Kitchener Citizen - September 2024 by Kitchener Citizen

MONTHLY STORYTELLING SERIES

Celebrating 28 Years of Serving Kitchener

“Because good news is news

Sharing stories from the heart of neighbourhoods

From organizing street parties to growing community gardens, building little libraries, and much more, the City of Kitchener’s LoveMyHood program reflects its commitment to empowering residents in shaping their own neighbourhoods - one residentled project at a time.

In 2017, thousands of residents shared their vision for stronger, more connected neighbourhoods in one of the city’s largest community engagement efforts. From this, Kitchener’s first official neighbourhood strategy, LoveMyHood, was born. To date, LoveMyHood funding has supported 180 neighbourhood events, programs, and projects across Kitchener.

“We have reached a significant milestone for the LoveMy-

Hood program, as we surpass one million dollars granted to resident-led neighbourhood projects over the years,” announced Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.

“Together, we are creating great places, connecting people, and encouraging neighbours to work together.”

In celebration of this incredible funding milestone and the remarkable journey of its LoveMyHood program over the years, the City of Kitchener hosted a community evening of storytelling, live music, barbecue, and an outdoor movie at the Victoria Hills Community Centre.

Additionally, the city published a commemorative book, ‘Stories from the Heart of our Neighbourhoods’, with a collection of stories highlighting

LoveMyHood projects, in collaboration with the neighbourhood groups that lead them. These stories will also be featured regularly on www.lovemyhood.ca/stories.

The LoveMyHood Matching Grant supports resident-led, city supported projects, with up to $200,000 in funding awarded each year to support eligible proposals. The next application deadline is November 14, 2024.

To learn more about the LoveMyHood Matching Grant, please visit www.lovemyhood. ca/LMHgrant.

* * *

This is the first of a monthly storytelling series of articles that will be submitted to the Kitchener Citizen by the City of Kitchener.

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?

Facepainting at the LoveMyHood celebration held at the Victoria Hills Community Centre in August.

Ask the Expert

ATTENDANT CARE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS

What is the important Court of Appeal decision for accident victims deemed catastrophically impaired by their auto insurer before September 1, 2010?

AIn this case, we represented an accident victim who was injured in 2000 and entitled to lifetime medical and attendant care. Before the 2010 legislative changes, benefits were payable if an injured person had a valid need for assistance. For our client’s benefits to still be payable, argued the insurance company, he was bound by the new definition of “incurred”, which requires upfront payment for care services to receive benefits. We have secured an important victory for our client; the Court rejected the insurer’s argument; it ruled that for pre-2010 claims, benefits remain payable based on the need for assistance, not on whether the victim has already paid for services.

Additionally, the Court overturned a previous decision that limited retroactive claims for attendant care. Now, accident victims can submit forms detailing their care needs and receive benefits backdated to when those needs arose, even if there was a delay in submitting the paperwork. This ruling ensures fairer access to benefits for long-term accident victims and recognizes the challenges they face in arranging and documenting care needs.

If you were deemed Catastrophically Impaired in a pre-June 2010 accident, consult with a personal injury lawyer to determine what this decision means to you.

By Irene SchmIdt-Adeney

In August, media outlets were filled with news about the tragic sinking of the super yacht ‘Bayesian’ off the coast of Sicily during a storm.

The yacht was owned by British tech magnate Mike Lynch, and he and his daughter Hannah were among seven people who drowned.

Due to the 50-metre depth of the Tyrrhenian Sea where the yacht was located, recovery efforts required the use of remote operated vehicles (ROVs). And the equipment was built by Deep Trekker, of Kitchener.

“It is our ROVs,” said Global Sales Manager Cody Warner. “It’s our REVOLUTION model that the Italian Coast guard uses.”

Warner has been with the company since it was headquartered on Melair Drive in Ayr in 2014. The operation moved to Kitchener in 2019.

Deep Trekker is known for its submersible robots that are primarily used to inspect watercraft below the water surface. The company received international attention when its equipment was used to explore two famous shipwrecks – the HMS Erebus, from Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated journey to the Northwest Passage in 1845, and the USS Arizona from the bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941.

Moody’s describes Waterloo Region’s outlook as stable

Moody’s

Investors Services has rated the Region of Waterloo with a Triple-A credit rating for another year. The Region has held the rating since the year 2000. Moody’s described the Region’s outlook as “stable.”

“Maintaining a Triple-A credit rating for over two decades speaks to Council’s commitment to strong financial stewardship,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “We will continue investing in programs

and services that support the needs of residents in a fiscally responsible, and sustainable way.”

According to Moody’s, the Triple-A rating reflects “strong levels of operating surpluses, supported by predictable revenue sources and a robust, growing economy.” The region has two credit challenges – debt burden rising to pre-pandemic levels as the region faces large capital spending plans, and recent provincial changes that re-

sult in operating and structural challenges.

“The debt burden could rise to 80% by 2025 and may reach 90% by 2027,” according to Moody’s. “Despite the still elevated levels of interest rates, we characterize the region’s debt affordability as very strong.”

To limit the growth in debt levels, the region says it will continue to prioritize capital funding sources such as reserves, or pay-as-you go capital financing.

Deep Trekker Global Sales Manager Cody Warner with the Deep Trekker REVOLUTION remote operated vehicle.

Photo provided.

Waterloo Region Council news briefs

General Contractor chosen to create 136-unit affordable housing in Cambridge

Q. I just bought a new condo and I am very excited about decorating the outside for Christmas. Is it correct that I can decorate any way I please or are there stipulations in the Condominium Act regarding decorating? I have heard conflicting stories and don’t know where to check for this information.

looking at a long-term plan for separated cycling lanes along the Benton-Frederick corridor.

condo townhouse.

A. It happens all the time. A purchaser buys their first condo 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 minute! Not so fast! Buying a condo is not like purchasing a private

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.

home or semi-detached that you can decorate in any fashion you choose because of holidays or special occasions.

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

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 artificial Christmas trees. If

Seven-stories of new affordable housing will be built at 589 Langs Drive in Cambridge by Norlon Builders for $52 million. This project will have 136 units, ranging from one to five bedrooms, to provide more affordable homes for people in Waterloo Region. The building will also include a space for the Langs Drive Youth Centre, and be efficiently designed, with solar and geothermal energy sources so that it has net-zero carbon emissions. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall. Bike lanes coming to Benton and Frederick Streets

Regional Council has approved the addition of new cycling lanes near downtown Kitchener. One lane in each direction will be reserved for cyclists in 2025, on Benton Street between Courtland Avenue and Charles Street, and on Frederick Street between Weber and Lancaster Streets. These will improve road safety and better connect people to nearby bike lanes and trails. Staff are also

Benefits of Buying In The Fall

The fall Real Estate market is a great time to get a good deal for these three basic reasons.

First, the fall inventory is much higher than the rest of the year. Currently, there are twelve hundred homes for sale in KitchenerWaterloo, which is more than triple the number of homes we saw on average over the past five years.

Second, there are fewer buyers competing for all those listings. Most buying and selling in Real Estate is done in the spring market.

And finally, your Realtor will have more time to give you the personal attention that you deserve. In a busy market, I can be showing homes to 2 or 3 different clients a day, but in the fall market I might have only 2 or 3 during the entire week.

This means that with more listings and fewer buyers, Sellers are more motivated and open to negotiating on their homes, especially if they don’t want to hold on to their home over the winter months.

New paramedic station coming to Cambridge

you cannot find the information you require in your documents then contact your board of directors or property manager. Decorating is a delightful activity 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 directors or property manager.

Decorating is a delightful activity that no doubt enhances holiday spirit. However, don’t let the Corporation Grinch spoil your Christmas and order you to remove your decorations be-

Regional Council has approved a plan to redevelop a Region-owned property at 651 Concession Road into a new Paramedic Services station in Cambridge. A new station is needed here to meet the demands of a growing population, to support service to the southern half of the Region, and will help improve ambulance response times. Using this existing Region of Waterloo property will likely save approximately $1 million. The estimated construction cost is $12.6 million and the project is expected to be finished in 2027 Cart-based waste collection for downtown businesses

Regional Council has approved a new automated cartbased system for garbage, recycling, and organic pick-up for downtown businesses. This matches the cart-based system coming in 2026 for residential waste pick-up. The areas where businesses are eligible for collection is also changing. These changes improve consistency across Waterloo Region and encourage waste diversion by maintaining recycling and adding a new organics collection for businesses. The automated carts will reduce litter, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve pest control.

Region of Waterloo investing $225,000 in local festivals and events

Regional Council has approved $225,000 for 19 local arts groups and festivals through the Cultural Drivers of Tourism program for 2024. The program provides annual funding to eligible non-profit organizations that help attract tourists to the region. Groups from each municipality in the Region of Waterloo will receive funding to enrich the cultural offerings throughout our community.

cause you failed to investigate or follow the rules. Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

nesses, including an economic impact of more than $17 million and 8,000 visitors per day. These regional funds would come from a reserve fund designed to support one-time cultural events.

Region to receive $18M in infrastructure funds

Marilyn Lincoln is a condominium owner, director and author of The Condominium Self Management Guide, 2nd edition. Send questions to marilyncondoguide@hotmail.com

cause you failed to investigate or follow the rules. Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

Marilyn Lincoln is a condominium owner, director and author of The Condominium Self Management Guide, 2nd edition. Send questions to marilyncondoguide@hotmail.com

Regional Council has passed a by-law enabling the Region of Waterloo to receive $18 million in federal funds for infrastructure repairs. These yearly payments from the federal government’s Canada Community Building Fund are used to maintain the transportation infrastructure that residents rely on. The Region of Waterloo will receive a total of $97 million from 2024 to 2028. Council endorses rail link from Cambridge to Guelph Regional Council is asking for a new passenger rail connection from Cambridge to Guelph, the largest unserved transit corridor outside of the Greater Toronto - Hamilton Area.

sponsible condo detectors proper concerns bour told battery because times.

market during this global pandemic was not what we expected. You would think things would have slowed down, but not in Kitchener Waterloo where prices have increased and the number of active listings has decreased. So what’s in store for the future with us? Some have said if a global pandemic can’t slow us down then nothing will, and they might be right. But this boom has to end sometime, they all do. But when is the big question.

The train service would connect Cambridge to the GO rail network via Guelph Central Station. With almost 2.7 million annual car trips between Guelph and Cambridge in 2023, this service would provide faster travel times for our growing population reducing a 26–55-minute car drive (depending on time of day) to a 15-minute train ride. It would also reduce the need for driving by providing an equitable alternative, connecting people to job opportunities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Council is asking the provincial transportation agency Metrolinx to work on implementing this service in the future.

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

If 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 If you would like to your house has increased me a call at 519-589-3554, happy to give you an value.

Sales withRe/Max has the areafor

So what’s in store for the future with us?

Region of Waterloo pledges funds to support e-sports event

Some have said if a global pandemic can’t slow us down then nothing will, and they might be right. But this boom has to end sometime, they all do. But when is the big question.

We are excited to announce that we are moving to a new location effective Sept.19 2022.

The Region of Waterloo will provide $200,000 in cultural funding to Explore Waterloo Region, if their bid to host a major esports event is successful. This community has been shortlisted as a possible host for a competition in June 2025. Esports are multiplayer video games played competitively for spectators, with international appeal. If their bid is chosen, Explore Waterloo Region expects significant positive impacts on tourism and local busi-

Gascho Automotive Limited YOUR FULL SERVICE ONE STOP AUTO SHOP! 130 Birch Ave Unit 4 • Kitchener

Region to review its Taxi By-law Regional Council has directed staff to review the Region of Waterloo’s taxi by-law for accessibility enhancements and other positive changes. Staff will consider Calgary’s centralized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle dispatch method as an approach that could be adopted in Waterloo Region. As a result of recent changes implemented to the Region’s taxi incentive program, the number of accessible taxis available in Waterloo Region has recently increased from 16 taxis to 25. Staff will report back to council with an update in March 2025.

Some have said if a global pandemic can’t slow us down then nothing will, and they might be right. But this boom has to end sometime, they all do. But when is the big question.

JULY AREA SALES REPORT

* * *

Please check the Region of Waterloo’s website regionofwaterloo.ca for complete minutes of the meeting.

If I was thinking of 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 If you would like to your house has increased me a call at 519-589-3554, happy to give you an value.

and closing date to be agreed upon by Peter and the seller.

Peter

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.

Hope Lutheran

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

Worship Ser vice : 10:00 a.m.

Key Decisions of Kitchener Council: August 26, 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 approves Lodging House Bylaw Council approved a bylaw permitting lodging houses citywide. This new bylaw aims to improve public safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control while also reducing barriers for property owners. Key changes include more robust licensing requirements, enhanced property maintenance measures, and enhanced safety measures (mandatory inspections, advertising requirements, the implementation of a Lodging House Handbook and a ‘Dedicated Responsible Person’).

Licensing fees have also been reduced and a public application portal will be made available for applicants. Currently, there are only 15 licensed lodging houses in Kitchener, but staff estimate there are approx-

Nursery closed at this time ww w.hopelc ca

imately 150-300 unlicensed lodging houses operating in the City.

Breslau Evangelic al Missionar y Church 102 Woolwich St., Breslau (519) 648-2712

Property tax exemption helps support affordable housing Council approved an exemption of the City’s portion of property tax levies for nonprofit and co-operative affordable housing service providers. This is another way Kitchener is helping to support an increase in housing supply across the continuum. The City has also played a role in implementing incentives to accelerate the growth of affordable housing units, such as:

all incentives available and support them to get affordable housing built.

Sunday Worship Ser vice: 10 a m

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

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

Staff will report back to council after the first full year of the program’s implementation. Read more online.

Council supports heritage designation for nine properties

Stanley Park Community Church

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

Pastor: John Pearce

Council supported Heritage Committee recommendations to extend heritage designation to nine properties:

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

• 113-151 Charles Street West

• 148 Madison Avenue South,

Nexus Church

• 171-173 Victoria Street North

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

• Creating a non-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive pilot offering a $10,000 grant per affordable unit.

Sunday Ser vice 10:30 a.m.

• 1738 Trussler Road

• 709 King Street West

w w w.nexuschurch.ca

• 83-85 King Street West

All are welcome!

• Providing an affordable rental housing fee waiver within transit corridors.

• Offering a concierge service by assigning a project manager to navigate the approvals process for affordable housing projects and support meeting project timelines.

• Where possible, the City of Kitchener is helping affordable housing providers to stack

GRAND REOPENING OF WILSON PARK - The City of Kitchener celebrated the grand reopening of Wilson Park on September 14. The reopening highlighted upgrades made across Kitchener’s park network, including Wilson, Vanier, and Traynor Parks. These upgrades include: New play and sports facilities; Restoration of Montgomery Creek; Improved paths and seating; Interactive water play area; and Creative use of willow logs.Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Ward 3 Councillor Jason Deneault, and MP Valerie Bradford helped mark the occasion. Above, Councillor Deneault speaks at the ceremony.

(X Photo)

• 87-91 King Street West

• 97-99 King Street West

• 103-109 King Street West

Is the housing boom going

The market during this global pandemic was not what we expected. You would think things would have slowed down, but not in Kitchener Waterloo where prices have increased and the number of active listings has decreased. So what’s in store for the future with us? Some have said if a global pandemic can’t slow us down then nothing will, and they might be right. But this boom has to end sometime, they all do. But when is the big question.

Some have said if a global pandemic can’t slow us down then nothing will, and they might be right. But this boom has to end sometime, they all do. But when is the big question.

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

For a free in home market evaluation in your area, call me

*Price and closing date to be agreed upon by Peter and the seller.

seller.

KNOW SOMEONE TALKING ABOUT MOVING? CALL US TODAY. LISTINGS NEEDED. WE LOVE Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

A. Ho this article has

& R A N T S raves

I N I O N PAG E

YOU DON’T KNOW JACK

Let ter to the editor

When a ban is for the best

By JAck nAhrgAng

Dear Carrie Debrone,

LHeading 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

abour Day weekend traditionally signifies summer’s end and the start of school, but this year’s demarcation is a metaphorical standing stone -- when an event or action of great significance is marked with a clear, unambiguous directive. Because that’s what the Ontario government’s classroom cellphone ban represents – acknowledgement of a past, flawed educational decision, followed by a change to literally save the minds of young people.

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?

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

Parental support of this new policy is critical; most guardians and parents control deployment of devices and data plans at home. And let’s be clear; no one is policing smartphone use at your address: it can still range from the strictly regulated to the wild, wild west. Instead, it’s a strengthening of a school’s learning environment that needs help from home. Depending upon the grade level, students still possess their phones but they’re either in a locker or turned off during instructional time.

Because the transmission of any lesson has a better chance of reception if collective attention is fostered, if class discussion is encouraged, and if the platform of critical thinking is thoughtfully constructed. And that can’t happen if thirty students are perusing sports highlights, viewing influencers, or even chatting with parents about after school pick-up times.

Let ter to the editor 1187

It is such information that prompted many parents and educators to pressure the province to intervene and promote reasonable smartphone use in our schools.

another reading and also promised to call me back It was the very next day that I received her call telling m nt owing was now $200 10, a mere difference of $251 w often the meter had been misread in the past

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

Given the complexities of today’s world, who doesn’t want well-rounded students – those who explore different extracurricular, academic, and social opportunities that are curated by educators and populated by peers? Wouldn’t you rather have a dinner discussion about how to combat food insecurity than what superhero card your offspring is missing from their collector’s album?

In 2006, I was a faculty member who helped open Huron Heights Secondary School on Strasburg Road. With an initial population of 500 students from grades 9 and 10, we discussed the benefits of banning cell phones from the classroom.

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

Respectfully, Ingrid E Merkel

But this was our cyberworld: MySpace ruled social networking, YouTube (launched in 2005) had 100 million views per day, and Twitter first tweeted in July. Our school board would soon introduce Chromebooks for students; surely adults could guide our precious adolescents to an educational promised land.

Just what makes Kitchener so good at Ar ts development?

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

So it’s not so much a ban as a pragmatic pause that is long overdue. Not one empirical study exists that supports adolescence cellphone addiction as beneficial; findings to the contrary exceed 100,000. We now know that obsessive smartphone use by young people is often accompanied by psychological and social problems including social anxiety, poor academic performance and strained family relationships.

LETTER

TO THE EDITOR

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

But business has its own agenda. Unregulated sugary commerce will always eclipse educational food for thought. Today, YouTube registers over two billion visits a day with videos in 4K quality. Unless there’s a curriculum tie-in, school lessons can only survive if social media wolves are caged.

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

So please encourage young people in your households to park their phones on the shoulder of the information highway. They need reflective time to assess just where it is they want to go.

Ice Cream for Breakfast - A Make-A-Wish fundraiser continues

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

I am a grade 12 student at Grand River Collegiate in Kitchener. I have been hosting a fundraiser in Kitchener for the last 8 years (since I was 8) called Ice Cream for Breakfast.

I have a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy which causes muscle weakness, and also caused me to have scoliosis. I have had 8 big spine surgeries since I was 6 years old!

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

I was granted a wish trip in 2015 to stay at Give Kids the World Village in Florida and to meet Anna and Elsa at Disney. Since then I’ve learned that wish trips help children with childhood diseases and their families have some respite away from the life of a sick kid.

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

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

I have been fundraising by serving Ice Cream for Breakfast for 8 years now and have raised over $75,000 to wish it forwards and grant wishes.

My next fundraiser is on September 28th at the Stanley Park Community Centre. It runs from 9am to 12pm. More information can be seen on my website icecreamforbreakfast.ca

Maddy Letizi Kitchener

INVITATION TO BE A GUEST

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

g y 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

COLUMNIST

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

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

The Kitchener Citizen invites you to share your experiences with the community as a guest columnist. Do you have a rant? A viewpoint about a local event or opinion about an important issue? Or, do you have a personal or funny story? The Kitchener Citizen is looking for writers who are willing to share their views with their neighbours in a guest column. Columns should be 400-500 words long and submissions must include your name and contact information.To submit your column by email or mail, please call editor Helen Hall at 519-394-0335 or email citizenwest@hotmail.com.

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.

PARLIAMENTARY REPORT

MP Tim Louis for Kitchener Conestoga

The agriculture sector in Waterloo Region is a cornerstone of the local economy and community life. Our region boasts over 1,400 farms that host livestock and cultivate a variety of crops on Canada’s most fertile land.

The economic impact of these farms is substantial, with the sector generating millions in revenue. The diversity of farm sizes, from large operations to small-scale family farms, ensures a resilient local food system that helps feed Canada. I, like so many, am proud of Waterloo Region’s agricultural heritage.

But in Ontario alone, an average of 319 acres of farmland is lost daily. If this trend continues, 25% of Ontario’s farmland could vanish within 25 years. This is alarming because farmland is one of Canada’s most precious resources, vital for feeding families and supporting communities.

Our region is currently struggling with the threat of a controversial loss of 770 acres of prime farmland in Wilmot for a future industrial site. These are some of the best farmlands in Canada, and it’s wrong to be plowing and paving them under for something that could be

located elsewhere. While economic development is crucial, it must be done responsibly and transparently, with community involvement. However, many in Wilmot and throughout our region feel this isn’t happening.

I have been asked if the federal government is involved in this decision to turn this farmland into industrial land. I’ll be clear: the federal government is not involved and has no role in this land assembly. This land assembly and potential expropriation fall under provincial jurisdiction, meaning it’s the province and local elected officials at the regional level, not the federal government, that are making these decisions.

I’ve not been briefed by anyone at any level of government about this process. I have not signed, nor been asked to sign, any non-disclosure agreement. What I know is what I’ve learned from attending local meetings and events held by citizens, speaking to and hearing from people in our community, and following local journalists and news stories.

I have attended many citizen-led community meetings where I’ve had the opportunity to speak and more importantly, to listen and learn. These meet-

PARLIAMENTARY REPORT

MP Mike Morrice for Kitchener Centre

From connecting at community events to chats on your doorsteps - all throughout the summer, I’ve been grateful to hear from so many of you about your most pressing concerns. This has included everything from ensuring essentialslike housing - are affordable, to protecting our children’s future, to pushing the Liberal government to keep its promises.

Now that I’m back in Ottawa, it’s those concerns that guide my work in Parliament – here’s a bit more about each:

First, we need to the address the rapidly rising cost of housing in our community. In addition to my push to end incentives for large corporate investors who are raising rents on previously affordable housing, I’m doubling down on my calls for rapid investments in new affordable units. This includes my new motion to fix the criteria for federal affordable housing funding, which currently allows for the vast majority of federal housing money to go to units that aren’t affordable.

We also have to reduce the strain on community infrastructure, from housing to em-

ings have given me the chance to have thoughtful conversations with farmers and advocates throughout Wilmot and our region.

Understanding your concerns has motivated me to take action at the federal level.

As a member of our federal government’s agriculture committee, I’ve put forward a motion to study and address farmland loss in Canada. I am also working across party lines, collaborating with Senator Rob Black to help protect and preserve our farmland.

By working together, across political lines and levels of government—which is what we were elected to do—I will continue to advocate for responsible development that doesn’t sacrifice our valuable farmland. Because it’s simply too important to lose.

ployment, that has been worsened by exponential increases in temporary residents - while protecting these residents from exploitation. To-date, the federal government has taken up four of ten measures I’ve proposed with respect to international students - including doubling the money they must have in the bank before their arrival in Canada, and reducing the number of hours they can work each week to better focus on school. I will continue to press for the adoption of the remaining measures my motion recommended.

Second, I will continue to call for proven climate solutions that save folks money on the essentials – like funding to improve service and reduce fares on public transit, alongside free heat pumps and other incentives to retrofit our homes – all of which could be paid for by a windfall tax on the excess profits of Canada’s biggest polluters.

Finally, I’m continuing to advocate for the Liberal government to follow through on its promises. This includes fixing the Canada Disability Benefit

so that it fulfills their promise to lift people with disabilities above the poverty line. I will also continue to build crossparty support to more equitable distribute federal arts funding across the country. In our community, this would close an over $9 million gap when compared to the average of areas like Montreal, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. I will also continue to call for accountability on the three-quarters of a billion dollars the federal government committed to a two-way all-day GO train service from Kitchener to Toronto – a project promised to our community more than a decade ago!

As always, if you’re a constituent and would like to chat, please email me at mike.morrice.c1@parl.gc.ca to set up a time - being sure to include your postal code.

Welcome to the Kitchener Citizen’s 2024

'I Love Live Theatre'

Drayton Entertainment Ticket Giveaway!

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

July Winners: Dianne Hotson, Kim Wall-Stone

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

Williamsburg Community Centre will move to new location when school and community centre are built

Agroundbreaking

ceremo-

ny was held on September 11 for a new community centre and Catholic school in the Rosenberg neighbourhood of Kitchener. The centre and school will help meet the needs of this vibrant and growing community in south Kitchener.

The City of Kitchener and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) have partnered on this project in a collaborative effort to create space for students and residents to learn, grow, and thrive.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Council members and staff attended the groundbreaking to celebrate this milestone.

“Thanks to our long-standing history of partnerships with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, our teams developed a great vision for building this new community centre, which has been fully endorsed by City Council through our commitment of $6-million towards the facility,” said Vrba-

novic. “This vision has come to life thanks to the WCDSB, the Williamsburg Community Association, and our dedicated city staff team, who provided input throughout the planning process.”

The new Williamsburg Community Centre will be a 17,000 square foot facility that will serve as a hub for residents in the Rosenberg and Williamsburg neighbourhoods, offering a variety of programs and services for all ages. It will include a double gymnasium, four program rooms, offices and space for a future outdoor rink.

“South Kitchener is the fastest growing area of Kitchener, and this new community centre will provide much-needed space where neighbours can come together, families can enjoy programs, and this growing community can thrive,” said Ward 5 Councillor, Ayo Owodunni. “This community hub will serve the evolving needs of residents for many years to come.”

Once complete, the community centre will replace the existing Williamsburg Community Centre at 1187 FischerHallman Road. The Williamsburg Community Association will call the new centre home, and work to activate the space with everything from children and youth activities to fitness classes for adults.

“The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is thrilled to collaborate with the City of Kitchener on this project,” said Tyrone Dowling, Director of Education, Waterloo Catholic District School Board. “Together, we share a vision of creating a community hub where students and families can gather, learn, and grow.”

“The integration of a new school and community centre will serve this expanding community well and exemplifies what can be achieved through partnership for the greater good of our communities.”

Politicians and staff from the City of Kitchener and the Waterloo Catholic District School board stand at the location of the new building. (City of Kitchener photo)

KITCHENER 2051: OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW The City of Kitchener is asking the community – what can we do to ensure that everyone benefits from the changes that are and will continue to unfold over the next 25 years?

Join us for an exciting Block Party in Downtown Kitchener on the Gaukel Block from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th for a fun fall day with neighbours joining in interactive activities for all ages, along with free food and entertainment,

providing input to shape our new Official Plan, Kitchener 2051.

The Block Party kicks off an extensive community conversation, with an online survey that launches on the same day as the event. If you can’t attend,

the online survey will be available starting October 5th until the end of October. The City of Kitchener is also starting the Kitchener 2051 Speaker Series later in October as we ask big questions about the future of Kitchener in 2051.

For more information about Kitchener 2051 and how to stay up to date, subscribe for updates at EngageWR.ca/Kitchener2051

We’re BUILDING KITCHENER TOGETHER with a group of initiatives that have been supported by the federal and provincial governments to advance our Housing For All strategy and provide a significant boost to Kitchener’s housing supply across the continuum.

THE INITIATIVES INCLUDE:

• Growing Together: Changing land use rules around major ION transit stations to encourage density and responsible growth within core areas.

• Inclusionary zoning: Requiring developers to build affordable housing units in major transit station areas.

• City land for affordable housing: We are providing city-owned lands for affordable or supportive housing projects.

• Affordable housing grants: Providing grants to cover start-up costs for not-for-profit affordable housing units.

• Four units city-wide: Permitting up to four dwelling units on residential lots.

• Strategic land acquisition: Purchasing property and working with community partners for affordable housing developments.

Want to build additional units on your property?

OUT HOW!

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BUILD UP TO FOUR DWELLING UNITS ON LOTS THAT CURRENTLY PERMIT A SINGLE HOUSE, DETACHED OR SEMI-DETACHED – EVEN SOME TOWNHOUSES WORK!

These additional dwelling units or ADUs are separate and selfcontained units located on the same property. They may be located within an existing building, an addition to an existing building, a separate detached structure, or up to four units in a new building. You might know these types of setups as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and if the additional unit is an additional structure they’re usually called backyard or tiny homes.

Find out if ADUs could work on your property by visiting Kitchener.ca/ADU

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Neighbourhood volunteers help make our outdoor rinks possible!

With over 25 outdoor rinks, we need volunteers (ages 18+) to prepare, flood and maintain our outdoor rinks. Volunteers should live in the neighbourhood of the rink, be able to work independently outdoors, be able to lift and bend, be available 3-6 hours per week, early in the morning or late at night as needed. Rinks are open December through March, depending on weather. For more information, or to apply, visit Kitchener.ca/Volunteer or call 519-741-2200 ext. 7564.

Citizen Report Card says Kitchener making progress on STRATEGIC PLAN

Every year, Compass Kitchener – a citizen advisory committee – releases a report card evaluating the city’s execution of the strategic plan.

The 2023 report card was presented to Council this past June, evaluating five completed projects from the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan including Kitchener’s bikeshare program, the vision for downtown Kitchener, and pedestrian-first streets.

Compass Kitchener’s comprehensive evaluations, of which this is the third, let the City of Kitchener know what it is getting right and where it needs to focus further efforts. The people of Kitchener are lucky to have passionate community members participating in this unique relationship with the City of Kitchener.

Interested in learning which projects received top marks? Down the full report card at Kitchener.ca/OurPlanReportCard

The next report card evaluating the city’s 2023-2026 strategic plan projects will be shared in June 2025

Kitchener’s parks and natural areas are important spaces in our community that bring people together year-round and allow us all to enjoy the benefits of being in nature within our city’s neighbourhoods. As Kitchener has grown, our parks have had to as well to make sure these spaces support what our residents and visitors need and reflect the way we all use our parks year-round.

As part of the City’s parks strategic plan, we have been working to improve and develop our park spaces to make sure they reflect the needs of our community. Over the last year, parks and open spaces across the city have seen improvements, and we’ve even seen the development of a brand-new type of park to create another open space Kitchener residents and visitors can enjoy.

Westchester Park, Alpine Park, Westwood Park and Shoemaker Park were all updated with new play equipment or play spaces, updates to paths and trails, and infrastructure improvements to support the long-term health of the parks’ natural spaces.

This summer, the Gaukel Pocket Park opened in Downtown Kitchener. This new urban parkette creates a space for play and relaxation in the heart of the city, with a new sculptural play structure, benches and planters in the middle of a pedestrian street.

the park network, along with the City’s 5th dog park! Wilson, Vanier and Traynor Parks in the ward 3 park network also included new play and recreation facilities, but also saw restoration and naturalization of Montgomery Creek.

RELIABLE WATER ON TAP

So that we can deliver safe, clean, reliable drinking water today and for future generations, Kitchener Utilities per forms regular maintenance on its water pipes. This includes ﬂushing watermains regularly to reduce the chance of customers experiencing discoloured water

This impor tant maintenance work takes place weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. from September to November. When we are working in your area, you may notice:

• Discoloured water;

• Reduced water pressure;

• Shor t-term water outage.

If you experience discoloured water during this work, you can clear your water lines by simply running your cold water tap until the water ﬂows clear

To ﬁnd out if cleaning is scheduled for your area, enter our address at kitchenerutilities.ca/waterﬂushing

In our ward 2 and ward 3 neighbourhoods, we looked at clusters of neighbourhood parks as part of a network. Instead of upgrading one park at a time, we made changes across the whole network to better serve the community by building a variety of features across the greater neighbourhoods. Our ward 2 park network – which includes Kinzie, Oaten and Idlewood Parks – added new play equipment, walking trails, and plantings to

As we close out the year, we’ll be kicking off engagement for updates to the Victoria Park Master Plan and will see the culmination of the City’s Places & Spaces strategy, which will guide strategy for parks and open spaces across the city.

To stay up to date on everything going on in Kitchener’s parks, visit Kitchener.ca/Parks

• emergency spills

Our sanitary infrastructure teams work 24/7 to respond to:

• pumping station alarms

• sewage back-ups

• basement flooding

• emergency sewer repairs

If you need emergency service or repairs, call 519-741-2345. You can help our crews keep our sanitary system working properly:

• using a strainer for your sink, tub and shower drains

• only flushing the 3P’s: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper

• use your green bin for kitchen waste, not drains

• use a paper towel to remove cooking grease and put it in your green bin, not down your drain

• emergency spills

• pumping station alarms

• sewage back-ups

• basement flooding

• emergency sewer repairs

• cleaning wipes like disinfectant wipes, baby wipes, sanitary wipes and paper towels

• rubber gloves, towels, rags, clothing, or parts of clothing

Our sanitary infrastructure collects wastewater through 834 kms of pipes and 22 pumping stations, and we work day and night to make sure that this critical infrastructure works when you need it.

This summer, we approved an integrated sanitary master plan. It will ensure that we have the wastewater infrastructure we need as Kitchener grows. Our plan will also monitor our system to schedule the right maintenance at the right time, so your toilets, tubs, sinks, and drains do what they’re supposed to!

Find out more at Kitchener.ca/Sanitary – be careful what you ﬂush and dump!

Don’t put these common household materials in your toilets and sinks:

• menstrual products, including tampons

• fats, oils and grease

• adhesive bandages

• condoms

These materials can cause a blockage in your toilet and home sewer line causing sewage to overflow into homes and streets, as well as local rivers and lakes.

DID YOU KNOW…

• Dry leaves are a carbon-rich ingredient for your compost pile, improving your soil to make plants and trees healthier

• Loose leaves can blow onto streets and into stormwater drains creating blockages

Blocked stormwater drains could lead to localized flooding during rainstorms or during spring melt

MANAGING YOUR LEAVES

If you can, mulch or compost your leaves at home!

Drop off your leaves at one of Kitchener’s leaf drop locations. Remember, only leave your leaves and bring any bags home with you. Kitchener’s leaf drop locations open October 11

Compost leaves in paper bags through the Region’s yard waste program or at a regional waste management site. Learn more at RegionOfWaterloo.ca/YardWaste

We offer loose leaf curbside pick-up on assigned weeks in designated neighbourhoods. Leaves should only be raked to the curb on your collection week to prevent them from clogging stormwater drains. Use our online map at kitchener.ca/LeafCollection to see if your neighbourhood qualifies!

Kitchener’s leaf drop off locations open October 11 and the first week of loose leaf collection begins November 4. Learn more at Kitchener.ca/LeafCollection

KITCHENER’S URBAN FOREST CONTINUES TO GROW

In the spring and fall, new young trees on our city’s boulevards, parks and community spaces are a familiar sight as the city conducts our annual tree planting program. Trees are one of our most precious natural resources, benefiting the environment while beautifying our homes and properties.

When the City plants a tree, we care for it for the first two years with staking, pruning, watering and mulching. Once the tree is established, it will be maintained as part of our urban forest. If you have a tree on City property in your neighbourhood, here are a few tips on how to help keep it healthy:

• If you choose to give a tree extra water on a hot day, water five gallons/ week with a slow trickle.

• If you add mulch at the base of an established City tree, do not pile mulch at the base of the trunk (volcano mulching). Heat and moisture from piled mulch will damage the tree.

• Do not prune or remove any trees in the City’s right-of-way. To report a concern about a City tree, call 519-741-2345 or email trees@kitchener.ca.

To learn more about our approach to tree management or to request a tree in your neighbourhood, visit Kitchener.ca/TreeManagement

LEAF DROP OFF LOCATIONS

1. Schaeffer Park - 75 Bloomingdale Road

2. Breithaupt Park - Kinsman Parkoff Union Street

3. Kitchener Auditorium - Ottawa Street North entrance

4. Meinzinger Park Soccer FieldsHomer Watson Boulevard

5. Lions Arena - Rittenhouse Road

6. Upper Canada Park - Pioneer Drive

7. Cherry Park - Strange Street at Waverly Road

8. Hofstetter Park - 40 Hofstetter Avenue

Meet Kitchener’s 2024 Senior of the Year –DONNA DUBIE

A deeply respected Elder; the Founder and Executive Director of Healing of the Seven Generations; an Indigenous teacher and speaker; a compassionate advocate; and an exemplar of loving community. Congratulations to Kitchener’s 2024 Senior of the Year, Donna Dubie.

We believe Donna is deserving of this award for who she is and for all she had done, and continues to do, in bringing our community together.

This special recognition by the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS) celebrates the outstanding contributions of Kitchener residents 65 and older who have enriched the social, cultural, or civic life of their community.

“We believe Donna is deserving of this award for who she is and for all that she has done, and continues to do, in bringing our community together,” said nominators Nancy Dykstra and Adrienne Barrett Hofman, “Donna walks along with everyone in relationship to help create the healing needed for Reconciliation.”

To learn more about Donna Dubie, and the 17 nominees, visit Kitchener.ca/SOTY

1 . THE PEOPLE: We value, recognize and appreciate our staff. Our culture is warm and inviting. When you feel valued, you’re motivated to excel and stay for the long term.

2 . COMPETITIVE WAGES AND EXTENSIVE BENEFITS: Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and pension plans ensure your financial security.

3 . COMMUNITY IMPACT: We’re building a community for everyone. Working for the City means contributing to the community’s wellbeing. Whether it’s improving parks, supporting local events, or enhancing infrastructure, your work matters.

4 . WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We prioritize work-life balance, offering flexible hours, remote work options, and wellness programs. Your well-being matters to us.

5 . VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES:

From engineering to arts and culture, Kitchener offers diverse roles. Explore your passions and contribute to a vibrant city.

6 . PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

We invest in our employees’ growth. Training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities help you thrive.

7. COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT:

Join a team that values collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Together, we make Kitchener a better place.

COME BE PART OF OUR CITY’S SUCCESS STORY!

Join the City of Kitchener and make a difference in a community that values its employees and fosters growth.

To learn more about current opportunities, visit Kitchener.ca/Careers.

Free fall programs for

mind, body & soul

THE CITY OF KITCHENER OFFERS RECREATION AND LEISURE PROGRAMS TO KEEP PEOPLE OF ALL AGES ACTIVE, ENGAGED, AND CONNECTED. WE CREATE SAFE PLACES OF BELONGING FOR EVERYONE. THESE NO-COST FALL PROGRAMS ENCOURAGE YOUTH, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND OLDER ADULTS TO BE THEMSELVES, SOCIALIZE WITH PEERS, AND RECEIVE SUPPORT FOR VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THEIR WELL-BEING.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Teen Cooking Creations offers basic cooking and healthy eating tips.

• Creative Writing and Drama in the City encourage creative expression through writing and drama.

Ambush the Arts helps to build confidence in sharing artistic talents.

Youth Drop-In (YDI) connect with others through fun activities at community centres.

Indoor Skatepark (9+) stay active and connected while skateboarding.

INCLUSION PROGRAMS (for persons with disabilities)

Inclusive Game Connect (18+) enjoy connecting over cornhole, Connect 4, Jenga and more.

Inclusive Indoor Skatepark events (9+) offer skateboarding in a safe, supported environment. Join us on Sept 29 and Nov 2.

OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS 55+

• Bingocize® combines the game of Bingo with some gentle exercises.

Walking Soccer offers the game you love where players walk (no running, non-contact).

Afternoon Out blends coffee, friends, and weekly trivia, games, crafts, and guest speakers.

Make it Mingle Social Group meets weekly over small art and craft projects.

For a complete list of programs, visit Kitchener.ca/ActiveNet

Fall into fresh flavours at the Kitchener Market

Fall is a great time for fresh local produce, with a huge variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs in season along with Ontario meats, dairy and baked goods. Buying directly from our local farmers is the best way to get the ripest produce while also getting the best value. Farmers’ markets and farm stands offer competitive prices on everything you need for a perfect seasonal meal while also supporting local farms and businesses. The Kitchener Market’s Saturday farmers’ market is open year-round so there are always fresh flavours to explore no matter the season!

This fall, treat yourself to a delicious blend of sweet and savoury with a grilled peach salad using local peaches and greens, Ontario feta and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Pair with chicken or salmon for a filling and delicious lunch or dinner!

As the evenings get cooler, hearty roasted root vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to Ontario sausages, pork tenderloin or tofu kebabs grilled on the barbeque. Parsnips, turnips, broccoli and carrots are all in season and pair perfectly with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and gently spicy kick.

Whether you pick up local produce for a favourite recipe or explore new flavours this season, there is a lot to explore at the Kitchener Market!

Plan your trip and discover what’s in season at KitchenerMarket.ca

S TRA TEGIC PLAN

KIT CHENER’S 2023-2026

Together, let’s build an innovative, caring and vibrant Kitchener

MAKING PROGRESS ON OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

The City of Kitchener continues to make progress on the vision of our 20232026 Strategic Plan – Building a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us – and each other

BUILDING A CONNECTED CITY TOGETHER

We’ve begun updating Kitchener’s official plan and are asking residents to imagine what they want to see in the Kitchener of 2051. Visit Kitchener.ca/OfficialPlan to learn more.

CULTIVATING A GREEN CITY TOGETHER

We’re implementing a tree planting project and we’re working to improve parks for a greener, healthier city.

FOSTERING A CARING CITY TOGETHER

We’ve embarked on a journey to implement a city-wide data strategy, helping the city be more efficient and effective through data-driven decision-making.

CREATING AN ECONOMICALLYTHRIVING CITY TOGETHER

We’ve invested in new events, such as WelcomeFest and Caribana Ignite!

STEWARDING A BETTER CITY TOGETHER

We’ve continued expanding our services through extended community centre hours

DID YOU KNOW?

Kitchener’s strategic plan was highlighted for best practices in the inaugural UNHabitat SDG Cities report, for localizing the UN SDGs and participatory planning.

WANT TO STAY UPDATED ON THE STRATEGIC PLAN?

Track our progress at Kitchener.ca/ OurPlanProgress

K

SM KE ALARMS

PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS

This year’s Fire Prevention Week strives to educate people about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. Kitchener Fire offers these practical tips to help keep you safe.

• Every home must have working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas.

• Test your smoke alarms and CO alarms once a month.

• Change the batteries with the clocks on November 3.

• If your smoke alarm or CO alarm is activated, evacuate, and call 9-1-1.

• Never leave cooking unattended or pour water on a grease fire.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging e-bikes and scooters to avoid overheating risks.

• Bag dried leaves, sticks and other flammable debris instead of burning it. For more information, visit KitchenerFire.ca/PublicEducation

Help shape your community and play an active role

DOES THIS ROAD SIGN LOOK FAMILIAR?

IT SHOWS A PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER –A PLACE WHERE PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY AND CAN CROSS THE ROAD SAFELY.

Watch for this sign and these striped marks on the road, they can often be found between intersections and roundabouts.

When you drive or ride up to a crossover and there are pedestrians waiting to cross, you must stop.

Pedestrians have the right of way at all times, whether flashing lights are on or not. Make sure you wait until they have fully crossed the road before proceeding.

If you’re a pedestrian at a crossover, please push the button to turn on the flashing lights. It’s a good idea to make eye contact with motorists and cyclists to make sure they see you and stop before you start to cross. Let’s all work together for everyone’s safety.

Kitchener’s decision-making Apply to serve on a city advisory committee or board Find out more at Kitchener.ca/Advisory Apply by Sept. 27 If you have a backed-up sewer, call ONTARIO

Engage Kitchener is an online forum for residents to offer feedback, share opinions and exchange ideas about city programs, services and decisions. Register and stay connected at EngageKitchener.ca

TOP

FIVE

REASONS TO REGISTER TO ENGAGE KITCHENER!

Engage Kitchener is an online forum for residents to offer feedback, share opinions and exchange ideas about city programs, services and decisions.

Anyone can contribute to projects on Engage Kitchener without an account but there are benefits to registering.

1. IT’S FREE, FAST AND EASY TO DO

Just pick a screen name and password, answer six profile questions (or don’t), check a box and click a button. In seconds, you’ll get an email to confirm your registration. Boom! You’re registered.

2. ONE ACCOUNT CONNECTS YOU TO ALL AREA MUNICIPALITIES

That’s right, you only need one account to get involved in projects across all municipalities in Waterloo Region. When you register, opt-in to get communications from whichever cities or townships you want to hear from.

3. YOU’LL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT NEW OPPORTUNITIES

We promote engagement opportunities in many different places but be the first to know when you subscribe to our Engage Kitchener e-newsletter. Exclusively for registered members.

4. ADD YOUR COMMENTS FASTER THAN EVER

Did you know some projects need you to give an email address and screen name every time you want to contribute? Registered visitors never have to do this. Just sign in and go.

5. GET ACCESS TO KITCHENER NEWS ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED IN YOUR CITY

Our e-newsletter has more than just announcements. Stay up to date on the latest Kitchener community engagement news and hear how your contributions make a difference to important city projects.

Get involved, add your input, and stay connected. Register for an Engage Kitchener account today. Visit engageWR.ca/Register

Check out our new Welcome to EngageWR video! Learn how we use Engage Waterloo Region to listen to residents and how you can contribute to issues that are important to you. Watch the video at EngageWR.ca

funding

LoveMyHood reaches $1 million funding milestone

From organizing street parties to growing community gardens, building little libraries, and more, the City of Kitchener’s LoveMyHood program reflects our commitment to empowering residents to shape their own neighbourhoods - one resident-led project at a time.

The City recently celebrated the remarkable journey of its LoveMyHood program over the years with an evening of storytelling, live music, barbecue, and an outdoor movie

at the Victoria Hills Community Centre.

“We have reached a significant milestone for the LoveMyHood program, as we surpass one million dollars granted to resident-led neighbourhood projects over the years,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, “Together, we are creating great places, connecting people, and encouraging neighbours to work together.”

To date, this funding has supported 180 neighbourhood events, programs, and projects across Kitchener.

To commemorate this milestone, the City has published a collection of stories of LoveMyHood projects, in collaboration with the resident groups that lead them, that will be featured regularly on Love My Hood .ca

Grant applications from residents and community groups are reviewed four times per year, with up to $200,000 in funding awarded each year to support eligible proposals. The next application deadline is November 14, 2024.

To learn more about the Love My Hood Matching Grant , please visit Love My Hood .ca

Together, we are creating great places, connecting people, and encouraging neighbours to work together.

SEPT.

BERLIN TOWER

ARTSPACE EXHIBIT

KITCHENER CITY HALL

September-October

Melissa Fitzgerald depicts the harvest and autumn equinox in colourful watercolours.

Kitchener.ca /BerlinTowerArtspace

ROTUNDA GALLERY EXHIBIT

KITCHENER CITY HALL ROTUNDA

September – October

Local artist Derek Koehler explores how nostalgia blends with midcentury North American economic activity in his prints of residential and industrial buildings. Kitchener.ca/RotundaGallery

KITCHENER MARKET FALL FAIR

(300 KING ST. E. KITCHENER)

Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate the season with games, artisans, activities and more!

KitchenerMarket.ca

K-W OKTOBERFEST

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

September 27 - October 19

Canada’s largest Bavarian Festival. Oktoberfest.ca

INCLUSIVE INDOOR SKATEPARK

QUEENSMOUNT ARENA

Sunday, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Try skateboarding in a safe, inclusive space. For people with disabilities of all ages. Helmet required Kitchener.ca/Specialized

DEC. OCT. NOVEMBER

GRILLEFEST

GAUKEL BLOCK

Friday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Kitchener city councillors and staff serve up Oktoberfest sausage on a bun. Proceeds to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Kitchener.ca/Grillefest

KITCHENER IN BLOOM

CITY HALL ROTUNDA

October 3, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate this year’s Kitchener in Bloom gardens and program. Kitchener.ca/Bloom

KYAC YOUTH THRIFT NIGHT

DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY CENTRE

(35 WEBER ST.)

Monday. Oct. 28, 5-6:30 p.m.

Free thrift night for youth (12-24yrs).

Hosted by KYAC. Kitchener.ca/KYAC

BERLIN TOWER ARTSPACE EXHIBIT

KITCHENER CITY HALL

November-December

Large-scale abstract paintings using natural sources such as rocks, minerals and plant dyes found in Waterloo Region and beyond.

Kitchener.ca /BerlinTowerArtspace

ROTUNDA GALLERY EXHIBIT

KITCHENER CITY HALL ROTUNDA

November-December

Laura Thipphawong presents a series of oil paintings that will act as a symbolic narrative journey throughout various animal habitats.

Kitchener.ca/RotundaGallery

INDOOR INCLUSIVE

SKATEPARK

QUEENSMOUNT ARENA

Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Try skateboarding in a safe, inclusive space. For people with disabilities of all ages. Helmet required.

Kitchener.ca/Specialized

AMBUSH THE ARTS

CITY HALL ROTUNDA

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6-9 p.m.

Join this free celebration of the artistic talents of young people in Kitchener.

Kitchener.ca/AmbushTheArts

WINTER ARTISAN MARKET

KITCHENER MARKET

Saturdays

November 16 to December 21, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate the season with local artisans and seasonal food and drinks!

KitchenerMarket.ca

SPEAKUP SERIES

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 6-9 p.m.

Meet with our panel of youth with lived experiences navigate all things involving postsecondary education.

Kitchener.ca

SENSITIVE SANTA SKATE

THE AUD

Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Skate with your family and meet Santa in a sensory friendly environment. Registration required. Kitchener.ca/Specialized

CHRISTKINDL

KITCHENER CITY HALL

December 5 - 8

Kitchener’s annual holiday market and seasonal celebration with food, shopping, music, activities and more!

Christkindl.ca

SENSITIVE SANTA

FOREST HEIGHTS

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

An intimate gathering where individuals and families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in a sensory friendly environment. Kitchener.ca/Specialized TREE OF REMEMBRANCE

WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY

Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m.

Commemorate a loved one by placing a personalized ornament on our Tree of Remembrance. KitchenerCemeteries.ca

Waterloo professor wins prestigious Eisner Award at Comic-Con in San Diego

By Irene SchmIdt-Adeney

Comic-Con is the biggest convention of comic book enthusiasts, held in San Diego and attended by thousands each year. A highlight of the convention is the presentation of Eisner Awards, the Oscars of the comic book world, and one of this year’s winners was University of Waterloo professor J. Andrew Deman, who teaches several courses, mostly related to comic books.

Now he has been recognized by the wide world of comic book enthusiasts with an Eisner Award for his book The Claremont Run: Subverting Gender in the X-Men, published in October 2023.

It seems like a long way from his birthplace in Thunder Bay to the glitz and glamour of Comic-Con’s Eisner Awards in San Diego. And the path wasn’t without twists and turns.

Like many typical teenagers, Deman was “very into it (comic books)” for a couple of years. After graduating from Lakehead University with an Honours BA in English (Minor in Classics) and a Masters in English, he was offered a doctoral scholarship to attend the University of Waterloo – as an American poetry scholar. His area of expertise being “Confessional Poets of the 1990s”, such as Robert Lowell, and Sylvia Plath. But the doctoral wasn’t going well.

“I got frustrated with the scholarship program,” he said. “I was going to quit the PhD program.”

Deman went home to Thunder Bay to be with his parents for Thanksgiving and found an old metal box containing comic books from his favourite series – Marvel’s X-Men by Chris Claremont. The X-Men series was inspiration to change the focus of his doctoral dissertation.

Deman realized that the reality of gender roles in Thunder Bay culture could be described as “misogynistic”. Influenced by his mother and two older sisters, and through Claremont’s X-Men comics, he became conscious of alternative cultures, and that they represented gender differently.

His doctoral supervisors “were very enthusiastic and supportive” despite not knowing a great deal about comic books, said Deman.

In 2010, Deman completed his PhD and since that time has been a professor with the English Department at St. Jerome’s University, along with the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier, and the University of

Waterloo. His teaching focuses on comics and includes film, writing, and communications. His first book was published in 2015: The Margins of Comics: The Construction of Women, Minorities, and the Geek in

Graphic Narrative.

The Claremont Run: Subverting Gender in the X-Men, concentrated on Chris Claremont, who wrote and co-wrote the second generation of XMen from 1975 until 1991,

a series introduced by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby in 1963. Claremont created at least 12 lead female characters such as Rogue, Betsy Braddock, Mariko Yashida, Kitty Pryde, Mystique, Lady Mastermind, Emma Frost, Siryn, and Jubilee, and turned the X-Men series into one of Marvel’s most successful franchises.

In terms of representing women, “At the time, Claremont was light years ahead of other authors,” said Deman.

“Claremont’s X-Men upended gender norms: where female characters historically served as mere eye candy, Claremont’s characters had leading roles and complex, evolving personalities,” said Deman.

“Perhaps more surprisingly, his male superheroes defied and complicated standards of masculinity. Groundbreaking in their time, Claremont’s comics challenged readers to see the real world differently and

transformed pop culture in the process.”

Deman’s book was published by the University of Texas Press, one of the biggest publishers of comic book studies. It was nominated for an Eisner Award along with five other publications, in one of 32 different categories for everything from Best Writer, Best Artist, Best New Series, and his category which was Best Academic-Scholarly Work.

Unfortunately, Deman was unable to attend the ceremony to receive his award in person, but it has a new home in his office at St. Jerome’s University. His next book should be out in the spring, which will be on “the overall works of Claremont. Not just X-Men, and not just gender representation.”

Deman’s book The Claremont Run: Subverting Gender in the X-Men is available on Amazon, and he can be followed on X.

By J.B. Priestley

J. Andrew Deman with his book The Claremont Run.

Hi Ward1, hope you’re well! If you feel like you’ve blinked, and missed the whole summer, well, I’m right there with you! Truth be told, event-

Oaten and Idlewood parks have been updated using a new park network approach where we gathered input from residents in the neighbourhood on what they

Greetings to the fall and Ward 3, I hope you had the chance to enjoy some of the activities, festivities, and concerts in Kitchener this summer. From Caribana, to the Way Back

Back-to-school means more bike, people, and car traffic. Because speeding continues to be the top concern raised by residents, you’ll be happy to know that our Vision

Since Council approved construction of the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex at RBJ Schlegel Park, the team has been working hard to finalize the detailed

Notes from City Hall

wise, it was a pretty busy season in Kitchener from our traditional Canada day celebrations to Bluesfest and Cruising on King, to some new ones like the Asian Night Market, Caribana, and (Pickleball) Paddle Palooza. This latter event was the first time I had ever stepped on a Pickleball court, and I gained a new appreciation for the allure of this growing sport. Credit to our City Staff for organizing such well organized and attended events this year!

wanted in their parks. Many of your suggestions have been added, like a community garden, improved play structures, bench seating, improved waste receptacles, basketball courts, an off-leash dog area, open space play areas and more. A grand opening celebration ceremony is planned for September 27 or 28. Watch my Social Media accounts for the confirmed date and details.

Ice Cream for Breakfast is back at the Stanley Park Community Centre on Saturday, September 28 from 9am to 2pm. This will be the 8th year

Festival to Bluesfest and Cruising on King, the city had something for everyone!

Ward 3 also hosted the End of Summer Splash Bash at Kingsdale Community Centre and Wilson pool. Thanks to our events staff and all who helped put these great events together.

Now that the kids are back in school, please slow down and be patient with children crossing the road. I have some “Please Slow Down,” signs to post in your yard. Please reach out to me, as I am

Zero strategy is responsible for Ward 4 receiving traffic speed humps and cushions in 10 different locations.

Visit engagewr.ca/visionzero and kitchener.ca/trafficcalming . Email me your address for a free “Slow Down” sign to be dropped to your home.

The province approved the Regional Official Plan (ROPA6), which included additional lands for urban development in southwest Kitchener (engagewr.ca/ dundeesecondaryplan). As such, residents can provide input into the

design of the facility.

Boasting geothermal heating and cooling systems and roof top solar panels, this will be Kitchener’s first net-zero carbon building, saving the city abut $100,000 annually in utility costs, and reducing carbon emission by about 22 tonnes annually.

Residents can look forward to enjoying a FIFA-sized indoor turf field that can be divided into four individual fields for use by residents playing soccer, cricket, and lacrosse as well. Overlooking

On courts, City Staff recently held a “Places and Spaces” strategic session for Council to lay out a plan for the future of our many parks and open spaces throughout the city. Much of this plan focused specifically on future amenities in these areas. The report was full of great research and data gleaned from engagement, but many recommendations didn’t feel aligned with my anecdotal understandings, i.e., what I have heard from many of you either

Maddy Letizi has done this fundraiser. Let’s help her fund life changing wishes for kids experiencing a critical illness through Make a Wish Canada.

There are so many beautiful gardens in Ward 2 ! I’ve been proud to recognize many of them through our Kitchener in Bloom program. Join us for the wrap up event on October 3 at City Hall.

I you’d like a free “Please Slow Down” sign for your front yard, contact me at dave.schnider@kitchener.ca. If you’re in Ward 2, I’d be happy to deliver one to you.

happy to drop one off at your home.

Leaf drop-off sites open October 13. Please only drop loose leaves, and nothing else. Curbside collection for eligible streets will begin in November. For more info and what options are available to you for collection, visit kitchener.ca/leaves.

Please join me and my fellow city councillors on Friday, October 11 for the official Oktoberfest Keg Tapping at Noon and Council’s Grillefest from 11am-2pm, at City Hall. Don’t forget to stop by and grab a sausage, drink, and cookies to support the Food

Dundee Secondary Plan which will guide the long-term development of this new community. Please provide your comments and questions to secondaryplans@kitchener.ca no later than Sept. 30, 2024.

Join us for Oktoberfest Opening Ceremonies and Council’s Grillefest (kitchener.ca/Grillefest) on Friday, October 11 in downtown Kitchener.

As the leaf drop depots open on October 15, I ask that you only drop leaves at the Ward 4 location at Southwest Optimist Sportsfield on Pioneer Drive. Visit kitchener.ca/

this space will be a walking track around its perimeter.

There will be an aquatics Centre with a community pool, a separate lane swim pool, a viewing gallery an indoor cricket batting cage, and a multi-purpose space that can be divided into rooms for community use.

I want to thank all those who took part in the interviews, workshops, feedback forms, focus groups and online surveys that helped select the final amenities.

The Federal government is

in casual-conversation, or while door-knocking during the previous municipal election. I won’t go into specific details here, partially because of my limited amount of space, but also because I would like to ask for your feedback on what you’d like to see (or see more of) in our parks, and I don’t want to prejudice your feedback. If this is something you care about, please contact me via email at scott. davey@kitchener.ca or call 519489-9056 with your thoughts.

Leaf collection begins in October with collection sites opening October 13. For full details, visit kitchener.ca/ leaves.

The Kitchener Rangers home opener is on Friday, September 27. Go Rangers Go! Follow me on X and Instagram @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.

Bank of Waterloo Region while you celebrate. Congratulations to all those nominated for recognition by Kitchener in Bloom. Thank you for keeping our city beautiful. Visit kitchener.ca/kib for info, gardening advice, and virtual gardening classes.

The next meet and greet is Wednesday December 11 from 7-8:30pm at the Kingsdale Community Centre. If you’re not able to drop by, as always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns in between meetings.

leafcollection.

We’re all responsible for maintaining our properties - whether we reside at or rent out a property.

Please know there are bylaws that regulate parking and property maintenance. You may call the city’s Contact Centre at 519-741-2345 to report an address for bylaw to investigate.

Contact me with your questions and concerns at christine.michaud@ kitchener.ca or drop in for a chat with me at Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre on Sept. 21 from 10-1130am.

funding $9.7 million of this project and the Province is funding $8 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

The remaining costs will be funded through the development charge revenues collected by the city.

Happy September, everyone! I hope you have enjoyed the amazing summer we have had this past year, and are looking forward to the Fall, which is only days away! It’s hard to believe we are now into the final third of the year, and before you know it, Thanksgiving, Hallowe’en, Remembrance Day and the holiday season will be before us. Special thanks to Helen and Carrie for continuing to prioritize local news and making this space available to us in the Kitchener Citizen to stay in touch with you, the residents and businesses who we have the honour of serving.

A Summer of Fun Summer 2024 in Downtown Kitchener has been an event season unlike any other in the history of the City! Our Kitchener Events Team, together with many community partners, worked tirelessly to bring countless special events and festivals to the residents of our community and those who travelled to visit Kitchener! Starting with WelcomeFest, event season continued with many events during virtually every weekend of summer including Multicultural Festival, Canada Day, Cruising on King Street, Wayback Festival, Rib & Craft Beer Festival, Kitchener Blues Festival, Caribana Ignite, KidsPark, Endless Summer, Belmont Village Bestival, the Roos Island Concert series, the Vogelsang Green Sunset Concert Series, plus so much more! And we’re not even done yet – with KW Oktoberfest, Christkindl market, New Year’s Eve and Roller Skating in Downtown Kitchener amongst the many activities taking place before 2024 ends. Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who helped make all of these events a reality, and special thanks to our staff who worked to make this a year to remember!

Telling Kitchener’s Story

Over the past several months, together with members of Kitchener Council, I have had the opportunity to welcome Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford and several Ministers to the City of Kitchener, where we talked about shared priorities and how our federal and provincial partners can assist to ensure that the City of Kitchener and this region continues to be the economic engine it has been for both Ontario and Canada. During August, we also had the opportunity to meet with more than a dozen Ministers, Parliamentary Assistants and leaders of Ontario’s Opposition parties about Kitchener priorities during the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa. Our priorities during many of these advocacy meetings included infrastructure, housing, economic development

Kinzie,

Hello Neighbours!

What an amazing time we had at this year’s Cinema Under the Stars!

A huge thank you to the Alpine Neighbourhoods Association and

I have received many emails from the neighbourhood about the proposal for 60 Trussler Drive. I too share many of the same concerns. I think it is important for residents to

Hello Ward 8, I hope you had a wonderful summer! Fall is in the air and it is exciting to have programs, activities and school starting up again. Please remember to drive

As a lower-tier, municipal elected official, there are times that I question decisions made by the provincial government that impact the lives of local residents.

As we bid farewell to the warm summer days, we welcome the cool air and falling leaves with open arms. The excitement of fall doesn’t stop there - Oktoberfest is right on

Notes from City Hall

the fantastic Community Centre staff for helping make the event such a success. It was wonderful seeing so many families enjoying the movie, face painting, snacks, and fun activities under the night sky.

But the fun won’t stop there! Mark your calendars for our Oktoberfest Celebrations on Friday, October 11, at City Hall. Join us for the Official Keg Tapping at Noon, and Council’s Grillefest from 11am-2pm! The Biergarten opens at 11:00 am, and don’t miss the Willkommen Platz Vendor Market, where you can shop

ensure City planning staff know the full extent of your concerns.

City staff look at these applications purely on a planning process and do not look at these applications from a neighbourhood perspective.

We are governed by policies implemented by the province and until recently federally with financial incentives to address the housing crisis to which in my opinion accelerated the issue with immigration policies.

For the proposal, the applicant must adhere to these policies

with care through our neighborhoods and school zones at all times.

When working with resident volunteers recently, I learned of frustration with missing out on signing up for programming if they weren’t able to be at their computers when registration opened up. I asked Staff to look at ways to have more availability for our residents to be part of the programming they pay for. The motion below came from the data they gathered. Council recently passed it unanimously and I wanted

The most recent example is the province’s call for the closure of Kitchener’s Consumption and Treatment Services facility (CTS) on Duke Street. The installation of the CTS was not without controversy, yet when we see the statistics it’s hard to justify its closure and easy to imagine the potential damage closing the facility might have.

For people using unregulated drugs, the CTS provides supports like primary health care, harm reduction supplies, food, and mental health and addiction supports.

the horizon, bringing a wave of joy and celebration to our city streets. There’s already so much in store and even more to look forward to in the days ahead. Oktoberfest Opening Ceremonies are on October 11 opening three days of free, family friendly events in our downtown. Join council and staff at Grillefest on the 11th from 11am-2pm for a sausage, drink, and cookies to raise funds for the Food Bank. The Thanksgiving Day parade will be on October 14 starting at 9:30am this year. I’ll see

local vendors and enjoy great food (details at kitchener.ca/Grillefest).

Looking ahead to fall, Leaf Depots open on October 13. If you live in Ward 6, your closest depots are at Meinzinger Park Soccer Fields on Homer Watson Blvd and Lions Arena on Rittenhouse Rd. Just a reminder—these depots are for leaves only! For full details check kitchener.ca/leaves.

In other news, the City of Kitchener is looking for passionate residents to join advisory committees and boards by September 27. If you

and provide expert advice, such as engineering assessments for drainage and site servicing. We can address these details as a negotiation tactic during committee or council meetings.

Given our city’s constraints and the high success rate of developers at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), rejecting the proposal outright is risky and costly. The OLT usually rules in favor of developers, and the city might face additional costs for legal and planning services if we oppose the application.

to provide you with the background behind it.

The motion addresses concerns about non-residents accessing programs and facilities funded by Kitchener taxpayers. It notes that Kitchener residents have historically enjoyed access to various city-operated programs, and recent budget increases have expanded program availability. However, over the past year, a significant number of program spots and services have been occupied by non-residents, includ-

They do not distribute drugs! Julie Kalbfleisch from Sanguen Health Centre describes the services as “life saving.” She points out that since October 2019 there have been over 53,000 visits to the center, zero deaths and numerous overdose interventions. Yet, across the country, one person dies every hour from a drug overdose. Without this service in downtown Kitchener, we can expect to see more overdoses, more infectious disease cases, and an increased burden on emergency services

you there!

We need your feedback. We’re redeveloping Rockway Centre, and we want your input. If you’re over 45 or an older adult, please share your thoughts on the programs, services and features you’d like to see in the new older adult facility. Complete the survey online at www.engagewr.ca/ rockway or fill in a paper copy, which is available at all community centres and indoor pools. I’m happy to connect you with more information. The City of Kitchener is seeking

want to help shape our community and contribute to the city’s decisionmaking process, I encourage you to apply online at kitchener.ca/ advisory!

Finally, I’d love to hear from you! Have questions, concerns, or ideas to share? Feel free to reach out at paul.singh@kitchener.ca, or join me at my next Pop In with Paul at the Country Hills Community Centre on September 18, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!

Therefore, negotiating with the applicant to reduce the development’s impact seems the most viable approach. For instance, we might propose a reduction from 64 to 50 units. This strategy could motivate the applicant to negotiate rather than face delays and additional costs at the OLT.

Before staff makes their recommendation, I will push for a reduction in units and seek a compromise with the applicant at our committee meeting.

ing summer camps and inclusion support programs. This has led to Kitchener residents being waitlisted and unable to access these resources. The motion proposes that Kitchener residents should be given priority and the opportunity to register for these programs and services seven days before non-residents.

We hope this initiative will help more Kitchener residents access our programming. As always reach out with questions, happy to connect!

and local taxpayers. According to a recent Globe and Mail article, 30 years of public health research shows that “supervised injection sites don’t lead to increased drug use or crime in the community.”

I urge the province to reconsider this decision and continue to support this much needed service.

If, and when we actually see them, ‘Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment’ hubs would not be a replacement for CTS centres but simply a complement to them.

candidates who bring a variety of perspectives and lived experiences to guide Kitchener city council by serving on an advisory committee or board. Use your voice to help shape decision-making in Kitchener. Learn more about opportunities at www. kitchener.ca/advisory. Apply to serve on a city advisory committee or board by September 27.

I encourage you to connect with me. Please reach out anytime to stephanie.stretch@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2786.

Vrbanovic...from previous page

and more. On July 4, I also had the opportunity to join US Ambassador David L. Cohen for his Independence Day celebration in Ottawa, where I met a number of Ambassadors, telling our city’s story as the largest urban centre on the western end of the TorontoWaterloo Region Innovation corridor. The coming months will see many of these efforts continue, especially as we advocate for Kitchener’s share of some of the funding programs available from the provincial and federal governments.

Investing in Our Growing Community

The City of Kitchener has been making significant investments in the community infrastructure we know we need for our growing community. Earlier this term, we saw the opening of the Huron Community Centre. In recent months, we saw the groundbreaking and start of construction for a number of new amenities in southwest Kitchener, including the new branch of Kitchener Public Library, the new Williamsburg Community Centre and the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex (KIRC) which will include two indoor swimming pools, a FIFA sized indoor turf fieldhouse, a raised walking track and a cricket batting cage. And just this past Monday, Council approved pursuing federal and provincial grant funding for the quad-gymnasium to be built simultaneously as part of the KIRC, if we are successful with government funding. I am extremely proud of my Council colleagues who share in the vision of building the kind of community that we know people want to live, work and play in. Stay tuned for more updates in the months ahead.

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of awarding 16 youth-led projects with funding through the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund. This funding opportunity was made available to 100 selected cities worldwide, including Kitchener, thanks to the generous leadership of former New York City Mayor, Mike Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Kitchener joins the Fund alongside these other cities from around the world, which together spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents. The fund provides technical assistance and funding for mayors to activate tens of thousands of youth aged 15-24 years to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in cities across the globe. In making the announcement locally, I was joined by members of Kitchener city council and representatives of project partner GreenHouse, who have supported the youth teams through the application process and will assist with project implementation. The grant funds provide up to $6,500 each, to implement their vision. I look forward to seeing the successes from these student projects later this year!

CELEBRATING SENIORS Grand Horizons

Some have said if a global pandemic can’t slow us down then nothing will, and they might be right. But this boom has to end sometime, they all do. But when is the big question.

sponsible 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.

By BIll BeAn

Whatsimple door to door inspection to avoid loss of life and protect the condominium corporation

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.

do programmers, robins, conspiracy theorists, photographers and Indigenous peoples all have in common?

They communicate.

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.

With songs, images, postures, dances, blog posts and AIconstructed videos, every living thing on the planet connects both with the like-minded and with new audiences, sharing their ponderings, positions and proposals.

Peter is a licensed Sales Representative with Re/Max and has specialized in the Stanley Park area for 32 years.

Communication is how we build a society, and communication can be how we erode it.

You can put communication under the microscope with More Than Words, the Fall presentation series for Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo (TAL-KW), on eight consecutive Tuesdays beginning October 15 at RIM Park in Waterloo.

If I was thinking of selling in the next year or so I definitely would not push my luck and do it now. No one has a crystal ball but we only have to look at history to predict what might happen in the future. And what goes up must come down. It always has, and always will. If you would like to know how much your house has increased in value give me a call at 519-589-3554, and I’d be

In these immersive, 90-minute presentations, TAL-KW audiences will hear from experts in the fields of digital imagery, cultural bias, internet misinformation, Indigenous teachings and generative artificial intelligence.

to give you an honest opinion of

In a series which is opened by Wilfrid Laurier University professor Hillary Pimlott on how language shapes news bias,

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. Evidence obtained from the fire investigation indicated that smoke detectors were not installed in this condo unit.

and ends with her presentation on the weaponization of words, attendees will hear from seven presenters how modern imagery still has not solved the problem of the “dead heat” in sport; how the modern misinformation plague is actually thousands of years old; how humans are influencing bird communication; and about the strengths and limitations of AI in creating new content.

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.

community and beyond,” Rempel said. “A related benefit that people appreciate when meeting in person is the chance to socialize with friends and make new friends.”

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 that the corporation did not show that it took reasonable steps to avoid the tragic results. Therefore, it is very clear that the responsibility for the installation and operation of smoke detectors is joint. Owners are responsible to maintain and ensure proper installation. Directors should confirm all smoke detectors are in good working order. All it takes is a

TAL-KW has been operating since 1988, one of some 30 Third Age Network-affiliated 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.

TAL-KW President Ron Rempel leads 12 volunteer board members who plan the programs, meet with speakers to help craft presentations, manage the registration and technical support, recruit supporting volunteers, and ensure organizational sustainability.

“Our mission is to provide intellectually stimulating lectures for retirees who want to stay informed and engaged with current issues in their immediate

TAL-KW events can attract up to 600 attendees, the majority from the KW area, but also out of the province and even out of the country via Zoom. Since the TAL-KW presentations are in the afternoon, it’s not surprising that audiences are largely retirees and their family members, with more than half of all tickets sold going to households where the attendees are in their 70s.

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 lives they must be in perfect working order, so please check those batteries now before it is too late.

For many, TAL-KW offers the opportunity to explore topics that were out of reach in their intense years of schooling or their focused work lives.

Marilyn Lincoln is a condo owner, director and author of The Condominium Self Management Guide 2nd ed. Send questions to marilyn condoguide@hotmail.com

All of this for $50 for the eight-session series (if purchased before Saturday, October 5 — $60 thereafter), either in person or via Zoom, or only $10 at the door for individual lectures. Individual lectures are not available on Zoom.

For more about TAL-KW, visit the website at TAL-KW. ca or on Facebook by searching Third Age Learning KitchenerWaterloo. To purchase tickets, click on the link on the TALKW website.

OCT. 15, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. Did you know that language uses us, as much as we use language? Come hear Wilfrid Laurier University professor Hillary Pimlott demonstrate how the news media shapes our biases. Buy the in-person or virtual series for $50 through TAL-KW.ca (until Oct. 5, then the series price rises to $60) or get a ticket at the door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

OCT. 22, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. Author and Laurier University professor Jonathan Finn presents “There is No Such Thing as a Dead Heat,” and shows us the fallacies of the “photo finish.” Buy the in-person or virtual series for $50 through TAL-KW.ca (until Oct. 5, then the series price rises to $60) or get a ticket at the

door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

OCT. 29, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. Think technology is the root of all misinformation? In his presentation “The Problem is People: Misinformation on the Internet,” Wilfrid Laurier University professor Jeremy Hunsinger shows how, for millennia, it’s been people, not their tools, that are the source of misinformation. Buy the in-person or virtual series for $50 through TAL-KW.ca (until Oct. 5, then the series price rises to $60) or get a ticket at the door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

NOV. 5, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. University of Waterloo academic and Indigenous woman Kelly Laurila and partner Al McDonald use songs and stories of the First Nations to ignite the “fire

within us” in their session “The Embeddedness of Indigenous Knowledges in Song and Fire.” Buy the in-person or virtual series for $50 through TAL-KW.ca (until Oct. 5, then the series price rises to $60) or get a ticket at the door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

NOV. 12, 1:30 p.m., RIM Park, Waterloo, or virtual. Third Age Learning Kitchener-Waterloo More Than Words series. Laurier University communications professor Jeff Heydon dives deep into the world of surveillance, from the ubiquity of CCTV cameras in the U.K., to the use of face recognition software in court. In “The Extended Eye: How Digital Images Problematize Surveillance”, he suggests that tech is not infallible, because it is created by people. Buy the in-person or virtual series for $50 through TALKW.ca (until Oct. 5, then the series price rises to $60) or get a ticket at the door for $10. No single tickets for virtual sessions.

Excellent reputation within the community.

Dedicated and long-standing staff. Warm, home-like atmosphere.

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Region garners gold award for community event with Kitchener Public Library

The Region of Waterloo was honoured with a 2024 Gold Special Event Award from the Municipal Waste Association for Promotion and Education. The award recognized Waste Management’s Kiss the Ground Farming, Food and You event held last October in partnership with the Kitchener Public Library.

The event brought the community together to watch a documentary film screening of Kiss the Ground and listen to an expert panel discussion focusing on soil regeneration, food waste reduction, and the importance of everyone’s involvement in the circular economy.

“We are proud of the work our community across the region is doing to reduce waste and consider alternatives to sending goods to the landfill,” said Colleen James, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee. “It is through events and partnerships like these that we can continue to make real changes for our community and our environment.”

The event raised awareness of the role we all play in the circular food economy, soil health, and reducing food waste. Information and tips on what each of us can do every day, and valuable insights on understanding food labels and expiration dates from Public Health were also shared. The Region featured a video “Garbage doesn’t just disappear” that helps residents understand the impact of goods in our landfill.

“We’re grateful for community partnerships because they help us connect people and share ideas that contribute to a thriving Waterloo Region,” said Darren Solomon, Kitchener Public Li-

brary’s Chief Executive Officer. “We all have a role to play when it comes to the environment. Through this event with the Region of Waterloo we were able to help people learn and take action towards building a sustainable future together.”

The event included panelists Diana Aquino (Walker Industries), Jennifer Pfenning (Pfenning’s Organic Farm) and Chef Destiny (FoodZen), and moderator Angie Hallman.

The Municipal Waste Association annually recognizes municipalities that excel in minimizing waste, engaging in innovative approaches, and demonstrat-

WHAT WE’RE READING

‘The Story of Us’

by Catherine Hernandez

Review by Jamie Quinn, Manager, Bibliographic Services and Collections

‘The Story of Us’ is Kitchener Public Library’s 2024 One Book, One Community selection.

Hernandez tenderly weaves the bittersweet story of a caretaker through the all-seeing and unusual perspective of a baby. This perspective allows for a novel depiction of the invisible load of caretakers, trailblazers and immigrants while also chronicling a tale of perseverance, ancestry and chosen family.

Mary Grace, known as MG, is forced to sacrifice her marriage and work overseas as part of the Filipino diaspora following the explosion of Mount Pinatubo. MG becomes a nanny in Hong Kong and then later in Canada. She takes care of children without respite, receiving inadequate pay, little appreciation and the disappointment of being let go by careless employers. MG pivots to a caretaking role for an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease named Liz. MG’s inexperience with queer and trans culture makes it difficult for her to understand Liz at first, although it does not prevent her from providing the best care Liz has ever received.

When MG is in crisis, Liz becomes the safe

ing significant value to their communities through the Promotion and Education Awards. For more information on Kitchener Public Library events and services visit kpl.org. For more information on how you can reduce waste, visit regionofwaterloo.ca/waste.

place MG needs. The two find commonality between the sacrifices they’ve each made in life and for feeling like “others.” MG becomes an advocate and ally for elderly and trans rights, becoming “the best and final person” for Liz. Liz in turn learns about MG’s life and immigration story through her baby, our narrator, who is welcomed into the world in the cottage Liz and MG share.

Hernandez artfully develops characters with such care and respect that you can imagine them being as real as your neighbour, your favourite clerk, your aunt, your co-worker – the people who make up the every day sisterhood of our lives and the people that came before them, like the nesting dolls on the cover. MG’s baby by blood is no more or less family than Liz.

‘The Story of Us’ shows us the good and the bad, sometimes more of the latter than we’d prefer, but together “through time, natural disasters, death, heartache, pleasure and pain” the characters choose each other. They show touching open-heartedness toward one another despite their differences, despite the world, because of love.

With the award, from left: Regional Chair Karen Redman, Veronica Naas, Communication and Promotions Coordinator for Waste Management (Region of Waterloo), Nathan Stretch, Division Manager Community Development (Kitchener Public Library), Regional Councillor Colleen James, Deanna Dakin, Project Manager for Waste Management (Region of Waterloo), Jennifer Rose, Commissioner of Engineering and Environmental Services, and Jon Arsenault, Director of Waste Management (Region of Waterloo).

monthly column featuring great reads as suggested and reviewed by librarians

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THE PROBUS WOmEN’S CLUB OF KITCHENER welcomes NEW MEMBERS! Are you a gal who is retired? Semiretired? Thinking of retiring? Are you looking to be part of a group of friendly, bright, inspiring, likeminded 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 Septem-

ber 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, 519-7412507.

DR. TOm LIU mEmORIAL KIDNEY WALK - Sunday, September 22, 2024, Waterloo Park, Young Street Entrance, 100 Father David Bauer Dr., WaterlooRegistration: 9am, Start Time: 10am. This September, in communities across Ontario, supporters will reunite at the annual Kidney Walk. Whether it is to support our friends with kidney disease, celebrate a transplant, honour a loved one who we have lost, or connect with others going through a similar journey, it is always remarkable to see the kidney community rally together to support those they love while raising funds to support The Kidney Foundation’s programs and research initiatives. The Air Canada Foundation is joining in the celebration with an extra special contest for this year’s Kidney Walk. For every $100 participants fundraise online from August 7, 2024 – September 30, 2024, they will automatically receive a ballot to be entered to win a voucher for two economy class return tickets for travel to any Air Canada scheduled destination! For more information, to register, or to donate, please visit www.kidneywalk.ca.

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

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

Pastor Mario Hryniewicz 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