Local News and Views (February 2025)
An overview of local news and other happenings in and around Waterloo Region
“Recognizing the complexity of individuals’ and families’ needs, Reception House has partnered closely with the Region of Waterloo Public Health Neighbourhood Nursing Program to offer health support to the refugee population when they first arrive in Canada.” Nurses provide Public Health services to newly-arrived refugees such as administering missing and required vaccines to children and adults, and hosting information sessions that empower refugees with knowledge and resources they need to access health care services here in Waterloo Region.
While our local municipalities each have their own (amazing!) public libraries, the Region of Waterloo also operates a library system - and it doesn’t just offer books. Waterloo Region residents can access mobile hotspots, hobby kits, board games, museum passes, and more!
In other library news: Kitchener Public Library is launching “library lockers” at Chandler Mowat and Victoria Hills Community Centres which will make it easier to pick-up, browse, borrow, and return items from KPL.
“To use the new service, Kitchener Public Library members can select a community centre as their hold pick-up location or visit a community centre to borrow an item from the small on-site browsing collection. Members can return their items to the library locker or any Kitchener Public Library location.”
A warm welcome to Ga’nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre, the Region’s first Indigenous-led and Indigenous-focused child care centre. Ga’nigǫhi:yo means “Carry The Peace” and the new centre “is rooted in the principles of community, cultural respect, and a holistic approach to education and well-being.” The centre will have space for up to 65 children with Indigenous children being given first priority.
The Sanguen-operated Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site in Kitchener prepares to close its doors by the end of next month due to provincial legislation. The province is shifting to a HART Hub model (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment). HART Hubs will not offer harm reduction services such as safer supply, supervised drug consumption, or needle exchange programs. Community Healthcaring, at 44 Francis St in Kitchener, will lead the local HART Hub.
“Sanguen wants to make it clear that even though they may be losing a major facility, they are not going anywhere. The organization still plans to offer harm reduction services at a new location and will continue outreach in the van that covers the entire region.”
To commemorate Black History month, a Grand River Transit bus will feature artwork by Wilfrid Laurier University student Vanessa Nkansah-Okoree.
“Diversity within the Black community is often overlooked, and my goal is to highlight the richness of that diversity, showcasing how we are united in our experiences but unique in our identities. I want to challenge the narrow, stereotypical portrayals of Black people and instead celebrate the depth of our identities,” said Nkansah-Okoree.
This is feeling like a legitimate winter, especially compared to the winter we had last year. With that, we have a lot more snow and ice sticking around and the Region reminds everyone to think of groundwater before salting your property.
“Salt is a major water quality concern in Waterloo Region. The salt we spread on the ground doesn’t go away. It stays in the environment, damaging soil and waterways, as well as your plants and paved surfaces. But most importantly, it goes into the groundwater, our community’s drinking water.”
Also, consider alternatives to salt, such as sand. If you live in Kitchener, you can pick up free sand for use on sidewalks and walkways at sandboxes across the city. Please bring your own shovel and container to collect the sand. Find a ‘sandbox’ location near you.
In an attempt to make its existing fleet of e-scooters and e-bikes more accessible, Neuron will be adding a new item: upright and handcycle tricycles (non-electric, it seems).
“The tricycles, featuring a folding rear basket, are being introduced to meet needs for individuals living with disabilities or mobility impairments. Regional staff are recommending extending the term of the licensing agreement with Neuron through 2029.”
In 2024, over 173,000 rides were taken on e-scooters and e-bikes, totaling over 288,000 kilometres.
If you’re looking to buy more Canadian products, you may find this post helpful.
Provincial election news:
With the long-expected provincial election now called (15 months early), there are some recognizable faces throwing their hat into the ring to become our next Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).
Regional Councillor for Kitchener, Rob Deutschmann is running for the Liberals in Cambridge. He also announced that, while there is no requirement to do so, he is stepping down from Council in order to run. I’m not yet sure what that means for his Council seat but I suspect we’ll hear something soon on that front - stay tuned.
He’s not the only Regional Councillor running at the provincial level this month. Regional Councillor for Kitchener, Colleen James, is running for the Liberals in Kitchener Centre.
Carla Johnson, a WRDSB trustee for Cambridge has taken a leave of absence as she runs for the Green Party (Cambridge).
Click to view the list of local candidates.
One Million neighbours has created a candidate survey. They are updating it with candidate responses as they roll in.
Quick links:
There are new rules now in effect for reporting minor collisions in Ontario.
Kitchener’s new Lodging House Bylaw is in effect as of January 1, 2025. The bylaw aims to improve the City’s ability to ensure public safety, consumer protection, and nuisance control while also reducing barriers for property owners.
Work has begun on a new elementary school in Cambridge that will welcome students from the Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board under one roof - the first in Waterloo Region to do so. It is expected to open in the fall of 2026.
Cambridge launches a campaign to raise $15M for new facilities: the Soccer Complex, Preston Auditorium and the Cambridge Recreation Complex.
A 12-person working group will share its recommendations next month for the future of Wilmot’s Prime Ministers Path. On March 5th, a public drop-in open house at the New Hamburg Community Centre from 4:30 to 8 p.m. will showcase the Working Group’s recommendations, background research, and the community engagement process.
The Sunray Group recently purchased The Walper Hotel for $18.5 million.
Have Your Say:
It’s apparently awards season - even locally! Consider nominating someone for:
Kitchener’s Senior of the Year
Kitchener’s Youth Action Council Youth award
The Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich, are working together to improve firework safety across the region. They would like to better understand what you value about fireworks, what you think about their safety, and your degree of support for different options.
Upcoming Events:
Skate Night Date Night: Wednesdays. Head to the Waterloo Public Square ice rink from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and skate along to tunes spun live by DJ King Kadeem or get warm with treats from the Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters. The theme for February 19th is ‘Country’.
The 2025 Pancake Lunch in support of the Child Witness Centre is Tuesday, March 4th. This will be a special occasion of dining and networking, while helping more children and youth to receive vital supports.
The DTK Travellers Tour is a free four-week program celebrating the diversity and creativity of Downtown Kitchener, bringing together cultures, cuisines, and communities. Taking place over four Sundays from 1:00-4:00pm, the Kitchener Public Library (Central Branch) becomes a vibrant hub of cultural celebration, featuring food samples, music, art, and activities.
Black History Month Celebration on February 22nd from 11am - 4pm at the Cambridge Public Library. “Join in for a day full of engaging activities, cultural experiences, and community connection designed for all ages.”
The City of Waterloo Museum is hosting two exhibitions in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation; Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost and Bi-Giwen: Coming Home – Truth-Telling from the Sixties Scoop. “These exhibitions delve into the lasting impacts of the Residential School system and the Sixties Scoop while amplifying Indigenous voices, resilience and the ongoing journey toward Reconciliation.”
MT Space is hosting a virtual version of their play “Chelsea’s Story” with a facilitated talk-back about Sex Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation for Caregivers and Youth 12+. Running Feb 20-22, 2025
Join researcher and Black history writer Peggy Plet as she presents 'Discovering Waterloo Region’s Untold Stories: Celebrating Black History.' February 22, 2025, from 2:00-3:00pm.
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