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www.kitchenercitizen.com
By Helen Hall
At first, the four choices to become Kitchener’s official bird seem unusual for a city - until you learn more about them and their relationship with urban areas.
Until December 21, you can go online and vote for Kitchener’s official bird. The options are the Killdeer, Junco, Merlin or the Chimney Swift. Search “Bird-Friendly Kitchener vote” to make your choice.
Through the efforts of volunteers and the support of Kitchener City Council, Kitchener has been declared a bird-friendly city by Nature Canada.
While there are many serious sides to being a bird-friendly city - like conservation and protection - choosing a city bird is meant to be fun and educational.
How did Kitchener’s Bird Team come up with these four choices?
their group members.
Many cities in Ontario are becoming bird-friendly, and the Kitchener group wanted to look at birds that have not becn selected in other cities, and birds that are special to Kitchener.
But don’t you have to live near water to see a Killdeer?
“Killdeers are a very adaptable bird,” says Blunt. “They no longer only inhabit the glistening shoreline.”
She said they are now being found in urban areas that have sand and gravel, like construction sites, along roadsides, and at golf courses.
Merlins, a bird of prey, are no longer just found in conservation areas but are now being spotted in urban backyards.
Maybe the most common bird on the list is the Junco, which is seen at most backyard feeders. Blunt says they are “underrated” sparrows with their grey colouring and pink beaks.
Chimney Swifts used to nest on cliff faces or in hollow trees. As the world became more urbanized, they switched to chimneys.
However, now chimneys are often covered, or with narrow flues, and the Swift’s numbers have gone down as they find it difficult to find a place to nest.
“We’re lucky to have them,” Blunt said of Chimney Swifts. “They are a bird we don’t want to lose.”
Blunt is a watercolour artist who focuses on birds. When she read last January that Jennifer Clary-Lemon wanted to work on getting Kitchener certified as bird-friendly, she joined the group. Clary-Lemon is a co-chair.
Photo by Helen Hall
“They are not the most iconic, colourful birds,” agrees cochair Meredith Blunt, but she said these birds “came to the surface” in discussions with
The most threatened bird on the list is the Chimney Swift. It is now listed as a bird being watched by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology because its numbers are in decline.
The Kitchener Bird Team is comprised of community members from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo Region Nature, Birds Canada, Feather Friendly, rare Charitable Research Reserve and invested citizens.
The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month and anyone can attend. See bird descriptions on page 2.
flight. They chirp away so that it seems they have lots to say and think about.
Adaptable and noisy, the Killdeer is a member of the plover family that has become as at home in urban centres as they are in farmland and wetlands. With a flair for the dramatic, Killdeer always let us know they are nearby, calling their own name enthusiastically.
A wonderful aerial insectivore, Kitchener has chimney swifts flying through the city skies taking thousands of biting insects out of the air for their meals. Now a threatened species, restoring chimney swift numbers and habitats is an important project across the province and country.
A powerful, compact falcon. It’s rapid chatter-like call and fast, patrolling flights have become familiar across many cities and towns as the awesome little falcon has recovered from declining numbers once we banned DDT use in pesticides.
The Lions Club of Kitchener hosted the Santa Claus parade on November 16, 2024 for the 20th year under its production. The parade travelled along Weber Street, from Frederick to Erb Street.
Food was collected for the Food Bank of Waterloo, toys for the Knights of Columbus’ Toy Drive, and new mitts, hats, and warm clothing for the Sanguen Health Centre.
Photos by Irene Schmidt-Adeney
hen we gather together to eat, we grow from being strangers to becoming friends. Neighbours in the Chandler Mowat neighbourhood experience this when they sit together at the Gathering at the Table Community Suppers.
The suppers are organized by a community-oriented church group that holds its services at the Chandler Mowat Community Centre. When the group got to know its neighbours, they realized that many neighbours were dealing with food insecurity.
“That’s how the community suppers began, and we’ve been hosting them once a month over the last seven years,” reflects volunteer Catherine Gitzel, “As a community, we eat together and enjoy conversa-
tion getting to know one another better.”
In receiving the City’s LoveMyHood Matching Grant, the group was able to expand the suppers and offer more meal options.
“The grant allowed us to offer fruit and vegetables. Our numbers are growing too,” Gitzel adds, “We started with serving 100 people, and at the last gathering we were over 200. We just wouldn’t be able to continue to feed that many people without the grant, and we never want to turn anyone away.”
The community suppers bring people together, and work to make everyone at the table feel included. Many residents live in smaller homes, and the community suppers have allowed them to bring their families together to share a meal.
“We want to have hope for the future.” says Gitzel, “And enjoy our neighbourhood together.”
To learn more about the LoveMyHood Matching Grant and how it can help bring your neighbourhood vision to life, visit www.lovemyhood.ca/lmhgrant.
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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.
By Jack naHrgang
Forty years ago I had the privilege to work for Bob and Pat, owners of a Home Hardware franchise in Owen Sound. Employees might display and sell the stock, but my bosses ordered it – until one week in December. Taking a much-deserved vacation before our busy Christmas period, Pat and Bob had left the stock reorder to their employees – and housewares fell to me.
Pat had instructed me to just fill the stock holes – no weird purchases that would be hard to shift. I was eager to please, and focused on success.
Until the crock pot fiasco.
Gold Rush Saloon closes. We stay open an extra half hour because there’s always a group of husbands who have had a celebratory drink with their friends, but forgotten to buy a Christmas gift for their wives. They leave the bar, see that we’re still open, and rush across for our help. Usually we wrap up a few electric frying pans or hand mixers and the guys leave, relieved. Sure, the items might get exchanged after the holidays but the men at least came home with a wrapped gift.”
We stocked three; one remained, so I ordered two. Easy-peasy . . . except for a rookie mistake in shipping quantity. Ordering two crockpots meant ordering two CASES of six items each. Even during wedding season we had never sold 12 crockpots. Trouble.
But when he returned, Bob merely smiled at his wife and then instructed me to wrap the appliances in Christmas paper. Thankful to still be employed, I meekly set to work. The task finished, Bob thanked me, then told me to put the items in the storeroom, offering no further explanation.
The answer came two weeks later, on Christmas Eve. We closed at 6:30 pm, and at 4:00 o’clock Bob told me to move all twelve wrapped crock pots to the checkout. Finally he explained his strategy.
Bob pointed to the tavern across the street. “At 6:00 pm, the
And then he smiled at me. “But this year, thanks to your unique ordering, Pat and I are betting we get no returns. You see, a crock pot is so practical, even a man who’s useless in the kitchen can demonstrate some competence. You add raw vegetables to an inexpensive cut of meat, turn the pot on in the morning and after work you’re greeted by the aroma of a delicious, nutritious, and inexpensive meal. This gift might have sprung from thoughtlessness, but it can bring rewards, too.”
Forty years later, in times of spiralling grocery prices, and shrinking paycheques, there may be better Christmas gifts, but few more thoughtful ones to stabilize a family budget. You can also try throwing in a few recipes – from your kitchen or the outstanding books that line the shelves of your local public library.
Because Bob and Pat were right – not a crock pot was returned to the store that Christmas; but I was never put in charge of housewares again!
MPP Aislinn Clancy for Kitchener Centre
Hello Kitchener! Thank you for trusting me to represent you as your Member of Provincial Parliament. Over the past year, our constituency office has responded to over 2,500 emails, phone calls and visits, addressing issues with Service Ontario, OW and ODSP, housing and more.
We haven’t just waited for people to come to us. We have worked hard to go out into the community and ensure everyone knows how to access support. We’ve facilitated conversations at community centres, front porches and at hundreds of events. I’m grateful to our community partners for opening their doors for us to connect with our neighbours.
While this government continues to spend money on expensive oil and gas, I’ve advocated for energy solutions that will make bills more affordable for Ontarians by investing in the lowest cost energy - wind, solar, water and storage.
I know that our community is facing many challenges. I’m hearing loud and clear that folks are struggling to pay the bills. I’m here to say that I’m working hard to stop the gouging. Whether it’s through rising costs of gas, food, rents or energy, the wealthy few are increasingly profiting off the backs of everyday Ontarians, while the current government continues to promote the interests of big corporations and wealthy lobbyists. Instead of working to reduce costs and improve healthcare, this government is spending your tax dollars on mega highways through the Greenbelt land sweetheart deals at Ontario Place – costing taxpayers billions of dollars for years to come.
I’ve also opposed the expropriation of the farmland that feeds us. Ontario already loses 319 acres of prime agricultural land every day, so we can’t continue to sacrifice that land to urban sprawl.
I have pushed for investments in what residents tell me they need, like better access to quality health care. Kitchener Centre has 19,500 residents without a family doctor, and while our system struggles, this government continues to privatize healthcare, meaning taxpayers pay more for less care. I’ll continue to fight for the funding we need to bring our per-capita healthcare funding above the national average.
After months of advocacy, we recently learned that the federal and provincial governments heard our call to increase funding for school nutrition programs – meaning the kids in Kitchener will not have to attend school with empty bellies.
At Queen’s Park, I am fighting to reduce costs for Kitchener Centre residents and stop the gouging by bad actors. To bring down housing costs, I lobbied to legalize fourplexes and fourstory apartments across Ontario – which is the fastest and cheapest way to build more housing. I put forward a bill – the Keeping People Housed Act – to stop bad acting landlords from illegally evicting tenants and forcing them onto our streets.
Thank you to all those in Kitchener who have joined us in our efforts to make our province a better place for all. Our office is always here for you, and I hope you’ll join us on December 14th at the Kitchener Market for our Winter Festival. We will have free activities for families to enjoy, like facepainting, circus-ina-suitcase, and a chance to take a photo with Santa!
Hope to see you there.
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.
AS 2024 DRAWS TO A CLOSE, IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO LOOK BACK ON HOW OUR COMMUNITY LIVED, PLAYED, WORKED AND GREW TOGETHER THIS YEAR. WE SAW IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE CITY, EVENTS AND PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES, AND MANY INCREDIBLE WAYS KITCHENER RESIDENTS SUPPORTED OUR COMMUNITY. LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE YEAR IN NUMBERS TO SEE SOME OF KITCHENER’S HIGHLIGHTS.
Our neighbourhoods were more vibrant than ever! In 2024, 29 community projects were approved for LoveMyHood matching grants, which support new resident-led projects across the city. That’s a 40 per cent increase over last year. This summer, local neighbourhoods also came to life with music and entertainment during Neighbours Day, with 100 concerts throughout Kitchener featuring 50 local musicians.
Kitchener got active and involved this year. 2024 welcomed five new major events to the city, from music festivals to cultural celebrations to pickleballers’ favourite new event. Kitchener residents also learned new skills this year at the Kitchener Market, with over 40 cooking classes and workshops for all ages.
29
10 0 5 + 10 0k
1,80 0 3,000 3 1,012 43 new resident-led grant projects approved concerts with 50 local musicians
new major events were hosted rounds of golf played summer swim passes purchased community clean-up participants new neighbourhood parks opened new trees were plante d
Youth Month events with 1,900 youth
At Doon and Rockway Golf Courses, over 100,000 rounds of golf were played since the courses opened in April. At the Doon driving range, approximately 500,000 golf balls were hit as players brushed up on their skills. Kitchener pools made a splash this year too, with over 1,800 summer splash swim passes sold – 15 times more than last year’s summer pass!
Across the city, we saw a lot of improvements to the spaces and infrastructure that support our community. We launched a detailed strategy for upgrading, expanding and maintaining our 834 kilometres of sanitary sewers. Our 10 kilometre downtown cycling grid was also completed to better connect our community. We kept Kitchener clean with 130 registered community clean-up events held in 110 neighbourhoods, involving 3,000 participants. Throughout the city, three new parks were opened and improvements were made at many more to meet the needs of their users. And if Kitchener looks greener to you, that’s because this year we planted 1,012 new trees!
What makes Kitchener so vibrant and connected is the active role our community plays to make this a great place to live, and 2024 was no different! Over 850 volunteers were involved in various City initiatives like programs and advisory committees, and our youth got involved too! In May, we saw 1,900 youth participate in 43 youth month events.
This is only a small snapshot of everything that happened in our city this year. As we say goodbye to 2024, we can’t wait to see all the incredible things 2025 has in store for our community!
proposed property tax increase of 3.9% is
To read the full 2025 budget, visit Kitchener.ca/Budget. The 2025 budget is a plan to support city programs and services, focus on infrastructure and advance strategic priorities, all while delivering a property tax rate increase around the rate of inflation. For the 2025 rate increases for an average Kitchener home, visit Kitchener.ca/Budget
in line with this benchmark, which would be 3.2%. The slightly higher proposed increase compared to this benchmark comes from growth-related pressures.
BETWEEN DEC. 1 AND MAR. 31, overnight street parking is not permitted to help make sure plows have access to clear our roadways. Anyone parking on a street overnight needs a parking exemption. When there is significant snowfall in the forecast (8 cm or more), the City will declare a snow event to make sure our roadways can be cleared safely and efficiently. When a snow event is in effect, the City’s tag and tow bylaw is activated, which prevents street parking until the snow event has been lifted. If you park on the street during this time, you could receive an $80 fine and have your vehicle towed. To stay up to date on snow event declarations:
• follow our posts on our Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
• subscribe to our snow removal web page (Kitchener.ca/SnowRemoval) listen to local news alerts Learn more at Kitchener.ca/Snow
AS THE SNOW BEGINS TO FALL, IT BRINGS WITH IT THE WINTER SEASON’S RESPONSIBILITIES – BOTH FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER AND FOR PROPERTY OWNERS.
When snow and ice build up, our operations crews begin to clear roadways, bike lanes and select trails. It takes between 16 and 24 hours to plow all routes after the snow has stopped falling, with plow routes based on priority to make sure we have safe roadways to drive on. You are responsible for keeping the sidewalks around your property clear of snow and ice. You will need to clear your sidewalks within 24 hours from when snow stops falling, keep them maintained to bare pavement and clear windrows (snowbanks) left behind by snow plows to make sure pedestrians have safe access to roadways.
If you need help with shovelling, there are several options for support within our city from volunteers or organizations offering paid snow clearing. Learn more at Kitchener.ca/Snow
Starting in summer 2025, Kitchener residents will have a seven-day advance registration period for City-operated programs and camps before registration opens to non-residents. Registration for summer camps will open on March 18, 2025 and all other summer programs on June 10, 2025.
The updated registration process is designed to provide Kitchener residents, the primary funders of taxpayer-supported programs and facilities, greater access.
“As our community grows, demand for programs and camps also grows,” said Councillor Margaret Johnston, “By prioritizing access for Kitchener residents, we can better serve our community and make full use of our expanded programming.”
This NEW APPROACH will apply to programs and camps that require registration to participate, including :
• City of Kitchener recreation & leisure programs
• City of Kitchener swim programs (except Swim Leadership Training)
• City of Kitchener Inclusion Support Program
• City of Kitchener camps (including summer day-camps, PD Day camps, March Break camps, after school and holiday camps, Kitchener Market camps)
• Neighbourhood Association programs
As part of our commitment to inclusive access, non-residents can still register for city programs, camps, and inclusion support after the seven-day advance registration period, and are welcome to continue attending drop-in programs, single visit swims, pay-as-you-play programming, third-party programs or minor sports offered at City facilities; or book facility, room or ice rentals, where the seven-day advance registration period will not apply.
WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE OUR NEW LEARN-TO-SWIM PROGRAM, KITCHENER SWIMS, LAUNCHING IN JANUARY 2025 WITH SWIMMING LESSONS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES AT POOLS ACROSS KITCHENER.
Kitchener Swims will continue to focus on teaching basic swimming strokes and skills as well as water safety, for beginners to more advanced swimmers pursuing lifesaving, lifeguarding, and aquatic sports.
Kitchener Swims is based on the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program, which is already used by many municipalities across Southwestern Ontario and beyond. This program model will ensure consistent content delivery with provincially updated curriculum, certifications, and resources.
This also means that the swim level names will be changing, and participants are encouraged to become familiar with the next suitable swim level under the new program names before they register for winter swimming lessons. Winter registration opens on Dec. 10 at 8:30 a.m. Swimming lessons will start in Jan. 2025.
City will soon be accepting applications for
Are you looking to learn new skills and earn an income while building a stronger community? The City of Kitchener might be the perfect place for you!
While warm weather may seem far away, the City will be accepting applications for its summer positions soon. Opportunities include positions in sports fields, parks and cemeteries, golf, children and youth programs, roads and traffic, inclusion programs, and aquatics. For details visit Kitchener.ca/jobs.
Adam Rushton, currently a head lifeguard with the City’s sports division, began his career as a summer student with the City.
“I started as an aquatic lead at Kiwanis Park and time management was a big skill I learned as I oversaw my day today schedule. On less busy days, I helped plan staff events and trainings to boost morale. I enjoyed doing that.”
Are you a young person living on a low income and cannot afford some of the costs associated with applying? The City offers Youth Employment Supports to remove barriers and help cover some of the costs, such as lifeguard certification, uniform costs, etc. Financial supports up to $300 for youth aged 15-30 might be available. To apply visit Kitchener.ca/YouthSupport
Visit the City’s website at Kitchener.ca to check out open positions and apply today.
AS KITCHENER PLANS FOR ITS RESPONSIBLE GROWTH AS THE LARGEST MUNICIPALITY WITHIN OUR REGION, OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS A NEW PLAN. A new official plan will guide growth and shape the way our neighbourhoods evolve and change. The new plan needs to be ambitious and clear in our intentions as we look towards the Kitchener of 2051. We recently kicked off an important community conversation about Kitchener’s future with a community block party.
With thousands of neighbours in attendance, the day-long event held in early October was aimed at getting community members out to answer the question – how can the changes unfolding in our community over the next 25 years benefit everyone? A special thank you to all the residents, businesses, and community partners who made the block party a success and have continued to share input and feedback via the online activities and survey, or by attending the first of the Kitchener 2051 Speaker Series events back in November.
The engagement approach led by the City and shaped by the new Kitchener 2051 Community Working Group, has been innovative and creative and will include many more ways to get involved in 2025.
Stay up-to-date and find out how to get involved at Kitchener.ca/Kitchener2051
Even as the weather gets colder, the Kitchener Market is still bursting with fresh, seasonal foods from local farmers and vendors. Shopping seasonally at our Saturday farmers’ market helps maximize the flavour of your recipes while supporting local businesses and helping you save money on your weekly groceries.
In the winter months, explore root vegetables, cabbage, mushrooms and aromatics like leeks and onions. Try a cabbage roll casserole for a twist on a classic, a hearty potato leek soup with a fresh loaf of bread from one of our bakers or toss root vegetables and chicken on a sheet pan for a quick and easy weekday dinner!
Apples and pears are in season as we close out the year and rhubarb returns in early January. Roasted pears and apples pair well with ice cream for a light dessert or become a delicious surprise in a grilled cheese sandwich when sliced thin. Stewed rhubarb is also a perfect staple to accompany roast pork or add bright flavour to a pound cake.
We are pleased to invite you to join us in the Dedication Centre at Williamsburg Cemetery. Celebrate the holidays with family and friends by enjoying festive treats and honouring passed loved ones by placing an ornament on our Tree of Remembrance. Saturday, December 14, 1 to 3 p.m., Williamsburg Cemetery Dedication Centre, 1541 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener Ornaments will be provided to be placed on the tree while quantities last. Personal ornaments are also welcome. We also invite you to decorate our additional tree in the Dedication Centre with new winter outerwear for those in need this holiday season. All collected items will be donated to St. John’s Kitchen and YWCA Mary’s Place. Learn more at KitchenerCemeteries.ca KitchenerCemeteries.ca
Visit the Kitchener Farmers’ Market every Saturday to browse over 80 vendors and explore local flavours all year round. Keep an eye on what’s in season at KitchenerMarket.ca.
Do you know a Kitchener resident aged 65+ who is making difference in the community? Consider nominating them to be Kitchener’s Senior of the Year Visit Kitchene r.ca/SeniorOfTheYear for award details and to submit a nomination, or pick up a nomination form at any Community Centre starting in the new year Deadline to nominate is March 31, 2025.
The City continues to make progress on the 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan goals to build a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us – and each other. Some 2024 highlights include:
Building a connected city together
The City is implementing the Housing For All Strategy, working with other orders of government and community partners, to encourage affordable housing units by removing barriers, advocating and implementing incentives that enable more affordable housing to be built faster. In June, Council approved a rental replacement bylaw, that provides compensation or alternative housing to renters in buildings with six or more units that are displaced by redevelopment and renewed the City’s Lived Expertise Working Group.
Through the corporate climate action plan, the City is piloting a program to improve energy efficiency at arenas with technology that allows rink ice to be made and maintained using cold water rather than hot, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Creating an economicallythriving city together
We are implementing an improved commercial business approval process. The City is streamlining the process and helping businesses open quicker by implementing
50 process improvements, starting with new approaches to sharing information with applicants, and creating a step-by-step handbook for navigating the approvals.
Foster a caring city together
The City has started work on improving its community centre operating model aimed at maximizing programming offered at the City’s 14 community centres. As part of this work, the leisure access fee subsidy program has been expanded and centre hours have increased at various centres. The new model recommendations are expected to be completed in 2025.
In partnership with Communitech’s Fast Track Cities program, the City launched ‘Pitch Kitchener’, a program asking startups and vendors to help improve city service delivery with new and creative ideas. $100,000 is available for vendors and startups that offer innovative solutions to two challenges: inspecting large sanitary trunk sewer systems that have high flows and limited accessibility and autonomous technology to improve city service delivery (i.e. grass cutting and equipment maintenance).
For more information about the progress of these projects and various other projects visit Kitchener.ca/OurPlanProgress.
when you upgrade your existing thermostat to a smart thermostat model *Purchase a smart thermostat and receive a
Nominate amateur athletes or sports teams who have won: · a provincial or national championship, or · a gold, silver or bronze medal at an international championship
Nomination deadline: February 7, 2025
For details visit: www.kitchener.ca/AthleticAwards
Explore Stories from the Hear t of our Neighbourhoods - inspiring tales from local LoveMyHood projec ts, now featured on our blog! Discover how neighbourhood groups have brought their ideas to life with suppor t from the LoveMyHood Matching Grant
Check out the latest stories and learn how LoveMyHood can help fund your ideas at LoveMyHood.ca/Stories.
LoveMyHood.ca/OutdoorRinks
ROCKWAY ENTERTAINERS
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
ROCKWAY CENTRE
Dec 5, 7, 12, 2-3:30 p.m.
Let the Rockway Entertainers lift your spirits with music to celebrate the holiday season.
Cost: $10
Kitchener.ca/ActiveNet
KITCHENER
Abstract
KITCHENER
TREE OF REMEMBRANCE
WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY
Saturday, Dec. 14, 1–3 p.m.
Honour a loved one this season by placing an ornament on the Tree of Remembrance. KitchenerCemeteries.ca
CHRISTMAS DINNER
ROCKWAY CENTRE
Dec. 16, 1-2 pm
A traditional turkey dinner, live entertainment and social time together.
Kitchener.ca/ActiveNet
December
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN CARL ZEHR SQUARE
CARL ZEHR SQUARE
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Ring in the new year with free family skating and live entertainment! KitchenerEvents.ca
Weekdays, December to March
Recreational family skating. Sponsored by Joslin Insurance. TheAud.ca/SkatingSchedule
ROTUNDA GALLERY EXHIBIT
KITCHENER CITY HALL ROTUNDA
January - February
Portraits by Sabrine Hakam delve into the complex identities of third culture and postcolonial individuals in Canada.
Kitchener.ca/RotundaGallery
NEW YEAR’S LEVEE
KITCHENER CITY HALL
Sunday, Jan. 5, 1:30 – 4 p.m.
5 - 8 p.m. Speaker series exploring local organizations advancing environmental stewardship, community building and social entrepreneurship. SDGIdeaFactory.com
GALLERY EXHIBIT
KITCHENER CITY HALL ROTUNDA
Weekdays, December to March
Recreational family skating. Sponsored by Joslin Insurance. TheAud.ca/SkatingSchedule
BERLIN TOWER
ARTSPACE EXHIBIT
January - February
Portraits by Sabrine Hakam of third culture and postcolonial individuals in Canada. Kitchener.ca/RotundaGallery
BERLIN TOWER
ARTSPACE EXHIBIT
KITCHENER CITY HALL
January 1-31
Figurative works on canvas by artist Essey Fitsum. Kitchener.ca /BerlinTowerArtspace FREE PUBLIC SKATING VARIOUS ARENAS
Celebrate the new year with carnival themed games, prizes, live entertainment and more. KitchenerEvents.ca
SUMMER HIRING EXPO
KINGSDALE COMMUNITY CENTER Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kitchener.ca/Jobs
KITCHENER CITY HALL
February 1-28
Figurative works on canvas by artist Essey Fitsum. Kitchener.ca /BerlinTowerArtspace
SDG IDEA FACTORY
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5 - 8 p.m.
Speaker series exploring local organizations advancing environmental stewardship, community building and social entrepreneurship. SDGIdeaFactory.com
MP Tim Louis for Kitchener Conestoga
As the holiday season draws near, I find myself reflecting on the incredible community we share here in Kitchener-Conestoga. Your trust and feedback fuel my work as your voice in Ottawa, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family.
I know there are families and neighbours in our community feeling the pinch of rising costs. That’s why affordability remains at the heart of my advocacy. Our federal government is committed to delivering real savings for Canadians, especially during this festive season.
Starting December 14, we’re introducing a new tax break that will make life a bit easier by pausing the sales tax on a wide range of items. This will help you save money on groceries, snacks, restaurant meals, takeout, diapers, kids’ clothing, and more. Whether you’re stocking up the fridge, bundling up the kids for winter, or getting ready
for holiday celebrations, these savings will add up in meaningful ways.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re rolling out the Working Canadians Rebate, which will provide a $250 payment this Spring. It’s another way we’re putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Canadians. In addition to these new measures, several ongoing federal programs continue to provide vital support and cost savings for many in our community.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan now covers eligible seniors 65 and older, children under 18, and persons with disabilities. In 2025, this coverage will expand to include eligible Canadians of all ages. The plan has already helped over one million Canadians save on dental care.
The Canada Child Benefit has provided families in KitchenerConestoga with up to $7,787 this year, helping parents afford the essentials their children
MP Mike Morrice for Kitchener Centre
It’s not rocket sciencefederal affordable housing funding should be going to building housing that moderate and lower income folks in our community can afford.
Because while rents have skyrocketed - rather than using Canada’s established definition of housing affordability - federal affordable housing programs continue to use criteria that are out of touch with most folks’ financial reality, like 80% of market rent. To make matters worse, these criteria are only applied on a fraction of the units funded!
For example, the Affordable Housing Fund doesn’t have any affordability requirements on 70% of units, and the other 30% that do are so weak that they aren’t required to be affordable to a person working full time at minimum wage – let alone a senior on a fixed income, or a person relying on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) as their sole income.
need. And by January, child care costs will drop to $22-perday under our affordable child care plan, saving parents thousands of dollars each year.
These measures reflect the needs and priorities I hear from you. I’m constantly inspired by how our community comes together; collaborating, showing empathy, and lifting each other up.
From my family to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and the joy of togetherness. Let’s continue to support one another as I know we can—as Canadians.
Or take the $55 billion Apartment Construction and Loan Program, where these weak criteria resulted in only 3% of units built being affordable to those in core housing need in Canada.
That’s not even to mention that even for the minority of units where these weak criteria are applied, most of the time they’re only required to be in place for ten years – meaning that just ten years after a unit is constructed, developers can raise rents as high as they’d like.
All of this is why - in addition to my ongoing push to at minimum double the stock of social housing across the country, remove incentives for large corporate landlords to profit off homes in our community, and bring immigration levels back in line with housing starts - my team and I recently introduced Motion 170. It echoes the calls of both housing policy experts and local affordable housing providers to create clear criteria
for both affordable and deeply affordable housing, based on the income of the folks in need of housing rather than market rent - and make sure that federal dollars actually go to building that housing!
For more on this, including the full motion text, visit my website at mikemorricemp.ca.
As always, if you’re a constituent and would like to chat about housing affordability, or any other issue you’re passionate about, please email me at mike.morrice.c1@parl.gc.ca to set up a time - being sure to include your postal code.
decade are well under the 10-year average of Ontario inflation. So, why then, does your tax bill seem so much higher every year? It’s a question I’ve been asked a LOT, and it’s a sore point for myself and fellow members of council.
The explanation is that Kitchener only accounts for 30% of your total property tax bill. The Region of Waterloo, a different level of government with different responsibilities (and different council), are responsible for
Kitchener’s
Our 2025 Budget will be adopted on December 27. Mayor Vrbanovic, council and staff worked together on a budget that advances the priorities of the 2023-26 Strategic Plan, delivers
It’s hard to believe that the new year is almost upon us, and Council has just passed the halfway mark through our 4-year term. These first 2 years have been exciting, sometimes frustrating
I hope some of you were able to get out and enjoy the Doon Pioneer Park Community Association’s (DPPCA) Christmas Party last weekend. As usual, it was a great event! I also
Hello Ward 5! Happy Holidays! It’s a great time to enjoy all that the season – and the City of Kitchener –has to offer! The weather has turned cold quickly, which means that the
58% (the remaining 12% goes to Education.) While the Education portion has been frozen, the Region’s yet-to-be-approved tax increase will be 8-12% this year. Assuming the midpoint of that figure, we can do the math of exactly how much your taxes will have gone up so far in this Municipal term (i.e. 2023-2025 budgets).
Combining Kitchener’s three budget increases and adjusting for our 30% portion of your tax bill, we’re responsible for a TOTAL
property tax increase of 3.98% over three years. Combining the Region’s three years of increases and adjusting to their 58% portion of your bill shows they have raised your TOTAL property tax bill by 15.96% over those same three years. So you’re right, your property taxes have gone up nearly 20% since 2022 but it’s important to note only 3.98% of that increase is the result of actions by the City of Kitchener. I know it’s confusing but hope this helps clarify!
strong city services and invests in infrastructure. In Ward 2 we’ll see improvements to the Centreville Chicopee Community Centre. Citywide we invested in the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Centre, a new Downtown Firehall and more. I have budget highlights on my website, daveschnider.com
Winter program registration at the Stanley Park and Centreville Chicopee Community Centres opened December 10. Our Community Associations have put together a great variety of programs
but more importantly educational. I look forward to the next 2 years and hopefully beyond to continue to bring Ward 3 concerns to City Hall and make this City the best place to live, work and play.
Christkindl recently wrapped up and what a great turnout and great time had by all who attended. It truly is one of my family’s favourite events that the City puts on. We cannot wait to see what next year brings.
A few exciting events that are happening in the next few weeks are New Year’s Eve December 31st and the New Year’s Levee Sunday, January 5
want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the DPPCA and the community centre staff for all their hard work in organizing and inviting the Doon South Toy Drive to take place at the Centre.
Celebrate the new year with the mayor and city council on Sunday, January 5, 1:30-4:00 PM at our free carnival-themed celebration under the big top of City Hall. There will be live entertainment, magic, face painting, balloon twisters, light refreshments, games, prizes and more! Bring your skates and enjoy
ice skating rinks are now open. Along with the one on Carl Zehr Square, there are 27 rinks the City maintains. The outdoor rinks are completely dependent on weather and volunteer support. Without generous help from our community volunteers, our rinks wouldn’t be possible. We are currently recruiting winter rink volunteers (ages 18+) to help prepare, flood, and maintain our outdoor rinks from December through March. If you are interested, apply online at kitchener.ca/skating. Ring in the new year with your
for all ages. To register, visit kitchener. ca/activenet.
During the holidays and throughout winter season, Josslin Insurance sponsors free skating at Kitchener arenas. To find out when and where, visit kitchener.ca/skating. City Hall’s rink is open daily from 9am to 11pm. You can borrow skates at the Kitchener Public Library Central Branch.
There are always cool events happening in Ward 2 and our city. I keep an active list of them on my website. If you’re looking for
1:30-4pm
Get ready to dance the night away at Night of Legends, our New Year’s Eve celebration that has something for everyone! The evening kicks off with a pre-New Year’s show featuring tributes to Pink, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Mick Jagger, and Blondie, leading up to an early family countdown for a festive start. The excitement doesn’t stop there! Get set to ring in 2025 with Canada’s top Abba tribute band, AbbaMania! As we head toward midnight, join us for a “Dancing Queen” moment and say “Thank You for the Music” as we welcome a brand new year with
the outdoor rink too.
As we head into winter, I’d like to direct you to kitchener.ca/snow for information on everything related to snow clearing and on street parking during the winter.
For example, from December 1 to March 31, no overnight parking is allowed on city streets. And, when there’s a snowfall of 8cm or more forecasted, we will declare a snow event. This means for the period of the snow event, you will not be able to park on city streets. Subscribe to receive notifications at kitchener.ca/
family and friends at Kitchener’s New Year’s Night of Legends!
Our New Year’s Eve celebration has something for everyone! The evening kicks off with a pre-New Year’s show featuring tributes to Pink, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Mick Jagger, and Blondie, leading up to an early family countdown for a festive start.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Get set to ring in 2025 with Canada’s top Abba tribute band, AbbaMania! As we head toward midnight, join us for a “Dancing
something to do, visit daveschnider. com and click on Events and Festivals.
For Christmas Eve services in Ward 2, visit my website daveschnider. com. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025!
For assistance, contact me directly or use our 24-hour contact centre, 519-741-2345 or info@kitchener.ca. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @DaveSchniderKW or “friend” me on Facebook. Visit my website daveschnider.com for lots of Ward 2 and city info.
legendary style.
The New Years levee is free and open to all. Food, prizes and entertainment make this a great event to share with your family and friends.
Just a friendly reminder that December 1-March 31-no overnight parking on City streets. For more information, please head to kitchener.ca/snow
Lastly, I just want to remind everyone that I have a quarterly meet and greet to hear your concerns, questions and suggestions.
As always, please reach out if you have any concerns or comments in between meetings.
snow.
On this same page, you’ll also find two interactive maps this winter. The city’s “snow plow priorities map” will show you the order in which roads are cleared, and the “getting around map” is activated during snow events to show which roads have already been cleared, to help you plan your trip.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. Contact me with your questions and concerns at Christine.michaud@kitchener.ca.
Queen” moment and say “Thank You for the Music” as we welcome a brand-new year with legendary style.
Then on January 5, celebrate the new year with the mayor, city council members and your neighbours at our free carnival-themed celebration under the big top of City Hall! Plan for an afternoon full of family-friendly fun with this year’s New Year’s Levee activities: games, prizes, live music, magic, facepainting, balloon twisting and more!
Kitchener named birdfriendly city
Nature Canada has named Kitchener a bird-friendly city due to ongoing efforts to reduce critical threats to birds, population monitoring, education and stewardship. Representatives of the Kitchener Bird Team attended Council to announce the designation. The Kitchener Bird Team is generating enthusiasm for local bird conservation through a contest to name Kitchener’s official bird. Check out the finalist birds and vote by searching “Welcome to the Bird Friendly Kitchener City Bird Vote.
Kitchener names 2024 Artist in Residence Council approved the appointment of Ellie Anglin as Kitchener’s 2024 Artist in Residence following the recommendation by the City’s Public Arts Working Group and Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Anglin was selected through a public procurement process. The 2024 residency is a sixmonth opportunity focusing on creative writing, visual storytelling and experimental publication design. More information on Anglin’s residency will be shared on kitchener.ca/AIR. Council approves new operating model for Conrad Centre
Council approved a new operating model for the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts. The model considers the needs of the local performing arts community, audience members, the core competencies of venue management, and Council’s 2023 – 2026 strategic plan and long-term vision for culture and entertainment in Kitchener. Moving forward, the City will lead venue operations with the support of Green Light Arts –a non-profit arts organization. A City-led operating model will help staff meet the mandate of the Conrad Centre, while recognizing the needs of performing arts organizations and presenters. A mentorship services agreement between the City
Dear Ward 6 Neighbours,
I’m proud of the work that has gone into Kitchener’s 2025 draft budget, which reflects our shared priority to support a growing,
Hi Ward 7! I heard a lot of residents inquiring about the Westheights Park Natural Area restoration, so I wanted to give you an update. The City of Kitchener is
tee on December 2 recommended
It’s the season for skiing, skating, sledding, all sorts of winter fun!
But with snow, it’s also time to think about
vibrant community, while keeping life affordable.
This year’s proposed tax increase is 3.9%. While any increase is significant, Kitchener’s 10-year average increase of 2.47% remains below Ontario’s inflation rate of 2.64%, confirming our commitment to delivering value and maintaining affordability for residents.
The budget supports vital services and key investments in and close to our Ward 6 community. I’m particularly excited about the new and improved splash pad
developing a plan for the ecological management and restoration of the park, but also wants to listen to the residents who will be using it, so there has been significant community input recently. Based on these community workshops, the project has identified these key priorities:
Plant management priorities include removing invasive species like Phragmites, enhancing biodiversity through native plantings, and restoring woodland areas. Wildlife management strategies focus on creating turtle nesting
magical. The Tree is up and decorated in Carl Zehr Square, and the rink just opened this week! It’s lovely to watch the skaters, from kids learning to skate, to people who look like they may have been Olympians doing lovely routines. Come and enjoy our downtown, do some shopping and grab a beverage at one of our local shops.
For those that are looking to do some special shopping this month, I would encourage you to Shop Local. We have amazing local businesses who would love to have you check
postponing the start date to January 2026.
IZ is one of the few tools available to lower-tiered governments to address the affordable housing crisis. It requires a percentage of floor space ranging from 1-5% in all new developments to be affordable.
In fact, staff predict that under IZ, at most, 10 affordable units across all developments might be built in a year. But 10 affordable units is better than zero! What do developers get out of helping solve the affordable
ness. Property owners must clear the sidewalks around their property of both snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall. These sidewalks must be maintained to bare pavement on an ongoing basis. This includes clearing snow and ice on the sidewalk that prevents safe pedestrian access to the road, often found at corner lots.
If you need help with snow shoveling, there are two agencies that offer paid snow removal to seniors or anyone who cannot clear their sidewalks:
• Community Support Connec-
at Chandler-Mowat Community Center and upgrades to McLennan Park - spaces where families can gather and connect. We’re also building for the future with new facilities like the Schlegel Park Recreation Complex, a library, and a community centre in southwest Kitchener.
Sustainability and affordability remain top priorities. The budget will also fund the expansion of our tree canopy, allow for energyefficient upgrades in city owned facilities, and support affordable
habitats, installing wood duck nest boxes, and protecting areas critical for species like Chimney Crayfish. Pollinator-friendly planting zones are also proposed.
Public input has emphasized the importance of maintaining the pond’s natural state, enhancing accessibility, and fostering educational opportunities. Suggestions include installing interpretive signage, organizing seasonal cleanups, and involving residents in ecological initiatives.
Concerns about potential pond
them out and spend your money supporting your neighbours. Belmont Village is right in our Ward and I know the shops and retailers there would love your support! Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. With winter comes overnight parking restrictions to be aware of. If you want to park in a legal parking spot overnight between December 1 and March 31, you need an overnight parking exemption. Here is the link to get an overnight parking exemption: kitchener.ca/parking/overnightparking-exemption.
housing crisis when, after all, they are in the business to make money?
The city has done several things to subsidize the building of affordable units. It waives development charges on affordable units, it waives parkland dedication fees, parking requirements have been reduced to zero (this is one of the most expensive parts of all new buildings) and it has up-zoned all areas around the Major Transit Station Areas where IZ can be applied. The Provincial and Federal governments have provided
tions, 519-772-8787
• The Working Centre, 519-7431151
You can also contact your local high school to see if there are students who need volunteer hours and can help you through the winter. Also, winter overnight parking changes come into effect. You cannot park overnight on city streets between December 1 and March 31, even when there is no snow. When there is snowfall of 8 cm or more happening or in the forecast in the weather forecast,
housing initiatives. These projects reflect our vision of a greener, more inclusive city.
Kitchener continues to grow thoughtfully, and I’m confident this budget strikes the right balance between meeting immediate needs and investing in the long-term wellbeing of our community. Thank you for your trust and engagement as we work to build a better city for everyone.
Wishing you a happy holiday and prosperous and healthy New Year.
dredging highlight its ecological, financial, and regulatory challenges. Instead, monitoring water quality and invasive species is recommended as a proactive approach to preserve pond health. The City encourages community participation through cleanup efforts and responsible waste disposal to protect this cherished natural area. Public feedback continues to shape this evolving plan to ensure sustainable management and community connection to the park.
The City of Kitchener clears snow and ice from roads and sidewalks, but you are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks around your property.
Property owners must clear the sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall. If you need help with snow removal, you can contact The Working Centre or Community Support Connections, and they will match you with a dependable worker.
Thanks Ward 8 and Happy Holidays!
additional development discounts for purpose-built rentals.
This postponement came days after the point-in-time count of homeless people in the Region was released. There are over 2,370 homeless people, with over 9,000 households on the affordable housing waiting list. This was written prior to it coming to Council, but I wanted to thank all those who provided written submissions or delegated at the meeting. Your contributions are very important.
we will declare a snow event. When we declare a snow event, you cannot park on city streets at all. The City will clear snow and ice from roads and sidewalks around cityowned facilities, walkways and parks. It takes between 16 and 24 hours to plow all routes after the snow has stopped falling. We assign each snow plow a specific route of the city and priority for plowing. You can check where your street is on the priority list on kitchener.ca/snow.
and Green Light Arts will be in effect until June 30, 2026. Council advances construction of 640 residential units Council approved zoning bylaw amendments, and adopted and forwarded official plan amendment applications to the Region of Waterloo for approval, to permit the construction of:
• 120 rental units in an 8-storey building at 169-183 Victoria Street South.
• 456 units in a 45-storey tower at 864-876 King Street West.
• 64 units in stacked townhouses at 60 Trussler Road. Heritage Kitchener to designate five properties Council recognized the importance of our community’s cultural heritage by passing five Notices of Intent to Designate. These properties are listed on the City’s Municipal Heritage Register.
Key decisions of Council is a summary of major discussion items presented at Kitchener City Council meetings and written by City of Kitchener communication staff. It is circulated immediately following each meeting. Please refer to the minutes for an official record of the meeting.
By Helen Hall
Over 30 grass roots collectives, from neighbourhood organizations to various affinity groups sharing common interests about social concerns, hosted displays at the Festival of Neighbourhoods Community Summit on November 24.
Groups defending the city’s Safe Consumption site and those offering social justice programs for children, hosted information booths alongside
municipal groups like the City of Kitchener’s Love My Hood and Lived Expertise Working Group, and the Region of Waterloo’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.
About 80 people from Kitchener attended this year’s Festival of Neighbourhoods’ Community Summit.
This offered Kitchener residents a chance to connect to active working groups, and offices connected to the municipality that are directly engaged
in improving shared quality of life, while addressing the most pressing issues of the day in a more relaxed environment.
The Festival of Neighbourhoods plans to change its direction from focusing on groups to focusing on individuals.
“Given the experiments and considerations this year, the Festival proposes to move forward with an adjustment in focus, and with new branding and relationships,” said Festival founder John MacDonald at the
summit.
“Today’s summit will help us further explore these ideas, and chart the way forward. In the coming year, our intention is that the Festival will continue to build capacity in our community, albeit at a more individual scale of neighbour rather than solely neighbourhood, and amplification of voice for those who are not yet well-served by the idea of neighbourhood.”
At the Summit, participants were able to share thoughts,
opinions and desires related to two core questionsI we us they belong when…? How do we make where we live a kinder place?
Many spoke about equity, inclusion, and connecting with others. Others brought ideas to improve their neighbourhoods.
To find out more about what was discussed at the Festival of Neighbourhoods’ Community Summit, and its direction in the future, visit festivalofneighbourhoods.ca.
The Festival of Neighbourhoods Community Summit began with a sage burning, drums, and speeches. Shown above are Alyssa Pelletier and Kelly Welch.
home or semi-detached that you can decorate in any fashion you choose because of holidays or special occasions.
Emily Cho, the Lead in Outreach and Strategic Partnerships for Level Up explains how her groups offers social justice programs for children between the ages of 9-12 and 12-15 years. The group meets at the Downtown Community Centre. The group also goes on field trips to local institutions, organizations and people who support youth in action.
rectors
home or semi-detached that you can decorate in any fashion you choose because of holidays or special occasions.
It is imperative that you review your condominium rules and policies? Most condominium documents will inform you if outside decorations are permitted, what type of decorations, where they are to be located and for what length of time they may be displayed. Decorating policies are in place to maintain marketing values by allowing a uniform appearance from the outside of the building. After all, not everyone would be delighted at the thought of a blown up Santa and his team of reindeers appearing on several balconies or the rooftop of your
It is imperative that you review your condominium rules and policies? Most condominium documents will inform you if outside decorations are permitted, what type of decorations, where they are to be located and for what length of time they may be displayed. Decorating policies are in place to maintain marketing values by allowing a uniform appearance from the outside of the building.
After all, not everyone would be delighted at the thought of a blown up Santa and his team of reindeers appearing on several balconies or the rooftop of your
The ducks are nicely in a row for 2025 to be a strong year in Real Estate for Kitchener Waterloo. The key indicators that I look for are: #1 active listings on the market, #2 interest rates, #3 home values and, finally, #4 consumer confidence.
Active listings are on the way down, period. This is good for Sellers and bad for Buyers, period. This generally means prices will be on the rise, as supply
condo townhouse.
condo townhouse. Each corporation usually has some sort of guidelines in order to eliminate decorations that could also cause property damage or interfere with maintenance/repairs. For instance, some owners may think nothing of drilling a hole into their entrance door to accommodate a wreath. Others may string dozens of lights that burn for hours, not realizing that the hydro to power these lights may be a common expense. What about wall plugs and wiring up of the lights? All these factors are critical in maintaining the safety and security of the building in regards to fire. This is probably why most hi-rise condos only allow
Each corporation usually has some sort of guidelines in order to eliminate decorations that could also cause property damage or interfere with maintenance/repairs. For instance, some owners may think nothing of drilling a hole into their entrance door to accommodate a wreath. Others may string dozens of lights that burn for hours, not realizing that the hydro to power these lights may be a common expense. What about wall plugs and wiring up of the lights? All these factors are critical in maintaining the safety and security of the building in regards to fire. This is probably why most hi-rise condos only allow artificial Christmas trees. If
you cannot you
specialized in the Stanley Park area for over 36 years.
another decrease of .25%.
Home values also decreased significantly, making ownership more affordable. Prices dropped from a high of $1.2 million for a detached home to presently $900,000 for the same property. That’s a $300,000 dollar drop.
Finally, consumer confidence, this is one duck that is not in line with the others. Consumers are still wary
paramedics from Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services were recognized with national and provincial awards. The awards celebrate their excellence in patient care and commitment to the community.
“Paramedics provide critical care in our most vulnerable moments,” said Karen Redman, Chair, Regional Municipality of Waterloo. “Their quick thinking, compassion and expertise save lives every day, bringing hope and comfort when it is needed most. Congratulations and thank you to our exceptional paramedics for their dedication and service.”
Six paramedics were presented with the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services
Exemplary Service Medal on October 3, 2024, including:
• Jeremy Bartlett - Advanced Care Paramedic
• Krystyna Brooks - Primary Care Paramedic
• Darren Elliott - Advanced Care Paramedic
• Trevor Haelzle - Superintendent
• Tyson Leader - Superintendent
• John Van Wheelie – Superintendent (Retired)
The medal celebrates paramedics who have provided at least 20 years of exemplary service with high standards of conduct, industry and efficiency. At least ten years of service must have been on duty in the field, involving potential risk to the individual.
Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) Humanitarian Award
Annette Jang, a Primary Care
St. George’s of Forest Hill - Anglican 321 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener (519) 744-4751 www.stgeorgesofforesthill.com
St Paul’s Lutheran Church (Bridgeport) 101-544 Bridgeport Rd E., Kitchener ON N2K 1N7 Phone: 519-743-4464
Pastor Mario Hryniewicz
Paramedic received the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs Humanitarian Award for her work leading the Santa to Seniors program. This initiative provides gifts from Santa to isolated seniors who lack family support or have little contact with loved ones during the holiday season.
The OAPC Humanitarian Award recognizes paramedics for their dedicated efforts to help those in need.
Exemplary Service Medal –30 and 40-year Bars
Two paramedics will receive their 30 and 40-year bars to be added to their Exemplary Service Medals.
• Fred McCallum, Superintendent – 30 Years
• Brad Heikoop, Advanced Care Paramedic (Retired) – 40 Years
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.
Email: https://stpaulsbridgeport.weebly.com/ Worship Service: 10:00 am All are Welcome!
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 Hope Lutheran 30 Shaftsbury Drive, Kitchener ON N2A 1N6 (519) 893-5290 www.hopelc.ca Worship Service Times 10:00 am Worship Service 11:15 am Adult Bible Study Nursery open at this time
by Audrey Magee
Review by Angela Myers Senior Library Assistant
Audrey Magee’s historical fiction book, “The Colony,” is a gorgeously written love letter to rural Ireland, a scathing criticism of imperialism and a question about the complicated choices that come with independence.
In the summer of 1979, during one of the most violent periods of The Troubles, an English painter named Mr. Lloyd boards a boat to spend the summer on a tiny island off the west coast of a war-weary Ireland. He has high hopes that by capturing the quaint and simple locals on canvas he can catapult his career and recover his wife’s affections back in London. A second summer cottage is soon rented by the Frenchman, Masson, who has been visiting the island for years to document and preserve the Irish language, while grappling with his own French-Algerian colonial heritage.
The two visitors squabble over culture, language and the attention of the locals. Meanwhile the island’s lifelong Gaelic speaking inhabitants, including the widowed Mairéad, great-grandmother Bean Uí Fhloinn and young James face new possibilities as modernity
approaches their island, and their way of life seems to be coming to an end. The islanders must forge their own future amidst the desire to cultivate their personal identity, contrary to the plans of the interlopers.
Magee transported me entirely with scenes painted like the oil on canvas works of her protagonist. One moment the reader feels as vulnerable as a tiny rowboat on the Atlantic Ocean, and the next we are warmed by whiskey and a pink sunset glowing through the spray beyond the island’s rocky cliffs. Yet these picturesque chapters are interspersed with brief descriptions of the bursts of violence on the mainland, planting the story firmly in conflict.
The dialogue, peppered generously with the Irish language, speaks volumes in subtext. I often felt like I was watching a well-acted play. As a fan of a foggy stage and the Irish lilt, I would gladly fly to Dublin for what I hope will be the inevitable stage adaptation.
The Colony is available in print and e-book formats from the Kitchener Public Library.
Berry and Mama V – Christmas 2023
Happy Holidays, Kitchener!
It’s hard to believe that another year is quickly coming to an end! And what a year it has been with many of our strategic priorities advanced throughout 2024! Investments in new community facilities was a priority in 2024, with construction of our new Indoor Recreation Complex at RBJ Schlegel Park, a new public library in Rosenberg, and the new Williamsburg community centre getting started. Council also approved our new Growing Together plan, permitting both missing middle housing and four-unit dwellings, a new affordable housing zoning bylaw, and a rental replacement bylaw. We continued to prioritize our Make it Kitchener economic development priorities including investments in Communitech and seeing the new UW Innovation Arena open last month. We also endorsed our City’s commitments to GHG reductions through our Corporate Climate Action plan. All in all a busy year, with much more ahead in 2025!
December 1st, also marked 10 years since I had the privilege of being sworn in as Kitchener’s 68th Mayor. I am as humbled today, by the responsibility you have entrusted me with, as I was on December 1, 2014. Together, with our amazing City Council, we are honoured to work tirelessly, to work collaboratively with you, our community partners and other orders of government to serve the needs of our great city! For all of us in public service, none of this would be possible without the support of our loved ones, and this year, I recognize Mama V, who I recently said a final farewell to. Mom supported me over my 30 years in elected service, and for that, I say a heartfelt thank you!
Friends, as we enter this holiday season and look forward to 2025, let us do so with gratitude, hope, kindness and love and let us look for the best in others and give the best of ourselves. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just the joy of the holiday season, from my family to yours, best wishes for a safe and joyous holiday season with family and friends, and may the New Year bring you health, happiness and prosperity!
SEASON’S GREETINGS & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025