Posts from the CKMS Newsroom programs, community shows, and associated news sites.
The CKMS Newsroom works to provide a deeper analysis of the issues that impact our communities, than which the mainstream news sources provide.
The CKMS Newsroom is comprised of volunteers and journalists and is organised by the Newsroom Committee:
dan kellar (@dankellar) is the current lieutenant of news with Bob Jonkman as the technical expert and newsie.
From May 2023 the CKMS Newsroom has been receiving funding from the Community Radio Fund of Canada and Heritage Canada through the “Local Journalism Initiative” project. Check out the country-wide LJI content at frequencynews.ca
The journalists for the LJI project are: MP Holmes, dan kellar
Past newsroom journalists include: Ivan Angelovski, Shalaka Jadhav, and Namish Modi.
dan kellar Kitchener, ON – With students returning to schools across the region, the city of Kitchener is reminding drivers to slow down on the roads and pay special attention in school zones, at pedestrian crossings, and where crossing guards are on duty.
In a press release sent by the city, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vbranovic expressed “I encourage all of us grownups to take a bit of extra care, slow down and exercise some extra caution on area roads.” These efforts are tied into the city’s Vision Zero strategy, which was adopted in 2021.
This show features interviews with Aaron McCrimmon-Jones, the manager of transportation safety and policy at the city of Kitchener and Margaret Johnston, the Ward 8 councilor for Kitchener and the chair of the city’s Community & Infrastructure Services Committee. Visit kitchener.ca/visionzero for more on the City’s plans to eliminate traffic related injuries.
dan kellar Waterloo, ON – The City of Waterloo has expanded the availability of their Snow Assist program for the upcoming winter to help more residents. Reflecting the city’s accessibility and inclusion efforts, Snow Assist is aimed at residents 65 years of age and older and for low-income folks with disabilities. The program will place qualifying applicants in one of three streams of service for snow removal on their properties throughout the winter.
Applications are due by the end of September and can be accessed on waterloo.ca/snow-assist. Folks who were approved for the program last winter will be automatically re-enrolled.
This show features an interview with Tiffany Smith the manager of community programming for the city, who discusses the impetus for the program, and the various streams of service available.
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON –With shifting demographics in the downtown, and the return of thousands of college and university students to the region, the city of Kitchener is hosting the inaugural Endless Summer music festival on Saturday.
Featuring Canadian artists such as Rêve, Helado Negro, Born Ruffians, and I, the Mountain, the festival is free to attend and is headlined by Juno award winner TALK. DJ Joanna Magik will be performing a set and filling the silence between sets. In a press release the city described Endless Summer as an event which will “keep the summer vibes rolling”.
This show features an interview with the Manager of special events for the city of Kitchener, Steve Roth, who speaks about the inaugural Endless Summer music festival taking place in the Victoria Park Commons on Saturday the 7th. The free event runs from 2-11pm.
Alfred Lowrick of Fight For Farmland tells us about the “Land Assembly” proposed by Waterloo Region, the provincial government’s involvement, and what farmers and other citizens are doing about it.
The interview starts at 8m16s.
We also hear some of the speeches given at the Fight For Farmland protest rally held Monday 26 August 2024.
Alfred Lowrick tells us about the issues with the Wilmot land assembly: No consultation with the community; the planning for the environmental impact has not been done; the farmers don’t want to sell their land. Personally, Alfred is concerned that the Regional plan is not being followed, that the Countryside Line is not being observed, that employment lands are supposed to be on the east side of the Region. There was a one page letter that said “We want to buy your land, and we’ll come back and make you an offer.” It was a lowball offer, and if there was no agreement within ten days then expropriation would be an option. Alfred organized meetings between the farmers and the CAO and planning director of Wilmot Township, but they couldn’t talk about it because of a confidentiality agreement with the Region. This was followed by a delegation to Wilmot Township Council, but Alfred was limited to three minutes. Now, six months later they know a bit more, but not much.
16m50s
Alfred has 70 questions for Regional Council, but his Freedom of Information requests have all been denied. There have been numerous town hall meetings organized by Fight For Farmland. And on Wednesday 28 August 2024 there was a protest rally outside the Regional headquarters with 40 tractors. There were numerous speakers, and support from the opposition in the Provincial government. There was a statement from the Provincial government stating they were funding this land assembly, but the “ground game” was at the Region of Waterloo office.
19m13s
The Provincial government has changed the rules around municipal planning: Bill 185 (“Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act”) and Bill 162 (“Get It Done Act”). Both make it easier for expropriation, making it easier for the Province to establish guidelines for planning. Some of this is driven by Federal policy, such as increased immigration which requires more housing, but it leaves the municipalities without much of a say in the planning process. Fight For Farmland has asked Wilmot Township councillors to declare themselves “unwilling hosts”, but Alfred thinks they won’t be able to do much, leaving it to the Regional government to decide who is an unwilling host or not. Fight For Farmland continues to work on it, they have some say at the municipal level, but once they get to the provincial level it’s more difficult.
21m23s
A number of people presented at the Wilmot Township Council meeting on Monday 26 August 2024, but not exactly for what Fight For Farmland is asking Council to do. People from Fight For Farmland haven’t been able to delegate directly to Council, they’re planning on doing that on Monday 9 September 2024. Letters have been sent to Council to ask them to declare Wilmot Township an unwilling host, but there’s more process to go through. At the Regional Council meeting on Wednesday the staff was threatening to disband the meeting because there were too many people standing. But some people from the Fight For Farmland steering team, including Mark Reusser of the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture spoke directly to Regional Council. The rally showed that there is something that Regional Council needs to address. But no motions were brought forward.
24m22s
Based on the statement from the Province that it’s a Regional issue, Bob thinks the Region could put a stop to this. But Alfred has heard too many conflicting statements from different levels of government, and doesn’t know who to believe. Alfred and Fight For Farmland wants this land assembly stopped, a proper planning process to take place with consultation from the community.
25m49s
Bob is worried about the lack of transparency coming from all levels of government. Alfred says this is why he doesn’t believe anyone. This is affecting the lives of everyone in Wilmot, everyone in Wateloo Region. We know this is supposed to be an industrial site, but not whether it’s a chemical plant or an electronics plant. Alfred worries about a chemical spill affecting ground water. Bob points out that industrial plants damaged the ground water in Elmira, where he lives. All the wells in Elmira are contaminated, and there are still plumes of chemicals drifting through the aquifers. There are environmentalists on the team that keep raising these issues. Bob and Alfred talk about environmentalism in farming
33m20s
Next steps: The Wilmot Council meeting on 9 September. Any other rallies or protests? Alfred points out that they’re just volunteers, it is unfair that farmers with 24/7 jobs need to take on this extra work. There is some legal work that needs to be done, more Freedom of Information requests to be sent… There are other groups that want to join, communications that need to go out, a website that needs to be maintained… They’re waiting for the Region to come forward with a plan to address some of the concerns they have. Except for one, the farmers have not had further contact about acquiring their land. If it comes to expropriation, that’s the legal aspects they have to address. To keep in touch people can go to https://www.fightforfarmland.com/, join the mailing list, and sign the petition. Make sure to sign the hardcopy petitions at the rallies. And there are other petitions from opposition parties as well. And everyone should write their Regional councillors, and Wilmot Council. All their contact information is on the Fight For Farmland website.
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – The International Water Association has recognized the City of Kitchener for its stormwater management projects through the organization’s Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme.
The recognized work, which the IWA calls “most inspiring”, has focused on re-naturalizing stream beds throughout the city and is aimed at adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change, which includes more frequent storm events with increased intensity. The recognition was made at the IWA’s annual congress, which was held this year from August 11-15th in Toronto.
This show features an interview with Bu Lam, the Director of Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities for the City of Kitchener, who speaks about the recent recognition the city has received for its work on stormwater management.
dan kellar Kitchener, ON – The 1st annual Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival is taking place in the public space in front of Kitchener city hall on August 27th. A friendly tournament with local politicians and small businesses will open the festival, followed by a few hours of open community play. The festival will wrap up with a tournament for professional players in the evening. The pickleball courts will be temporarily set up on the drained out splash pad and right out on King St which will be closed for the day.
This show features an interview with Julie Doherty, the Sport Development Coordinator at the City of Kitchener who speaks about the pickleball festival and other efforts the city is taking to promote the growing sport.
Paddle Palooza will also have live music, local merchants, and coaches from the local pickleball advocacy organizationPickleball of Waterloo and Wellington Region (POWWR) to provide basic instruction or advanced tips to anyone interested. The event is free to attend and is scheduled to run from 2-8pm.
Region of Waterloo community members expressed strong support for new bike lanes on Benton and Frederick streets at the Region of Waterloo’s Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee meeting on August 14, 2024.
Despite concerns about emergency vehicle access and pedestrian safety, the proposal to reduce car lanes and add bike lanes received broad support. The project’s first phase will include painted bike lanes. Phase 2 includes long-term plans for physically separated lanes to be completed by 2031.
Even with these phased-in plans, community members asked council to forgo Phase 1 and immediately start with separate bike lanes. They highlighted the benefits of safer, physically separated cycling paths connecting major areas in Kitchener. However, the delegates also discussed concerns about service vehicle access and suggestions for immediate safety improvements like precast concrete barriers.
The Region of Waterloo has endorsed a new 66-bed shelter in Kitchener will serve women, gender diverse, and non-binary adults exclusively. The decision came after a lengthy debate at the Region of Waterloo’s Community and Health Services Committee on April 13th.
Public pressure has been mounting since the closure of the previous women’s shelter at the end of June, which has left no dedicated shelter beds for women in the region. At the meeting, community members and delegates, including those with lived experiences, highlighted the importance and urgency of dedicated shelter spaces for women and gender-diverse individuals for their safety and well-being.
The new shelter at 84 Frederick Street plans to offer a different operating model than the previous shelter, which was operated by the YWCA. The new model will focus on housing outcomes and additional wraparound supports, with an increase in employees with lived expertise.
dan kellar
Kitchener – Kitchener based playwright Ciarán Meyers is presenting a double bill at Guelph Fringe, his debut at the local theater festival. According to Meyers, the two short plays, Hum-Buzz and Amygdalal take a “goofy—sometimes biting—view of human evolution, how we got here, and what we are”.
Recent UW theater graduate Zaniq King is featured in both plays, which are polished versions of works Meyers has been developing for several years in more informal settings..
The Guelph Fringe festival runs from August 8-11 with 45 total performances. Meyers’ will have 3 show times for Hum-Buzz and Amygdala, one on each of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit GuelphFringe.ca for more information.
The federal government has announced over $96 million in contributions and loans aimed at affordable housing across South Central Ontario, including Waterloo Region.
Locally, the funding amounts to $25 million which will help create 336 new affordable homes and repair more than 7,300 homes in the region.
The announcement was made at an affordable housing construction site in Kitchener on Thursday. The event was attended by political representatives, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Regional Coun. Colleen James, and the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development of Canada Jenna Sudds, who made the announcement on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
dan kellar
Marden, ON – Dropping anchor 1.6 nautical miles north-west of Guelph to set up the Dry Bluffs shanty town, the Ontario Pirate Festival will take over Marden Park on the civic holiday long-weekend. The immersive festival will have different styles of live entertainment, local vendors, “food for yer gob”, an ale and grog house, “the spray of the sea” (misting tents), and child-focused theater.
This show features an interview with Captain Zoltan the Adequate, who along with captain Kelly have taken over organizing the festival, following a few years of the event sailing through choppy waters. Calling this the “recovery breakout year” Captain Zoltan gives CKMS News the details on what folks can expect at the festival over the weekend, provides some background on the festival’s voyage, and answers one of life’s big questions “Why Pirates?”
As of July 31st, the Ontario government will discontinue the Wastewater Surveillance Initiative. Unlike situations in Peterborough and Ottawa, funding for the program has not materialized from the Region of Waterloo. Councillor Colleen James updated CKMS News on the situation locally stating the Region is seeking federal support to keep the regional surveillance programs operational.
Wastewater surveillance data has fueled numerous research projects and imparted information that health authorities could rely on to accurately predict and prepare for illness outbreaks.
The cancellation has had its critics, including Professor Trevor Charles, director of the Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research.
Professor Charles discusses the potential for negative impact on public health preparedness and the loss of a world-leading research community in Ontario. The Ottawa Science Policy Network highlights that 95 researchers will be affected, potentially leading to a brain drain.
Despite government assurances of continued efforts, the Public Health Agency of Canada has not disclosed any plans to take over the initiative.
dan kellar Cambridge, ON – A new active entertainment experience is available in Cambridge as Activate Games has opened a new location. The Winnipeg-based company, now with 26 locations across the continent, says it is the world’s first active gaming experience, which “seamlessly blends physical activity with gaming.”
Ahead of the grand opening on July 22nd, CKMS News spoke with Activate Games’ Canadian Director of Marketing and Communications, Tanya Williams who discussed Activate’s origins and operations.
Originally from Waterloo Region, Activate co-founders Adam and Meghan Scmidt said in a recent press release “This opening is more than just an expansion; it’s a heartfelt return to our hometown”.
This show also features segments from an Interview with Dr. John Edison Muñoz, an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo, and a researcher with the school’s Games Institute. Dr. Muñoz speaks on the state of the research for Exergames and the technology’s use beyond entertainment.
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Due to the “urgent” situation in Gaza, organizers of this year’s Palestine Festival in Kitchener have made the theme “Solidarity: the World Stands with Palestine”, shifting the focus from one of celebration to commemoration.
CKMS News spoke with Suhaila Salah, a co-founder of Sporas Scattered, who along with the local chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement is organizing the 3rd annual Palestine festival with the name Palestinian Solidarity Day. While speaking about the shift in the festivals’ theme Salah explained, “It is not a day of mourning, it is a day to come together. We are going to commemorate.” she added, “We still want to celebrate life”.
The Palestinian festival will take place on Sunday July 28th in the public square at Kitchener city hall from 1-9pm and features what organizers call a “packed schedule of entertainment, activities, education, and trivia games” with all donations going to support relief efforts in Gaza.
A statement CKMS News received from Global Affairs Canada about accountability for the violence Israel is inflicting in Palestine is also included in this piece.
dan kellar Waterloo, ON – With wildfires burning across the continent, and record breaking heat intensifying around the world, the additional focus on climate change at this year’s KW VegFest is very timely. VegFest organizers say the annual festival is “for everyone” and they invite folks to “learn about plant-based and planet-based eating, health, gardening, and climate action.”
This show features an interview with Mo Markham, a member of Waterloo Region Climate Initiatives, and an organizer of the 7th annual KW VegFest. The event is taking place at the Uptown Square in Waterloo on Saturday July 27th from 2-7pm.
After two recent separateincidents in which three people drowned in the Grand River locally, National Drowning Prevention Week comes at an excellent time. Running from July 21st to the 27th, the City of Kitchener‘s drowning prevention program aims to promote water safety through education and community events.
Recent statistics from the Drowning Prevention Research Centre show drowning rates in Ontario have increased since 2011, with seniors and young children being particularly at risk. According to the Life Saving Society of Canada, the great majority of people who drowned were not wearing a personal flotation device or were not wearing it properly.
Patrick King, the City of Kitchener’s aquatics manager, underscores the importance of proper life jacket use, the unique challenges of swimming in natural water bodies and the disproportionately higher incidence of drowning among Indigenous communities.
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – Work on “Kitchener 2051“, the city’s next 25 year official plan has commenced, and staff have opened applications for residents who would like to work in a community working group who will provide guidance throughout the process.
In the press release, Rosa Bustamante, Kitchener’s Director of Planning and Housing Policy said “Kitchener 2051 is an opportunity to tackle these issues head-on, ask big questions, and prepare us for an uncertain future”. With work starting in the fall, the press release says the community working group will “exert real influence through their expertise and insights”.
This show features an interview with Natalie Goss, the policy and research manager for the City of Kitchener. Goss discusses the scope of “Kitchener 2051”, how the plan will be adapted as we move through dynamic social and ecological conditions, and how folks can get involved in shaping the city’s new 25 year official plan.
Kitchener, ON – The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing recently told CKMS News that their “balanced approach” to the rental market is working, as purpose built-housing rental construction has hit “record-high” numbers. However, renters in Waterloo Region are facing their own record highs. According to rentals.ca, landlords are now charging 1,935$ a month for a 1-bedroom in Kitchener, and more than 2,327$ for a 2-bedroom. Prices are higher in Waterloo.
Organizations advocating for stronger protections for renters have maintained their focus on landlords and the various levels of government. One such organization is the Social Development Council of Waterloo Region, who primarily focus on “Housing & Homelessness, Grassroots Infrastructure, and Lived Expertise.”
This show features an interview with Megan Walker, a tenant organizer in theEviction Prevention program at the Social Development Council. Walker discusses her work and responds to statements the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing made to CKMS News.
dan kellar
Kitchener, ON – As rent prices continue to increase province-wide, ACORN has continued to demand action from all levels of government. At the municipal level, ACORN chapters were part of campaigns that won new renter protection by-laws in Kitchener and Hamilton in June, and province-wide Phone Zaps have targeted MPPs and demanded action.
On July 11th, ACORN has organised a Day of Action with protests in Ottawa, Toronto, Mississauga, London, Hamilton demanding “the Ontario Government protect affordable housing, and stop placating for-profit corporate developers and their desire for maximum profits.”
This show features Acer Bonapart, the chair of Waterloo Region ACORN. Bonapart told CKMS that while there isn’t an action planned locally on the 11th, the group will be active through the summer.
CKMS News contacted local PC MPPs for comment on ACORN’s demands but were told they were “not available for comment”. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing did not respond.
**shortly after first publishing this piece CKMS News received a short statement from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. We will address the statement in an upcoming CKMS News publication.**
Kitchener, ON – On Friday July 5th, a plane departed from the Region of Waterloo airport (YKF), trailing a sky-banner with religious messaging as it looped around KW for nearly two hours. According to online flight data, the plane looped directly above the Gaza House encampment at UW several times along its route, before heading back to the airport.
CKMS News interviewed Lauren Weinberg of Independent Jewish Voices – Waterloo Region. Weinberg spoke about the “intimidating” messaging, and how she and others felt when reading the words on the banner.
CKMS News contacted YKF about the banner and was told that “The Region of Waterloo International Airport does not offer sky banner advertising and has no oversight over advertising banners.”
Contacted by CKMS News, the plane’s operator, Flite Line Charters for comment, however, the company would not divulge their client, and said that “no one is available to comment on this” situation.
After 56 days, the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Waterloo has been peacefully dismantled. The university agreed to drop a legal claim and injunction proceeding in exchange for the voluntary decamping.
The encampment members criticized what they called the university’s anti-free speech strategies, including surveillance and intimidation, and emphasized their resolve to keep fighting for divestment from Israel.
A citizen committee has urged Kitchener City Council to declare a social isolation and loneliness epidemic.
Reporting to the last City Council meeting before the summer break, Compass Kitchener, a citizen committee tasked with assessing the City’s strategic plan, emphasized that this is the City’s opportunity to lead the nation in addressing this public health issue.
The committee’s 2024 report reviewed major projects like the Bike Share Program and the Downtown Vision project, commending the City on several initiatives while suggesting improvements for others. The discussion also focused on post-COVID challenges in arts and culture, affordable housing solutions, and sustainability strategies.
The rise in loneliness and the polarization in society were noted as critical issues. Several councillors noted their concern and discussed the implications of loneliness for the community.
dan kellar Kitchener, ON –
On June 21st, petition e-4993, Initiated by Chantal Huinink and authorized by MP Mike Morrice, closed with 3219 signatures. The petition wants the government to revisit the terms of the Canada Disability Benefit, and give increased support to more people in a less bureaucratic manner. While MPs have left Ottawa for the summer, the petition will be presented once the house of commons resumes activities in September.
In the 2024 budget, the federal government announced the benefit which would be a payment of $200 per month restricted to those who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Payouts are to start in July of 2025.
This show features interviews with Waterloo Regional Councillor Chantal Huinink and Kitchener Centre Green Party MP Mike Morrice, responding to the implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit and discussing petition e-4993. Liberal MP for Nickel-Belt, Marc Serré, provided a short statement to CKMS News regarding the CDB.
Arts institutions in Kitchener are struggling, and the city is pinning it on inequities in the Federal regional arts funding model. City Council noted that Kitchener receives five times less in arts funding than larger cities like Montreal and Winnipeg. In response, they passed a motion requesting the federal government to address these disparities.
City Councillor Dave Schnider highlighted the significant funding cuts by the federal government and how this impacts local arts organizations.
While the motion was supported unanimously by council members, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic suggested also seeking additional support from the provincial government.
dan kellar Waterloo, ON – On June 24th, Waterloo council voted unanimously to approve the city’s Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption Program, extending a regional program which was approved earlier this year. After the vote, Waterloo Mayor Doroty McCabe said the program “will make a real difference in our community”.
The program exempts owners of affordable housing units from paying property taxes on the properties, provided that at least 30% of the units in a building are affordable, and that the affordable rents must be provided for a term of 60 years, or the remaining useful life of the building.
This show features clips from the June 24th council meeting, primarily of the single delegate, Sean Campbell the executive director of Union Co-op, an organisation which operates two buildings in Kitchener with affordable units. Campbell supports the new by-law, noting it would make it easier to bring more buildings into community ownership and provide even more “permanent affordability”.
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