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23 Oct 2009 05:48 PM
With council’s approval of moving forward to ensure the skating rink Uptown will be open this winter, the public square is guaranteed to be a community gathering place year round. In watching the development of the public square since it’s unveiling in May, I think this is a big step in making it an accessible and central location in the community.
Although programs were being developed in the case that the rink hadn’t been approved, I had been sceptical that it would be sufficient in drawing in the community during the winter months. The skating rink however is something that I feel will guarantee the necessary traffic in the square.
Moving forward, as programming for the rink develops, I hope that city staff keeps in mind the student population in Waterloo. Skating is an activity that anyone can participate in, and would have great appeal to the student population in...
4 Aug 2009 04:51 PM
Since my blogs have dwindled in the last few weeks, I thought it was due time for an update. I’m now in Toronto and will be until nearly the end of the month.
I will be back in good time to report on the Regional and City council meetings along with all the local events planned for the remainder of the summer.
Until then, enjoy Waterloo and stay tuned for new postings.
6 Jul 2009 04:48 PM
Last Thursday, I was hit by a car while crossing the street at Bridgeport and King. Before I say more, I will confirm that I am fine and in perfect health.
I had been walking Uptown to buy groceries and run some errands. The car, going thankfully slowly, turned off Bridgeport onto King St, hitting me from behind.
Before I could entirely comprehend what had happened, I heard yelling and chatter coming from all around me. When I looked up there were two women approaching me to see if I was injured.
As I slowly sat up, leaning against the car, more people came to help, making calls to emergency services, getting me water, and helping collect my iPod, sunglasses and shoes that had flown in all directions.
My things were also in a surprisingly good condition. My iPod suffered a small dent and my sunglasses a few scratches to...
23 Jun 2009 04:46 PM
At June’s city council meeting, councillors approved of the development proposed by INC Corp of a 1.1 million square foot mixed use commercial centre along Ira Needles Blvd at University Ave West. The development will house retail, office and industrial space.
A commercial hub is a growing demand in the south west corner of Waterloo, as currently residents have little option but to drive to other areas of the city to access any retail or entertainment facilities.
Although the new development will meet the needs of the area residents, the location and size of the centre is a cause for concern.
The first and most talked about issue focused on the impact the centre will have on traffic and transit. It is designed to host a bus stop in order to be accessible to the GRT. Furthermore, Ryan Mounsey, development planner for the City of Waterloo, assured the council and...
10 Jun 2009 04:45 PM
Rules, financing and communication: these are three elements that characterize a bureaucratic organization. With all the city meetings I’ve attended over the past two months, I not only see these items as characterizing organizations but being fundamental to their operation.
Last night, I attended the Waterloo Community Council (WCC) meeting which addressed the Community Liaison Policy and the public involvement process.
The Community Liaison Policy, outlining the affiliation of the City of Waterloo with groups providing recreation and leisure services, was presented in its latest draft version after undergoing a great deal of review.
One thing I am always amazed by is the amount of debate one word can arise in a group that is creating or reviewing a policy. This instance the word in question was “principle,” referring to the City of Waterloo as not a principle funder for the organizations affiliated under the Community Liaison Policy.
The bulk...
30 May 2009 04:46 PM
In attending the Public Square opening and finally getting to see the area filled with people as it is meant to be I can definitely see this becoming a central hub for the community.
Arriving at noon, the venue was still on the quieter side, with some display tents set up, but the overall festivities still to come. I took the opportunity talk to some of the individuals running the displays.
My favourite by far was the chip carving on display by woodcarver Peter Findlay. The love for his art instantly came through as eagerly showed his pieces and explained the methodology and history of chip carving. His “limberjack”, a wooden puppet-like toy, showed off his craftsmanship while entertaining all who came by his tent to see it dance.
The tin creations by Ed Ries were also impressive to look at. Ries’ described the function of old lanterns for not...
25 May 2009 04:41 PM
After sitting through Waterloo’s City Council Meeting, which lasted more than 3 hours, I’m left feeling that I know the city (and its many organizations) far better than I did before and have far more appreciation for the council members themselves.
The first presentation of the meeting was lead by Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer on the Rapid Transit Environmental Assessment. He gave a summary of the plans of bringing light rail and rapid bus services to Waterloo Region. The proposed light rail would make approximately 14 stops through the city of Waterloo, from Conestoga Mall to Fairview Park Mall with the option of expanding into the neighbouring cities. With the population of Waterloo growing, the new transit system would meet the needs of the more urban city.
Murray had said, “as we improve transit, more people use it,” and I could not agree more. If you have a great...
13 May 2009 04:39 PM
On Tuesday evening I inadvertently attended the Community Garden Council of Waterloo Region (CGC) meeting. Having received an event invitation via Facebook weeks earlier, I hadn’t entirely realized the Council meeting in question was for the Garden Council. Despite the minor confusion, and my lack of preparedness for the meeting, it turned out to be quite the learning experience.
My only knowledge of the CGC until this point was no more than mere familiarity with the name of the group, probably from coming across their advertisements. I had no idea what the purpose of the council was other than it involved the community and gardening. The CGC’s purpose is to promote and sustain community gardens in the region. Their broader mandate envisions access for all residents to land on which they can plant and harvest their own food.
Growing your own food is more affordable than buying it in groceries...
8 May 2009 04:38 PM
Having just taken the Greyhound back from the Charles St Terminal to Toronto, I am reminded why I prefer to stay put in Waterloo. Waiting for a bus that was 15 minutes late, and then getting of tour of both Kitchener and Cambridge as it made additional stops ensured my journey to Toronto was an unnecessarily long one.
I tend to prefer the alternative of the VIA train. The train is a far more comfortable way to travel and gets me right inside Union station. The problem with the train is that the Kitchener station is difficult to access when you’re relying on city transit. The even bigger issue, however, is that there are only 2 trains to Toronto per day, around 9 in the morning and 10 at night.
After sitting cold, uncomfortable and exhausted on the bus, I’ve decided driving just isn’t worth money. It’s time Waterloo...
30 Apr 2009 04:37 PM
Since my last exam on Monday, it has already poured twice. Having spent a very wet summer here last year, I’ve come to the conclusion that Waterloo truly lives up to its name.
The rain among other things, has kept me away from doing too much exploring as of yet. One thing I have come to realize is the lack of student employment in this city. Many of the students I’ve spoken to have yet to lock in a summer job here, finding that many employers have fewer positions available or are simply not hiring at all. Even co-op students have been struggling to find a placement. Although the region has done fairly well in light of the recession, the student/part-time/temporary sector is anything but thriving. This only leave me wondering how companies will hold up if the economic situation gets any worse.
The local businesses are one of many...
