and more. Community Safety Zones will also be created where a new Municipal Speed Camera is installed. Designating areas this way identifies roadways with higher risk. Speeding fines are increased in these zones to encourage slower, safer vehicle speeds and help reduce serious collisions.

GRT to consider all buses to grow public transit Grand River Transit will consider clean-diesel, clean-diesel hybrid, and battery-electric buses for fleet updates in 2026. The fleet needs to replace 82 buses from 2026-2030 to maintain current service. The fleet will

also need to grow by 10 buses per year to meet increased demand for car-free options to get around Waterloo Region.

GRT had planned to buy only hybrid and electric buses. Due to the state of the bus manufacturing industry and current electric buses capabilities, it is not feasible to buy only electric buses at this time.

Support for local workers and businesses

The Region of Waterloo is investing $379,000 in three new programs, in partnership with local Chambers of Commerce and other community partners. These programs are designed to help attract and support the talented workforce that local businesses need. The investments are:

• $80,000 to attract doctors to this community though the Healthcare & Physician Recruitment Program

• $249,000 to implement a Food Bank Volunteer Pilot Program that will create temporary jobs and provide newcomers with critical skill assessments and work experience

• $50,000 to create a Waterloo Region Newcomer Ecosystem Mapping Project to help clarify the settlement process and available services for newcomers

Key Decisions of Kitchener Council: October 21, 2024

Key decisions of Council is a summary of major discussion items presented at Kitchener City Council meetings. It is circulated immediately following each meeting by City of Kitchener communications staff. Refer to the minutes for an ofﬁcial record of the meeting.

Council presents Foodbank donation

Mayor Vrbanovic presented a cheque for $6,600 to the Foodbank of Waterloo Region. The funds were raised through Council’s 2024 Grillefest, an event hosted by Kitchener Council as part of KW Oktoberfest’s opening ceremonies. Over the past 10 years, Council has raised $66,877 in cash donations through Grillefest, providing 133,754 meals to people in our community. Kitchener staff also donate non-perishable goods each year at City Hall.

Council presents long service volunteer awards

Council presented awards to volunteer-driven minor sports groups and neighbourhood associations that help to make valued

programs, events, and services in Kitchener possible. Council celebrated milestone anniversaries of the following afﬁliated groups:

• Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club: 40 years

• Kitchener Ringette Association: 60 years

• K-W Minor Lacrosse: 70 years

• Kitchener Sports Association: 80 years

• Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association: 45 years

• Centreville Chicopee Community Association: 45 years

• Cedar Hill Community Group: 35 years

Council advances construction of 330 residential units

Council approved zoning by-law amendments, adopted and forwarded ofﬁcial plan amendment applications to the Region of Waterloo for approval, to permit the construction of:

• Approximately 300 units in a 28-storey mixed-use highrise, located at 328-330 Mill Street.

• 30 units in a stacked townhouse, located at 9 – 27 Turner Ave.

Wellesley Township

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 4:30-7 p.m. Community Room, Wellesley Rec Complex

Woolwich Township

Monday, Nov. 18, 4:30-7 p.m.

Empire Room, Breslau Community Centre

Wilmot Township

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4:30-7p.m.

Multipurpose Room, New Hamburg Community Centre

North Dumfries Township

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 4:30-7 p.m.

MacNeil Hall, North Dumfries Community Centre grt.ca/township

MARK’S OPENS AT THE BOARDWALK - Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic cut the ribbon to ofﬁcially open a new location of Mark’s at The Boardwalk. From left: Cynthia Voisin of The Boardwalk, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Mark’s Store Manager Alicia Brooks, Greg Voisin of The Boardwalk, Mark’s District Manager Tanya Brown-Muir and Steve Voisin of The Boardwalk.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?

Real Estate

Estate

Third Age Learning - KW fall series of speakers

Third Age Learning - KW has been operating since 1988, one of some 30 Third Age Networkafﬁliated non-proﬁts throughout Ontario. Over the years, TAL-KW has hosted presenters who speak on such diverse topics as genetic research, emerging technologies, live local theatre and the changing Arctic, delivered either remotely or in person.

NOVEMBER 19, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. The notion of artiﬁcial intelligence creating its own stories and images can be unsettling, but Laurier University history professor Mark Humphries sees research opportunities in AI. Come hear “New Ways of Understanding the Past Using Generative AI” and learn about the strengths and limitations of AI. Buy the in-person or virtual series for $60 through TAL-KW.ca or get a ticket at the door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

Canada, Lyle Friesen, and considers how the emerging ﬁeld of bioacoustics has helped researchers show what birds are saying to each other. Buy the in-person or virtual series for $60 through TAL-KW.ca or get a ticket at the door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

Balcony repairs should be left to condo corporation

CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

Q. Who is responsible to confirm that the condo owners have smoke detectors and that they are in proper working order? I have concerns because my neighbour told me he removed the battery out of his detector because it went off too many times.

DECEMBER 3, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. Laurier University professor Hillary Pimlott returns to wrap up the series with “Words As Weapons: How ‘Culture Wars’ and ‘Moral Panics’ Weaponize Communication and Threaten Democracy.” With the American presidential election results not a month old at this point, she will examine how weaponized words played a role in that historic vote. Buy the in-person or virtual series for $60 through TALKW.ca or get a ticket at the door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

As of March/2006 every residence must have a working smoke detector on every floor.

NOVEMBER 26, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. “Courtship and Domain: An Exploration into Why Birds Sing,” builds on the decades of work by the now-retired songbird biologist for

A. How many people reading this article know someone who has removed the battery from their smoke detector? Anyone who thinks they are invincible regarding house/apartment fires better think again and replace those batteries immediately.

Q. We purchased a condo where there are bungalow style units on the lower level and two-storey units stacked on top. The management has informed us that the owners are responsible to maintain all the upper balconies attached to the buildings. We do not have a ladder and have no knowledge of balcony repairs. We feel that this is not our responsibility as balconies are part of the common elements. Why should we be forced into hiring someone for balcony

As of March/2006 every residence must have a working smoke detector on every floor.

The change to the Ontario Fire Code also requires that all smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years. Significant fines will be imposed on those who are caught ignoring this law.

repairs that would cost a fortune? I thought this is why we pay condo fees and have reserve fund studies. Isn’t the condo corporation responsible for this major repair or restoration?

Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?

simple door to door inspection to avoid loss of life and protect the condominium corporation from liability.

For more about Third Age Learning - KW, visit the website at TAL-KW.ca or on Facebook by searching Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo.

Statistics indicate that in 50 percent of fatal preventable house fires, there were no smoke detectors. In fact in August 2002, a tragic fire claimed two young lives in a Toronto condominium hi-rise. Evi dence obtained from the fire investigation indicated that smoke detectors were not in stalled in this condo unit.

The condo corporation was found to be at fault (with the unit owner). The installation of smoke detectors is a public concern and the court found

A. Review your condo documents and find the description and declaration pages. The description will inform you of the boundaries of the units and the common elements. The declaration will inform you who is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the units and the common elements. A schedule to the declaration must

Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?

To purchase tickets, click on the link on the TAL-KW website.

Take the time to educate condo owners about fire safety. No one has to die in a house fire when a simple and inexpensive device called a smoke detector is available. These alarms give the occupants the precious minutes they need to escape a burning building.

Preventing fires is a very important issue and the board of directors cannot take risks when you have so many people living above, below or beside you. Those condominium corporations that have not already done so, should be developing a unit inspection plan and keep records particular to each individual unit. Take the time to educate condo owners about fire safety. No one has to die in a house fire when a simple and inexpensive device called a smoke detector is available. These alarms give the occupants the precious minutes they need to escape a burning building.

However, in order to save

of the owner of a particular unit. The same usually applies to exterior doors and windowsills. It seems a little risky to expect owners to climb up on ladders to complete balcony repairs. If your condo documents are silent regarding balcony repairs or maintenance then the responsibility lies within the condo corporation to have these balcony repairs completed. You may also request access to the reserve fund study to review the current and future major repairs and replacements that are scheduled regarding your common elements.

However,

HURON NATURAL AREA - The Huron Natural Area (HNA) is a great walking spot throughout the year, but particularly in the fall. Located on Trillium Drive in Kitchener, the trail offers the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including birds, ducks, geese and deer. The HNA has parking and washroom facilities.

Photo by Helen Hall

Immerse yourself in the world of KWMP’s Cabaret

K-WMusical Productions (KWMP) is thrilled to present the iconic musical, Cabaret, onstage at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts from November 21–30, 2024. In this immersive production, audiences will enter into the world of the Kit Kat Klub where they will ﬁnd an eclectic group of performers who dance and delight with their quirky, sometimes provocative, but always entertaining dancing, singing and storytelling. Cabaret is set in pre-war Berlin, where tensions are as high as they get. The Kit Kat Klub is a place for performers and patrons alike to have a bit of fun and escape the reality of what lies ahead. The world of Cabaret is shown through the lens of writer Cliff Bradshaw, played by Tristan Pilcher, who is captivated by The Kit Kat Klub headliner, Miss Sally Bowles, played by Mikayla Lane. They are joined by the club’s Master of Ceremonies (or Emcee), played by Xander Bechard.

While enjoying hit songs, like “Willkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” “If You Could See Her,” “Mein Herr” and the title song “Cabaret”, set to classic Fosse choreography, this poignant story will take audiences through a full range of emotions from laughing to crying and back again. Given that Cabaret is based on an 85-year-old story, the show is remarkably relevant to what is going on socially and politically in 2024. “The way the story and music weave strong commentary and comedy into a part of our history that is so deep and dark, is beautiful,” says director Andrew Tribe.

“It makes you consider how it all continues to relate to the history we’re making today.” The Cabaret creative team, led by experienced director Tribe

(in his KWMP début) is joined by KWMP alum Music Director Michael Brown, and Choreographer Ciara Moules.

“We are really excited for audiences to be fully immersed into the world of Cabaret,” says KWMP marketing director, Kelly Legault.

“We have created tiered seating, including tables of 2 or 4 which put audience members right IN the Cabaret.” And for those who want a more traditional seat, there are 3 more tiers of tickets to offer varying experiences at different price points. “We want to make this show as accessible to as many people as possible!”

Tickets for Cabaret run from $36 each for a Tier 5 ﬂoor seat to $53/ticket for a premium Tier 1 table seat and can be purchased at https://kwmp.tickit. ca/ or by visiting www.kwmp.ca/tickets. Tier 1 and 2 table seats are sold in pairs.

Currently there is a See it First promotion for tickets for our Opening Weekend. People can purchase a Tier 3 ticket for the cost of a Tier 4 ticket with promo code SEEITFIRST5.

K-W Musical Productions (KWMP) is a nonproﬁt organization that has been delighting Waterloo Region with high-quality community theatre since 1948.

This year marks their 76th anniversary, and they are proud to continue our tradition of offering affordable, entertaining, and inclusive shows that provide training for the next generation of theatre enthusiasts.

Cabaret is based off Christopher Isherwood’s 1939 book, Goodbye to Berlin, and the 1951 play I am a Camera by John Van Druten.

David Connolly to take over as Drayton Associate Artistic Director

AlexMustakas, founding Artistic Director and CEO of Drayton Entertainment, as supported by the award-winning charitable arts organization’s volunteer Board of Directors, has announced a leadership transition as part of the theatre’s multiyear succession plan.

Under Mustakas’ continued mentorship and guidance, David Connolly, Associate Artistic Director and Director of Education for the organization’s burgeoning new Youth Academy, will be appointed Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment on January 1, 2025.

In making this decision, Mustakas noted, “For the past eight years, David Connolly has been instrumental in many of our artistic successes. He has the vision, passion, and knowledge of our history to lead Drayton Entertainment’s continued growth while staying true to our core values, and our enduring commitment to quality theatre programming, affordability, accessibility, and ﬁscal responsibility.”

Connolly, a self-described “theatre artist who also happens to be a double amputee,” has directed and choreographed over 30 productions during his tenure with Drayton Entertainment, including this year’s production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, along with the Canadian regional theatre premieres of The Prom (2023), Kinky Boots (2020 & 2023), and Mamma Mia! (2016 and 2023), and the perennially popular holiday pantos like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and many more. Connolly will be responsible for developing and implement-

ing an imaginative and compelling vision that will shape the direction for all artistic programs, including the continued growth of the Youth Academy, community engagement, and the development of new works while focused on the organization’s overall advancement.

As an actor, Connolly made his Broadway debut in Shenandoah, becoming the ﬁrst amputee to have performed there. Having used prosthetic legs since childhood, Connolly is a disability and inclusion advocate, serving as a member of Drayton Entertainment’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee of community and industry stakeholders, overseeing program development and outreach, and project engagement and consultation with the indigenous community.

Earlier this fall, Connolly was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Changemaker Award for the 2024 Equity Honours, presented by the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (the association of performers in English Canada who are engaged in live performances in theatre, opera, and dance) for his sustained dedication in furthering the values of diversity and inclusion in the live performing arts.

A recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence for his outstanding contributions to the ﬁeld of applied arts and community service, Connolly is an ofﬁcial ambassador for both The War Amps’ Child Amputee Program and The Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

“In the many years I’ve known Alex Mustakas, I’ve been in

Drayton Entertainment Ticket Giveaway!

Win two free tickets that can be used at any coming Drayton Entertainment 2024 season performance!

September Winners: Anne Lowe, Steve Fay-Cosman

Simply email citizenwest@hotmail.com to be entered in the draw

Winners will be notified by the newspaper following each month’s giveaway and winners will be announced in the Kitchener Citizen following each draw.

Winning tickets may be used for any performance at the following Drayton Entertainment venues during the 2024 season:

Hamilton Family Theatre - Cambridge

St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre

King’s Wharf Theatre

Drayton Festival Theatre

Huron Country Playhouse

Huron Country Playhouse - South Huron Stage

*Tickets must be booked in advance. Performance dates and times are subject to availability.

To see what exciting shows Drayton Entertainment has in store for you this season call 1-885-DRAYTON (372-9866) or visit www.draytonentertainment.com

complete awe of his unique and history-making trajectory of changing the landscape of live theatre in Canada,” says Connolly. “To continue being mentored by him in this new role is the greatest honour of my life. I look forward to continuing to serve our communities throughout the province in alignment with Drayton Entertainment’s mission and mandate.”

Mustakas to continue as CEO

While Mustakas may be stepping out of the limelight as Artistic Director, he will continue his tenure behind-the-scenes as Drayton Entertainment’s CEO for the next several years. The role will enable him to continue with mentorship across all departments of the organization, including artistic, production, and administration.

It will also allow him to focus on future artistic and business endeavours, including sourcing new programming, artists, and voices, as well as developing more Canadian creations and hitting the road more often to review theatrical trends and best practices across the world.

“At the heart of his decadeslong problem-solving ability, audience engagement success, and bottom-line focus on affordability within the arts, is Alex’s remarkably pure insight – to maintain an authentic identity for each theatre, rooted in strong community ownership, with additional business and artistic synergies. This will continue for many more years to come,” says Willy Heffner, Chair of Drayton Entertainment’s Board of Directors.

It’s leaf collection season and your options depend on where you live. Most homes rake and bag their leaves for curbside pickup or take them to a leaf drop off location.

Happy November Ward 3, I want to start by remembering and thanking our Veterans and active members of our Canadian

Hello, Ward 4!

I want to emphasize the importance of community involvement in shaping next year’s budget. I urge you to participate in the upcoming

Hi Ward 5! The 2025 Budget discussions are under way. Operating budget day is November 18, Capital budget day is November 25 with the Final on December 12.

Notes from City Hall

this. Unfortunately, the proposed implementation, as controlled by the Regional government, seemed anything but reasonable. What is the problem we are trying to solve?

Speeding may be mentioned, but the problem is the resulting fatalities and severe injury, so this data becomes the question. I was surprised to learn that within the City of Kitchener, going back 6 years, it is zero! Zero deaths… and this includes back when our school zones were 50 kph, which we lowered to 40 kph, then again to 30 kph. You’re a data-

Our Ward 2 leaf depots are at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (Ottawa Street side) and Hofstetter Park at 40 Hofstetter Ave. near King St. I have info on leaf collection, the leaf collection schedule, and Region of Waterloo yard waste collection on my website. Find “Leaf Collection” at daveschnider.com

Council’s 2025 budget meetings begin this month. Join online or in-person November 18 for the operating budget, and 25th for the capital budget. We’ll pass the ﬁnal budget on December 12. Our

Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force. Each year, we lose more active and Veteran members due to war, and other security measures. I believe its ever so important to remember what they’ve sacriﬁced their lives for— our continued freedoms: freedom to vote, freedom to question and freedom to disagree with one another. Lest we forget.

I met with Transportation staff in early October to discuss some concerns that were brought forward at my last drop-in, resident “Meet

operating, capital and ﬁnal budget meetings, as your feedback is crucial for creating a budget that truly reﬂects the needs and priorities of the community.

Join the mayor and council members on Thursday, November 28, from 4:30 to 7pm at the Mayor’s State of the City address at Kitchener Fire Headquarters. Tickets can be purchased at kitchener.ca/ stateofthecity.

As the holidays approach, we are reminded more than ever how difﬁcult it can be for many citizens in our

The operating budget is prepared using the previous year’s budget as a starting point, with the goal of maintaining the programs and services that Kitchener residents and businesses rely on. These base services, often referred to as core services, are delivered efficiently through a five-department structure and include activities such as fire protection, park maintenance, snow clearing, recreational programming and many others. The fall season has come late this year, but it is upon us, and with

based decision maker or you are not, and the data clearly shows that school zones are already quite safe compared to every other bit of roadway.

Meanwhile, the proposal by Waterloo Region would have 150+ cameras issuing ﬁnes for any speed over the limit, extracting tens of millions of dollars from residents and even outside of school hours.

The final straw was the fines had to be DOUBLED (as set by the Province.) I’ve found people are more concerned about loud mufflers

investments are based on the guiding principles of our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan: Building A Connected City; Cultivating A Green City; Creating an Economically Thriving City; Fostering A Caring City; and Stewarding A Better City Together. Your input is always appreciated. Watch for coming survey opportunities. I’ll work together with Council to balance the best value and least increase to your taxes.

The Annual Lions Club Santa Claus Parade is Friday, November 16. It starts at 10am at Weber and

and Greet” at Kingsdale Community Centre. Trafﬁc light timing at the intersections of Wilson/Fairway and Wilson/Kingsdale were discussed. I’m hoping for a response and/or resolution in the very near future.

There soon will be, if it’s not already installed and active, a new Pedestrian Crossing (POX) at Greenﬁeld and Kingsway. I want to thank Drago, a longtime advocate and Ward 3 resident who has kept this concern a priority before council and city staff. I am beyond excited to have worked with city staff to ﬁnally

community. The wonderful volunteers at Doon Pioneer Park are holding their annual Christmas Miracle Project. Healthy food and gift hampers are delivered to children of 50 needy families. Cash, cheque and credit card donations can be made at the Community Centre or over the phone (519-741-2641.) Please make cheques to the “City of Kitchener” and include your phone number on the cheque. Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. You can also drop off NEW winter hats, mitts, yarn, and books for children.

it comes the falling of the leaves. I wanted to update you on the City’s Leaf Collection program and what you can do if you missed the collection dates. The City of Kitchener operates loose leaf drop-off sites and provides curbside loose leaf collection in areas with heavy tree cover. If you prefer to drop off the leaves yourself, the City operates eight leaf drop off sites. You can ﬁnd them on www.kitchener.ca/ leafdropsites . These drop off sites will be open until December 6. You can also consider alternate

and people racing on their street at excessive speeds... not people traveling 40 or 50, especially outside of school hours.

Zero deaths. What’s the problem we’re solving? We all want slower streets, but the situation is not dire enough to justify use of a sledgehammer in place of a ﬂyswatter. Kitchener Council paused this program to negotiate for ﬁner control to ensure we change behavior compassionately, not punitively.

Frederick St. There will be collections for mitts and hats and foodbank donations to help those in need.

Mark your calendars with December 5-8 for the annual Christkindl Market at City Hall. Follow me on Instagram and X at @DaveSchniderKW or “friend” me on Facebook. Visit my website daveschnider.com for lots of Ward 2 and city info. For assistance on issues, contact me or our contact centre at 519-741-2345 or info@ kitchener.ca.

bring his vision to fruition. We are looking for some Kingsdale residents to join the Kingsdale Community Centre Advisory Committee. Help identify the diverse needs of Ward 3 and shape the future of Kingsdale’s programming and events. Find details at www. kitchener.ca/kingsdalecommittee

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with your concerns, questions, or compliments at jason. deneault@kitchener.ca.

The Doon South Toy Mountain Toy Drive is happening again this year. Toy Drive Day will be at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre Christmas Party on Saturday, December 7 from 1 to 3 pm. If you can’t make the party you can drop toys at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre or The Huron Community Centre until December 15. Drop by my next “Coffee Chat” on November 16, 10–11:30 am, at the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre. I would love to meet you!

options such as mulching or composting your leaves on your own property. If you need help raking or bagging and disposing of the leaves yourself, there are local agencies and organizations that you can call, such as Community Support Connections, Job Café or the House of Friendship. As always, you can reach out to me anytime with questions or concerns in your neighbourhood at ayo.owodunni@kitchener.ca

Kitchener launches speaker series to explore and discuss the next 25 years of city-building

TheCity of Kitchener is kicking off a speaker series in support of Kitchener 2051, the new ofﬁcial plan currently under development. The ﬁrst session in the speaker series will bring together Dr. Samantha Biglieri, Dr. Robin Mazumder, Kathleen Vanderlinden, and a community member supported by KW Habilitation to discuss “how we live and how we move” and “how we plan for community well-being” at the Kitchener Public Library Central Branch on Tuesday, November 19 at 6 p.m.

The session will be a moderated panel discussion to explore what it means to build a Caring and Connected City with a focus on ability, mobility, neurodiversity, mental health and equity. This conversation will be moderated with a panel of experts and local residents, all with different perspectives on and experiences with the discussion’s theme.

“Kitchener 2051 will be a plan for our community that ensures there is a place for everyone,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “This speaker series is a wonderful opportunity to hear from thoughtful, instructive local voices, and I encourage anyone interested in our community’s future to attend and get involved by completing the online activities.”

To shape Kitchener’s new ofﬁcial plan and transportation master plan, panelists Dr. Samantha Biglieri, Dr. Robin Mazumder, Kathleen Vanderlinden, and a participant from KW Habilitation, will discuss how the design of our communities shapes our experiences within them.

Dr. Samantha Biglieri is an Assistant Professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University and Director of the Health, Access + Planning Lab.

Dr. Robin Mazumder is an en-

Hi Ward 1! Over the years, you have told me that speeding is a top concern. Photo Radar in school zones initially seemed like a reasonable way to address

We’re committed to building an accessible and connected city, and I’m excited to share updates

Please know I have heard from a number of residents regarding the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras you have seen on some of our City of Kitchener

On October 21 the Provincial government posted Bill 212, titled “Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act – Framework for bike lanes that require removal of a

As we head into a season of giving, and with a long winter ahead of us, don’t forget that there are many places to donate gently used winter clothing to help keep hands

Notes from City Hall

on the Wayﬁnding and Branding for Walking, Cycling, and Rolling project. This initiative enhances our network of routes, making it easier for everyone, including Ward 6 residents, to walk, bike, or roll through Kitchener with greater ease.

This project aligns with my ongoing advocacy for improved trails and connectivity throughout our community. Based on the Cycling and Trails Master Plan, we’ve identiﬁed eight key neighbourhoods and routes, each with a unique name, color, and number to make

streets. I wanted you to be aware that the Region and City have not yet negotiated the installation, administration, enforcement, and operation of the automated speed enforcement program that was approved.

Currently the Region enforces ASE using the Provincial Offences Act (POA), which sets the ﬁnes in accordance with the Highway Trafﬁc Act. The Region has changed their model of enforcement and is now moving to an administrative

will remain open until December 6th. Collection in Hot Spots commenced on October 21st. Blue Zone collection starts November 4th, Yellow Zone collection starts November 12th, Brown Zone collection starts November 18th.

Here is the link to information on leaf collection: kitchener.ca/leafcollection

November also means that the hockey season is well underway for our Kitchener Rangers, and as of today, the Rangers have won their last

traffic lane”. It gives the government authority to require ‘prescribed municipalities’ to seek provincial approval to install new bike lanes that remove an existing lane of traffic. The government would also be able to require municipalities to provide information about existing bike lanes on their roads where a traffic lane was removed. This could result in the removal of the bike lane and its return to a lane of traffic.

The Bill singles out sections of Bloor St, Yonge St and University Ave in Toronto. Whatever one’s

and feet warm. St. John’s Kitchen at 519-745-8928 also needs mugs, plates, cutlery, paper cups, paper plates, tea towels, toiletries, food including sugar, spices and herbs, soup base mix, peanut butter, jam, cheese, ground pepper and of course coffee and tea. If you or someone you know could beneﬁt from receiving such items and more, please call 519.743.5576 ex 340 and leave a message, your call will be returned within one business day.

navigation easier and more intuitive.

In Ward 6, the Alpine and Laurentian Hills areas are highlighted as having signiﬁcant potential for increased cycling trips. These routes will see focused improvements to enhance accessibility and connectivity, supporting sustainable travel options for residents. Over the next three years, the city will address short-term spot improvements and broader network enhancements to ensure these paths are comfortable and user-friendly.

Your feedback is crucial in shaping

penalty (AMP) system. The result is increased fines, approximately double the fines set by the Highway Traffic Act. This has caused concern, and resulted in my bringing forth a motion at council on October 29. The motion requested a pause on any future installation of additional ASEs on roads under the jurisdiction of the City of Kitchener, until our Council has approved an understanding with the Region that outlines revenue sharing, and the ability for City of Kitchener council

9 games and have got points in their last 14 games! Go Rangers Go!

The Rangers are not the only thing going on at our wonderful Aud! I had a great meeting last week with the new Manager of the Kitchener Auditorium, Allyson, who shared with me some news from the Aud and information about fantastic events that are coming soon:

- Doobie Brothers was a smashing success and we are gearing up for the Arkells show on November 30th.

- From here we move right in to

views on bike lanes, the Bill clearly takes decision making powers away from local municipalities. I believe such decisions should be left to the local municipality. I have been working with City staff to draft a motion calling on the provincial government to ‘stay in its own lane’. I welcome your comments.

Budget time is here. The operating budget will be presented to Council on November 18, and the capital budget on November 25. These are public events. Your feedback in writing or in person is welcome.

Speed cameras are a hot topic with Kitchener Council voting to pause the Regional program on city streets to negotiate for ﬁner control. We want to ensure we change individual and community behavior compassionately, and not overtly punitively. The proposal by Waterloo Region would have 150+ cameras issuing ﬁnes doubled (as required by the province) for any speed over the posted limit. We all want a safer community, and we need to work together to do so. You will see the

these updates to meet community needs. I encourage all Ward 6 residents to visit the Wayﬁnding and Branding for Walking, Cycling, and Rolling page on the EngageWR website. Click on the “Surveys and Forms” tab to share your input on the proposed routes and signage, and subscribe for ongoing updates.

I look forward to seeing the beneﬁts this project will bring to Ward 6 and beyond. Together, let’s continue building a safer, more connected city for all.

to amend the operating times of the ASE cameras, or to work with another provider.

In addition, the motion directed council to request that our provincial government amend their regulation to reduce the set fines under the regulation 355/22 to a level similar to the fines in the Highway Traffic Act. I’m happy to announce that the majority of council approved this motion, which will be ratified at our next council meeting on November 18.

“Heart of the Holidays” presented by Boots and Hearts along with The City.

- The Titans basketball season starts November 23rd

- This takes us into holiday season with Stars on Ice December 18th

For more information, please check out the Aud’s website at: and you can also check out the City of Kitchener event page while you are at it as well: kitchener.ca/events Happy November Ward 8!

Some of the requests I have heard from residents thus far are for more parkland, a renoviction bylaw, and more attention to speeding trafﬁc. What are your concerns? Final budget day is December 12. In preparation for winter, you can expect sandboxes to be installed in November, and overnight on-street parking to end on December 1, with leaf depots closing on December 6.

The link, kitchener.ca/snowremoval, provides useful winter info.

speed camera project move forward on Regional roads in Kitchener but pause on city streets as we consider a sustainable framework roll-out. Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have at: stephanie.stretch@ kitchener.ca or call me at 519-7412786. I am happy to further discuss the speed camera issue or anything else for that matter. You can also visit my website stephaniestretch. ca or follow on social media @ stretch_ward10

Speakers...from previous page

vironmental neuroscientist with a keen interest in how urban design impacts individual, community, and societal well-being. A local Kitchener resident, he is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the University of Waterloo’s Future Cities institute.

Kathleen Vanderlinden is a person living with dementia and a co-researcher in a number of projects with the University of Waterloo, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Alzheimer’s Society of Waterloo-Wellington, including the ‘Dementia-Capable Communities Waterloo Region’ project.

A participant, through a partnership with KW Habilitation, will bring local resident perspectives to the panel discussion.

The City of Kitchener’s inclusion services team will moderate the discussion, which will include opportunities for attendees to share their thoughts and ask questions of speakers.

Pre-registration for this event is required.

“This is just the ﬁrst session in our speaker series, and we’re also early in our public engagement journey for Kitchener 2051,” said Director of Planning and Housing Policy Rosa Bustamante. “I encourage everyone to visit the Kitchener 2051 Engage page and sign up to hear about future sessions in the speaker series. You’ll also hear about opportunities to provide feedback on Kitchener 2051, such as the online activities that are live on the page now.”

As Kitchener plans for its responsible growth as the largest municipality within our region, our community needs a plan to ensure everyone can beneﬁt from the changes unfolding across our city. Kitchener 2051 is that plan, and it is being developed through extensive public consultation, technical analysis and research.

This is the ﬁrst in a series of speaker events being held in support of Kitchener 2051 over the next year.

For more information about Kitchener 2051, please visit www.engagewr.ca/kitchener2051.

Enhancing Active Travel in Kitchener’s Ward 6

Hello Ward 8! Hard to believe it’s November…and we all know that means a lot of leaves in our Ward!

Leaf Drop off Sites Opened (8 locations) on Friday, October 11th and

WHAT WE’RE READING

“More Dung!” by Frank Weber is without a doubt one of the best allegorical picture books I’ve encountered in a long time. Touted as a tale of greed and contentment, it’s very easy to apply the lessons learned to the children in your life, but it’s also a brilliant depiction of billionaires and the greed of capitalism. Hoarding wealth is crap, quite literally in this story, so stop reading now if you’re poop-averse.

More Dung! A Beetle Tale by

Frank Weber

Review by Hannah White, Senior Library Assistant, Children’s Programmer

More Dung! opens with a dung beetle starting his day, waiting for an elephant to drop its daily constitutional on him before he goes about his usual task of rolling it up and ﬁghting rival beetles to protect his delicious doodoo. As the dung beetle rolls his fecal fortunes up the hill, he encounters a snow leopard that tells him he works too hard for so little pay off! Maybe he should try the dairy farm down in the valley. It’s at the farm where our tiny hero hits the payload with a crapola of crap.

Just as every billionaire has done in the history of our planet, the dung beetle gets a brilliant idea: he hires workers to make him richer! Unlike what seems to happen in real life, the dung beetle’s dung pile collapses on him, and he learns a pretty important lesson on greed. Capitalism is a pretty hefty topic to discuss with your kids, but we’re seeing the disparity in wealth grow, and our children are seeing it in their classrooms. This story is a great opener on the topic, and it has the bonus of being about poop (always a crowd-pleaser!). I’m so impressed by this debut picture book’s ability to craft a tale with a clear moral while still keeping it really fun. The illustrations are muted in colour but packed with captivating characters and hidden symbols for the very observant. There are also bonus facts about dung beetles in the last pages for the science-minded. If you’re looking for a book for the whole family, this one is a winner!

Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?

Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?

Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?

Neither do we!

Local businesses live here. They play here. They invest here. They need our support, now more than ever.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ST. GEORGE’S CHRISTMAS MARKET - November 16th 9a.m. – 1 p.m. at 321 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener. Baking, Crafts, Book Room, Christmas Treasures and a Café. Please join us!

THE PROBUS WOMEN’S CLUB OF KITCHENER welcomes NEW MEMBERS! Are you a gal who is retired? Semi-retired? Thinking of retiring? Are you looking to be part of a group of friendly, bright, inspiring, like-minded women? Our club meets September to June on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Our meeting place is: The Granite Club, 99 Seagram Dr. Waterloo ON. The fun starts at 9:30AM until 11:30, our meeting site is fully accessible with ample free parking. Each meeting features a dynamic guest speaker, information on various interest groups, coffee, camaraderie and more. The opportunity for you to meet and interact with ladies from the community awaits! Curious? Contact the club @: probustreasurer@outlook. com for details or join us at The Granite Club, 99 Seagram Drive, Waterloo ON, on the second Thursday of the month from September 2024 to June 2025! Hope to see you soon!

THE SCHNEIDER MALE CHORUS - hosts a “new members month” during January and September. If you like to sing, come on out Monday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z4 and give us a try. More information on our website www.SchneiderMaleChorus.ca including sample concerts.

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN KITCHENER-WATERLOO (CFUW K-W) - Are you a woman interested in Camaraderie, Advocacy and Service to the Community? Come Join Us!! The Power of Women Working

Together. We welcome all women who share our values, no need to have a university education. We are a vibrant welcoming group of over 200 women of all disciplines and ages, promoting gender equality and education for girls and women. We have monthly meetings and speakers. We have 45 plus interest groups/activity groups: Examples are Antiques, Books, Bridge, Coffee Meets, Euchre, Languages, Cooking, Games, Wine Tasting, Health, Hiking, Theatre and so forth. We hold an annual Book Sale that funds 47 Scholarships and Awards. If this sounds like a club that would interest you, feel free to view our website. We would like to welcome you.www. cfukw.org Monthly Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, starting September 19, 2023. Location... The Cedars, 543 Beechwood Drive in Waterloo at 7 pm. Hope to see you there.

SINGERS NEEDED FOR THE ROCKWAY ENTERTAINERS - We are a group of age 50+ seniors who sing a variety of music, in 4-part harmony. We generally perform one or two concerts per month, in the afternoons, at a seniors’ home or retirement home, as well as concerts in the spring and at Christmas. We sing primarily for pleasure and fun, providing toe-tapping enjoyable entertainment. Practices are at the Rockway Community Centre, 1405 King St. E.,Kitchener Thursday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30. We meet from September to May (Yes, we get the summers off!). Please feel welcome to attend a practice or two just to check us out. When you arrive, ask for Marilyn, Karl, or Jim. We are aiming to ﬁnd an additional 12 members preferably Tenors and Altos. For more information, please call the Rockway Community Centre ofﬁce, 519-741-2507.

wilmot veterinary clinic on trussler road

Dr. Robert Lofsky BSc DVM 1465 Trussler Road Kitchener ON N2R 1S7

519.696.3102 wvc@rogers.com

www.wilmotveterinaryclinic.com Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm Sat: 8am-12pm Sun: Closed

Community Church

ChurchCommunityListing

Listing

St James’-Rosemount United 171 Sherwood Ave., Kitchener (519) 742-1002

Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Lunch served following service on the third Sunday of every month. Nursery, Sunday School, Youth Group, Wed. Night Bible study

St. George’s of Forest Hill - Anglican 321 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener (519) 744-4751 www.stgeorgesofforesthill.com

Sunday Service 8:15 a.m. (Book of Common Prayer) Sunday Service 10:00 a.m. (Children’s - Youth Ministries) Wednesday Service 10:00 a.m. All Welcome

Kitchener Gospel Temple-Pentecostal

9 Conway Dr. (at River Rd), Kitchener (519) 894-5999

Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.

Mid-week activities for all ages. www.kitchenergospel.com

St Paul’s Lutheran Church (Bridgeport) 101-544 Bridgeport Rd E., Kitchener ON N2K 1N7 Phone: 519-743-4464

Kitchener East Presbyterian 10 Zeller Drive, Kitchener (519) 748-9786

Reverend: Mark S. Richardson

Pastor Mario Hryniewicz

Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Nursery and Sunday School provided Sonshine Corner, Thursdays from 9 - 11 a.m.

Email: https://stpaulsbridgeport.weebly.com/ Worship Service: 10:00 am All are Welcome!

Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran 322 East Avenue (at Stirling), Kitchener (519) 742-5812 www.holycrosskitchener.org

Sunday Service: (Sept. - June) 8:30 and 11 a.m., (July-Aug.) 9:30 a.m 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School, Youth & Adult Bible Classes Choirs - Stephen Ministry - Youth Group - Beginnings (0 -3 years)

Hope Lutheran

Hope Lutheran 30 Shaftsbury Drive, Kitchener (519) 893-5290

30 Shaftsbury Drive, Kitchener ON N2A 1N6 (519) 893-5290 www.hopelc.ca

Worship Service : 10:00 a.m. Nursery closed at this time ww w.hopelc.ca

Worship Service Times 10:00 am Worship Service 11:15 am Adult Bible Study Nursery open at this time

Breslau Evangelical Missionary Church 102 Woolwich St., Breslau (519) 648-2712

Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m. Children’s Ministry - Youth Ministry - Small Groups All are welcome! Visit us at ww w.bemc.ca

Stanley Park Community Church

9 Dreger Ave., (at Ottawa St.) Kitchener (519) 893-8186 www.stanleyparkchurch.ca

Pastor: Brad Bauer

Sunday Service and Kid’s Church: 10 a.m. ALL WELCOME!

Nexus Church

Meets in The Conrad Center - 36 King St W. Kitchener

Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

www.nexuschurch.ca

All are welcome!