#safinajennah — Public Fediverse posts

COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO CONTROVERSIAL COMEDIAN

On Mar. 7, Femme Folks Fest (FFF) opened its seventh annual event with Just a Joke, a comedy shows in response to a controversial comedian scheduled to perform in Kitchener the same night. 

Comedian Ben Bankas was set to perform at Elements Nightclub. His two shows, which were allegedly sold out, were cancelled by the venue the week prior to his visit.  

Bankas’ shows garnered attention from residents and advocates, who were calling for his show to get cancelled. Queer Youth Defense had also planned a counter demonstration outside the event’s venue.  

Lisa O’Connell, artistic director of Pat the Dog Theatre Creation, which hosts FFF, said that when they heard about Bankas’ scheduled shows, they immediately pivoted to add in Just a Joke.  

The show featured KW Comedy All Stars, a group of 14 local comedians with Amy Neufeld as the show’s host. Together, these comics came together for a night to combat hate with art.  

FFF is an annual event that celebrates music, theatre and comedy by women-identified, femme-presenting and non-binary artists. 

Bankas has received mass criticism since a comedy routine he performed in January in which he made jokes about Renee Good, who was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. 

“We found it particularly egregious, the jokes that he was making about Renee Good. This is a queer, young mother who  had just dropped off one of her children at school and was shot in the face,” O’Connell said. 

“There’s nothing funny about that. That’s a tragedy of absolutely the worst,” she said. 

Bankas’ past shows have also included commentary on topics such as residential schools, immigration, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as events taking place in Iran.  

Currently on tour, Bankas’ shows in Kitchener are two of many shows that have been cancelled. 

“The fact that [Bankas] was touring and felt safe to come to our community, felt that he had a constituency here, sold out, or at least, alleges that he sold out two shows, and it was on, literally, the eve of International Women’s Day—we had to answer it,” O’Connell said. 

“The issue here of this kind of humour is systemic, and so we wanted to offer a solution,” O’Connell said.  

While outrage comics have been gaining popularity, O’Connell said that Just a Joke was a way for the community to experience comedy in a more inclusive way.  

“We have tons of literature and factual evidence research that anytime that you marginalize any community, anytime you allow any kind of victimization, albeit even in the form of a joke, that it allows individuals to take a look at someone as less than the full scope of their human dignity,” O’Connell said. 

Emme Kennedy, one of the 14 local comedians who performed at Just a Joke, prepared her six-minute set around the controversy surrounding Bankas.  

At the beginning of her set, Kennedy joked that she was quite similar to Bankas. 

“We both could be accused of being comedians. We both are Canadian-Americans and we both are committing the worst sin of society, which is we’re both failed men. This is an example of a joke that I don’t mean, but saying the dark thought out loud kind of helps excise it from people’s minds,” Kennedy said.  

Kennedy is a queer and trans comedian who recently moved to the Waterloo Region from America. For Kennedy, Just a Joke not only provides an opportunity to face controversy head-on, but also creates an inclusive space for women and trans comedians and their audience.  

“A lot of the places that are available to do open mics are not always the most supportive places for women comedians, let alone trans comedians,” Kennedy said.  

For Kennedy, open mics are an opportunity to foster constructive dialogue and challenge harmful stereotypes. 

“I believe in my comedy and kind of bringing a voice and perspective that is not really heard out to an audience and doing it in a way that is accessible through it being funny and playful,” Kennedy said.  

Kennedy said having open mic spaces that are inclusive and supportive are important for representation. 

“There’s a big cultural divide around who deserves what autonomy to their bodies and their hearts and minds and who doesn’t. I don’t think this stuff is going away. I don’t think Ben Bankas is going away. And I think this moment requires us to keep responding with shows like this,” Kennedy said.  

“I just ask anyone who wants to care about humanity to stick up for those who are speaking out right now, because I think that’s important,” Kennedy said.  

Amy Neufeld is a contributor for The Community Edition. 

KPL AGREEMENT WITH UNION CHANGES

Kitchener Public Library (KPL) is undergoing changes to align with a new strategic plan leading to the union representing workers at KPL to voice concerns.   

Joseph Brannan, vice-president of CUPE Local 331, said the union was notified of changes in the summer that included possible layoffs, job title changes and potential cuts to programming.  

In a statement, KPL said that no staff will be laid off. Two full-time and three-part time staff received notices that their jobs would be eliminated as of Jan. 5, 2026; however, all five of these individuals have already accepted new positions at the library.   

“We’re changing how we work to make sure we can continue to deliver exceptional service and experiences at all library locations today and in the future as Kitchener continues to grow rapidly,” KPL said in a statement.  

“New positions reflect strategic changes that will serve the community in a sustainable way and allow us to remain responsive over time,” the statement continued.  

While each of the five roles that were eliminated and reassigned, Brannan claimed that individuals were forced to move to new locations and even accept roles in different departments outside of their previous scope.   

“In many cases, people were not given a choice and are moving away from the library location that’s closest to their home,” Brannan said.  

“That’s really devastating to people, to be taken from that local library community that they know…it really shakes up the team aspects that they have and it really shakes confidence in the ability to trust in decisions that focus on people and community,” Brannan said.  

With regards to programming, Brannan said KPL has amalgamated the programming team to 16 from 36 in the previous year, also shifting their roles from purely programming to public facing at service desks as well.   

“I think library staff see that there’s a strength to being in a customer facing role as well as in the programming role, because it means the program staff are more in touch with what the public is interested in and what they hear, hearing from the public by interacting with them,” Brannan said.   

“The new model eliminates a lot of people from being able to develop programs…it takes specialized knowledge and life skills out of that team. Yes, it’s dedicated full time staff doing that work, but you don’t have any more.” 

While the union raised concerns over cuts to programming that would impact the public, KPL said in a statement that all library services will continue without interruption.   

“We are not cutting library services. Some library programs will start a couple of weeks later than normal in January to accommodate staff training and development, but most library services will continue without interruption,” KPL said in a statement.  

Since the strategic plan has publicized, Brannan said KPL has responded to some of the union’s concerns, including changes to job titles.  

“The library was going to eliminate the job title of librarian, and for a number of other employees, was going to remove library from the job title,” Brannan said.   

“That was a step that was astounding to staff and really kind of self hurtful,” he said.  

After consultation with staff, Brannan said KPL decided to forgo this change to titles.  

From a strategic mindset, Brannan said that while some changes to KPL were necessary, the implementation of the changes has been the main concern.   

“We completely agree that there are a lot of areas that needed focus…it’s more that the way that the changes are being done that staff have found really disrespectful and jarring,” Brannan said. 

“It’s been really a huge hit to morale,” he said.   

Moving forward, Brannan expressed concern but said he is hopeful the library will continue to deliver on its mandate to the public.  

“All of us are still really passionate about the library, about the public and the work that we do in providing information, providing people access to library programs and books and literacy,” he said.  

KPL AGREEMENT WITH UNION CHANGES

Kitchener Public Library (KPL) is undergoing changes to align with a new strategic plan leading to the union representing workers at KPL to voice concerns.   

Joseph Brannan, vice-president of CUPE Local 331, said the union was notified of changes in the summer that included possible layoffs, job title changes and potential cuts to programming.  

In a statement, KPL said that no staff will be laid off. Two full-time and three-part time staff received notices that their jobs would be eliminated as of Jan. 5, 2026; however, all five of these individuals have already accepted new positions at the library.   

“We’re changing how we work to make sure we can continue to deliver exceptional service and experiences at all library locations today and in the future as Kitchener continues to grow rapidly,” KPL said in a statement.  

“New positions reflect strategic changes that will serve the community in a sustainable way and allow us to remain responsive over time,” the statement continued.  

While each of the five roles that were eliminated and reassigned, Brannan claimed that individuals were forced to move to new locations and even accept roles in different departments outside of their previous scope.   

“In many cases, people were not given a choice and are moving away from the library location that’s closest to their home,” Brannan said.  

“That’s really devastating to people, to be taken from that local library community that they know…it really shakes up the team aspects that they have and it really shakes confidence in the ability to trust in decisions that focus on people and community,” Brannan said.  

With regards to programming, Brannan said KPL has amalgamated the programming team to 16 from 36 in the previous year, also shifting their roles from purely programming to public facing at service desks as well.   

“I think library staff see that there’s a strength to being in a customer facing role as well as in the programming role, because it means the program staff are more in touch with what the public is interested in and what they hear, hearing from the public by interacting with them,” Brannan said.   

“The new model eliminates a lot of people from being able to develop programs…it takes specialized knowledge and life skills out of that team. Yes, it’s dedicated full time staff doing that work, but you don’t have any more.” 

While the union raised concerns over cuts to programming that would impact the public, KPL said in a statement that all library services will continue without interruption.   

“We are not cutting library services. Some library programs will start a couple of weeks later than normal in January to accommodate staff training and development, but most library services will continue without interruption,” KPL said in a statement.  

Since the strategic plan has publicized, Brannan said KPL has responded to some of the union’s concerns, including changes to job titles.  

“The library was going to eliminate the job title of librarian, and for a number of other employees, was going to remove library from the job title,” Brannan said.   

“That was a step that was astounding to staff and really kind of self hurtful,” he said.  

After consultation with staff, Brannan said KPL decided to forgo this change to titles.  

From a strategic mindset, Brannan said that while some changes to KPL were necessary, the implementation of the changes has been the main concern.   

“We completely agree that there are a lot of areas that needed focus…it’s more that the way that the changes are being done that staff have found really disrespectful and jarring,” Brannan said. 

“It’s been really a huge hit to morale,” he said.   

Moving forward, Brannan expressed concern but said he is hopeful the library will continue to deliver on its mandate to the public.  

“All of us are still really passionate about the library, about the public and the work that we do in providing information, providing people access to library programs and books and literacy,” he said.  

Kitchener Public Library Undergoes Structural Changes, Union Raises Concerns

Kitchener Public Library (KPL) is undergoing changes to align with a new strategic plan leading to the union representing workers at KPL to voice concerns.   

Joseph Brannan, vice-president of CUPE Local 331, said the union was notified of changes in the summer that included possible layoffs, job title changes and potential cuts to programming.  

In a statement, KPL said that no staff will be laid off. Two full-time and three-part time staff received notices that their jobs would be eliminated as of Jan. 5, 2026; however, all five of these individuals have already accepted new positions at the library.   

“We’re changing how we work to make sure we can continue to deliver exceptional service and experiences at all library locations today and in the future as Kitchener continues to grow rapidly,” KPL said in a statement.  

“New positions reflect strategic changes that will serve the community in a sustainable way and allow us to remain responsive over time,” the statement continued.  

While each of the five roles that were eliminated and reassigned, Brannan claimed that individuals were forced to move to new locations and even accept roles in different departments outside of their previous scope.   

“In many cases, people were not given a choice and are moving away from the library location that’s closest to their home,” Brannan said.  

“That’s really devastating to people, to be taken from that local library community that they know…it really shakes up the team aspects that they have and it really shakes confidence in the ability to trust in decisions that focus on people and community,” Brannan said.  

With regards to programming, Brannan said KPL has amalgamated the programming team to 16 from 36 in the previous year, also shifting their roles from purely programming to public facing at service desks as well.   

“I think library staff see that there’s a strength to being in a customer facing role as well as in the programming role, because it means the program staff are more in touch with what the public is interested in and what they hear, hearing from the public by interacting with them,” Brannan said.   

“The new model eliminates a lot of people from being able to develop programs…it takes specialized knowledge and life skills out of that team. Yes, it’s dedicated full time staff doing that work, but you don’t have any more.” 

While the union raised concerns over cuts to programming that would impact the public, KPL said in a statement that all library services will continue without interruption.   

“We are not cutting library services. Some library programs will start a couple of weeks later than normal in January to accommodate staff training and development, but most library services will continue without interruption,” KPL said in a statement.  

Since the strategic plan has publicized, Brannan said KPL has responded to some of the union’s concerns, including changes to job titles.  

“The library was going to eliminate the job title of librarian, and for a number of other employees, was going to remove library from the job title,” Brannan said.   

“That was a step that was astounding to staff and really kind of self hurtful,” he said.  

After consultation with staff, Brannan said KPL decided to forgo this change to titles.  

From a strategic mindset, Brannan said that while some changes to KPL were necessary, the implementation of the changes has been the main concern.   

“We completely agree that there are a lot of areas that needed focus…it’s more that the way that the changes are being done that staff have found really disrespectful and jarring,” Brannan said. 

“It’s been really a huge hit to morale,” he said.   

Moving forward, Brannan expressed concern but said he is hopeful the library will continue to deliver on its mandate to the public.  

“All of us are still really passionate about the library, about the public and the work that we do in providing information, providing people access to library programs and books and literacy,” he said.  

Clarification: Kerri Hutchinson, manager of marketing and communications at the KPL, clarified that, throughout the changes KPL followed the Collective Agreement and worked closely with the union executive. While employees typically need to re-apply for their positions in the event of a location change as outlined under the Collective Agreement, to reduce disruption for staff the KPL and CUPE Local 331 signed a one-time Letter of Understanding to forego the need of reapplication in this process.

KPL AGREEMENT WITH UNION CHANGES

Kitchener Public Library (KPL) is undergoing changes to align with a new strategic plan leading to the union representing workers at KPL to voice concerns.   

Joseph Brannan, vice-president of CUPE Local 331, said the union was notified of changes in the summer that included possible layoffs, job title changes and potential cuts to programming.  

In a statement, KPL said that no staff will be laid off. Two full-time and three-part time staff received notices that their jobs would be eliminated as of Jan. 5, 2026; however, all five of these individuals have already accepted new positions at the library.   

“We’re changing how we work to make sure we can continue to deliver exceptional service and experiences at all library locations today and in the future as Kitchener continues to grow rapidly,” KPL said in a statement.  

“New positions reflect strategic changes that will serve the community in a sustainable way and allow us to remain responsive over time,” the statement continued.  

While each of the five roles that were eliminated and reassigned, Brannan claimed that individuals were forced to move to new locations and even accept roles in different departments outside of their previous scope.   

“In many cases, people were not given a choice and are moving away from the library location that’s closest to their home,” Brannan said.  

“That’s really devastating to people, to be taken from that local library community that they know…it really shakes up the team aspects that they have and it really shakes confidence in the ability to trust in decisions that focus on people and community,” Brannan said.  

With regards to programming, Brannan said KPL has amalgamated the programming team to 16 from 36 in the previous year, also shifting their roles from purely programming to public facing at service desks as well.   

“I think library staff see that there’s a strength to being in a customer facing role as well as in the programming role, because it means the program staff are more in touch with what the public is interested in and what they hear, hearing from the public by interacting with them,” Brannan said.   

“The new model eliminates a lot of people from being able to develop programs…it takes specialized knowledge and life skills out of that team. Yes, it’s dedicated full time staff doing that work, but you don’t have any more.” 

While the union raised concerns over cuts to programming that would impact the public, KPL said in a statement that all library services will continue without interruption.   

“We are not cutting library services. Some library programs will start a couple of weeks later than normal in January to accommodate staff training and development, but most library services will continue without interruption,” KPL said in a statement.  

Since the strategic plan has publicized, Brannan said KPL has responded to some of the union’s concerns, including changes to job titles.  

“The library was going to eliminate the job title of librarian, and for a number of other employees, was going to remove library from the job title,” Brannan said.   

“That was a step that was astounding to staff and really kind of self hurtful,” he said.  

After consultation with staff, Brannan said KPL decided to forgo this change to titles.  

From a strategic mindset, Brannan said that while some changes to KPL were necessary, the implementation of the changes has been the main concern.   

“We completely agree that there are a lot of areas that needed focus…it’s more that the way that the changes are being done that staff have found really disrespectful and jarring,” Brannan said. 

“It’s been really a huge hit to morale,” he said.   

Moving forward, Brannan expressed concern but said he is hopeful the library will continue to deliver on its mandate to the public.  

“All of us are still really passionate about the library, about the public and the work that we do in providing information, providing people access to library programs and books and literacy,” he said.  

KPL AGREEMENT WITH UNION CHANGES

Kitchener Public Library (KPL) is undergoing changes to align with a new strategic plan leading to the union representing workers at KPL to voice concerns.   

Joseph Brannan, vice-president of CUPE Local 331, said the union was notified of changes in the summer that included possible layoffs, job title changes and potential cuts to programming.  

In a statement, KPL said that no staff will be laid off. Two full-time and three-part time staff received notices that their jobs would be eliminated as of Jan. 5, 2026; however, all five of these individuals have already accepted new positions at the library.   

“We’re changing how we work to make sure we can continue to deliver exceptional service and experiences at all library locations today and in the future as Kitchener continues to grow rapidly,” KPL said in a statement.  

“New positions reflect strategic changes that will serve the community in a sustainable way and allow us to remain responsive over time,” the statement continued.  

While each of the five roles that were eliminated and reassigned, Brannan claimed that individuals were forced to move to new locations and even accept roles in different departments outside of their previous scope.   

“In many cases, people were not given a choice and are moving away from the library location that’s closest to their home,” Brannan said.  

“That’s really devastating to people, to be taken from that local library community that they know…it really shakes up the team aspects that they have and it really shakes confidence in the ability to trust in decisions that focus on people and community,” Brannan said.  

With regards to programming, Brannan said KPL has amalgamated the programming team to 16 from 36 in the previous year, also shifting their roles from purely programming to public facing at service desks as well.   

“I think library staff see that there’s a strength to being in a customer facing role as well as in the programming role, because it means the program staff are more in touch with what the public is interested in and what they hear, hearing from the public by interacting with them,” Brannan said.   

“The new model eliminates a lot of people from being able to develop programs…it takes specialized knowledge and life skills out of that team. Yes, it’s dedicated full time staff doing that work, but you don’t have any more.” 

While the union raised concerns over cuts to programming that would impact the public, KPL said in a statement that all library services will continue without interruption.   

“We are not cutting library services. Some library programs will start a couple of weeks later than normal in January to accommodate staff training and development, but most library services will continue without interruption,” KPL said in a statement.  

Since the strategic plan has publicized, Brannan said KPL has responded to some of the union’s concerns, including changes to job titles.  

“The library was going to eliminate the job title of librarian, and for a number of other employees, was going to remove library from the job title,” Brannan said.   

“That was a step that was astounding to staff and really kind of self hurtful,” he said.  

After consultation with staff, Brannan said KPL decided to forgo this change to titles.  

From a strategic mindset, Brannan said that while some changes to KPL were necessary, the implementation of the changes has been the main concern.   

“We completely agree that there are a lot of areas that needed focus…it’s more that the way that the changes are being done that staff have found really disrespectful and jarring,” Brannan said. 

“It’s been really a huge hit to morale,” he said.   

Moving forward, Brannan expressed concern but said he is hopeful the library will continue to deliver on its mandate to the public.  

“All of us are still really passionate about the library, about the public and the work that we do in providing information, providing people access to library programs and books and literacy,” he said.  

UW AND GOOGLE PARTNER TO FURTHER RESEARCH ON AI

The University of Waterloo is partnering with Google to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education in a new workshop.  

Google has invested $1 million into the partnership, which will have a mandate to research and educate the public on how humans interact with AI.   

The chair will be held by Edith Law, professor of computer science at the University of Waterloo and executive director of the Future of Work Institute.  

“The partnership will enable a number of research and education initiatives at the intersection of technology design and pedagogical innovation, including hands-on learning labs for students to envision technologies for the future of work and learning through prototyping,” the University of Waterloo stated in a press release.   

The partnership is one piece of a larger mandate from the Future of Work Institute, which is funded by a $450,000 grant from the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures Fund.  

The research being conducted through the partnership has three main pillars.  

The first is a set of research projects looking at AI-facilitated learning technologies.  

“This is really just understanding and developing novel education tools and understanding how students might use it,” Law said.  

“One of the research topics is learning by teaching. So instead of having AI be the information provider, we’re turning it on its head and having AI act as a less knowledgeable peer that can be taught by students, and the students learn by teaching such an agent.”  

Another aspect of the partnership is to investigate new paradigms of learning and teaching through  an eight-week program that began in early October.   

Law said the labs allow technical and non-technical students across campus to work together to envision what learning tools could look like using AI-supported prototyping tools.  

For example, students will use Gemini Canvas and Google AI studio, where they can create a whole app just by prompting AI.   

The third main piece of the partnership is to understand how technology can co-evolve with learning environments and policy.   

“This is something I think is needed for learning technology to actually work in real-world learning environments,” Law said.   

Law noted that learning technology is complex to incorporate into learning environments. When AI and learning technology enter classrooms, Law said educators must consider the role of the technology, the role of instructors, and the role of peers and how the technology may evolve in these roles.  

Additionally, policy can help guide students and educators to understand how learning technology can be used, how to assess the quality of the work produced, and more.   

For Law, this research is coming at an important time.  

“There’s no question that students have access [to AI],” Law said.  

“I think that there’s definitely an evolution going on where students have access to these tools and then instructors are adapting the way they deliver their courses and do the evaluation. I’ve heard of lots of interesting ways in which instructors have done that,” she said.  

In this way, Law is also thinking about the impact AI will have on career readiness.  

“I think it is important for the next generation to have just a basic level of AI literacy,” Law said.   

“Understanding ways of thinking about AI and understanding the context of use…Being able to operate in this kind of environment and understanding how to get around an AI-rich environment is something that all students should be trained to do,” she said. 

#AI #artificialIntelligence #computerScience #CraigBecker #edithLaw #Environment #FutureOfWorkInstitute #GlobalFuturesFund #SafinaJennah #tech #technology #universityOfWaterloo #universityOfWaterlooSGlobalFuturesFund

UW AND GOOGLE PARTNER TO FURTHER RESEARCH ON AI

The University of Waterloo is partnering with Google to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education in a new workshop.  

Google has invested $1 million into the partnership, which will have a mandate to research and educate the public on how humans interact with AI.   

The chair will be held by Edith Law, professor of computer science at the University of Waterloo and executive director of the Future of Work Institute.  

“The partnership will enable a number of research and education initiatives at the intersection of technology design and pedagogical innovation, including hands-on learning labs for students to envision technologies for the future of work and learning through prototyping,” the University of Waterloo stated in a press release.   

The partnership is one piece of a larger mandate from the Future of Work Institute, which is funded by a $450,000 grant from the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures Fund.  

The research being conducted through the partnership has three main pillars.  

The first is a set of research projects looking at AI-facilitated learning technologies.  

“This is really just understanding and developing novel education tools and understanding how students might use it,” Law said.  

“One of the research topics is learning by teaching. So instead of having AI be the information provider, we’re turning it on its head and having AI act as a less knowledgeable peer that can be taught by students, and the students learn by teaching such an agent.”  

Another aspect of the partnership is to investigate new paradigms of learning and teaching through  an eight-week program that began in early October.   

Law said the labs allow technical and non-technical students across campus to work together to envision what learning tools could look like using AI-supported prototyping tools.  

For example, students will use Gemini Canvas and Google AI studio, where they can create a whole app just by prompting AI.   

The third main piece of the partnership is to understand how technology can co-evolve with learning environments and policy.   

“This is something I think is needed for learning technology to actually work in real-world learning environments,” Law said.   

Law noted that learning technology is complex to incorporate into learning environments. When AI and learning technology enter classrooms, Law said educators must consider the role of the technology, the role of instructors, and the role of peers and how the technology may evolve in these roles.  

Additionally, policy can help guide students and educators to understand how learning technology can be used, how to assess the quality of the work produced, and more.   

For Law, this research is coming at an important time.  

“There’s no question that students have access [to AI],” Law said.  

“I think that there’s definitely an evolution going on where students have access to these tools and then instructors are adapting the way they deliver their courses and do the evaluation. I’ve heard of lots of interesting ways in which instructors have done that,” she said.  

In this way, Law is also thinking about the impact AI will have on career readiness.  

“I think it is important for the next generation to have just a basic level of AI literacy,” Law said.   

“Understanding ways of thinking about AI and understanding the context of use…Being able to operate in this kind of environment and understanding how to get around an AI-rich environment is something that all students should be trained to do,” she said. 

#AI #artificialIntelligence #computerScience #CraigBecker #edithLaw #Environment #FutureOfWorkInstitute #GlobalFuturesFund #SafinaJennah #tech #technology #universityOfWaterloo #universityOfWaterlooSGlobalFuturesFund

UW AND GOOGLE PARTNER TO FURTHER RESEARCH ON AI

The University of Waterloo is partnering with Google to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education in a new workshop.  

Google has invested $1 million into the partnership, which will have a mandate to research and educate the public on how humans interact with AI.   

The chair will be held by Edith Law, professor of computer science at the University of Waterloo and executive director of the Future of Work Institute.  

“The partnership will enable a number of research and education initiatives at the intersection of technology design and pedagogical innovation, including hands-on learning labs for students to envision technologies for the future of work and learning through prototyping,” the University of Waterloo stated in a press release.   

The partnership is one piece of a larger mandate from the Future of Work Institute, which is funded by a $450,000 grant from the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures Fund.  

The research being conducted through the partnership has three main pillars.  

The first is a set of research projects looking at AI-facilitated learning technologies.  

“This is really just understanding and developing novel education tools and understanding how students might use it,” Law said.  

“One of the research topics is learning by teaching. So instead of having AI be the information provider, we’re turning it on its head and having AI act as a less knowledgeable peer that can be taught by students, and the students learn by teaching such an agent.”  

Another aspect of the partnership is to investigate new paradigms of learning and teaching through  an eight-week program that began in early October.   

Law said the labs allow technical and non-technical students across campus to work together to envision what learning tools could look like using AI-supported prototyping tools.  

For example, students will use Gemini Canvas and Google AI studio, where they can create a whole app just by prompting AI.   

The third main piece of the partnership is to understand how technology can co-evolve with learning environments and policy.   

“This is something I think is needed for learning technology to actually work in real-world learning environments,” Law said.   

Law noted that learning technology is complex to incorporate into learning environments. When AI and learning technology enter classrooms, Law said educators must consider the role of the technology, the role of instructors, and the role of peers and how the technology may evolve in these roles.  

Additionally, policy can help guide students and educators to understand how learning technology can be used, how to assess the quality of the work produced, and more.   

For Law, this research is coming at an important time.  

“There’s no question that students have access [to AI],” Law said.  

“I think that there’s definitely an evolution going on where students have access to these tools and then instructors are adapting the way they deliver their courses and do the evaluation. I’ve heard of lots of interesting ways in which instructors have done that,” she said.  

In this way, Law is also thinking about the impact AI will have on career readiness.  

“I think it is important for the next generation to have just a basic level of AI literacy,” Law said.   

“Understanding ways of thinking about AI and understanding the context of use…Being able to operate in this kind of environment and understanding how to get around an AI-rich environment is something that all students should be trained to do,” she said. 

#AI #artificialIntelligence #computerScience #CraigBecker #edithLaw #Environment #FutureOfWorkInstitute #GlobalFuturesFund #SafinaJennah #tech #technology #universityOfWaterloo #universityOfWaterlooSGlobalFuturesFund

UW AND GOOGLE PARTNER TO FURTHER RESEARCH ON AI

The University of Waterloo is partnering with Google to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education in a new workshop.  

Google has invested $1 million into the partnership, which will have a mandate to research and educate the public on how humans interact with AI.   

The chair will be held by Edith Law, professor of computer science at the University of Waterloo and executive director of the Future of Work Institute.  

“The partnership will enable a number of research and education initiatives at the intersection of technology design and pedagogical innovation, including hands-on learning labs for students to envision technologies for the future of work and learning through prototyping,” the University of Waterloo stated in a press release.   

The partnership is one piece of a larger mandate from the Future of Work Institute, which is funded by a $450,000 grant from the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures Fund.  

The research being conducted through the partnership has three main pillars.  

The first is a set of research projects looking at AI-facilitated learning technologies.  

“This is really just understanding and developing novel education tools and understanding how students might use it,” Law said.  

“One of the research topics is learning by teaching. So instead of having AI be the information provider, we’re turning it on its head and having AI act as a less knowledgeable peer that can be taught by students, and the students learn by teaching such an agent.”  

Another aspect of the partnership is to investigate new paradigms of learning and teaching through  an eight-week program that began in early October.   

Law said the labs allow technical and non-technical students across campus to work together to envision what learning tools could look like using AI-supported prototyping tools.  

For example, students will use Gemini Canvas and Google AI studio, where they can create a whole app just by prompting AI.   

The third main piece of the partnership is to understand how technology can co-evolve with learning environments and policy.   

“This is something I think is needed for learning technology to actually work in real-world learning environments,” Law said.   

Law noted that learning technology is complex to incorporate into learning environments. When AI and learning technology enter classrooms, Law said educators must consider the role of the technology, the role of instructors, and the role of peers and how the technology may evolve in these roles.  

Additionally, policy can help guide students and educators to understand how learning technology can be used, how to assess the quality of the work produced, and more.   

For Law, this research is coming at an important time.  

“There’s no question that students have access [to AI],” Law said.  

“I think that there’s definitely an evolution going on where students have access to these tools and then instructors are adapting the way they deliver their courses and do the evaluation. I’ve heard of lots of interesting ways in which instructors have done that,” she said.  

In this way, Law is also thinking about the impact AI will have on career readiness.  

“I think it is important for the next generation to have just a basic level of AI literacy,” Law said.   

“Understanding ways of thinking about AI and understanding the context of use…Being able to operate in this kind of environment and understanding how to get around an AI-rich environment is something that all students should be trained to do,” she said. 

#AI #artificialIntelligence #computerScience #CraigBecker #edithLaw #Environment #FutureOfWorkInstitute #GlobalFuturesFund #SafinaJennah #tech #technology #universityOfWaterloo #universityOfWaterlooSGlobalFuturesFund

UW AND GOOGLE PARTNER TO FURTHER RESEARCH ON AI

The University of Waterloo is partnering with Google to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education in a new workshop.  

Google has invested $1 million into the partnership, which will have a mandate to research and educate the public on how humans interact with AI.   

The chair will be held by Edith Law, professor of computer science at the University of Waterloo and executive director of the Future of Work Institute.  

“The partnership will enable a number of research and education initiatives at the intersection of technology design and pedagogical innovation, including hands-on learning labs for students to envision technologies for the future of work and learning through prototyping,” the University of Waterloo stated in a press release.   

The partnership is one piece of a larger mandate from the Future of Work Institute, which is funded by a $450,000 grant from the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures Fund.  

The research being conducted through the partnership has three main pillars.  

The first is a set of research projects looking at AI-facilitated learning technologies.  

“This is really just understanding and developing novel education tools and understanding how students might use it,” Law said.  

“One of the research topics is learning by teaching. So instead of having AI be the information provider, we’re turning it on its head and having AI act as a less knowledgeable peer that can be taught by students, and the students learn by teaching such an agent.”  

Another aspect of the partnership is to investigate new paradigms of learning and teaching through  an eight-week program that began in early October.   

Law said the labs allow technical and non-technical students across campus to work together to envision what learning tools could look like using AI-supported prototyping tools.  

For example, students will use Gemini Canvas and Google AI studio, where they can create a whole app just by prompting AI.   

The third main piece of the partnership is to understand how technology can co-evolve with learning environments and policy.   

“This is something I think is needed for learning technology to actually work in real-world learning environments,” Law said.   

Law noted that learning technology is complex to incorporate into learning environments. When AI and learning technology enter classrooms, Law said educators must consider the role of the technology, the role of instructors, and the role of peers and how the technology may evolve in these roles.  

Additionally, policy can help guide students and educators to understand how learning technology can be used, how to assess the quality of the work produced, and more.   

For Law, this research is coming at an important time.  

“There’s no question that students have access [to AI],” Law said.  

“I think that there’s definitely an evolution going on where students have access to these tools and then instructors are adapting the way they deliver their courses and do the evaluation. I’ve heard of lots of interesting ways in which instructors have done that,” she said.  

In this way, Law is also thinking about the impact AI will have on career readiness.  

“I think it is important for the next generation to have just a basic level of AI literacy,” Law said.   

“Understanding ways of thinking about AI and understanding the context of use…Being able to operate in this kind of environment and understanding how to get around an AI-rich environment is something that all students should be trained to do,” she said. 

#AI #artificialIntelligence #computerScience #CraigBecker #edithLaw #Environment #FutureOfWorkInstitute #GlobalFuturesFund #SafinaJennah #tech #technology #universityOfWaterloo #universityOfWaterlooSGlobalFuturesFund

50 YEARS OF THE ST. JACOB’S MARKET

For over 50 years, the St. Jacobs Market has been a community staple in the Waterloo region.  

What started as a livestock exchange in 1975 eventually amalgamated into the St. Jacobs Market.   

Joanna Loebach, general manager of St. Jacobs Market District, said the market grew from family members of those participating in the livestock exchange swapping or selling their produce.   

“It sort of evolved to become known to people in the area that on sale days, that was a good time to come and actually buy produce from some of the wives or the children of the farmers,” Loebach said.  

“From that origin, they set up concrete bunkers…that was the first evolution to actually formalize this into something that the public could attend,” she said.  

Seven years later, the first building was built on the market property to accommodate for year-round sales. As more farmers and vendors joined, the attraction to the market grew amongst the community. In the early 90s, the market became a tourist attraction for those looking for authentic maple syrup to be sold there.  

From there, the Village of St. Jacobs began to grow along with the additions of the outlet and antique mall in the surrounding areas of the market.  

Loebach said now, more than ever, the farm-to-table movement has become increasingly more popular.   

“There was a big movement to being more aware about what you were putting into your body and the practices that were behind growing your produce,” Loebach said.  

“I think that’s something that has made the farmers market experience just so much more desirable. You get to know who you’re buying from, you’re way more guaranteed about freshness than you are at a grocery store and you’re also getting insider information about how to best serve it or how to store it,” Loebach said.  

While the spirit of the market has remained the same, the market has also evolved to mirror the change in demographics and evolution of needs and buying habits.   

“There’s always something new here,” Loebach said.   

“It keeps it fresh, but it also keeps us being able to adapt to the changing demographics within KW and what the local population is looking for…the market is able to keep pace with that so that it never feels antiquated,” she said.   

To celebrate 50 years, the market is reflecting on their legacy vendors—some of which have been a staple at the market since the beginning—as well as some of the newer, more entrepreneurial vendors.  

Robert Foreman, owner of 100 Mile Produce, has been a vendor at the St. Jacobs Market for 25 years. Prior to that, he used to come to the market as a child to help at his father’s stall.  

For Foreman, a big piece of what makes the market so special for vendors and patrons is that connections made between the food, the farmer and the buyer.  

“Depending on which vendors you choose to shop with, you can look the person in the eye and find out exactly where that came from, when it was picked, what the variety name is—the entire history of whatever you’re purchasing,” Foreman said.   

As a life-long vendor of the market, Foreman has seen the waves of change that have shaped the evolution of the market, specifically, with regards to changing demographics.   

“I can remember years ago, a lot of Eastern European people has moved here in the early 2000’s…and they were asking us to grow certain things,” Foreman said.   

“Just because we don’t eat them or we didn’t grow them doesn’t mean we can’t do that, right? And we’ve seen that with each wave of immigration that’s come through,” he said.  

As the market continues to evolve and grow, Loebach said this next era continues to acknowledge and celebrate its roots, while finding ways to develop and meet ever-changing needs.  

“I am loving how we’re continuing to build on the successes of the farmers market but continuing to make this a spot that will continue to resonate with people over time,” she said.

#100MileProduce #easternEuropean #farmToTable #groceryStore #JoannaLoebach #KatWex #localFood #localHistory #robertForeman #SafinaJennah #StJacobS #waterlooRegion

50 YEARS OF THE ST. JACOB’S MARKET

For over 50 years, the St. Jacobs Market has been a community staple in the Waterloo region.  

What started as a livestock exchange in 1975 eventually amalgamated into the St. Jacobs Market.   

Joanna Loebach, general manager of St. Jacobs Market District, said the market grew from family members of those participating in the livestock exchange swapping or selling their produce.   

“It sort of evolved to become known to people in the area that on sale days, that was a good time to come and actually buy produce from some of the wives or the children of the farmers,” Loebach said.  

“From that origin, they set up concrete bunkers…that was the first evolution to actually formalize this into something that the public could attend,” she said.  

Seven years later, the first building was built on the market property to accommodate for year-round sales. As more farmers and vendors joined, the attraction to the market grew amongst the community. In the early 90s, the market became a tourist attraction for those looking for authentic maple syrup to be sold there.  

From there, the Village of St. Jacobs began to grow along with the additions of the outlet and antique mall in the surrounding areas of the market.  

Loebach said now, more than ever, the farm-to-table movement has become increasingly more popular.   

“There was a big movement to being more aware about what you were putting into your body and the practices that were behind growing your produce,” Loebach said.  

“I think that’s something that has made the farmers market experience just so much more desirable. You get to know who you’re buying from, you’re way more guaranteed about freshness than you are at a grocery store and you’re also getting insider information about how to best serve it or how to store it,” Loebach said.  

While the spirit of the market has remained the same, the market has also evolved to mirror the change in demographics and evolution of needs and buying habits.   

“There’s always something new here,” Loebach said.   

“It keeps it fresh, but it also keeps us being able to adapt to the changing demographics within KW and what the local population is looking for…the market is able to keep pace with that so that it never feels antiquated,” she said.   

To celebrate 50 years, the market is reflecting on their legacy vendors—some of which have been a staple at the market since the beginning—as well as some of the newer, more entrepreneurial vendors.  

Robert Foreman, owner of 100 Mile Produce, has been a vendor at the St. Jacobs Market for 25 years. Prior to that, he used to come to the market as a child to help at his father’s stall.  

For Foreman, a big piece of what makes the market so special for vendors and patrons is that connections made between the food, the farmer and the buyer.  

“Depending on which vendors you choose to shop with, you can look the person in the eye and find out exactly where that came from, when it was picked, what the variety name is—the entire history of whatever you’re purchasing,” Foreman said.   

As a life-long vendor of the market, Foreman has seen the waves of change that have shaped the evolution of the market, specifically, with regards to changing demographics.   

“I can remember years ago, a lot of Eastern European people has moved here in the early 2000’s…and they were asking us to grow certain things,” Foreman said.   

“Just because we don’t eat them or we didn’t grow them doesn’t mean we can’t do that, right? And we’ve seen that with each wave of immigration that’s come through,” he said.  

As the market continues to evolve and grow, Loebach said this next era continues to acknowledge and celebrate its roots, while finding ways to develop and meet ever-changing needs.  

“I am loving how we’re continuing to build on the successes of the farmers market but continuing to make this a spot that will continue to resonate with people over time,” she said.

#100MileProduce #easternEuropean #farmToTable #groceryStore #JoannaLoebach #KatWex #localFood #localHistory #robertForeman #SafinaJennah #StJacobS #waterlooRegion

50 YEARS OF THE ST. JACOB’S MARKET

For over 50 years, the St. Jacobs Market has been a community staple in the Waterloo region.  

What started as a livestock exchange in 1975 eventually amalgamated into the St. Jacobs Market.   

Joanna Loebach, general manager of St. Jacobs Market District, said the market grew from family members of those participating in the livestock exchange swapping or selling their produce.   

“It sort of evolved to become known to people in the area that on sale days, that was a good time to come and actually buy produce from some of the wives or the children of the farmers,” Loebach said.  

“From that origin, they set up concrete bunkers…that was the first evolution to actually formalize this into something that the public could attend,” she said.  

Seven years later, the first building was built on the market property to accommodate for year-round sales. As more farmers and vendors joined, the attraction to the market grew amongst the community. In the early 90s, the market became a tourist attraction for those looking for authentic maple syrup to be sold there.  

From there, the Village of St. Jacobs began to grow along with the additions of the outlet and antique mall in the surrounding areas of the market.  

Loebach said now, more than ever, the farm-to-table movement has become increasingly more popular.   

“There was a big movement to being more aware about what you were putting into your body and the practices that were behind growing your produce,” Loebach said.  

“I think that’s something that has made the farmers market experience just so much more desirable. You get to know who you’re buying from, you’re way more guaranteed about freshness than you are at a grocery store and you’re also getting insider information about how to best serve it or how to store it,” Loebach said.  

While the spirit of the market has remained the same, the market has also evolved to mirror the change in demographics and evolution of needs and buying habits.   

“There’s always something new here,” Loebach said.   

“It keeps it fresh, but it also keeps us being able to adapt to the changing demographics within KW and what the local population is looking for…the market is able to keep pace with that so that it never feels antiquated,” she said.   

To celebrate 50 years, the market is reflecting on their legacy vendors—some of which have been a staple at the market since the beginning—as well as some of the newer, more entrepreneurial vendors.  

Robert Foreman, owner of 100 Mile Produce, has been a vendor at the St. Jacobs Market for 25 years. Prior to that, he used to come to the market as a child to help at his father’s stall.  

For Foreman, a big piece of what makes the market so special for vendors and patrons is that connections made between the food, the farmer and the buyer.  

“Depending on which vendors you choose to shop with, you can look the person in the eye and find out exactly where that came from, when it was picked, what the variety name is—the entire history of whatever you’re purchasing,” Foreman said.   

As a life-long vendor of the market, Foreman has seen the waves of change that have shaped the evolution of the market, specifically, with regards to changing demographics.   

“I can remember years ago, a lot of Eastern European people has moved here in the early 2000’s…and they were asking us to grow certain things,” Foreman said.   

“Just because we don’t eat them or we didn’t grow them doesn’t mean we can’t do that, right? And we’ve seen that with each wave of immigration that’s come through,” he said.  

As the market continues to evolve and grow, Loebach said this next era continues to acknowledge and celebrate its roots, while finding ways to develop and meet ever-changing needs.  

“I am loving how we’re continuing to build on the successes of the farmers market but continuing to make this a spot that will continue to resonate with people over time,” she said.

#100MileProduce #easternEuropean #farmToTable #groceryStore #JoannaLoebach #KatWex #localFood #localHistory #robertForeman #SafinaJennah #StJacobS #waterlooRegion

50 YEARS OF THE ST. JACOB’S MARKET

For over 50 years, the St. Jacobs Market has been a community staple in the Waterloo region.  

What started as a livestock exchange in 1975 eventually amalgamated into the St. Jacobs Market.   

Joanna Loebach, general manager of St. Jacobs Market District, said the market grew from family members of those participating in the livestock exchange swapping or selling their produce.   

“It sort of evolved to become known to people in the area that on sale days, that was a good time to come and actually buy produce from some of the wives or the children of the farmers,” Loebach said.  

“From that origin, they set up concrete bunkers…that was the first evolution to actually formalize this into something that the public could attend,” she said.  

Seven years later, the first building was built on the market property to accommodate for year-round sales. As more farmers and vendors joined, the attraction to the market grew amongst the community. In the early 90s, the market became a tourist attraction for those looking for authentic maple syrup to be sold there.  

From there, the Village of St. Jacobs began to grow along with the additions of the outlet and antique mall in the surrounding areas of the market.  

Loebach said now, more than ever, the farm-to-table movement has become increasingly more popular.   

“There was a big movement to being more aware about what you were putting into your body and the practices that were behind growing your produce,” Loebach said.  

“I think that’s something that has made the farmers market experience just so much more desirable. You get to know who you’re buying from, you’re way more guaranteed about freshness than you are at a grocery store and you’re also getting insider information about how to best serve it or how to store it,” Loebach said.  

While the spirit of the market has remained the same, the market has also evolved to mirror the change in demographics and evolution of needs and buying habits.   

“There’s always something new here,” Loebach said.   

“It keeps it fresh, but it also keeps us being able to adapt to the changing demographics within KW and what the local population is looking for…the market is able to keep pace with that so that it never feels antiquated,” she said.   

To celebrate 50 years, the market is reflecting on their legacy vendors—some of which have been a staple at the market since the beginning—as well as some of the newer, more entrepreneurial vendors.  

Robert Foreman, owner of 100 Mile Produce, has been a vendor at the St. Jacobs Market for 25 years. Prior to that, he used to come to the market as a child to help at his father’s stall.  

For Foreman, a big piece of what makes the market so special for vendors and patrons is that connections made between the food, the farmer and the buyer.  

“Depending on which vendors you choose to shop with, you can look the person in the eye and find out exactly where that came from, when it was picked, what the variety name is—the entire history of whatever you’re purchasing,” Foreman said.   

As a life-long vendor of the market, Foreman has seen the waves of change that have shaped the evolution of the market, specifically, with regards to changing demographics.   

“I can remember years ago, a lot of Eastern European people has moved here in the early 2000’s…and they were asking us to grow certain things,” Foreman said.   

“Just because we don’t eat them or we didn’t grow them doesn’t mean we can’t do that, right? And we’ve seen that with each wave of immigration that’s come through,” he said.  

As the market continues to evolve and grow, Loebach said this next era continues to acknowledge and celebrate its roots, while finding ways to develop and meet ever-changing needs.  

“I am loving how we’re continuing to build on the successes of the farmers market but continuing to make this a spot that will continue to resonate with people over time,” she said.

#100MileProduce #easternEuropean #farmToTable #groceryStore #JoannaLoebach #KatWex #localFood #localHistory #robertForeman #SafinaJennah #StJacobS #waterlooRegion

50 YEARS OF THE ST. JACOB’S MARKET

For over 50 years, the St. Jacobs Market has been a community staple in the Waterloo region.  

What started as a livestock exchange in 1975 eventually amalgamated into the St. Jacobs Market.   

Joanna Loebach, general manager of St. Jacobs Market District, said the market grew from family members of those participating in the livestock exchange swapping or selling their produce.   

“It sort of evolved to become known to people in the area that on sale days, that was a good time to come and actually buy produce from some of the wives or the children of the farmers,” Loebach said.  

“From that origin, they set up concrete bunkers…that was the first evolution to actually formalize this into something that the public could attend,” she said.  

Seven years later, the first building was built on the market property to accommodate for year-round sales. As more farmers and vendors joined, the attraction to the market grew amongst the community. In the early 90s, the market became a tourist attraction for those looking for authentic maple syrup to be sold there.  

From there, the Village of St. Jacobs began to grow along with the additions of the outlet and antique mall in the surrounding areas of the market.  

Loebach said now, more than ever, the farm-to-table movement has become increasingly more popular.   

“There was a big movement to being more aware about what you were putting into your body and the practices that were behind growing your produce,” Loebach said.  

“I think that’s something that has made the farmers market experience just so much more desirable. You get to know who you’re buying from, you’re way more guaranteed about freshness than you are at a grocery store and you’re also getting insider information about how to best serve it or how to store it,” Loebach said.  

While the spirit of the market has remained the same, the market has also evolved to mirror the change in demographics and evolution of needs and buying habits.   

“There’s always something new here,” Loebach said.   

“It keeps it fresh, but it also keeps us being able to adapt to the changing demographics within KW and what the local population is looking for…the market is able to keep pace with that so that it never feels antiquated,” she said.   

To celebrate 50 years, the market is reflecting on their legacy vendors—some of which have been a staple at the market since the beginning—as well as some of the newer, more entrepreneurial vendors.  

Robert Foreman, owner of 100 Mile Produce, has been a vendor at the St. Jacobs Market for 25 years. Prior to that, he used to come to the market as a child to help at his father’s stall.  

For Foreman, a big piece of what makes the market so special for vendors and patrons is that connections made between the food, the farmer and the buyer.  

“Depending on which vendors you choose to shop with, you can look the person in the eye and find out exactly where that came from, when it was picked, what the variety name is—the entire history of whatever you’re purchasing,” Foreman said.   

As a life-long vendor of the market, Foreman has seen the waves of change that have shaped the evolution of the market, specifically, with regards to changing demographics.   

“I can remember years ago, a lot of Eastern European people has moved here in the early 2000’s…and they were asking us to grow certain things,” Foreman said.   

“Just because we don’t eat them or we didn’t grow them doesn’t mean we can’t do that, right? And we’ve seen that with each wave of immigration that’s come through,” he said.  

As the market continues to evolve and grow, Loebach said this next era continues to acknowledge and celebrate its roots, while finding ways to develop and meet ever-changing needs.  

“I am loving how we’re continuing to build on the successes of the farmers market but continuing to make this a spot that will continue to resonate with people over time,” she said.

#100MileProduce #easternEuropean #farmToTable #groceryStore #JoannaLoebach #KatWex #localFood #localHistory #robertForeman #SafinaJennah #StJacobS #waterlooRegion

WATERLOO REGION RELOCATES GEESE TO KINGSVILLE

The City of Waterloo is working to address the overpopulation of geese in Waterloo Park by relocating them to a new home.   

On June 10, 2025, a flock of over 200 Canada geese was transferred from Waterloo Park and released at Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary in Kingsville, Ontario.   

Staff from the city and the sanctuary worked together to gather the geese.  

“I don’t think anybody would actually believe how smoothly it went. It was single file. These geese kind of just marched onto a trailer,” Robin Milne, Director of Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services at the City of Waterloo, said.  

The trip to their new home took approximately three hours. The city obtained a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service prior to the relocation.   

Milne said the decision to relocate the geese stemmed from a high number of complaints received about bird droppings.   

Milne said the issue surrounding bird droppings became a bigger concern after the Waterloo Park shoreline was redeveloped.   

“[With] the new shoreline redevelopment, the idea was to draw visitors to the shoreline,” Milne said. “With all the hard surfaces on the shoreline now, the geese droppings just got out of control, to the point where it was like walking through a minefield and we couldn’t stay on top of it.”   

To combat the issue, the city rented specialized equipment to clean the concrete on a regular basis. The city also set up coyote decoys throughout the park to deter the geese; however, most of the decoys were stolen within 24 hours of being set up.   

“Geese are not a problem specific to Waterloo or Waterloo Park or any urban centre across Southwestern Ontario. Geese can be a nuisance, and, in some areas, they can be managed,” Milne said.  

“There’s no natural predators in the park, so the [goose] population just keeps growing and growing,” he said.  

Though effective, Milne said the cleanup efforts were time consuming, costly and disruptive to patrons in the park.   

When it became clear that the population of geese was beyond the park’s capacity, they engaged with the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary to find an alternate solution.   

The sanctuary has done relocation specifically to geese for several other municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. The sanctuary, which is funded through donations, feeds the geese and offers appropriate shelter and nesting grounds.   

Experts at the sanctuary also offered guidance and a plan on how and when to collect geese eggs and relocate the birds.   

“In June, many geese can’t fly because they are molting or too young, making it the ideal time for relocation while keeping family groups and mated pairs together,” said a statement from the City of Waterloo.  

Since the relocation, the park has approximately 25 geese remaining.   

The city plans to continue monitoring the number of geese in the park throughout the summer. If the relocation is successful this year, Milne said the city will re-apply for the Canadian Wildlife Service permit and repeat the relocation initiative next year. 

#canadianWildlifeService #CityOfWaterloo #DaveKlassen #geese #jackMiner #kingsville #kitchener #overpopulation #relocation #SafinaJennah #shelter #southwesternOntario #waterlooRegion #wildlife

WATERLOO REGION RELOCATES GEESE TO KINGSVILLE

The City of Waterloo is working to address the overpopulation of geese in Waterloo Park by relocating them to a new home.   

On June 10, 2025, a flock of over 200 Canada geese was transferred from Waterloo Park and released at Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary in Kingsville, Ontario.   

Staff from the city and the sanctuary worked together to gather the geese.  

“I don’t think anybody would actually believe how smoothly it went. It was single file. These geese kind of just marched onto a trailer,” Robin Milne, Director of Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services at the City of Waterloo, said.  

The trip to their new home took approximately three hours. The city obtained a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service prior to the relocation.   

Milne said the decision to relocate the geese stemmed from a high number of complaints received about bird droppings.   

Milne said the issue surrounding bird droppings became a bigger concern after the Waterloo Park shoreline was redeveloped.   

“[With] the new shoreline redevelopment, the idea was to draw visitors to the shoreline,” Milne said. “With all the hard surfaces on the shoreline now, the geese droppings just got out of control, to the point where it was like walking through a minefield and we couldn’t stay on top of it.”   

To combat the issue, the city rented specialized equipment to clean the concrete on a regular basis. The city also set up coyote decoys throughout the park to deter the geese; however, most of the decoys were stolen within 24 hours of being set up.   

“Geese are not a problem specific to Waterloo or Waterloo Park or any urban centre across Southwestern Ontario. Geese can be a nuisance, and, in some areas, they can be managed,” Milne said.  

“There’s no natural predators in the park, so the [goose] population just keeps growing and growing,” he said.  

Though effective, Milne said the cleanup efforts were time consuming, costly and disruptive to patrons in the park.   

When it became clear that the population of geese was beyond the park’s capacity, they engaged with the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary to find an alternate solution.   

The sanctuary has done relocation specifically to geese for several other municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. The sanctuary, which is funded through donations, feeds the geese and offers appropriate shelter and nesting grounds.   

Experts at the sanctuary also offered guidance and a plan on how and when to collect geese eggs and relocate the birds.   

“In June, many geese can’t fly because they are molting or too young, making it the ideal time for relocation while keeping family groups and mated pairs together,” said a statement from the City of Waterloo.  

Since the relocation, the park has approximately 25 geese remaining.   

The city plans to continue monitoring the number of geese in the park throughout the summer. If the relocation is successful this year, Milne said the city will re-apply for the Canadian Wildlife Service permit and repeat the relocation initiative next year. 

#canadianWildlifeService #CityOfWaterloo #DaveKlassen #geese #jackMiner #kingsville #kitchener #overpopulation #relocation #SafinaJennah #shelter #southwesternOntario #waterlooRegion #wildlife

WATERLOO REGION RELOCATES GEESE TO KINGSVILLE

The City of Waterloo is working to address the overpopulation of geese in Waterloo Park by relocating them to a new home.   

On June 10, 2025, a flock of over 200 Canada geese was transferred from Waterloo Park and released at Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary in Kingsville, Ontario.   

Staff from the city and the sanctuary worked together to gather the geese.  

“I don’t think anybody would actually believe how smoothly it went. It was single file. These geese kind of just marched onto a trailer,” Robin Milne, Director of Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services at the City of Waterloo, said.  

The trip to their new home took approximately three hours. The city obtained a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service prior to the relocation.   

Milne said the decision to relocate the geese stemmed from a high number of complaints received about bird droppings.   

Milne said the issue surrounding bird droppings became a bigger concern after the Waterloo Park shoreline was redeveloped.   

“[With] the new shoreline redevelopment, the idea was to draw visitors to the shoreline,” Milne said. “With all the hard surfaces on the shoreline now, the geese droppings just got out of control, to the point where it was like walking through a minefield and we couldn’t stay on top of it.”   

To combat the issue, the city rented specialized equipment to clean the concrete on a regular basis. The city also set up coyote decoys throughout the park to deter the geese; however, most of the decoys were stolen within 24 hours of being set up.   

“Geese are not a problem specific to Waterloo or Waterloo Park or any urban centre across Southwestern Ontario. Geese can be a nuisance, and, in some areas, they can be managed,” Milne said.  

“There’s no natural predators in the park, so the [goose] population just keeps growing and growing,” he said.  

Though effective, Milne said the cleanup efforts were time consuming, costly and disruptive to patrons in the park.   

When it became clear that the population of geese was beyond the park’s capacity, they engaged with the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary to find an alternate solution.   

The sanctuary has done relocation specifically to geese for several other municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. The sanctuary, which is funded through donations, feeds the geese and offers appropriate shelter and nesting grounds.   

Experts at the sanctuary also offered guidance and a plan on how and when to collect geese eggs and relocate the birds.   

“In June, many geese can’t fly because they are molting or too young, making it the ideal time for relocation while keeping family groups and mated pairs together,” said a statement from the City of Waterloo.  

Since the relocation, the park has approximately 25 geese remaining.   

The city plans to continue monitoring the number of geese in the park throughout the summer. If the relocation is successful this year, Milne said the city will re-apply for the Canadian Wildlife Service permit and repeat the relocation initiative next year. 

#canadianWildlifeService #CityOfWaterloo #DaveKlassen #geese #jackMiner #kingsville #kitchener #overpopulation #relocation #SafinaJennah #shelter #southwesternOntario #waterlooRegion #wildlife

WATERLOO REGION RELOCATES GEESE TO KINGSVILLE

The City of Waterloo is working to address the overpopulation of geese in Waterloo Park by relocating them to a new home.   

On June 10, 2025, a flock of over 200 Canada geese was transferred from Waterloo Park and released at Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary in Kingsville, Ontario.   

Staff from the city and the sanctuary worked together to gather the geese.  

“I don’t think anybody would actually believe how smoothly it went. It was single file. These geese kind of just marched onto a trailer,” Robin Milne, Director of Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services at the City of Waterloo, said.  

The trip to their new home took approximately three hours. The city obtained a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service prior to the relocation.   

Milne said the decision to relocate the geese stemmed from a high number of complaints received about bird droppings.   

Milne said the issue surrounding bird droppings became a bigger concern after the Waterloo Park shoreline was redeveloped.   

“[With] the new shoreline redevelopment, the idea was to draw visitors to the shoreline,” Milne said. “With all the hard surfaces on the shoreline now, the geese droppings just got out of control, to the point where it was like walking through a minefield and we couldn’t stay on top of it.”   

To combat the issue, the city rented specialized equipment to clean the concrete on a regular basis. The city also set up coyote decoys throughout the park to deter the geese; however, most of the decoys were stolen within 24 hours of being set up.   

“Geese are not a problem specific to Waterloo or Waterloo Park or any urban centre across Southwestern Ontario. Geese can be a nuisance, and, in some areas, they can be managed,” Milne said.  

“There’s no natural predators in the park, so the [goose] population just keeps growing and growing,” he said.  

Though effective, Milne said the cleanup efforts were time consuming, costly and disruptive to patrons in the park.   

When it became clear that the population of geese was beyond the park’s capacity, they engaged with the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary to find an alternate solution.   

The sanctuary has done relocation specifically to geese for several other municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. The sanctuary, which is funded through donations, feeds the geese and offers appropriate shelter and nesting grounds.   

Experts at the sanctuary also offered guidance and a plan on how and when to collect geese eggs and relocate the birds.   

“In June, many geese can’t fly because they are molting or too young, making it the ideal time for relocation while keeping family groups and mated pairs together,” said a statement from the City of Waterloo.  

Since the relocation, the park has approximately 25 geese remaining.   

The city plans to continue monitoring the number of geese in the park throughout the summer. If the relocation is successful this year, Milne said the city will re-apply for the Canadian Wildlife Service permit and repeat the relocation initiative next year. 

#canadianWildlifeService #CityOfWaterloo #DaveKlassen #geese #jackMiner #kingsville #kitchener #overpopulation #relocation #SafinaJennah #shelter #southwesternOntario #waterlooRegion #wildlife

WILLOW RIVER CENTRE FACES FUNDING CUTS

Willow River Centre will temporarily close its doors due to a lack of funding. 

The Centre has served as the first dedicated space for the Two-Spirit and queer Indigenous community in the region. 

Bangishimo Johnston and Amy Smoke, co-founders of the Willow River Centre, are looking to sublet their current space while simultaneously looking for a smaller, more inexpensive place to relocate the Centre.  

The Centre will remain open through June; after that, the Centre will no longer have the funding to remain open. 

Johnston said that they originally began reclaiming space when they started Land Back Camp in Willow River Park in June 2020. 

Four years later, the co-founders of the Centre moved into their physical building.  

Ever since, the Willow River Centre has been a space for gathering and collaboration. Most importantly, it has provided a one-of-a-kind safe space for Indigenous and queer folks in the community.  

“I think we’ve really cultivated a safe space and authentic space for folks to be whoever they are,” Smoke said. 

“There’s been so many great firsts that we’ve witnessed … someone saying for the first time, ‘I’m a queer person,’ or someone saying, ‘I found more about my grandmother, my connection to my Indigeneity’—that can be lifesaving,” they said.  

Roni Noodle, facilitator of the Queer, racialized, Indigenous, Black group (QRIB) through Spectrum—which runs in partnership with the Willow River Centre—said the Centre has been a healing space.  

Specifically, Noodle said the space allows them to feel a sense of belonging with regards to both the queer and Indigenous pieces of their identity.  

“When I’ve been in spaces where I could be racialized, I didn’t feel like I could be queer because it wasn’t safe,” Noodle said.  

“When I go to a queer space, I’m the only racialized person there, and so I don’t feel like I can be both racialized and queer, but [Willow River Centre] has been really helpful for that,” they said. 

“Everyone deserves a space where they can be their whole selves and not just to be tolerated but celebrated. I think that’s a really big deal,” Noodle said. 

Willow River Centre was first started through the Upstream Fund, which was originally allocated to Black and Indigenous groups in the Waterloo region.  

“The region then decided that it should go towards numerous groups in the region, not just black and Indigenous,” Johnston said. 

“It’s great that all these groups can have money, but now there’s very little money being dispersed across all these groups, and a lot of these groups aren’t being supported with a long-term plan,” they said. 

In addition to looking for a smaller space to relocate, the co-founders are open to partnering up with another organization to share their current building, making it more affordable to stay long-term. 

“We chose the site specifically because of the racialized and gender-based violence that has occurred in Willow River Park,” Smoke said. “It’s got quite a violent history. So, we chose to put our bodies on the land in that space.” 

Smoke said that, prior to colonization, the Grand River Watershed was an economic hub of activity where InterNations would meet and gather, making it a significant location for the Centre as well.  

“Our community is still struggling for space today, and not only the Indigenous community, but so many other grassroots groups, so many other racialized groups, queer groups, artistic groups, we’re all fighting for space in the region because there’s so little,” Bangishimo said. 

With June being National Indigenous People’s month and Pride month, Smoke is encouraging the community to support local Indigenous folks and donate. 

“Look to the people around you and how you can be a better ally. Be an accomplice, not an ally,” Smoke said. 

#2SLGBTQIA_ #AmySmoke #artisticGroups #BangishimoJohnston #ChristoffLeRoux #grandRiverWatershed #Indigenous #internations #nationalIndigenousPeoplesMonth #prideMonth #queerGroups #racializedGroups #SafinaJennah #Space #WillowRiverCentre

WILLOW RIVER CENTRE FACES FUNDING CUTS

Willow River Centre will temporarily close its doors due to a lack of funding. 

The Centre has served as the first dedicated space for the Two-Spirit and queer Indigenous community in the region. 

Bangishimo Johnston and Amy Smoke, co-founders of the Willow River Centre, are looking to sublet their current space while simultaneously looking for a smaller, more inexpensive place to relocate the Centre.  

The Centre will remain open through June; after that, the Centre will no longer have the funding to remain open. 

Johnston said that they originally began reclaiming space when they started Land Back Camp in Willow River Park in June 2020. 

Four years later, the co-founders of the Centre moved into their physical building.  

Ever since, the Willow River Centre has been a space for gathering and collaboration. Most importantly, it has provided a one-of-a-kind safe space for Indigenous and queer folks in the community.  

“I think we’ve really cultivated a safe space and authentic space for folks to be whoever they are,” Smoke said. 

“There’s been so many great firsts that we’ve witnessed … someone saying for the first time, ‘I’m a queer person,’ or someone saying, ‘I found more about my grandmother, my connection to my Indigeneity’—that can be lifesaving,” they said.  

Roni Noodle, facilitator of the Queer, racialized, Indigenous, Black group (QRIB) through Spectrum—which runs in partnership with the Willow River Centre—said the Centre has been a healing space.  

Specifically, Noodle said the space allows them to feel a sense of belonging with regards to both the queer and Indigenous pieces of their identity.  

“When I’ve been in spaces where I could be racialized, I didn’t feel like I could be queer because it wasn’t safe,” Noodle said.  

“When I go to a queer space, I’m the only racialized person there, and so I don’t feel like I can be both racialized and queer, but [Willow River Centre] has been really helpful for that,” they said. 

“Everyone deserves a space where they can be their whole selves and not just to be tolerated but celebrated. I think that’s a really big deal,” Noodle said. 

Willow River Centre was first started through the Upstream Fund, which was originally allocated to Black and Indigenous groups in the Waterloo region.  

“The region then decided that it should go towards numerous groups in the region, not just black and Indigenous,” Johnston said. 

“It’s great that all these groups can have money, but now there’s very little money being dispersed across all these groups, and a lot of these groups aren’t being supported with a long-term plan,” they said. 

In addition to looking for a smaller space to relocate, the co-founders are open to partnering up with another organization to share their current building, making it more affordable to stay long-term. 

“We chose the site specifically because of the racialized and gender-based violence that has occurred in Willow River Park,” Smoke said. “It’s got quite a violent history. So, we chose to put our bodies on the land in that space.” 

Smoke said that, prior to colonization, the Grand River Watershed was an economic hub of activity where InterNations would meet and gather, making it a significant location for the Centre as well.  

“Our community is still struggling for space today, and not only the Indigenous community, but so many other grassroots groups, so many other racialized groups, queer groups, artistic groups, we’re all fighting for space in the region because there’s so little,” Bangishimo said. 

With June being National Indigenous People’s month and Pride month, Smoke is encouraging the community to support local Indigenous folks and donate. 

“Look to the people around you and how you can be a better ally. Be an accomplice, not an ally,” Smoke said. 

#2SLGBTQIA_ #AmySmoke #artisticGroups #BangishimoJohnston #ChristoffLeRoux #grandRiverWatershed #Indigenous #internations #nationalIndigenousPeoplesMonth #prideMonth #queerGroups #racializedGroups #SafinaJennah #Space #WillowRiverCentre

WILLOW RIVER CENTRE FACES FUNDING CUTS

Willow River Centre will temporarily close its doors due to a lack of funding. 

The Centre has served as the first dedicated space for the Two-Spirit and queer Indigenous community in the region. 

Bangishimo Johnston and Amy Smoke, co-founders of the Willow River Centre, are looking to sublet their current space while simultaneously looking for a smaller, more inexpensive place to relocate the Centre.  

The Centre will remain open through June; after that, the Centre will no longer have the funding to remain open. 

Johnston said that they originally began reclaiming space when they started Land Back Camp in Willow River Park in June 2020. 

Four years later, the co-founders of the Centre moved into their physical building.  

Ever since, the Willow River Centre has been a space for gathering and collaboration. Most importantly, it has provided a one-of-a-kind safe space for Indigenous and queer folks in the community.  

“I think we’ve really cultivated a safe space and authentic space for folks to be whoever they are,” Smoke said. 

“There’s been so many great firsts that we’ve witnessed … someone saying for the first time, ‘I’m a queer person,’ or someone saying, ‘I found more about my grandmother, my connection to my Indigeneity’—that can be lifesaving,” they said.  

Roni Noodle, facilitator of the Queer, racialized, Indigenous, Black group (QRIB) through Spectrum—which runs in partnership with the Willow River Centre—said the Centre has been a healing space.  

Specifically, Noodle said the space allows them to feel a sense of belonging with regards to both the queer and Indigenous pieces of their identity.  

“When I’ve been in spaces where I could be racialized, I didn’t feel like I could be queer because it wasn’t safe,” Noodle said.  

“When I go to a queer space, I’m the only racialized person there, and so I don’t feel like I can be both racialized and queer, but [Willow River Centre] has been really helpful for that,” they said. 

“Everyone deserves a space where they can be their whole selves and not just to be tolerated but celebrated. I think that’s a really big deal,” Noodle said. 

Willow River Centre was first started through the Upstream Fund, which was originally allocated to Black and Indigenous groups in the Waterloo region.  

“The region then decided that it should go towards numerous groups in the region, not just black and Indigenous,” Johnston said. 

“It’s great that all these groups can have money, but now there’s very little money being dispersed across all these groups, and a lot of these groups aren’t being supported with a long-term plan,” they said. 

In addition to looking for a smaller space to relocate, the co-founders are open to partnering up with another organization to share their current building, making it more affordable to stay long-term. 

“We chose the site specifically because of the racialized and gender-based violence that has occurred in Willow River Park,” Smoke said. “It’s got quite a violent history. So, we chose to put our bodies on the land in that space.” 

Smoke said that, prior to colonization, the Grand River Watershed was an economic hub of activity where InterNations would meet and gather, making it a significant location for the Centre as well.  

“Our community is still struggling for space today, and not only the Indigenous community, but so many other grassroots groups, so many other racialized groups, queer groups, artistic groups, we’re all fighting for space in the region because there’s so little,” Bangishimo said. 

With June being National Indigenous People’s month and Pride month, Smoke is encouraging the community to support local Indigenous folks and donate. 

“Look to the people around you and how you can be a better ally. Be an accomplice, not an ally,” Smoke said. 

#2SLGBTQIA_ #AmySmoke #artisticGroups #BangishimoJohnston #ChristoffLeRoux #grandRiverWatershed #Indigenous #internations #nationalIndigenousPeoplesMonth #prideMonth #queerGroups #racializedGroups #SafinaJennah #Space #WillowRiverCentre

WILLOW RIVER CENTRE FACES FUNDING CUTS

Willow River Centre will temporarily close its doors due to a lack of funding. 

The Centre has served as the first dedicated space for the Two-Spirit and queer Indigenous community in the region. 

Bangishimo Johnston and Amy Smoke, co-founders of the Willow River Centre, are looking to sublet their current space while simultaneously looking for a smaller, more inexpensive place to relocate the Centre.  

The Centre will remain open through June; after that, the Centre will no longer have the funding to remain open. 

Johnston said that they originally began reclaiming space when they started Land Back Camp in Willow River Park in June 2020. 

Four years later, the co-founders of the Centre moved into their physical building.  

Ever since, the Willow River Centre has been a space for gathering and collaboration. Most importantly, it has provided a one-of-a-kind safe space for Indigenous and queer folks in the community.  

“I think we’ve really cultivated a safe space and authentic space for folks to be whoever they are,” Smoke said. 

“There’s been so many great firsts that we’ve witnessed … someone saying for the first time, ‘I’m a queer person,’ or someone saying, ‘I found more about my grandmother, my connection to my Indigeneity’—that can be lifesaving,” they said.  

Roni Noodle, facilitator of the Queer, racialized, Indigenous, Black group (QRIB) through Spectrum—which runs in partnership with the Willow River Centre—said the Centre has been a healing space.  

Specifically, Noodle said the space allows them to feel a sense of belonging with regards to both the queer and Indigenous pieces of their identity.  

“When I’ve been in spaces where I could be racialized, I didn’t feel like I could be queer because it wasn’t safe,” Noodle said.  

“When I go to a queer space, I’m the only racialized person there, and so I don’t feel like I can be both racialized and queer, but [Willow River Centre] has been really helpful for that,” they said. 

“Everyone deserves a space where they can be their whole selves and not just to be tolerated but celebrated. I think that’s a really big deal,” Noodle said. 

Willow River Centre was first started through the Upstream Fund, which was originally allocated to Black and Indigenous groups in the Waterloo region.  

“The region then decided that it should go towards numerous groups in the region, not just black and Indigenous,” Johnston said. 

“It’s great that all these groups can have money, but now there’s very little money being dispersed across all these groups, and a lot of these groups aren’t being supported with a long-term plan,” they said. 

In addition to looking for a smaller space to relocate, the co-founders are open to partnering up with another organization to share their current building, making it more affordable to stay long-term. 

“We chose the site specifically because of the racialized and gender-based violence that has occurred in Willow River Park,” Smoke said. “It’s got quite a violent history. So, we chose to put our bodies on the land in that space.” 

Smoke said that, prior to colonization, the Grand River Watershed was an economic hub of activity where InterNations would meet and gather, making it a significant location for the Centre as well.  

“Our community is still struggling for space today, and not only the Indigenous community, but so many other grassroots groups, so many other racialized groups, queer groups, artistic groups, we’re all fighting for space in the region because there’s so little,” Bangishimo said. 

With June being National Indigenous People’s month and Pride month, Smoke is encouraging the community to support local Indigenous folks and donate. 

“Look to the people around you and how you can be a better ally. Be an accomplice, not an ally,” Smoke said. 

#2SLGBTQIA_ #AmySmoke #artisticGroups #BangishimoJohnston #ChristoffLeRoux #grandRiverWatershed #Indigenous #internations #nationalIndigenousPeoplesMonth #prideMonth #queerGroups #racializedGroups #SafinaJennah #Space #WillowRiverCentre

WILLOW RIVER CENTRE FACES FUNDING CUTS

Willow River Centre will temporarily close its doors due to a lack of funding. 

The Centre has served as the first dedicated space for the Two-Spirit and queer Indigenous community in the region. 

Bangishimo Johnston and Amy Smoke, co-founders of the Willow River Centre, are looking to sublet their current space while simultaneously looking for a smaller, more inexpensive place to relocate the Centre.  

The Centre will remain open through June; after that, the Centre will no longer have the funding to remain open. 

Johnston said that they originally began reclaiming space when they started Land Back Camp in Willow River Park in June 2020. 

Four years later, the co-founders of the Centre moved into their physical building.  

Ever since, the Willow River Centre has been a space for gathering and collaboration. Most importantly, it has provided a one-of-a-kind safe space for Indigenous and queer folks in the community.  

“I think we’ve really cultivated a safe space and authentic space for folks to be whoever they are,” Smoke said. 

“There’s been so many great firsts that we’ve witnessed … someone saying for the first time, ‘I’m a queer person,’ or someone saying, ‘I found more about my grandmother, my connection to my Indigeneity’—that can be lifesaving,” they said.  

Roni Noodle, facilitator of the Queer, racialized, Indigenous, Black group (QRIB) through Spectrum—which runs in partnership with the Willow River Centre—said the Centre has been a healing space.  

Specifically, Noodle said the space allows them to feel a sense of belonging with regards to both the queer and Indigenous pieces of their identity.  

“When I’ve been in spaces where I could be racialized, I didn’t feel like I could be queer because it wasn’t safe,” Noodle said.  

“When I go to a queer space, I’m the only racialized person there, and so I don’t feel like I can be both racialized and queer, but [Willow River Centre] has been really helpful for that,” they said. 

“Everyone deserves a space where they can be their whole selves and not just to be tolerated but celebrated. I think that’s a really big deal,” Noodle said. 

Willow River Centre was first started through the Upstream Fund, which was originally allocated to Black and Indigenous groups in the Waterloo region.  

“The region then decided that it should go towards numerous groups in the region, not just black and Indigenous,” Johnston said. 

“It’s great that all these groups can have money, but now there’s very little money being dispersed across all these groups, and a lot of these groups aren’t being supported with a long-term plan,” they said. 

In addition to looking for a smaller space to relocate, the co-founders are open to partnering up with another organization to share their current building, making it more affordable to stay long-term. 

“We chose the site specifically because of the racialized and gender-based violence that has occurred in Willow River Park,” Smoke said. “It’s got quite a violent history. So, we chose to put our bodies on the land in that space.” 

Smoke said that, prior to colonization, the Grand River Watershed was an economic hub of activity where InterNations would meet and gather, making it a significant location for the Centre as well.  

“Our community is still struggling for space today, and not only the Indigenous community, but so many other grassroots groups, so many other racialized groups, queer groups, artistic groups, we’re all fighting for space in the region because there’s so little,” Bangishimo said. 

With June being National Indigenous People’s month and Pride month, Smoke is encouraging the community to support local Indigenous folks and donate. 

“Look to the people around you and how you can be a better ally. Be an accomplice, not an ally,” Smoke said. 

#2SLGBTQIA_ #AmySmoke #artisticGroups #BangishimoJohnston #ChristoffLeRoux #grandRiverWatershed #Indigenous #internations #nationalIndigenousPeoplesMonth #prideMonth #queerGroups #racializedGroups #SafinaJennah #Space #WillowRiverCentre

LOCAL ADVOCATES WEIGH IN ON CTS SITE CLOSURES, BILL 223 PASSED

Local advocates are fighting to reverse the potential closure of Kitchener’s Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) site.    

Waterloo Region Drug Action Team (WR DAT) held a free community forum on Nov. 30, 2024 to discuss the impact of CTS sites on the community.   

The event was held at Wilfrid Laurier University’s School of Social Work in downtown Kitchener and consisted of an informational panel discussion and emergency overdose training with naloxone.  

The panel featured community advocates and government officials—including Michael Parkinson, drug strategy specialist and volunteer with the WR DAT; Jennifer Breaton, chief executive officer of YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo; Aislinn Clancy, Green Party MPP of Kitchener-Centre; Mike Morrice, Green Party MP of Kitchener-Centre; and Jennifer Wyse, peer support worker at the Kitchener CTS.   

Each panelist gave a brief statement in support of the Kitchener CTS, followed by a discussion about the positive impact of the CTS site on the community, what the closure will mean for the community moving forward, actions being taken to reverse the provincial government’s decision and more.   

“The panel was able to provide insights into the way the government works, into concerns about losing the CTS here locally,” Parkinson said.  

“For the audience, that’s a rare glimpse into those kinds of worlds and, particularly, when things are really down to the wire,” he said.  

In August, the provincial government made the decision to close CTS sites across Ontario that operate within 200-metres of schools of child-care centres. The Kitchener CTS site, which falls under this category, will have to close its doors by Mar. 31, 2025.  

On Nov. 18, 2024 the provincial government introduced the bill as part of The Safer Streets, Stronger Community Act.    

The province later chose to fast-track Bill 223, eliminating the committee stage which allows for public hearings—in this stage, people with lived experiences and industry experts can share information before further debate and voting takes place.  

“We’re used to bills passing in a matter of weeks, at least…this policy was pushed through in such a rapid way that it was done in an hour,” Clancy said.  

“It’s kind of appalling that a government with so much power is using it in this way and really eroding democracy,” she said.  

Bill 223 was passed through third reading on Dec. 2, 2024. The timeline for the bill to receive Royal Assent is currently unknown.   

Despite this, local advocates remain hopeful.  

“I think it’s the hope of people in this room today that we continue to meet and mobilize. This is not a small issue, this is a big issue where lives are literally on the line,” Parkinson said.  

“There is still a window for this community and, in particular, municipal government to step in at the very last second and help keep a proven, valued service going.”  

With the potential closure of CTS, WR DAT expects more public overdoses to occur. Panelists discussed concerns surrounding access to ambulances and capacity inside emergency rooms.   

“Members of the public need to know that this decision by the provincial government does not serve their interests, even if they’re not using drugs,” Parkinson said.  

During their initial announcement, the provincial government cited safety concerns in the areas surrounding the CTS—specifically for daycares and schools.   

During the panel discussion, Breaton said this was not a concern for the day-care across from the Kitchener CTS—which is also run by the YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo.   

“[The parents and children who attend] have not voiced concerns with us or complaints…this decision isn’t really based on any evidence and we know that to be true. It’s a decision that’s being made based on fear,” Liz Monteiro, manager of advocacy and communications at the YWCA Kitchener, said   

Jennifer Wyse shared the perspective as an individual who has worked at the site since it opened in 2019 and has also personally benefited from its services.   

For Wyse, Kitchener CTS feels like a home and the site’s impending closure feels scary. Most importantly, Wyse is afraid of losing the important connections built at the site.   

“I’m very hurt, very scared. My first thought was I’m going to lose all my people,” Wyse said.  

“This is my everyday…I have a client who comes in for a hug. It gives him a reason every day. It gives me a reason every day_­,” Wyse said.   

Beyond the safe space created at the site, Wyse also noted the importance of having CTS as a stepping stone towards treatment.   

“Coming from being a user that consumes drugs, we need that middleman,” Wyse said.  

Looking forward, Wyse hopes continuing to educate the community through similar forums can help to spread awareness about the true impact of CTS.    

“I want people to take the time to get to know CTS. It’s not people coming and just using drugs safely,” Wyse said.  

“I firmly believe you can’t grow if you don’t know. Come in and ask for a tour, check out the place. Get to know what we are before you make a decision on whether or not you think we should be there,”she said. 

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