#cityofcambridge — Public Fediverse posts

@leavex.eu @leavex @helloQuitX @davidchavalarias big institutional player #CityOfCambridge #CambridgeMA is bailing from X, maybe they could be approached so they can benefit from https://openportability.org ?

https://politoscope.org/2026/02/lancement-dopenportability-2-0/

#HelloQuitX #HelloQuitteX #LeaveX

@accounts-leaving-x.bsky.social

KHAN PHADY’S MUAY THAI

In the 1980s, faced with a lack of Muay Thai in the region, Khan Phady founded Phady’s Muay Thai. The gym is one of the earliest Muay Thai gyms in Canada and opened in Cambridge in 1987.

“There was Western kickboxing, Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo. At that time, that was it. And so I joined a kickboxing club…it’s not the same,” Phady said.

“I decided…I want to start up something.”

Phady was born in Vientiane, Laos while a communist revolution was underway. In 1974, he migrated to Thailand with his family as a refugee and in 1980, the Phady family made their way to Canada.

Phady’s father, Thep Phady, introduced him and his brothers to Muay Thai. Thep Phady was the owner of a construction company, who initially forayed into Muay Thai as a means to maintain his health and went on to own two stadiums in Laos. Thep Phady went on to inspire all of his children to embrace Muay Thai and the Phady family has been practicing the art for four generations.

“So my dad started it, and he just liked fighting, and he got us into it…dads always take you where [they want] to go and we would follow,” he said.

Although the gym faced some bureaucratic difficulties in the earlier years, Phady and his team navigated the system and founded the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association in 2003 and the World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada in 2009.

Lukman Patel, one of the head coaches at Phady’s Muay Thai, has been surrounded by the martial art since he was a child. He started learning Muay Thai as a toddler.

Muay Thai originates from Muay Boran, an older and more brutal art taught in the Kingdom of Siam. As such, other countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, have nearly identical boxing styles. Patel said he appreciates the warrior spirit of Muay Thai, as well as the focus on community, fitness and goal-setting.

“There [are] a lot of people that are very, very shy, and this is something that gives them that confidence in themselves…it gives them a sense of being involved in something as well, too, so they feel included now,” he said. “All sports are kind of like that, right?”

Phady said Muay Thai is not about anger and conflict—respect, sportsmanship and camaraderie are major aspects.

“If you have anger problems, try to go up there and fight, it doesn’t work. You have to control yourself. It’s sports. When you lose, show respect,” he said. “You win the fight, don’t override your opponent too much, because…he’s helping you win that fight.”

Both Phady and Patel recognize the substantial cultural aspects of martial arts. For example, the Wai Kru is an interpretive dance done by fighters before a fight that acknowledges their fighting heritage, teachers and community.

“It’s tradition, culture; and it brings us together. When we’re done fighting, no matter how hard we hit each other, at the end, we apologize to each other,” Phady said. “That’s what I love about Muay Thai. It shows not just about fighting…it doesn’t create hate.”

Phady is supported by a community—his family, older students, volunteers and other members of the community. The goal is to always improve, he said. For example, as someone who has run over 150 shows, Phady strives to help others run shows as well.

“I have a lot of student who help and friends and connection is very important…All these people helping me, like before they’re not sure it’s gonna happen,” he said.

“I don’t mind sharing my knowledge. That’s what it’s about. You build a community.
If I die one day, somebody’s gonna be able to run better show than mine. And I want to see better show than [mine], not just [mine],” Phady said.

Now, Muay Thai is gaining recognition worldwide and there is a growing possibility of it being included in the Olympics. Patel said Muay Thai has grown even in Canada, with many
of Phady’s previous students opening their own gyms or becoming professional fighters and traveling to Thailand.

“We want to focus on bringing them back here to Canada, getting them working here so they can represent Canada on an international level at the World Olympics,” Patel said.

Phady said he hopes to continue growing the Muay Thai community in Canada and in the region. Eventually, he hopes to create a stadium for Muay Thai in Cambridge.

“What I want to do for City of Cambridge is to have our own stadium here…because Cambridge is a muay thai city, because we started here,” Phady said.

“That’s my dream,” he said.

For more information, visit phadysmuaythai.ca.

#boxingStyles #Cambridge #canadianAmateurMuayThaiAssociation #CityOfCambridge #communistRevolution #HarleenKaurDhillon #immigrant #karate #khanPhady #kingdomOfSiam #kungFu #localGym #localSports #martialArts #muayThai #Olympics #phadysmuaythai #Refugees #siam #taekwondo #thailand #thepPhady #vientiane #worldAmateurMuayThaiAssociationCanada

KHAN PHADY’S MUAY THAI

In the 1980s, faced with a lack of Muay Thai in the region, Khan Phady founded Phady’s Muay Thai. The gym is one of the earliest Muay Thai gyms in Canada and opened in Cambridge in 1987.

“There was Western kickboxing, Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo. At that time, that was it. And so I joined a kickboxing club…it’s not the same,” Phady said.

“I decided…I want to start up something.”

Phady was born in Vientiane, Laos while a communist revolution was underway. In 1974, he migrated to Thailand with his family as a refugee and in 1980, the Phady family made their way to Canada.

Phady’s father, Thep Phady, introduced him and his brothers to Muay Thai. Thep Phady was the owner of a construction company, who initially forayed into Muay Thai as a means to maintain his health and went on to own two stadiums in Laos. Thep Phady went on to inspire all of his children to embrace Muay Thai and the Phady family has been practicing the art for four generations.

“So my dad started it, and he just liked fighting, and he got us into it…dads always take you where [they want] to go and we would follow,” he said.

Although the gym faced some bureaucratic difficulties in the earlier years, Phady and his team navigated the system and founded the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association in 2003 and the World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada in 2009.

Lukman Patel, one of the head coaches at Phady’s Muay Thai, has been surrounded by the martial art since he was a child. He started learning Muay Thai as a toddler.

Muay Thai originates from Muay Boran, an older and more brutal art taught in the Kingdom of Siam. As such, other countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, have nearly identical boxing styles. Patel said he appreciates the warrior spirit of Muay Thai, as well as the focus on community, fitness and goal-setting.

“There [are] a lot of people that are very, very shy, and this is something that gives them that confidence in themselves…it gives them a sense of being involved in something as well, too, so they feel included now,” he said. “All sports are kind of like that, right?”

Phady said Muay Thai is not about anger and conflict—respect, sportsmanship and camaraderie are major aspects.

“If you have anger problems, try to go up there and fight, it doesn’t work. You have to control yourself. It’s sports. When you lose, show respect,” he said. “You win the fight, don’t override your opponent too much, because…he’s helping you win that fight.”

Both Phady and Patel recognize the substantial cultural aspects of martial arts. For example, the Wai Kru is an interpretive dance done by fighters before a fight that acknowledges their fighting heritage, teachers and community.

“It’s tradition, culture; and it brings us together. When we’re done fighting, no matter how hard we hit each other, at the end, we apologize to each other,” Phady said. “That’s what I love about Muay Thai. It shows not just about fighting…it doesn’t create hate.”

Phady is supported by a community—his family, older students, volunteers and other members of the community. The goal is to always improve, he said. For example, as someone who has run over 150 shows, Phady strives to help others run shows as well.

“I have a lot of student who help and friends and connection is very important…All these people helping me, like before they’re not sure it’s gonna happen,” he said.

“I don’t mind sharing my knowledge. That’s what it’s about. You build a community.
If I die one day, somebody’s gonna be able to run better show than mine. And I want to see better show than [mine], not just [mine],” Phady said.

Now, Muay Thai is gaining recognition worldwide and there is a growing possibility of it being included in the Olympics. Patel said Muay Thai has grown even in Canada, with many
of Phady’s previous students opening their own gyms or becoming professional fighters and traveling to Thailand.

“We want to focus on bringing them back here to Canada, getting them working here so they can represent Canada on an international level at the World Olympics,” Patel said.

Phady said he hopes to continue growing the Muay Thai community in Canada and in the region. Eventually, he hopes to create a stadium for Muay Thai in Cambridge.

“What I want to do for City of Cambridge is to have our own stadium here…because Cambridge is a muay thai city, because we started here,” Phady said.

“That’s my dream,” he said.

For more information, visit phadysmuaythai.ca.

#boxingStyles #Cambridge #canadianAmateurMuayThaiAssociation #CityOfCambridge #communistRevolution #HarleenKaurDhillon #immigrant #karate #khanPhady #kingdomOfSiam #kungFu #localGym #localSports #martialArts #muayThai #Olympics #phadysmuaythai #Refugees #siam #taekwondo #thailand #thepPhady #vientiane #worldAmateurMuayThaiAssociationCanada

KHAN PHADY’S MUAY THAI

In the 1980s, faced with a lack of Muay Thai in the region, Khan Phady founded Phady’s Muay Thai. The gym is one of the earliest Muay Thai gyms in Canada and opened in Cambridge in 1987.

“There was Western kickboxing, Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo. At that time, that was it. And so I joined a kickboxing club…it’s not the same,” Phady said.

“I decided…I want to start up something.”

Phady was born in Vientiane, Laos while a communist revolution was underway. In 1974, he migrated to Thailand with his family as a refugee and in 1980, the Phady family made their way to Canada.

Phady’s father, Thep Phady, introduced him and his brothers to Muay Thai. Thep Phady was the owner of a construction company, who initially forayed into Muay Thai as a means to maintain his health and went on to own two stadiums in Laos. Thep Phady went on to inspire all of his children to embrace Muay Thai and the Phady family has been practicing the art for four generations.

“So my dad started it, and he just liked fighting, and he got us into it…dads always take you where [they want] to go and we would follow,” he said.

Although the gym faced some bureaucratic difficulties in the earlier years, Phady and his team navigated the system and founded the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association in 2003 and the World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada in 2009.

Lukman Patel, one of the head coaches at Phady’s Muay Thai, has been surrounded by the martial art since he was a child. He started learning Muay Thai as a toddler.

Muay Thai originates from Muay Boran, an older and more brutal art taught in the Kingdom of Siam. As such, other countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, have nearly identical boxing styles. Patel said he appreciates the warrior spirit of Muay Thai, as well as the focus on community, fitness and goal-setting.

“There [are] a lot of people that are very, very shy, and this is something that gives them that confidence in themselves…it gives them a sense of being involved in something as well, too, so they feel included now,” he said. “All sports are kind of like that, right?”

Phady said Muay Thai is not about anger and conflict—respect, sportsmanship and camaraderie are major aspects.

“If you have anger problems, try to go up there and fight, it doesn’t work. You have to control yourself. It’s sports. When you lose, show respect,” he said. “You win the fight, don’t override your opponent too much, because…he’s helping you win that fight.”

Both Phady and Patel recognize the substantial cultural aspects of martial arts. For example, the Wai Kru is an interpretive dance done by fighters before a fight that acknowledges their fighting heritage, teachers and community.

“It’s tradition, culture; and it brings us together. When we’re done fighting, no matter how hard we hit each other, at the end, we apologize to each other,” Phady said. “That’s what I love about Muay Thai. It shows not just about fighting…it doesn’t create hate.”

Phady is supported by a community—his family, older students, volunteers and other members of the community. The goal is to always improve, he said. For example, as someone who has run over 150 shows, Phady strives to help others run shows as well.

“I have a lot of student who help and friends and connection is very important…All these people helping me, like before they’re not sure it’s gonna happen,” he said.

“I don’t mind sharing my knowledge. That’s what it’s about. You build a community.
If I die one day, somebody’s gonna be able to run better show than mine. And I want to see better show than [mine], not just [mine],” Phady said.

Now, Muay Thai is gaining recognition worldwide and there is a growing possibility of it being included in the Olympics. Patel said Muay Thai has grown even in Canada, with many
of Phady’s previous students opening their own gyms or becoming professional fighters and traveling to Thailand.

“We want to focus on bringing them back here to Canada, getting them working here so they can represent Canada on an international level at the World Olympics,” Patel said.

Phady said he hopes to continue growing the Muay Thai community in Canada and in the region. Eventually, he hopes to create a stadium for Muay Thai in Cambridge.

“What I want to do for City of Cambridge is to have our own stadium here…because Cambridge is a muay thai city, because we started here,” Phady said.

“That’s my dream,” he said.

For more information, visit phadysmuaythai.ca.

#boxingStyles #Cambridge #canadianAmateurMuayThaiAssociation #CityOfCambridge #communistRevolution #HarleenKaurDhillon #immigrant #karate #khanPhady #kingdomOfSiam #kungFu #localGym #localSports #martialArts #muayThai #Olympics #phadysmuaythai #Refugees #siam #taekwondo #thailand #thepPhady #vientiane #worldAmateurMuayThaiAssociationCanada

KHAN PHADY’S MUAY THAI

In the 1980s, faced with a lack of Muay Thai in the region, Khan Phady founded Phady’s Muay Thai. The gym is one of the earliest Muay Thai gyms in Canada and opened in Cambridge in 1987.

“There was Western kickboxing, Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo. At that time, that was it. And so I joined a kickboxing club…it’s not the same,” Phady said.

“I decided…I want to start up something.”

Phady was born in Vientiane, Laos while a communist revolution was underway. In 1974, he migrated to Thailand with his family as a refugee and in 1980, the Phady family made their way to Canada.

Phady’s father, Thep Phady, introduced him and his brothers to Muay Thai. Thep Phady was the owner of a construction company, who initially forayed into Muay Thai as a means to maintain his health and went on to own two stadiums in Laos. Thep Phady went on to inspire all of his children to embrace Muay Thai and the Phady family has been practicing the art for four generations.

“So my dad started it, and he just liked fighting, and he got us into it…dads always take you where [they want] to go and we would follow,” he said.

Although the gym faced some bureaucratic difficulties in the earlier years, Phady and his team navigated the system and founded the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association in 2003 and the World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada in 2009.

Lukman Patel, one of the head coaches at Phady’s Muay Thai, has been surrounded by the martial art since he was a child. He started learning Muay Thai as a toddler.

Muay Thai originates from Muay Boran, an older and more brutal art taught in the Kingdom of Siam. As such, other countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, have nearly identical boxing styles. Patel said he appreciates the warrior spirit of Muay Thai, as well as the focus on community, fitness and goal-setting.

“There [are] a lot of people that are very, very shy, and this is something that gives them that confidence in themselves…it gives them a sense of being involved in something as well, too, so they feel included now,” he said. “All sports are kind of like that, right?”

Phady said Muay Thai is not about anger and conflict—respect, sportsmanship and camaraderie are major aspects.

“If you have anger problems, try to go up there and fight, it doesn’t work. You have to control yourself. It’s sports. When you lose, show respect,” he said. “You win the fight, don’t override your opponent too much, because…he’s helping you win that fight.”

Both Phady and Patel recognize the substantial cultural aspects of martial arts. For example, the Wai Kru is an interpretive dance done by fighters before a fight that acknowledges their fighting heritage, teachers and community.

“It’s tradition, culture; and it brings us together. When we’re done fighting, no matter how hard we hit each other, at the end, we apologize to each other,” Phady said. “That’s what I love about Muay Thai. It shows not just about fighting…it doesn’t create hate.”

Phady is supported by a community—his family, older students, volunteers and other members of the community. The goal is to always improve, he said. For example, as someone who has run over 150 shows, Phady strives to help others run shows as well.

“I have a lot of student who help and friends and connection is very important…All these people helping me, like before they’re not sure it’s gonna happen,” he said.

“I don’t mind sharing my knowledge. That’s what it’s about. You build a community.
If I die one day, somebody’s gonna be able to run better show than mine. And I want to see better show than [mine], not just [mine],” Phady said.

Now, Muay Thai is gaining recognition worldwide and there is a growing possibility of it being included in the Olympics. Patel said Muay Thai has grown even in Canada, with many
of Phady’s previous students opening their own gyms or becoming professional fighters and traveling to Thailand.

“We want to focus on bringing them back here to Canada, getting them working here so they can represent Canada on an international level at the World Olympics,” Patel said.

Phady said he hopes to continue growing the Muay Thai community in Canada and in the region. Eventually, he hopes to create a stadium for Muay Thai in Cambridge.

“What I want to do for City of Cambridge is to have our own stadium here…because Cambridge is a muay thai city, because we started here,” Phady said.

“That’s my dream,” he said.

For more information, visit phadysmuaythai.ca.

#boxingStyles #Cambridge #canadianAmateurMuayThaiAssociation #CityOfCambridge #communistRevolution #HarleenKaurDhillon #immigrant #karate #khanPhady #kingdomOfSiam #kungFu #localGym #localSports #martialArts #muayThai #Olympics #phadysmuaythai #Refugees #siam #taekwondo #thailand #thepPhady #vientiane #worldAmateurMuayThaiAssociationCanada

KHAN PHADY’S MUAY THAI

In the 1980s, faced with a lack of Muay Thai in the region, Khan Phady founded Phady’s Muay Thai. The gym is one of the earliest Muay Thai gyms in Canada and opened in Cambridge in 1987.

“There was Western kickboxing, Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo. At that time, that was it. And so I joined a kickboxing club…it’s not the same,” Phady said.

“I decided…I want to start up something.”

Phady was born in Vientiane, Laos while a communist revolution was underway. In 1974, he migrated to Thailand with his family as a refugee and in 1980, the Phady family made their way to Canada.

Phady’s father, Thep Phady, introduced him and his brothers to Muay Thai. Thep Phady was the owner of a construction company, who initially forayed into Muay Thai as a means to maintain his health and went on to own two stadiums in Laos. Thep Phady went on to inspire all of his children to embrace Muay Thai and the Phady family has been practicing the art for four generations.

“So my dad started it, and he just liked fighting, and he got us into it…dads always take you where [they want] to go and we would follow,” he said.

Although the gym faced some bureaucratic difficulties in the earlier years, Phady and his team navigated the system and founded the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association in 2003 and the World Amateur Muay Thai Association Canada in 2009.

Lukman Patel, one of the head coaches at Phady’s Muay Thai, has been surrounded by the martial art since he was a child. He started learning Muay Thai as a toddler.

Muay Thai originates from Muay Boran, an older and more brutal art taught in the Kingdom of Siam. As such, other countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, have nearly identical boxing styles. Patel said he appreciates the warrior spirit of Muay Thai, as well as the focus on community, fitness and goal-setting.

“There [are] a lot of people that are very, very shy, and this is something that gives them that confidence in themselves…it gives them a sense of being involved in something as well, too, so they feel included now,” he said. “All sports are kind of like that, right?”

Phady said Muay Thai is not about anger and conflict—respect, sportsmanship and camaraderie are major aspects.

“If you have anger problems, try to go up there and fight, it doesn’t work. You have to control yourself. It’s sports. When you lose, show respect,” he said. “You win the fight, don’t override your opponent too much, because…he’s helping you win that fight.”

Both Phady and Patel recognize the substantial cultural aspects of martial arts. For example, the Wai Kru is an interpretive dance done by fighters before a fight that acknowledges their fighting heritage, teachers and community.

“It’s tradition, culture; and it brings us together. When we’re done fighting, no matter how hard we hit each other, at the end, we apologize to each other,” Phady said. “That’s what I love about Muay Thai. It shows not just about fighting…it doesn’t create hate.”

Phady is supported by a community—his family, older students, volunteers and other members of the community. The goal is to always improve, he said. For example, as someone who has run over 150 shows, Phady strives to help others run shows as well.

“I have a lot of student who help and friends and connection is very important…All these people helping me, like before they’re not sure it’s gonna happen,” he said.

“I don’t mind sharing my knowledge. That’s what it’s about. You build a community.
If I die one day, somebody’s gonna be able to run better show than mine. And I want to see better show than [mine], not just [mine],” Phady said.

Now, Muay Thai is gaining recognition worldwide and there is a growing possibility of it being included in the Olympics. Patel said Muay Thai has grown even in Canada, with many
of Phady’s previous students opening their own gyms or becoming professional fighters and traveling to Thailand.

“We want to focus on bringing them back here to Canada, getting them working here so they can represent Canada on an international level at the World Olympics,” Patel said.

Phady said he hopes to continue growing the Muay Thai community in Canada and in the region. Eventually, he hopes to create a stadium for Muay Thai in Cambridge.

“What I want to do for City of Cambridge is to have our own stadium here…because Cambridge is a muay thai city, because we started here,” Phady said.

“That’s my dream,” he said.

For more information, visit phadysmuaythai.ca.

#boxingStyles #Cambridge #canadianAmateurMuayThaiAssociation #CityOfCambridge #communistRevolution #HarleenKaurDhillon #immigrant #karate #khanPhady #kingdomOfSiam #kungFu #localGym #localSports #martialArts #muayThai #Olympics #phadysmuaythai #Refugees #siam #taekwondo #thailand #thepPhady #vientiane #worldAmateurMuayThaiAssociationCanada

Kitchener Celebrate Erick Traplin Day

The City of Kitchener is recognizing 35 years of music and memories the first Erick Traplin Day on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The free event at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener celebrates the contributions of one of Waterloo Region’s favourite children’s entertainers, featuring live performances, special guests and games.  

Having a day named after him was not something Traplin ever expected when he began his musical career 35 years ago. Originally from Owen Sound, Traplin and his family moved to Kitchener in 1961. Traplin grew up in a musical family and played guitar and sang from an early age.  

After graduating from school, Traplin worked as a sewing machine mechanic at the La-Z-Boy factory in Waterloo. He said while it was a good job, he knew his life had more purpose.  

“I worked in construction and factory work for many years, but then I finally took a Tony Robbins course and realized what I really wanted to do was be an entertainer. It was a very deep epiphany. That’s what I wanted to do, and, by golly, within three months, I was doing it,” he said. 

While a career as a musician was the goal, Traplin said he had not planned on becoming a children’s and family entertainer. 

“I was gonna do the pub set. I joined the musician’s union, and when they called me, they said, ‘We got you a Christmas show for kids.’ You don’t get anywhere by saying no. So, I said yes and did the show, and I loved it,” Traplin said. 

With a career spanning over 35 years, Traplin said he sees familiar faces in the crowd. 

“I see more moms and dads getting up and dancing with their kids now because I played for them when they were kids,” he said.  

One of those kids who has grown into an adult fan is Merrin Manser, an event coordinator with the City of Kitchener.  

“My mom used to bring me to events like KidsPark and out to the Blue Moon. I’d sit there and eat my chicken fingers and wait for him to pay ‘Bubbles.’ Erick even played at one of my birthday parties,” Manser said. 

The opportunity to help plan out the day is something Manser is excited about taking on. 

“Erick is the first person that comes up every single time we start talking about family entertainment. He is a staple of the community, and this is a chance to celebrate the legacy of everything he’s done over the last 36 years,” she said. 

Manser planned the event with Traplin’s wife, Ruth, as a surprise for the musician. 

“I was overwhelmed. I’ve been playing for almost 36 years in the community and didn’t expect it,” Traplin said. 

In addition to planning the event with Ruth Traplin, Manser noted that the event also received assistance from other municipalities in the Waterloo Region. The partners include City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo, Kitchener Blues Festival, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Sherwood Systems and the Township of Wilmot. 

“This is one of the first events where we’re coming together with all these groups that have worked with Erick over the years. From a planning perspective, it’s been great to work together with all our partners to make this day possible,” Manser said. 

Erick Traplin Day may be a celebration of music, but, for Traplin, the magic is in the lives that his music has changed. 

“I always take joy in watching the kids. I say I’ve got the best seat in the house because I get to see the kids’ faces, and I see them jumping up and down and having a good time. It’s joyful,” Traplin said. 

#AlexKinsella #CarlZehrSquare #Christmas #CityOfCambridge #CityOfKitchener #erickTraplin #erickTraplinDay #factory #MerrinManser #multiculturalCentre #music #musician #owenSound #ruthTraplin #spanning #tonyRobbins #waterlooRegion

Kitchener Celebrate Erick Traplin Day

The City of Kitchener is recognizing 35 years of music and memories the first Erick Traplin Day on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The free event at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener celebrates the contributions of one of Waterloo Region’s favourite children’s entertainers, featuring live performances, special guests and games.  

Having a day named after him was not something Traplin ever expected when he began his musical career 35 years ago. Originally from Owen Sound, Traplin and his family moved to Kitchener in 1961. Traplin grew up in a musical family and played guitar and sang from an early age.  

After graduating from school, Traplin worked as a sewing machine mechanic at the La-Z-Boy factory in Waterloo. He said while it was a good job, he knew his life had more purpose.  

“I worked in construction and factory work for many years, but then I finally took a Tony Robbins course and realized what I really wanted to do was be an entertainer. It was a very deep epiphany. That’s what I wanted to do, and, by golly, within three months, I was doing it,” he said. 

While a career as a musician was the goal, Traplin said he had not planned on becoming a children’s and family entertainer. 

“I was gonna do the pub set. I joined the musician’s union, and when they called me, they said, ‘We got you a Christmas show for kids.’ You don’t get anywhere by saying no. So, I said yes and did the show, and I loved it,” Traplin said. 

With a career spanning over 35 years, Traplin said he sees familiar faces in the crowd. 

“I see more moms and dads getting up and dancing with their kids now because I played for them when they were kids,” he said.  

One of those kids who has grown into an adult fan is Merrin Manser, an event coordinator with the City of Kitchener.  

“My mom used to bring me to events like KidsPark and out to the Blue Moon. I’d sit there and eat my chicken fingers and wait for him to pay ‘Bubbles.’ Erick even played at one of my birthday parties,” Manser said. 

The opportunity to help plan out the day is something Manser is excited about taking on. 

“Erick is the first person that comes up every single time we start talking about family entertainment. He is a staple of the community, and this is a chance to celebrate the legacy of everything he’s done over the last 36 years,” she said. 

Manser planned the event with Traplin’s wife, Ruth, as a surprise for the musician. 

“I was overwhelmed. I’ve been playing for almost 36 years in the community and didn’t expect it,” Traplin said. 

In addition to planning the event with Ruth Traplin, Manser noted that the event also received assistance from other municipalities in the Waterloo Region. The partners include City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo, Kitchener Blues Festival, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Sherwood Systems and the Township of Wilmot. 

“This is one of the first events where we’re coming together with all these groups that have worked with Erick over the years. From a planning perspective, it’s been great to work together with all our partners to make this day possible,” Manser said. 

Erick Traplin Day may be a celebration of music, but, for Traplin, the magic is in the lives that his music has changed. 

“I always take joy in watching the kids. I say I’ve got the best seat in the house because I get to see the kids’ faces, and I see them jumping up and down and having a good time. It’s joyful,” Traplin said. 

#AlexKinsella #CarlZehrSquare #Christmas #CityOfCambridge #CityOfKitchener #erickTraplin #erickTraplinDay #factory #MerrinManser #multiculturalCentre #music #musician #owenSound #ruthTraplin #spanning #tonyRobbins #waterlooRegion

Kitchener Celebrate Erick Traplin Day

The City of Kitchener is recognizing 35 years of music and memories the first Erick Traplin Day on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The free event at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener celebrates the contributions of one of Waterloo Region’s favourite children’s entertainers, featuring live performances, special guests and games.  

Having a day named after him was not something Traplin ever expected when he began his musical career 35 years ago. Originally from Owen Sound, Traplin and his family moved to Kitchener in 1961. Traplin grew up in a musical family and played guitar and sang from an early age.  

After graduating from school, Traplin worked as a sewing machine mechanic at the La-Z-Boy factory in Waterloo. He said while it was a good job, he knew his life had more purpose.  

“I worked in construction and factory work for many years, but then I finally took a Tony Robbins course and realized what I really wanted to do was be an entertainer. It was a very deep epiphany. That’s what I wanted to do, and, by golly, within three months, I was doing it,” he said. 

While a career as a musician was the goal, Traplin said he had not planned on becoming a children’s and family entertainer. 

“I was gonna do the pub set. I joined the musician’s union, and when they called me, they said, ‘We got you a Christmas show for kids.’ You don’t get anywhere by saying no. So, I said yes and did the show, and I loved it,” Traplin said. 

With a career spanning over 35 years, Traplin said he sees familiar faces in the crowd. 

“I see more moms and dads getting up and dancing with their kids now because I played for them when they were kids,” he said.  

One of those kids who has grown into an adult fan is Merrin Manser, an event coordinator with the City of Kitchener.  

“My mom used to bring me to events like KidsPark and out to the Blue Moon. I’d sit there and eat my chicken fingers and wait for him to pay ‘Bubbles.’ Erick even played at one of my birthday parties,” Manser said. 

The opportunity to help plan out the day is something Manser is excited about taking on. 

“Erick is the first person that comes up every single time we start talking about family entertainment. He is a staple of the community, and this is a chance to celebrate the legacy of everything he’s done over the last 36 years,” she said. 

Manser planned the event with Traplin’s wife, Ruth, as a surprise for the musician. 

“I was overwhelmed. I’ve been playing for almost 36 years in the community and didn’t expect it,” Traplin said. 

In addition to planning the event with Ruth Traplin, Manser noted that the event also received assistance from other municipalities in the Waterloo Region. The partners include City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo, Kitchener Blues Festival, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Sherwood Systems and the Township of Wilmot. 

“This is one of the first events where we’re coming together with all these groups that have worked with Erick over the years. From a planning perspective, it’s been great to work together with all our partners to make this day possible,” Manser said. 

Erick Traplin Day may be a celebration of music, but, for Traplin, the magic is in the lives that his music has changed. 

“I always take joy in watching the kids. I say I’ve got the best seat in the house because I get to see the kids’ faces, and I see them jumping up and down and having a good time. It’s joyful,” Traplin said. 

#AlexKinsella #CarlZehrSquare #Christmas #CityOfCambridge #CityOfKitchener #erickTraplin #erickTraplinDay #factory #MerrinManser #multiculturalCentre #music #musician #owenSound #ruthTraplin #spanning #tonyRobbins #waterlooRegion

Kitchener Celebrate Erick Traplin Day

The City of Kitchener is recognizing 35 years of music and memories the first Erick Traplin Day on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The free event at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener celebrates the contributions of one of Waterloo Region’s favourite children’s entertainers, featuring live performances, special guests and games.  

Having a day named after him was not something Traplin ever expected when he began his musical career 35 years ago. Originally from Owen Sound, Traplin and his family moved to Kitchener in 1961. Traplin grew up in a musical family and played guitar and sang from an early age.  

After graduating from school, Traplin worked as a sewing machine mechanic at the La-Z-Boy factory in Waterloo. He said while it was a good job, he knew his life had more purpose.  

“I worked in construction and factory work for many years, but then I finally took a Tony Robbins course and realized what I really wanted to do was be an entertainer. It was a very deep epiphany. That’s what I wanted to do, and, by golly, within three months, I was doing it,” he said. 

While a career as a musician was the goal, Traplin said he had not planned on becoming a children’s and family entertainer. 

“I was gonna do the pub set. I joined the musician’s union, and when they called me, they said, ‘We got you a Christmas show for kids.’ You don’t get anywhere by saying no. So, I said yes and did the show, and I loved it,” Traplin said. 

With a career spanning over 35 years, Traplin said he sees familiar faces in the crowd. 

“I see more moms and dads getting up and dancing with their kids now because I played for them when they were kids,” he said.  

One of those kids who has grown into an adult fan is Merrin Manser, an event coordinator with the City of Kitchener.  

“My mom used to bring me to events like KidsPark and out to the Blue Moon. I’d sit there and eat my chicken fingers and wait for him to pay ‘Bubbles.’ Erick even played at one of my birthday parties,” Manser said. 

The opportunity to help plan out the day is something Manser is excited about taking on. 

“Erick is the first person that comes up every single time we start talking about family entertainment. He is a staple of the community, and this is a chance to celebrate the legacy of everything he’s done over the last 36 years,” she said. 

Manser planned the event with Traplin’s wife, Ruth, as a surprise for the musician. 

“I was overwhelmed. I’ve been playing for almost 36 years in the community and didn’t expect it,” Traplin said. 

In addition to planning the event with Ruth Traplin, Manser noted that the event also received assistance from other municipalities in the Waterloo Region. The partners include City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo, Kitchener Blues Festival, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Sherwood Systems and the Township of Wilmot. 

“This is one of the first events where we’re coming together with all these groups that have worked with Erick over the years. From a planning perspective, it’s been great to work together with all our partners to make this day possible,” Manser said. 

Erick Traplin Day may be a celebration of music, but, for Traplin, the magic is in the lives that his music has changed. 

“I always take joy in watching the kids. I say I’ve got the best seat in the house because I get to see the kids’ faces, and I see them jumping up and down and having a good time. It’s joyful,” Traplin said. 

#AlexKinsella #CarlZehrSquare #Christmas #CityOfCambridge #CityOfKitchener #erickTraplin #erickTraplinDay #factory #MerrinManser #multiculturalCentre #music #musician #owenSound #ruthTraplin #spanning #tonyRobbins #waterlooRegion

Kitchener Celebrate Erick Traplin Day

The City of Kitchener is recognizing 35 years of music and memories the first Erick Traplin Day on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The free event at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener celebrates the contributions of one of Waterloo Region’s favourite children’s entertainers, featuring live performances, special guests and games.  

Having a day named after him was not something Traplin ever expected when he began his musical career 35 years ago. Originally from Owen Sound, Traplin and his family moved to Kitchener in 1961. Traplin grew up in a musical family and played guitar and sang from an early age.  

After graduating from school, Traplin worked as a sewing machine mechanic at the La-Z-Boy factory in Waterloo. He said while it was a good job, he knew his life had more purpose.  

“I worked in construction and factory work for many years, but then I finally took a Tony Robbins course and realized what I really wanted to do was be an entertainer. It was a very deep epiphany. That’s what I wanted to do, and, by golly, within three months, I was doing it,” he said. 

While a career as a musician was the goal, Traplin said he had not planned on becoming a children’s and family entertainer. 

“I was gonna do the pub set. I joined the musician’s union, and when they called me, they said, ‘We got you a Christmas show for kids.’ You don’t get anywhere by saying no. So, I said yes and did the show, and I loved it,” Traplin said. 

With a career spanning over 35 years, Traplin said he sees familiar faces in the crowd. 

“I see more moms and dads getting up and dancing with their kids now because I played for them when they were kids,” he said.  

One of those kids who has grown into an adult fan is Merrin Manser, an event coordinator with the City of Kitchener.  

“My mom used to bring me to events like KidsPark and out to the Blue Moon. I’d sit there and eat my chicken fingers and wait for him to pay ‘Bubbles.’ Erick even played at one of my birthday parties,” Manser said. 

The opportunity to help plan out the day is something Manser is excited about taking on. 

“Erick is the first person that comes up every single time we start talking about family entertainment. He is a staple of the community, and this is a chance to celebrate the legacy of everything he’s done over the last 36 years,” she said. 

Manser planned the event with Traplin’s wife, Ruth, as a surprise for the musician. 

“I was overwhelmed. I’ve been playing for almost 36 years in the community and didn’t expect it,” Traplin said. 

In addition to planning the event with Ruth Traplin, Manser noted that the event also received assistance from other municipalities in the Waterloo Region. The partners include City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo, Kitchener Blues Festival, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Sherwood Systems and the Township of Wilmot. 

“This is one of the first events where we’re coming together with all these groups that have worked with Erick over the years. From a planning perspective, it’s been great to work together with all our partners to make this day possible,” Manser said. 

Erick Traplin Day may be a celebration of music, but, for Traplin, the magic is in the lives that his music has changed. 

“I always take joy in watching the kids. I say I’ve got the best seat in the house because I get to see the kids’ faces, and I see them jumping up and down and having a good time. It’s joyful,” Traplin said. 

#AlexKinsella #CarlZehrSquare #Christmas #CityOfCambridge #CityOfKitchener #erickTraplin #erickTraplinDay #factory #MerrinManser #multiculturalCentre #music #musician #owenSound #ruthTraplin #spanning #tonyRobbins #waterlooRegion

ION EXTENSION DELAYED

The future of ION extension to the city of Cambridge remains uncertain. 

The Region of Waterloo council originally approved the Light Rail Transit (LRT) ION system in 2009. It was to be a link across Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) linking Kitchener and Cambridge. 

Plans for Stage 2 ION, bringing the LRT transport system from Fairway Station in Kitchener through the urban centres of Cambridge to downtown Galt, were officially announced in June 2019, but the project has since been subject to significant delays. 

A report to Cambridge City Council in 2023, estimated the expansion cost at $4.5 billion, a number that had nearly tripled since 2021. In June 2024, Matthew O’Neil, manager of Rapid Transit Coordination at the Region of Waterloo, said he expected construction to begin in 2032, seven years later than initial estimates. 

On Apr. 3, Grand River Transit (GRT) revealed their ten-year business plan, which made no reference to Stage 2 ION expansion. 

Councillors expressed frustration with the continued ambiguity surrounding the project. On The Mike Farwell Show on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig was asked if Cambridge is being shortchanged on transit. 

“Of course we are,” he said. “We don’t have [an] LRT, we don’t have a GO train, and we’re paying for the LRT in KW […] and we’re wondering when is ours going to come to the city of Cambridge?” 

Stage 2 ION plans were thrown into further doubt on May 9, when Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett endorsed the notion of rapid bus transit over LRT expansion. In a Cambridge council meeting, Liggett mentioned the option was raised by Waterloo Region council staff members that day. 

“I know that’s earth-shattering news, but that was an open session of regional council today,” she said. 

Liggett went on to say that the $4.5 billion cost of LRT expansion is not a realistic prospect. 

“That’s an impossibility. We don’t have that much money in our budget in any given five-year span to put towards something like this,” she said. 

The impact of the LRT in Waterloo and Kitchener has been positive. In 2023, $429 million in new building permits were issued in land along the LRT line. A growing percentage of the region’s population are reportedly moving to locations within a 10-minute walk of an LRT stop. 

Cambridge councillors in favour of the expansion believe that it would have a significant impact on city rejuvenation.  

“The ION expansion would have a positive impact on private investment and city rejuvenation. Every report has predicted this, and we have seen firsthand how this happened for Kitchener and Waterloo along the ION Stage one1,” Pam Wolf, Cambridge city councillor, said in a statement. 

Former councillor Rob Deutschmann noted the ION expansion could attract $5-10 billion in private investments along the area, according to Cambridge Chamber of Commerce estimates. 

The Region of Waterloo council have confirmed that nothing has been finalised yet, with the Initial Business Case for Stage 2 ION to be presented to Cambridge City council in November. 

#busRapidTransit #Cambridge #cambridgeCityCouncil #CityOfCambridge #DougCraig #extension #futureOfIon #initialBusinessCase #ION #IONExtension #JanLiggett #JoshMiltonBell #KatWex #kitchener #lightRailTransit #localTransit #LRT #matthewOneil #mikeFarwellShow #november #pamWolf #publicTransit #publicTransport #RobDeutschmann #waterloo

ION EXTENSION DELAYED

The future of ION extension to the city of Cambridge remains uncertain. 

The Region of Waterloo council originally approved the Light Rail Transit (LRT) ION system in 2009. It was to be a link across Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) linking Kitchener and Cambridge. 

Plans for Stage 2 ION, bringing the LRT transport system from Fairway Station in Kitchener through the urban centres of Cambridge to downtown Galt, were officially announced in June 2019, but the project has since been subject to significant delays. 

A report to Cambridge City Council in 2023, estimated the expansion cost at $4.5 billion, a number that had nearly tripled since 2021. In June 2024, Matthew O’Neil, manager of Rapid Transit Coordination at the Region of Waterloo, said he expected construction to begin in 2032, seven years later than initial estimates. 

On Apr. 3, Grand River Transit (GRT) revealed their ten-year business plan, which made no reference to Stage 2 ION expansion. 

Councillors expressed frustration with the continued ambiguity surrounding the project. On The Mike Farwell Show on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig was asked if Cambridge is being shortchanged on transit. 

“Of course we are,” he said. “We don’t have [an] LRT, we don’t have a GO train, and we’re paying for the LRT in KW […] and we’re wondering when is ours going to come to the city of Cambridge?” 

Stage 2 ION plans were thrown into further doubt on May 9, when Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett endorsed the notion of rapid bus transit over LRT expansion. In a Cambridge council meeting, Liggett mentioned the option was raised by Waterloo Region council staff members that day. 

“I know that’s earth-shattering news, but that was an open session of regional council today,” she said. 

Liggett went on to say that the $4.5 billion cost of LRT expansion is not a realistic prospect. 

“That’s an impossibility. We don’t have that much money in our budget in any given five-year span to put towards something like this,” she said. 

The impact of the LRT in Waterloo and Kitchener has been positive. In 2023, $429 million in new building permits were issued in land along the LRT line. A growing percentage of the region’s population are reportedly moving to locations within a 10-minute walk of an LRT stop. 

Cambridge councillors in favour of the expansion believe that it would have a significant impact on city rejuvenation.  

“The ION expansion would have a positive impact on private investment and city rejuvenation. Every report has predicted this, and we have seen firsthand how this happened for Kitchener and Waterloo along the ION Stage one1,” Pam Wolf, Cambridge city councillor, said in a statement. 

Former councillor Rob Deutschmann noted the ION expansion could attract $5-10 billion in private investments along the area, according to Cambridge Chamber of Commerce estimates. 

The Region of Waterloo council have confirmed that nothing has been finalised yet, with the Initial Business Case for Stage 2 ION to be presented to Cambridge City council in November. 

#busRapidTransit #Cambridge #cambridgeCityCouncil #CityOfCambridge #DougCraig #extension #futureOfIon #initialBusinessCase #ION #IONExtension #JanLiggett #JoshMiltonBell #KatWex #kitchener #lightRailTransit #localTransit #LRT #matthewOneil #mikeFarwellShow #november #pamWolf #publicTransit #publicTransport #RobDeutschmann #waterloo

ION EXTENSION DELAYED

The future of ION extension to the city of Cambridge remains uncertain. 

The Region of Waterloo council originally approved the Light Rail Transit (LRT) ION system in 2009. It was to be a link across Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) linking Kitchener and Cambridge. 

Plans for Stage 2 ION, bringing the LRT transport system from Fairway Station in Kitchener through the urban centres of Cambridge to downtown Galt, were officially announced in June 2019, but the project has since been subject to significant delays. 

A report to Cambridge City Council in 2023, estimated the expansion cost at $4.5 billion, a number that had nearly tripled since 2021. In June 2024, Matthew O’Neil, manager of Rapid Transit Coordination at the Region of Waterloo, said he expected construction to begin in 2032, seven years later than initial estimates. 

On Apr. 3, Grand River Transit (GRT) revealed their ten-year business plan, which made no reference to Stage 2 ION expansion. 

Councillors expressed frustration with the continued ambiguity surrounding the project. On The Mike Farwell Show on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig was asked if Cambridge is being shortchanged on transit. 

“Of course we are,” he said. “We don’t have [an] LRT, we don’t have a GO train, and we’re paying for the LRT in KW […] and we’re wondering when is ours going to come to the city of Cambridge?” 

Stage 2 ION plans were thrown into further doubt on May 9, when Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett endorsed the notion of rapid bus transit over LRT expansion. In a Cambridge council meeting, Liggett mentioned the option was raised by Waterloo Region council staff members that day. 

“I know that’s earth-shattering news, but that was an open session of regional council today,” she said. 

Liggett went on to say that the $4.5 billion cost of LRT expansion is not a realistic prospect. 

“That’s an impossibility. We don’t have that much money in our budget in any given five-year span to put towards something like this,” she said. 

The impact of the LRT in Waterloo and Kitchener has been positive. In 2023, $429 million in new building permits were issued in land along the LRT line. A growing percentage of the region’s population are reportedly moving to locations within a 10-minute walk of an LRT stop. 

Cambridge councillors in favour of the expansion believe that it would have a significant impact on city rejuvenation.  

“The ION expansion would have a positive impact on private investment and city rejuvenation. Every report has predicted this, and we have seen firsthand how this happened for Kitchener and Waterloo along the ION Stage one1,” Pam Wolf, Cambridge city councillor, said in a statement. 

Former councillor Rob Deutschmann noted the ION expansion could attract $5-10 billion in private investments along the area, according to Cambridge Chamber of Commerce estimates. 

The Region of Waterloo council have confirmed that nothing has been finalised yet, with the Initial Business Case for Stage 2 ION to be presented to Cambridge City council in November. 

#busRapidTransit #Cambridge #cambridgeCityCouncil #CityOfCambridge #DougCraig #extension #futureOfIon #initialBusinessCase #ION #IONExtension #JanLiggett #JoshMiltonBell #KatWex #kitchener #lightRailTransit #localTransit #LRT #matthewOneil #mikeFarwellShow #november #pamWolf #publicTransit #publicTransport #RobDeutschmann #waterloo

ION EXTENSION DELAYED

The future of ION extension to the city of Cambridge remains uncertain. 

The Region of Waterloo council originally approved the Light Rail Transit (LRT) ION system in 2009. It was to be a link across Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) linking Kitchener and Cambridge. 

Plans for Stage 2 ION, bringing the LRT transport system from Fairway Station in Kitchener through the urban centres of Cambridge to downtown Galt, were officially announced in June 2019, but the project has since been subject to significant delays. 

A report to Cambridge City Council in 2023, estimated the expansion cost at $4.5 billion, a number that had nearly tripled since 2021. In June 2024, Matthew O’Neil, manager of Rapid Transit Coordination at the Region of Waterloo, said he expected construction to begin in 2032, seven years later than initial estimates. 

On Apr. 3, Grand River Transit (GRT) revealed their ten-year business plan, which made no reference to Stage 2 ION expansion. 

Councillors expressed frustration with the continued ambiguity surrounding the project. On The Mike Farwell Show on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig was asked if Cambridge is being shortchanged on transit. 

“Of course we are,” he said. “We don’t have [an] LRT, we don’t have a GO train, and we’re paying for the LRT in KW […] and we’re wondering when is ours going to come to the city of Cambridge?” 

Stage 2 ION plans were thrown into further doubt on May 9, when Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett endorsed the notion of rapid bus transit over LRT expansion. In a Cambridge council meeting, Liggett mentioned the option was raised by Waterloo Region council staff members that day. 

“I know that’s earth-shattering news, but that was an open session of regional council today,” she said. 

Liggett went on to say that the $4.5 billion cost of LRT expansion is not a realistic prospect. 

“That’s an impossibility. We don’t have that much money in our budget in any given five-year span to put towards something like this,” she said. 

The impact of the LRT in Waterloo and Kitchener has been positive. In 2023, $429 million in new building permits were issued in land along the LRT line. A growing percentage of the region’s population are reportedly moving to locations within a 10-minute walk of an LRT stop. 

Cambridge councillors in favour of the expansion believe that it would have a significant impact on city rejuvenation.  

“The ION expansion would have a positive impact on private investment and city rejuvenation. Every report has predicted this, and we have seen firsthand how this happened for Kitchener and Waterloo along the ION Stage one1,” Pam Wolf, Cambridge city councillor, said in a statement. 

Former councillor Rob Deutschmann noted the ION expansion could attract $5-10 billion in private investments along the area, according to Cambridge Chamber of Commerce estimates. 

The Region of Waterloo council have confirmed that nothing has been finalised yet, with the Initial Business Case for Stage 2 ION to be presented to Cambridge City council in November. 

#busRapidTransit #Cambridge #cambridgeCityCouncil #CityOfCambridge #DougCraig #extension #futureOfIon #initialBusinessCase #ION #IONExtension #JanLiggett #JoshMiltonBell #KatWex #kitchener #lightRailTransit #localTransit #LRT #matthewOneil #mikeFarwellShow #november #pamWolf #publicTransit #publicTransport #RobDeutschmann #waterloo

ION EXTENSION DELAYED

The future of ION extension to the city of Cambridge remains uncertain. 

The Region of Waterloo council originally approved the Light Rail Transit (LRT) ION system in 2009. It was to be a link across Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) linking Kitchener and Cambridge. 

Plans for Stage 2 ION, bringing the LRT transport system from Fairway Station in Kitchener through the urban centres of Cambridge to downtown Galt, were officially announced in June 2019, but the project has since been subject to significant delays. 

A report to Cambridge City Council in 2023, estimated the expansion cost at $4.5 billion, a number that had nearly tripled since 2021. In June 2024, Matthew O’Neil, manager of Rapid Transit Coordination at the Region of Waterloo, said he expected construction to begin in 2032, seven years later than initial estimates. 

On Apr. 3, Grand River Transit (GRT) revealed their ten-year business plan, which made no reference to Stage 2 ION expansion. 

Councillors expressed frustration with the continued ambiguity surrounding the project. On The Mike Farwell Show on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig was asked if Cambridge is being shortchanged on transit. 

“Of course we are,” he said. “We don’t have [an] LRT, we don’t have a GO train, and we’re paying for the LRT in KW […] and we’re wondering when is ours going to come to the city of Cambridge?” 

Stage 2 ION plans were thrown into further doubt on May 9, when Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett endorsed the notion of rapid bus transit over LRT expansion. In a Cambridge council meeting, Liggett mentioned the option was raised by Waterloo Region council staff members that day. 

“I know that’s earth-shattering news, but that was an open session of regional council today,” she said. 

Liggett went on to say that the $4.5 billion cost of LRT expansion is not a realistic prospect. 

“That’s an impossibility. We don’t have that much money in our budget in any given five-year span to put towards something like this,” she said. 

The impact of the LRT in Waterloo and Kitchener has been positive. In 2023, $429 million in new building permits were issued in land along the LRT line. A growing percentage of the region’s population are reportedly moving to locations within a 10-minute walk of an LRT stop. 

Cambridge councillors in favour of the expansion believe that it would have a significant impact on city rejuvenation.  

“The ION expansion would have a positive impact on private investment and city rejuvenation. Every report has predicted this, and we have seen firsthand how this happened for Kitchener and Waterloo along the ION Stage one1,” Pam Wolf, Cambridge city councillor, said in a statement. 

Former councillor Rob Deutschmann noted the ION expansion could attract $5-10 billion in private investments along the area, according to Cambridge Chamber of Commerce estimates. 

The Region of Waterloo council have confirmed that nothing has been finalised yet, with the Initial Business Case for Stage 2 ION to be presented to Cambridge City council in November. 

#busRapidTransit #Cambridge #cambridgeCityCouncil #CityOfCambridge #DougCraig #extension #futureOfIon #initialBusinessCase #ION #IONExtension #JanLiggett #JoshMiltonBell #KatWex #kitchener #lightRailTransit #localTransit #LRT #matthewOneil #mikeFarwellShow #november #pamWolf #publicTransit #publicTransport #RobDeutschmann #waterloo