#katwex — Public Fediverse posts

SPARE CHANGE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD

I recently applied for a new credit card and was reminded just how confusing the process can be. There are so many options, all with different perks, rewards systems, and fee structures, that it’s difficult to figure out the right one for you. The truth is, the best credit card is different for everyone and really comes down to understanding your own spending habits and financial […]

SPARE CHANGE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD

I recently applied for a new credit card and was reminded just how confusing the process can be. There are so many options, all with different perks, rewards systems, and fee structures, that it’s difficult to figure out the right one for you. The truth is, the best credit card is different for everyone and really comes down to understanding your own spending habits and financial […]

SPARE CHANGE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD

I recently applied for a new credit card and was reminded just how confusing the process can be. There are so many options, all with different perks, rewards systems, and fee structures, that it’s difficult to figure out the right one for you. The truth is, the best credit card is different for everyone and really comes down to understanding your own spending habits and financial […]

SPARE CHANGE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD

I recently applied for a new credit card and was reminded just how confusing the process can be. There are so many options, all with different perks, rewards systems, and fee structures, that it’s difficult to figure out the right one for you. The truth is, the best credit card is different for everyone and really comes down to understanding your own spending habits and financial […]

SPARE CHANGE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD

I recently applied for a new credit card and was reminded just how confusing the process can be. There are so many options, all with different perks, rewards systems, and fee structures, that it’s difficult to figure out the right one for you. The truth is, the best credit card is different for everyone and really comes down to understanding your own spending habits and financial […]

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFERS SPACE TO CREATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

On Dec. 31 2025, Christ Lutheran Church proposed to add townhomes to its vacant lot at Anndale Rd. and Lexington Rd. to help move the Waterloo Region out of its current housing crisis. Christ Lutheran Church had a long-held vision for the future use of the site, which included an opportunity to explore new housing options. The proposal to add 57 rental townhomes to its three-acre lot has been put into action, with some challenge from residents.  

“Neighbours and community members have continued to engage with us directly, and the city is also receiving input through its formal channels…We are taking all of this input into account through the ongoing review process of the application with our team and the city,” Carly Forrester, Director of Development and Planning at Kindred Works, said.   

Kindred Works, a Toronto-based rental housing design firm, was engaged to evaluate what could be supported on the portion of the property identified for redevelopment. This work has informed the low-rise residential proposal currently advancing through the zoning process.  

“Some residents have raised concerns about height—the proposal is for two-three storeys, similar to the nearby homes to the north and northeast, and much shorter than the six-storey retirement residence to the south across the street. Other concerns raised include the number of homes, potential impacts on traffic, parking and greenspace,” Forrester said.   

The church has occupied the mostly vacant land since 1974. The plan involves retaining the original church building, while Kindred Works develops around it. Christ Lutheran Church transferred its property to its development partner for a total of two dollars in September 2025.   

“We have also received support for the proposal, including the addition of purpose-built rental housing with non-market and family-sized units, adding much needed housing to the community, the fact the building is designed to be zero-carbon, and the retention of the existing community building,” Forrester said.   

This project aligns with the Region of Waterloo’s Homes for All initiative, which is a part of the Waterloo Region’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.  

“The project is still in the zoning process, and the timeline will be shaped by the results of this phase and the municipal review process. We are eager to complete this project as soon as practical to deliver much needed housing to the community,” Forrester said.  

DOG DAYS ARE HERE

On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie. 

I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.  

I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.  

Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.  

Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS). 

The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.  

For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.  

I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.  

But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.  

For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.  

Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.  

Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at  thedogrescuesociety.net. 

DOG DAYS ARE HERE

On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie. 

I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.  

I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.  

Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.  

Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS). 

The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.  

For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.  

I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.  

But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.  

For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.  

Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.  

Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at  thedogrescuesociety.net. 

DOG DAYS ARE HERE

On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie. 

I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.  

I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.  

Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.  

Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS). 

The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.  

For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.  

I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.  

But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.  

For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.  

Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.  

Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at  thedogrescuesociety.net. 

DOG DAYS ARE HERE

On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie. 

I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.  

I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.  

Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.  

Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS). 

The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.  

For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.  

I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.  

But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.  

For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.  

Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.  

Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at  thedogrescuesociety.net. 

DONATIONS FOR 100 VIC FOR THE WINTER

Winter is here and residents at 100 Victoria St. North (100Vic) need supplies to get them through the season. Going into the harshest weather of the year, residents need the support of their community now more than ever. Here are a list of things residents need and details on how to donate.   

Urgently  

• Four person tents  

• Tarps  

• Wooden pallets  

• Sleeping bags  

• Blankets  

• Hygiene products  

Needed daily   

• Water  

• Juice  

• Single serve snacks (granola bars)  

• Home cooked meals  

• Clothes  

• Hats  

• Nail clippers and files  

• Pest repellent  

Amazon Wishlist 

• Glad black garbage bags  

• Rubbermaid 6-pack heavy duty durable totes  

• 8-liter plastic storage boxes  

• Evian natural spring water, 12 bottles  

• 36 Pack AAA batteries  

• 48 Pack AA batteries  

• Polarized sunglasses   

• Banana Boat sunscreen  

• Butane refill  

• Sunheavy duty double-sided dust barriers  

• Rain tarps  

• Paracord bracelet rope   

• Awning repair tape  

• Permanent all-weather duct tape  

How to drop off donations  

There is a parking lot adjacent to the encampment. Once at the encampment, the donation table is near the Sandbag House in the middle of camp. There will be a Fight-Back member on-site near the donation table.   

Other options for drop-offs  

Donations can be dropped off at the encampment at any time. For large or heavy donations, reach out to [email protected] to arrange a drop-off. If you are unable to make it to the encampment, pick-ups can be arranged for donations. 

#100Vic #100VictoriaSt #AdrianQuijano #amazonWishList #batteries #donations #ductTape #encampment #fightBack #FightBackWR #FightbackKW #fourPersonTents #KatWex #supplies #YIMBY

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