Ward Boundary Review

May/June 2008
A publication for the residents of Kitchener
City LEAF fund will support
environmental priorities
Keeping the public’s environmental priorities in mind, Kitchener city
council recently supported a set of operating guidelines for the Local
Environmental Action Fund (LEAF).
Council approved the $5 million LEAF in April 2007; and directed staff to
develop criteria for the fund based on public input obtained as part of the
update to the council-adopted Strategic Plan for the Environment, which
will identify the current environmental priorities of the citizens of Kitchener,
as well as the city’s environment committee.
The guidelines focus on reducing – or repairing – Kitchener’s impact on the
environment through the reduction of greenhouse gases and the
enhancement of the community’s ability to live sustainably into the future.
Projects or programs supported by LEAF should:
• Contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases produced by the city’s own
operations and/or the community at large;
• Increase public awareness of the environmental impact of the behaviours
of municipal governments, communities, businesses, families and
individuals, and promote changed behaviour at the local level.
Every project or program funded by LEAF should accomplish one or more
of the following:
• Contribute to enhanced local air quality
• Result in reduced energy use, increased energy efficiency, increased use of
alternative energy sources
• Increase city ownership of significant natural lands where other techniques
for acquisition have not succeeded
• Provide capital enhancements to city-owned and managed natural lands
over and above what would occur as part of normal city procedures
Tapestry, Kitchener’s month long celebration of cultural diversity takes place June 6-22. Turn to page three for details.
City goes for environmental gold
Recently Kitchener took another major step forward in fostering a greener community when council approved a
LEED (Leadership in Energy Environmental Design) Gold standard for the construction of all future municipal
buildings larger than 5,332 square feet.
The move by city council to raise the standard puts Kitchener is a very select group of Canadian communities.
In Canada, and in a number of other countries around the world, LEED certification is the recognized standard for
measuring building sustainability. Achieving LEED certification is the best way to demonstrate that a building project
is truly “green.”
Green buildings, also known as sustainable buildings, are structures that use valuable resources such as energy, water,
materials, and land more efficiently than buildings that are simply built to code. Green buildings are
environmentally-friendly, and provide healthy, comfortable, productive indoor spaces.
LEED certification is already planned for the Active Sportsplex now being constructed in the south end of the city.
Examples of the environmental initiatives to be included in the construction of the building includes: a green roof; a
heat recovery system that will reuse the heat from the ice refrigeration system to provide heat in the stands; the latest,
most energy efficient lighting technology, and a rain water collection system that would reuse water collected from
the roof for ice resurfacing.
In the past year, the city has endorsed LEED certification on two other major construction projects: the
Consolidated Maintenance Facility and the Kingsdale Community Centre.
In addition to the LEED policy for new buildings, similar sustainable design and construction standards for
renovation and retrofit projects in existing city facilities will be implemented on a case-by-case basis.
• Facilitate capital improvements that will make existing communities more
complete and residents of those communities less dependent on the
automobile
Public input
Last December, the city held public workshops to engage citizens in the
update of its Strategic Plan for the Environment, and seek their input on the
criteria and operating characteristics of LEAF.
Approximately 40 people attended the workshop; and 20 written responses
were received via the Internet or by mail.
First and foremost, citizens articulated a desire for projects that would
improve air quality with initiatives such as those to encourage the use of
alternative modes of transportation, anti-idling measures, the creation of
mixed-use areas and complete communities, and transportation demand
management.
Acquiring or protecting/managing important Kitchener greenlands seemed
to be the participants’ second highest area of concern; followed by the need
for more priority projects around reduced/alternative energy use, further
incentives for building energy audits, and green building design and retrofits.
Peppered throughout the written responses, as well as the workshop
discussion, were requests to improve public awareness and environmental
literacy – school curriculum support and school outreach/actions;
celebrating and rewarding citizens who engage in environmentally positive
behaviours; educational events at outdoor natural lands venues; and
stewardship opportunities for volunteers.
New city facilities will also be targeted for a 30 per cent reduction in energy usage on an annual basis.
Respondents also indicated that any preferred projects or programs should
reflect citizens’ environmental concerns, and – among other things – have
the ability to leverage other financial or in-kind resources.
Going forward, the city will also review its green building design and construction standards on an annual basis to
ensure environmental consideration continues to factor into the planning of all future city-owned buildings.
Measuring success
The list of new city initiatives comes in direct response to the feedback the city received in its Community Strategic
Plan entitled A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener (2007-2027) as well as the recommendations put for by the city's
environment committee in its report entitled Air Quality in Kitchener - 2006.
The success of LEAF will be measured through the city meeting its
commitments as a council-endorsed participant in the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities’ Partners for Climate Protection.
One of the action items in the environment committee’s report directed staff to look into the implementation of LEED
principles in the design and construction of future city facilities and into the retrofitting of its existing buildings.
The city believes the existing 5-Milestone Framework, established by Partners
for Climate Protection, can track measurable outcomes that the community
cares about and supports.
Detailed information on city’s new
Consolidated Maintenance Facility available
Since 2002, the city has been working on a proposal to bring a number of its operations and important municipal
services into one consolidated facility.
The five milestones are:
• Creating a greenhouse-gas emissions inventory and forecast;
• Setting an emissions reduction plan;
• Developing a local action plan;
The plans for a new Consolidated Maintenance Facility (CMF) were developed through a detailed business case
which was the subject of a peer review from one independent consultant and a feasibility study from a second
independent consultant.
• Implementing the local action plan or a set of activities; and
The site selection process for the new CMF was completed through a class environmental assessment process laid out
by the province – which included public consultations.
This framework is flexible, recognizing the unique characteristics of
individual municipalities. Milestones can be implemented in numeric order
or in the order that is most appropriate for the community.
• Monitoring progress and reporting results.
All of that background work led the city to enter into an agreement to purchase 45 acres of land – which included an
existing 300,000 square foot building – on the former BF Goodrich property for its new CMF.
Given the large volume of background information on this project – and space restrictions in Your Kitchener – the
city has posted detailed information related to its new CMF on its website at: www.kitchener.ca/cmf. The website will
continue to be updated with further information on this project on a regular basis.
For those who may not have access to the internet, or would like hard copies of that background information, please
contact the city’s Director of Project Administration and Economic Investment, Hans Gross at 519-741-2416.
Ward Boundary Review
For more information see pages 4 and 5.
Look inside
Mayor’s & Councillors’ updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 2
Kitchener Utilities decreases natural gas rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 4
In a rush for a building permit?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 3
Transportation study looking at travel choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 3
Celebrating youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 6
Expanding Doon Valley golf course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 6
Meet the five new market vendors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 7
What’s coming to The Aud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 8
Page 2 • YOUR KITCHENER • May/June 2008
Message from the mayor
Mayor,
Carl Zehr
This past winter when I delivered the
2008 State of the City Address, the
need for all of us to think differently
about growth was the theme. Really,
thinking differently is not a new idea
for Kitchener’s citizens. Innovative
approaches to issues have been at the
heart of our community since its
earliest days. In the same way,
throughout Kitchener’s history,
entrepreneurs have been rewarded with
success in their businesses and
initiatives. What I see happening across
our city is how thinking differently
affects so many businesses and people.
Historically, Kitchener’s founders established homes, shops and
industries and thrived by being innovative and resilient. Whether
they were rubber manufacturers or land developers, they had a
vision of the Kitchener they wanted to see and set about making it
happen. Interested, concerned citizens participated in decisions
surrounding local issues of transportation, residential growth and
the arts to build the community we now enjoy. It is thanks to
those civic-minded individuals and their innovative thinking that
we have successful neighbourhoods; outstanding facilities for the
arts such as Centre in the Square; and essential infrastructure like
the Conestoga Parkway.
You will see in this issue of Your Kitchener many new initiatives
where thinking differently has resulted in innovative approaches
to new and existing aspects of our city. For example, Kitchener
Utilities’ new e-posting method of billing will improve
efficiency, save time, save paper, and increase accessibility to
the newest methods for this ongoing municipal service. It is an
idea that takes our service delivery to another level, helps
improve our environmental impact and is easily implemented.
Increased awareness and opportunities for environmentalism
have helped us to think differently about our ongoing use and
management of energy methods and sources.
Choosing to have all new municipal facilities built to a minimum
standard of LEED gold certification is a great example of
thinking differently. This way we can ensure our environmental
priorities remain at the forefront of our growth-related decision
making. Similarly, defining the criteria established for the Local
Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) will help us be most
effective in our support of earth-friendly, green initiatives.
Being innovative and shifting our thinking is an important
learning process. The lessons we have learned, as Kitchener has
grown, allow us to see circumstances in a new way and think
differently about possible solutions. Recently, inspired
individuals in our community along with city staff have
developed the Manufacturing Innovation Network, encouraging
people in industry to think differently about growth in
Kitchener. The Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, with
the support of online specialists at IGLOO Inc., will work with
manufacturers to share best practices, connect people locally
and enhance networking across subsectors. It is a different way
to approach industry needs and competition with a goal to
building a stronger, sustainable manufacturing sector for
Kitchener, at the heart of our entire region.
People across our city recognize the changing times and
uncertainty of the economy throughout North America. With
a young, growing population, ensuring that there are homes
and jobs for all our citizens in the years ahead will require
different thinking and innovative ideas. As we grow and learn,
our community also grows and thrives. Thinking differently
allows us to learn from the past, accept new ideas and
possibilities, and build our city for the future together.
You can reach me at 519-741-2300 or by email at
[email protected]
Councillor John Smola
Bridgeport-Centre Ward (1)
Councillor Berry Vrbanovic
Chicopee-Grand River Ward (2)
Councillor John Gazzola
Fairview-Gateway Ward (3)
Ward boundary review
Gold LEED standard
Gold LEED standard
The City of Kitchener is in the
process of reviewing its current sixward boundary system. Council
policy requires that the ward
boundaries be reviewed every eight
years after every second municipal election. Robert Williams,
a political science professor at the University of Waterloo for
more than 35 years, has been hired as the consultant to lead
the review. Council voted to increase its size for the 2010
election to a 10-ward boundary system. Input is still being
sought from the public (see pages 5 & 6). Any input received
will be included in the final recommendations that come to
council for approval on June 16, 2008.
I am very pleased that on March 17,
Kitchener city council supported and
approved my motion to set the
highest level of energy efficiency
building standards for our city
facilities. Our new environmental standard is to build to the
LEED gold standard for all of our future facilities larger than
5,332 square feet. Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design is recognized across North America for rating the
environmental friendliness of the design, construction,
operations and sustainability of buildings. The City of
Kitchener has built to a LEED standard on all recent
construction projects, including Fire Station #7, the Activa
Sportsplex on Hanson Avenue, the Kingsdale Community
Centre and the Consolidated Maintenance Facility. By setting
this gold standard for the construction of our future
buildings, Kitchener is one of the first municipalities to adopt
the highest level of standards. As our city continues to grow
and we look to meet the needs of our residents by building
new facilities, it is also important that we focus on the future
of our environment.
Council recently adopted the gold
LEED rating as its standard for all
new major buildings. Staff had
recommended that we adopt the
silver rating with the alternative of
considering gold rating on specific
projects. I was in favour of the more balanced
recommendation put forward by staff. I am very much in
favour of enhancing our standards in our future buildings
but I could not support the resolution. We must balance our
needs with our financial capabilities.
Get active - June is
Recreation and Parks Month
There are many ways that you may involve yourself in
recreation and leisure activities right in your own backyard.
Bridgeport-Centre Ward is a beautiful area offering many
indoor and outdoor spaces and activities for all ages to
enjoy. You could take a hike or leisurely stroll on a local trail
or in one of the forested areas in the neighbourhood; take a
picnic to one of the many park spaces; go fishing; or enroll
in a class at the Breithaupt Community Centre or the
Downtown Community Centre. Join your friends and
neighbours in celebrating the benefits and value of
recreation in your everyday life.
Activa Sportsplex
Three-hour parking regulations
Many residents are not aware that there is a city bylaw that
places a three-hour parking limit on ALL city streets. This
bylaw is strictly enforced during the winter months to assist
with the task of snow clearing. During the remainder of the
year, the bylaw is normally only enforced as a result of
complaints by a neighbour. Since complaints of this type are
made so seldom, residents tend to be unaware of the threehour limit. Nonetheless, the bylaw is in place for a very
legitimate reason; and when called upon city bylaw staff
must ticket the infraction. I will be asking that this
information is more widely communicated perhaps with our
tax and utility billings.
This June, join in the fun for the Auditorium
Neighbourhood Association’s annual Waddlefest.
Waddlefest is an annual celebration, bringing neighbours
together for fun, games, entertainment, a picnic, concert,
and a 2.5km or 5km waddle through the neighbourhood.
A neighbourhood garage sale will take place on Saturday,
June 7 and the waddle, picnic and concert will take place
Sunday, June 8 in Knollwood Park. You can register online
at www.myneighbour.org or contact Peter Sweeney at
519-584-7233.
Thank you to the Places to Play fundraising team who have
been actively campaigning to raise $2 million to support
the new sports facility to be the new home of Kitchener
Minor Hockey Association, Waterloo Regional Boxing
Academy and Kitchener’s first indoor walking track.
Businesses and residents have responded generously to the
campaign and with their help, and the success of the
Championship gala and auction, the goal has almost been
met. The local development company, Activa Group, has
made a significant donation to the fundraising efforts and
in recognition of this contribution, city council has
approved naming the facility the Activa Sportsplex. I am
also very pleased that one of the arenas will be named after
a Chicopee-Grand River ward resident and lifetime hockey
volunteer, Pat Doherty. We are also very proud that once
completed in August, this will be our first municipal facility
built to meet the gold LEED.
If you would like to contact me regarding anything
happening in your ward, I can be reached via email at
[email protected] or at 519-741-2793.
For more information on anything happening in ChicopeeGrand River, I can be reached via email at
[email protected] or at 519-741-2243.
Councillor Kelly Galloway
South Ward (4)
Councillor Geoff Lorentz
Forest-Rockway Ward (5)
Councillor Christina Weylie
West-Victoria Park Ward (6)
Activa Sportsplex
Forest Heights Pool
Construction progress on the
building is moving ahead and the
facility is expected to open at the
end of this summer. One of the
features to look forward to is a four
lane walking track. Recreational walking is a popular activity
for seniors interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,
parents with infants in strollers, wheelchair users, families,
and competitive athletes. This is the first indoor public track
for Kitchener residents and is available for public use. The
track overlooks the nearby mature forest area and one of the
ice pads. It is climate-controlled which makes it a great place
to get your 30 minutes of cardio and avoid the hot or rainy
outdoor weather.
The city operates four indoor pools
year-round, and three outdoor pools
to cool off in the summer months.
In our community, the Forest
Heights Pool has a 25-metre pool, a
warm leisure pool, male and female saunas, family change
room, diving board and water-floatation devices for your
swim and water play needs. If you have not been to the pool
in the last few years, drop by to check out the new
renovations and pick up a schedule for the lane, family and
adult swims. Classes offered include parent and baby swim fit,
water yoga, aquafit, and arthritic classes; as well as scheduled
swim lessons for all ages. City of Kitchener pools can also be
rented for birthday parties and events. For more information,
contact the Forest Heights Pool at 519-741-2493.
Victoria Park
geese management
Waddlefest
MasterCard Memorial Cup 2008 - May 16-25
The championship trophy of the Canadian Hockey League is
coming to Kitchener this May! The Kitchener Rangers
Hockey Club and the City of Kitchener will host this annual
hockey tournament featuring the best teams of the Western
Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec
Major Junior Hockey League, and of course our host team,
the Kitchener Rangers. The Cup will be presented during the
Arrival of the Cup ceremonies at Kitchener City Hall on
Thursday, May 12 at noon. Throughout the tournament you
will have many opportunities to participate in community
events including golf tournaments, fireworks at Centennial
Stadium, a baseball game at Jack Couch Stadium, the
Canadian Hockey League awards at Centre in the Square
and an alumni hockey game. For more information, check
out www.mastercardmemorialcup.com.
Barbecue Safety
Enjoy your summer barbecuing, but remember to never
fight a grease fire with water – this will only cause the flames
to flare up. Avoid a serious grease fire by keeping your grill
and burners clean.
If you would like to contact me regarding anything
happening in our ward, I can be reached via email at
[email protected] or at 519-741-2791.
Festival of Neighbourhoods 2008
A friendly and active neighbourhood fosters healthy and safe
communities. Get to know your neighbours by organizing a
barbecue, picnic, fundraiser, street party or community
cleanup. Register your event in this year’s Festival of
Neighbours Celebration and not only do you get the chance
to meet and socialize with your neighbours, but your group is
entered into a random draw for a $10,000 grant from the City
of Kitchener for your community to use for its benefit. Great
neighbours make for great neighbourhoods, and it is well
worth your effort to invest in your neighbours! For more
information on submitting your activity, visit
www.kitchener.ca keyword search “neighbourhoods” or call
519-741-2227.
Residential natural gas rate decrease
Kitchener Utilities (KU) has been providing our community
with natural gas and water for more than 100 years. As of
April 1, the 2008 residential natural gas rates have decreased
by 5.3 per cent, a savings of about $66 per year for the
average residential customer. Since the beginning of the
supply program in April 1998, KU has kept their rates at some
of the lowest levels in Ontario.
Questions? Contact me! I’m here to help you! By phone at
519-741-2798 or by email at [email protected]
Provincial budget-2008
The provincial budget tabled recently contains a provision to
help seniors with the payment of their annual property-tax
bills. Although full details of the grant are not yet available,
we do know the grant will only be available for lower
income seniors. The amount of the assistance for those
eligible will be $250 for 2009 and increasing to $500 for
2010 and future years. As further information becomes
available, I will see that it is forwarded to our residents.
Bylaw regulating cats
The bylaw relating to cats is currently under review by staff
and is expected to go to council for deliberation in the next
several months.
Please do not hesitate to contact me concerning these
and other issues that affect you daily. I can be reached at
519-741-2790 or via email at [email protected]
In 2007 the city received complaints
about the issues caused by the
overpopulation of geese in Victoria
Park. A staff and citizen working
group, the Victoria Park citizens committee, was formed last
year to look at issues such as this and receive park-related
ideas and concerns from citizens. Geese management
measures for 2008 include the use of lasers, dogs, decoys,
relocation and egg depredation. The Victoria Park citizens
committee is in full support of this year’s program, as the
group agrees that the measures are necessary to achieve an
enjoyable balance between park users, neighbouring home
owners and the geese. These measures are in full compliance
with the Ministry of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife Act
and Environment Canada's Migratory Bird Act.
Proposed changes to the cat bylaw
On March 19, a public meeting was attended by more than
50 people to discuss a proposal to amend the city’s animal
control bylaw with respect to cats. The proposal, if enacted,
would limit the number of cats per household to six if they
were spayed or neutered and to three if they were not. Many
of those that attended were opposed to these changes and
suggested mandatory spaying or neutering of cats, and that
vets and clinics should offer this service for free or at a
minimal cost. City staff will use the public feedback received
at the meeting and present a report to city councillors later
this spring. If you would like to submit your comments
on this matter you may email [email protected] or call
519-741-2330.
Triplex study
The public information session held April 23 presented the
research, findings and proposed recommendations of the
completed triplex study for the central neighbourhoods.
The final report and recommendations on the study are
expected to be considered at a development and technical
services committee meeting in May 2008.
If you would like to contact me regarding anything
happening in our ward, I may be reached via email at
[email protected] or at 519-741-2796.
Page 3 • YOUR KITCHENER • May/June 2008
A Tapestry celebration of
food, music and culture
Tapestry is Kitchener’s month-long festival of music, dance, food, art,
storytelling and images from this area and from around the world.
Now in its sixth year, Tapestry runs June 6-22, with festivities culminating in
the celebrating of the 41st anniversary of the KW Multicultural Festival, the
keynote event in the series.
Study to look at travel choices
The City of Kitchener is undertaking a study to develop a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that
outlines specific steps, recommendations and implementation guidelines that will result in more efficient use of
transportation resources.
The study will strive to engage employees, business, government and the public in starting to shift travel choice away
from single-occupant vehicles; identify both incentives and disincentives to be used in a successful TDM program;
and investigate potential funding sources including incentives/subsidies at the federal, provincial and regional levels
as well as private sources.
“The cost to continually expand road capacity, provide for parking as well as the environmental impacts of single
occupancy vehicle use is not sustainable,” said John McBride, the city’s director of transportation planning. “We
need to educate people so they can make informed decisions about their travel choices.”
The concept of TDM originated in the 1970s and 1980s, as a result of the sharp increase of the crude-oil prices.
People began to see the need for alternatives to single occupancy commuter travel as measures to save money and
energy, improve air quality, and reduce peak period congestion, which reduced travel costs and lost time.
A public meeting will be held at City Hall on Thursday, May 22 from 4:30-8 p.m. A report will be going forward to city
council later this spring with the results of the survey and recommendations for moving forward with a TDM program.
For more information, contact John McBride, director of transportation planning, at 519-741-2374 or by email at
[email protected].
Kitchener Utilities decreases its
residential natural gas rates for 2008
While winter 2008 will soon be a chilly memory, Kitchener Utilities’ recent decrease in natural gas rates should help
keep its customers comfortable at least through the start of next winter.
The municipally-owned Kitchener Utilities decreased its 2008 residential natural gas rates by 5.3 per cent, after
receiving approval from the city’s finance and corporate services committee. The decrease amounts to a savings of
about $66 a year for the average residential customer.
“Kitchener Utilities is committed to providing the best value possible for our customers,” said Loraine Baillargeon,
Kitchener Utilities’ manager of asset optimization. “This new overall rate decrease is just one more example of how
we continue to provide value to our customers.”
Since the beginning of the supply program in April 1998, Kitchener Utilities has been able to keep its rates at some
of the lowest levels in Ontario. In fact, the supply program has saved Kitchener customers about $25 million since
1998 compared to the previous supply arrangements.
"Our customers have told us, through customer research, that rate stability is most important to them. We have
delivered on their request by keeping our rates constant since May 1, 2007. We will continue to work to deliver rate
stability for our customers," she added. “Kitchener Utilities’ natural gas supply rates are non-profit. Our costs for
purchasing natural gas are passed directly on to customers without markup.”
The following is a brief summary of the recent natural gas rate changes:
• Natural gas supply rate decrease to 28.0 cents/cubic metre from 31.3 cents
• Transportation rate increase to 4.114 cents/cubic meter from 3.887 cents
• Daily fixed charge increase to 56 cents/day from 53 cents
• Variable delivery rate increase to 6.186 cents/cubic meter from 6.101 cents
Kitchener Utilities uses a 2,600 cubic-metre annual use reading as an average for residential customer use in all of its
estimations.
“These new, overall rate decreases, said Baillargeon, support Kitchener Utilities’ commitment to providing the best
value possible to our customers.” While other natural gas utilities have changed their rates throughout the winter
heating season, Kitchener Utilities works towards maintaining our rates. Our strategy is to provide stable pricing to
our customers during the heating season.”
The impact of the rate changes on large volume and contract customers will depend upon their consumption and
contract demand parameters.
BEAUTY
SERENITY
PEACE
Plans for a
Mausoleum
are Moving Ahead
Check out what is planned for this year’s celebration:
June 7: Our World Festival presents the best of world music with a free
concert at City Hall.
June 11: The Tapestry Citizenship Court at City Hall will welcome many
new Canadians to our city.
June 13 and 14: Neruda Productions presents, Café Cabaret under the big
tent in Victoria Park. Enjoy music, food and an intimate and interactive
concert. For ticket information, visit www.nerudaproductions.com.
June 13-21: The Multicultural Film Club will screen international cinema
from around the world at Kitchener City Hall Council Chambers.
June 20: The annual Silk Road Festival will take place in Kitchener’s Market
District.
June 21 and 22: For 41 years now the KW Multicultural Festival has
brought the world to our door by hosting about 60,000 people over a twoday weekend in Victoria Park. As the jewel in the Tapestry crown, the festival
kicks off summer with numerous on-stage performances, international food
vendors and about 40 craft vendors and local artisans. The festival is hosted
by the K-W Multicultural Centre and its member groups. Admission is free.
For more information call 519-578-7570 or 519-745-2531.
National Aboriginal Day Celebrations will take place this year as part of the
KW Multicultural Festival along with Latitudes Storytelling Festival. For
more information about Latitudes, visit ww.latitudesfestival.com.
For more information on these and all the Tapestry activities, please visit
www.tapestrycelebrations.com
Stormwater Management
subject of review, report card
In 2001, as part of the City of Kitchener’s environmental protection efforts
and commitment to improving the quality of the local environment, the city
developed a stormwater management policy intended to improve water
quality, aquatic habitat and stream stability. The policy also included a
comprehensive monitoring program to determine the health of the city’s
urban streams.
Annual audits were recommended along with a five-year report card that
allowed trends to become apparent.
The objective of the five-year report card is to give an overview of the
effectiveness of the city-wide stormwater management policy in terms of the
physical, biological and chemical condition of the receiving streams and
identify gaps in stormwater management practices within the city.
The complete report card and executive summary can be found at
www.kitchener.ca
Stormwater management program and funding review
Additionally, in the summer of 2005, the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo
joined together to review the existing stormwater programs and investigate
new funding mechanisms to better support their respective stormwater
management programs.
The outcome of the review will potentially have an impact on every
property owner. Public input is critical to guide the cities in their decisionmaking processes.
For more information about stormwater, the five-year report card or the
program and funding review visit www.kitchener.ca or contact the City of
Kitchener’s engineering division at 519-741-2406 or [email protected]
What is stormwater management and why is it important?
Stormwater is water that flows across the land and is routed into drainage
systems and ultimately into our natural areas such as creeks, lakes and
wetlands. Stormwater is not just limited to precipitation but may also come
from watering the lawn, washing the car and many other sources.
As urban areas grow, develop and become covered by roads, parking lots and
buildings, there is less “permeable” or “porous” area for the water to be
absorbed into. Instead, it flows rapidly across these hard surfaces, potentially
picking up contaminants such as salt, pesticides, detergents and animal waste.
Municipalities must put in place stormwater management practices to help
prevent these contaminants from ending up in rivers and streams and to
control the flow of stormwater runoff to avoid flooding and erosion.
A stormwater management system includes three parts:
The City of Kitchener is
considering the
construction of a new
mausoleum for
Williamsburg Cemetery
and staff would like to hear
from you.
The proposed structure could feature:
•
Large windows that will flood the interior with natural
light and afford panoramic views of the pond;
•
Beautiful wooden beams and handsome marble
finishing;
•
Single and double casket spaces ; and
•
Glass front niches in various sizes for the interment of
cremated remains
To share your interest in the proposed construction
of the Williamsburg mausoleum please contact:
Williamsburg Cemetery
1541 Fischer-Hallman Road Kitchener
519-741-2880 • www.kitchenercemeteries.ca
• “Lot level” activities that take place on individual properties such as rain
barrels, downspouts, cisterns, etc;
• “Conveyance” or the movement or transfer of stormwater by means such
as storm drains and sewers; and
• “End of pipe” collection systems like stormwater management ponds, oil
and grit separators, and streams.
In a rush for a
Building Permit?
The Express Building Permit Service
for Homeowners is back!
Effective Tuesday, May 6 and every Tuesday night this summer until
August 26, building division staff will be available to assist
homeowners in obtaining a building permit for their home project.
In most cases, staff will process a building permit on the spot, so
that a do-it-yourself project can be started the next day.
Building permits are required for projects such as decks, sheds,
garages, carports, porches, swimming pools and finishing basements.
This service is for residential homeowners only.
To obtain this Express Service, visit City Hall on Tuesday evenings
this summer from 4-6:30 p.m. Bring along two copies of
construction drawings, including a survey or site plan drawing which
indicates the proposed project, drawn to scale. Please note:
Customers must submit permit payments via cash or cheque.
Please note: There will not be extended hours on Tuesday July 1 due to the
Canada Day holiday.
For information visit the city’s Building Division,
5th Floor, Kitchener City Hall, call 741-2433 or visit:
www.kitchener.ca/building.htm
Page 4 • YOUR KITCHENER • May/June 2008
Ward Boundary Review
The process
Council policy states, the city will undertake a ward boundary
review every eight years, after every second municipal election.
The 2006 municipal election was the third since the last review –
which was conducted in mid 2000; therefore a ward boundary
review must take place during this term of council.
Subsequently, a public consultation process took place in 2007
that culminated in council’s decision last fall to increase the
number of councillors from six to 10.
Robert Williams, who taught political science at the University
of Waterloo for more than 35 years, has spent the last three
months consulting with the community and other stakeholder
groups to determine what shape the city’s future boundaries
should take.
He has been following a list of criteria and guiding principles
that he must adhere to while conducting the ward boundary
review.
That list includes:
• Each ward will be represented by one city councillor;
• Communities of interest and neighbourhoods should be
protected. It is desirable to avoid fragmenting traditional
neighbourhoods or communities of interest;
• Consideration of fair representation. Voters should be equitably
represented and wards should have reasonably equal
population totals;
• Consideration of physical features such as natural boundaries.
Wards should be compact, contiguous in shape, straightforward
and easy to remember; and
• Consideration of present and future population trends; the ward
structure should accommodate growth for at least 12 years.
“While, on the face of it, the 2008 ward boundary review is
structured around the task of creating new wards, the reality is
that all of the existing wards may disappear,” Williams said.
The current ward boundary review has employed population
data associated with Kitchener’s planning communities as the
basis for population estimates in this task.
The city is broken down into 53 different communities, called
planning communities, such as Central Frederick, Stanley Park,
Forest Heights and Laurentian West.
Planning communities were derived from what were called
“secondary plan areas” in the city’s Official Plan and from areas
that at one time had community plans.
Each planning community has a recognized number and name
as well as a population estimate. While such figures can never be
completely accurate, they represent a reasonable best guess about
the population of existing and future communities in the City of
Kitchener.
Option A:
Key features:
• two parallel “western” wards running from the Wilmot
boundary towards downtown
• three downtown wards: one on the west, another on the
east and a central ward across King Street and including
Victoria Park
• two wards east of the Conestoga Parkway - Highway 8
• three wards in the south and southwest: one including
Vanier, Alpine and Country Hills, another incorporating
Pioneer Tower, Doon and Pioneer Park and the third ward
everything west of Strasburg Road.
Option B:
Key features:
• two parallel “western” wards running from the Wilmot
boundary towards downtown
• three downtown wards largely based on the Community
Improvement Plan area: one on the north above Victoria
Street, a central ward and a southern ward divided at
Stirling Avenue
• two wards east of the Conestoga Parkway - Highway 8
• three wards in the south and southwest: one including
Vanier, Alpine and Country Hills, another incorporating
Country Hills West, Laurentian Hills and Laurentian West
and the third ward everything south of Bleams Road and
Fairway Road.
Page 5 • YOUR KITCHENER • May/June 2008
Ward Boundary Review
Option C:
Key features:
• two parallel “western” wards running from the Waterloo
boundary towards the Conestoga Parkway
• two downtown wards largely based on the Community
Improvement Plan area using King Street as the dividing line
• two wards east of the Conestoga Parkway - Highway 8
• four wards in the south and southwest: one including Vanier,
Alpine, Country Hills, Country Hills East and Hidden
Valley, another incorporating Pioneer Tower, Doon and
Pioneer Park, a third based on Laurentian Hills and
Laurentian West and the fourth ward Country Hills West and
everything south of Bleams Road and west of Homer
Watson, Doon Village Road and Biehn Drive, including
Huron Park and Brigadoon.
Current system
The last changes that the city’s ward boundary system underwent
took place in 2000, when provincial legislation required that
Kitchener city council be reduced to six members.
In April 2000, council directed that a committee of staff develop
four options for a six-ward council following the criteria set out in
Policy I-50 and one of the options -- with a number of amendments
-- was selected on a 6-4 vote “to assist the province in finalizing
boundaries for a 6-ward system of representation on city council.”
That ward configuration is now being reviewed.
“The population of the City of Kitchener is always changing. New
residential development is continuously underway – particularly
(but not exclusively) on the fringes of the city - and intensification
and redevelopment are altering existing neighbourhoods. Clearly
there has been growth in the city’s overall population since 2000
(when the present system was imposed) and there will be more over
the next several years,” Williams said.
Four options
Using all of the information and opinions he has gathered, Williams
has developed four options – all based on a 10-ward system.
Now he wants to hear from citizens on which of the designs they
feel is most appropriate for the city’s future.
The four options Williams has presented for consideration each
provide for 10 wards. Two wards are identical in all options.
Generally, there are two pairs of options: one pair calls for five
wards “inside” the Conestoga Parkway and five wards “outside”
the Conestoga Parkway; and the other pair provides for four
wards “inside” the Conestoga Parkway and six wards “outside” the
Conestoga Parkway.
It is also possible to switch the “inside” and “outside”
components of each pair – that is, to use the “inside” boundaries
in Option A and the “outside” boundaries in Option B (or vice
versa) and to do the same thing with Options C and D.
Of course, some modifications of these boundaries are possible.
Option D:
Key features:
• one “western” ward running from the Waterloo boundary
towards the Conestoga Parkway
• three wards in the area between Fischer-Hallman on the west
and the Conestoga Parkway on the east: one north of
Victoria Street, one bounded by Victoria Street and the
Canadian National spur line and a downtown ward
composed of the remainder of the area
• two wards east of the Conestoga Parkway - Highway 8
• four wards in the south and southwest: one including Vanier,
Country Hills, Country Hills East and Hidden Valley,
another incorporating Pioneer Tower, Doon and Pioneer
Park, a third consisting of the Alpine, Laurentian Hills and
Laurentian West communities and the fourth ward
Laurentian West and the south west corner of the City
including Huron Park and Brigadoon.
Public input
Public open houses have been ongoing throughout the
month of April at various city facilities, collecting citizen
feedback on the four options and giving Williams the
opportunity to personally address any questions or concerns
citizens may have regarding the concepts.
He will continue to collect public feedback on the four
options during the two remaining public open houses -scheduled for April 24, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Country Hills
Community Centre and April 29, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the
Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre; as well as via mail
and email, during the month of May, before preparing a final
recommendation for city council to consider on June 16.
Any decision city council makes on the city’s ward
boundaries is open to citizen appeal to the Ontario
Municipal Board (OMB), under the Municipal Act.
If an appeal is filed, the OMB would have the final say on
the outcome of the ward boundary review process.
In order to provide enough time to prepare all electoral
arrangements for the next municipal election before Jan. 1,
2010, the city’s goal is to complete the ward boundary
review, bylaw approval and a possible OMB appeal before
the end of 2008.
More information on city’s ward boundary review process
and how to provide feedback on the consultant’s four
options can be found on the city’s website at
www.kitchener.ca
Citizens are encouraged to review the four options and
provide feedback by email to [email protected] or by
mail to: Ward Boundary Review, C/O City Clerk’s
Department, 2nd floor, Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W.,
Kitchener, ON, N2G 4G7.
Page 6 • YOUR KITCHENER • May/June 2008
Kitchener in Bloom: New rule changes
are all business
As the deadline for this year’s Kitchener in Bloom nominations approaches, anyone wishing to nominate a residence
or business should know some of the rules have changed once again this year.
This time there will be changes to the Business Program.
Each year, the City of Kitchener and community partners, encourage residents and businesses to take pride in
Kitchener and help beautify the community. There are three components to the Kitchener in Bloom program: the
Residential Program; the Environmental Award; and the Business Program.
The Residential Program changed last year to recognize the efforts of more residents. The change allowed letter
carriers to nominate more than one property on their route plus residents could also submit nominations for
deserving front yards.
Celebrate youth
In 2005, organizers introduced the Environmental Award which recognizes the use of drought-resistant plant
material, pesticide-free lawns and gardens, native plant species, and compliance with watering restrictions.
It’s no secret that our community’s future is in the hands of our youth, and
in this community, that’s something to celebrate.
The Business Program recognizes any business in Kitchener that visually improves the city. The old rules included
three categories for nominations: Business Award over 500-sq. ft.; Business Award, under 500-sq. ft.; and a Multiresidential Award (townhouses, apartment buildings, private nursing homes or residential care facilities).
Youth Week, which takes place this year from May 1-7, recognizes the
positive contributions of youth and features numerous events sponsored by
various agencies and organizations.
This year there will be changes to the business program to allow up to three finalists in each of the following categories:
Small Scale Business with frontage under 5,000-sq. ft.; Large business over 5,000-sq. ft.; and Multi-residential.
On May 1, the Youth Week launch kicks off with the Doon Mobile Skatepark
Opening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, 150
Pioneer Dr. All youth are welcome to bring their skateboards – or borrow a
loaner. This is a supervised event with great food, music and prizes.
For more information or to volunteer, call the Kitchener in Bloom Committee at 519-741-2227 or visit
www.kitchener.ca
Youth 18-24 can compete for prizes when the Downtown Community Centre at
35 Weber St. W., holds a basketball competition from 8-10:30 p.m. on May 1.
All nominations must be submitted by Tuesday, July 8.
Summer playgrounds offer affordable fun
The centre will also be holding its Youth Appreciation Night on May 6 from
6:30-9:30 p.m. All youth aged 12-17 are invited to drop in for food, music,
prizes, crafts and games.
In the summer, children in Kitchener ages three to 12 years-old don’t have to go very far to have tons of fun. They
just need to walk to their neighbourhood park, school, church or community centre to participate in the city’s
summer playgrounds program. Organized by neighbourhood-based volunteer committees and city staff, this year's
programming provides exciting daytime activities at more than 60 sites across the city through July and August.
The Centreville Chicopee Community Centre at 141 Morgan Ave. is also
holding a Youth Night on May 6, from 7-10 p.m., for youth aged 12-17.
There will be food, basketball and more.
This summer approximately 5,000 children will attend the program and enjoy games, songs, crafts, sports, special
events and off-site trips, while making friends, having fun and enhancing their interpersonal skills.
Finally, on May 7, beginning at 7 p.m., the 11th Annual Kitchener Youth
Action Council (KYAC) Awards will celebrate youth aged 14-24 during a
ceremony in the Rotunda at City Hall. The awards celebrate and recognize
youth in a variety of areas, including arts and culture, service and caregiving,
social action and justice and much more.
Information about summer playgrounds can be found in the Leisure guide, on the city’s website at www.kitchener.ca
or by calling 519-741-2389.
The Rotunda Gallery also hosts its annual one-month youth art exhibition in
May. The exhibition will showcase the art of youth aged 12-24 who participate
in art classes given by local arts organizations, including the Homer Watson
House and Gallery, the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, the Kitchener
Waterloo Art Gallery, and Cambridge Galleries. An opening reception will
take place to coincide with National Youth Week and the youth awards.
All Youth Week events are free.
A calendar of all Youth Week events in the region is available in April at all
City of Kitchener community centres and also at www.kitchener.ca, or by
e-mailing [email protected].
All of the fun takes place under the supervision of leaders trained in first aid who work with parent committee
volunteers to determine appropriate programming.
With the assistance of adult committee volunteers, summer playgrounds offer affordable, great neighbourhood-based
fun. Adults wanting information about how they can help out can call 519-741-2389.
Goodbye bill clutter. Hello epost.
Now Kitchener Utilities’ customers can receive, view and manage their utility bills online safely and securely, with
epost from Canada Post or through their online financial institutions.
The epost box essentially becomes your new financial records filing system in electronic form, making it easier to
consolidate and manage your utility bills.
With this new, free service, bills are always organized and ready to view from anywhere, anytime, through a private
and secure, web-based epost box. You can also view bill details online and special inserts with promotions and offers.
For more information on Youth Week, call 519-741-3400 extension 3588.
Now bills can be organized in one place for up to seven years, sorted by date or name for quick access or just printed out.
Fire Hall up and running
Say goodbye to bill clutter forever. Say hello to using epost.
Construction of Fire Hall No. 7 at 1440 Huron Rd. is now complete and in
operation.
For more information, visit www.epost.ca
The fire department has now trained and housed 20 new firefighters at
Firehall No. 7 since March and once their training was completed the station
was opened for emergency responses shortly after.
The new fire station, located at the intersection of Huron and Fischer
Hallman roads, means quicker response times to emergencies in the city’s
south end.
“With all of the growth we are seeing in the city’s south end it was
imperative to have a new station in that area to meet residents’ needs,” said
Kitchener Fire Chief Tim Beckett.
With the addition of the new station response times will be reduced in the
area. The current council-approved benchmark for response time is seven
minutes or less 90 per cent of the time.
With the new location, response times should be closer to seven minutes or
less.
Coming later this year, epost for your tax bill.
From Your House
Direct to the Firehouse
- Direct Detect
in-home fire monitoring system
The only fire monitoring system that’s wired
directly to your local fire department meaning
the response time is automatically reduced,
saving precious minutes.
The new firehall’s grand opening date is set for June 14 from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m. The public is invited for free food and fun.
Expanding the course And your experience at
Doon Valley
Doon Valley, a beautifully landscaped 18-hole, par 72 course is one of the
most popular public courses in southwestern Ontario . Considering its
location alongside the Grand River in Kitchener – it has become one of
Kitchener’s most popular attractions. With a goal to provide affordable
leisure time activity and to maintain an environmental stewardship, Doon
Valley is currently embarking on a five-year plan that will see the
construction of 11 new holes (replacing two current holes) and several
features that will add to the quality of the course.
A new training facility will be built where all current lesson programs will
be held and possibly be home to a future full day junior camp.
Prospective junior camp members may harness their golfing skills, and
may have the opportunity to experience potential trails designed around
the premise. These nature walks may allow campers to take in the scenic
views of Doon Valley as well as view the birds and other small critters
who may inhabit the trails.
For more information call 519-741-2651
or visit www.directdetect.ca
You could save 5-15%
on your home insurance.
Direct Detect is Real Protection
Against a Real Threat - Fire.
DOON
VALLEY
G O L F
C O U R S E
It’s a short drive,
to your next long drive
To accompany the teaching facility, a practice area will be designed to allow
golfers to focus on their skill development by taking advantage of a driving
range and access to club pros who will be offering private lessons. In
addition, a nine-hole pitch and putt will offer golfers of all skills levels the
opportunity to play a shortened course if 28 holes is not their preference.
This pitch and putt is great for youngsters who are looking to get a feel for
the sport or for golfers who don’t have the time to commit to the full course.
Expansions to the parking areas and entrance ways will also be given a face
lift in order to accommodate the increase in golfers expected to attend Doon
Valley. Larger entrance ways will provide more natural light and add a
welcoming touch to members and guests upon their arrival.
With these exciting initiatives underway, current Doon Valley golfers will
be glad to know that their golf game will be undisturbed. The current 18hole course will be available all season as well as the services offered in
the clubhouse.
The expansion project has been designed to minimize the potential of
any distractions. The additional new holes will be constructed on unused
parcels of city land adjacent to the current course. Expansions to the
parking lots and entrance ways will begin in fall of 2009 when the golf
season is coming to an end, and the teaching facility and the nine-hole
pitch and putt are scheduled to begin in the later phases of the project.
Currently, Doon Valley offers full services to accommodate tournaments and
special events of all sizes. Facilities include a full-service restaurant which can
cater to small to large groups, a licensed lounge and a banquet hall, all of
which boast large picturesque windows overlooking a 6,200-yard course.
For information on Doon Valley or Rockway Golf Courses or online tee
time reservations, visit www.kitchenergolf.ca. For tee times at Doon Valley
call 519-741-2939, for Rockway call 519-741-2949.
Local golfers have discovered Doon Valley, now you can too.
Located along the Grand River with easy access from the 401 or Homer Watson,
Doon Valley is a scenic par 72 course that offers golfers of all skill levels
the chance to get away without leaving Kitchener.
For tee time bookings call 519-741-2939
For event bookings call 519-741-2663
For online tee time bookings and
more information visit www.kitchenergolf.ca
Page 7 • YOUR KITCHENER • May/June 2008
Market welcomes new vendors
Fresh faces with the latest in fresh products and ideas have just recently entered the building at Your Kitchener
Market on Saturday mornings.
These five new vendors aren’t related but they seem to have a lot in common. Each one of them for example, seems
to have the same middle name: Freshness and Quality.
Peak Season at
Fruit
May
June
Grass Roots Organics
Rhubarb, Field
Peak
Grass Roots Organics owner Sean McGivern is an experienced grower and
supplier of organically-grown grains.
Strawberries
Peak
Vegetables
Grass Roots, is an extension of his family’s seven-year-old Saugeen Specialty
Grains business – based in the Georgian Bay area - which exports bulk grains to
places like Israel, the United States and from coast to coast in Canada.
Asian Vegetables, Choy sum, U choy
(Yow choy), Mustard greens, Snow pea shoots,
Asian Broccoli, Chysanthemum greens
The secret, McGivern says, is his “Old World, slow-grind,” stone milling
process, which turns grains into flour, and preserves all the nutrient content in
the grains so they’re easier to digest. They maintain strict control over their
product processing, to ensure all their products are completely organic.
McGivern brings a variety of healthy products to Your Kitchener Market each
Saturday, including noodles, jams, pastas and various cereals. Besides some rare
grains, like spelt, kamut and quinoa, other Grass Roots’ products include:
wheat; rye; oats; soybeans; rice; barley; pasta; and corn.
May
Peak
Asparagus
Peak
Peak
Cucumber, Greenhouse
Peak
Peak
Cucumber, Field
Sean McGivern has a healthy approach
to organic farming.
They also offer frozen and packaged beef and pork, which is free of drugs and hormones. McGivern notes that his
beef cattle are raised humanely on a diet of corn and hay, which ensures they are healthy. “Hay is good for their
digestion,” says McGivern, adding that his pigs are kept outside during summer and not locked in a pen, which helps
provide a good quality of life for the animals. “We really believe in what we’re doing.”
June
Peak
Onions, Cooking
Peak
Parsnips
Peak
Peas, Green
Peak
Peas, Snow
Peak
Peppers, Greenhouse - Red, Yellow & Orange Peak
Peak
Radishes
Peak
Magaza Deli and Bakery
Rutabaga
After two years in business, Magaza Deli and Bakery is already popular in six
markets across Ontario.
Spinach
Peak
Peak
Tomatoes, Greenhouse
Peak
Peak
Magaza’s fresh homemade soups – 17 varieties – stews, seven-layer lasagnas,
stuffed peppers and breads are drawing customers to her counter at Your
Kitchener Market.
Krasavac, her husband Dejan and her sister Slavica, prepare their products fresh
for the market each Saturday and they do it the old-fashioned way: from
scratch, with no preservatives or chemicals, and with local organic ingredients
whenever possible. In fact, they buy most of those ingredients from the same
vendors at the markets where they sell themselves.
Magaza’s customers describe Vera
“We also don’t use mixers,” says Krasavac. “We make everything by hand,
Krasavac’s products with one word:
including the dough for our pastas.” This way, she says, her products have a
“Wow.”
different texture and taste that people notice right away. Many of those same
customers have also noticed another healthy difference with Magaza’s rye and multigrain breads. “They experienced
allergies with other breads,” says Krasavac, “but with our fresh breads they no longer seem to have those allergies.”
Krasavac attributes that fact to the natural ingredients she uses and, more importantly, for what is not in there.
Magaza’s donuts, for example, have no sugar added and in other foods they only use sea salt and ground pepper.
Krasavac says her customers describe her products quite simply with one word: “Wow.”
Anna Tolazzi Artisan Chocolates
Sharp looks and fresh taste are key ingredients in the Anna Tolazzi chocolate
recipe.
Owner Katharina Ortner’s chocolate displays often draw interest from her customers.
“They’re like jewellery displays,” says Ortner with a laugh. “Some people
actually think I’m selling jewellery here.”
Ortner was, in fact, a goldsmith 20 years ago so that explains the tasteful
displays she sets up each Saturday at Your Kitchener Market. As for taste, she
describes one of them as being as close to eating fresh raspberries covered in
chocolate as can be expected. Ortner uses local organic ingredients whenever
possible and does not use preservatives, artificial flavours or commercial
concentrates.
Katharina Ortner is happy that people
love her work and her unique chocolate
displays.
Her chocolates – which come in up to 19 flavours - aren’t as sweet as those
found in retail stores, she says, because she uses no extra sugar as filler.
Katharina tries to introduce four to five new flavours every week to keep the selection interesting.
Anna Tolazzi has recently expanded its elite repertoire to include some of the finest quality imported chocolates in
the world. All of which are either organic, fair trade, or both.
A few years ago, Katharina discovered she enjoyed making chocolates when she sold them at a retail chocolate store.
While there, she discovered she not only enjoyed making chocolates but had a certain flair for it:
“I just had my own ideas about chocolates could be made. Now I’m really happy that people love my work.”
Roos Meat Products
Wim Roos of Roos Meat Products offers
the best cuts and varieties of meat
available anywhere.
Roos’ customers already call him by his first name and he plans to be around a long time. He even hopes his sevenmonth-old son, Wilbert, will someday take over the business. “He’s going to be the future,” the smiling father says.
Tommy Flowers
Tom Randazzo, owner of Tommy Flowers has already gained a reputation for
great customer service and fresh variety.
Yield: 12 servings
June 3: Ronno
June 10: Erick Traplin
June 17: Richard Knetchel
June 24: Dan the Music Man
Live entertainment
Every Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., join us for performances by local jazz,
country, oldies, and classic rock entertainers.
May 3: Nonie Crete (folk music)
May 10: Frank and Lorenzo (international music)
May 17: Erick Traplin (oldies/pop/country)
May 24: Sandy McDonald (folk, rock)
May 31: Tyler Schwende (pop rock)
June 7: Rick & David (contemporary guitar duo)
June 14: Tyler Schwende (pop rock)
June 21: Deb Meisner-Jones (contemporary)
June 28: Sandy McDonald (folk, rock)
Randazzo offers everything good under the sun, from fresh local field flowers
and gerber daisies, to a variety of mixed bouquets, hardy houseplants, tropical
plants and hanging baskets. Besides his green houseplants, his mixed bouquets
even feature some of the more rare flowers around. “I always make sure I have
plenty of easy-to-care-for green houseplants as well,” he says, “for the average
homeowner who doesn’t have a green thumb but likes to keep some greenery
around the house.”
Kids’ Club
Our Kids’ Club offers free crafts, interactive activities and demonstrations
the first Saturday of each month.
Tom Randazzo likes to keep his fresh
plants and flowers a cut above the rest.
He says his customers keep coming back for the best reason of all, “They’re
finding out that my flowers last longer than what they’ve been previously buying,” he explains.
Randazzo puts a lot of detail into treating his fresh plants and flowers, with special chemical solutions and foods,
plus other special floral treatments that ensure they are last longer. “I go that extra mile,” he says, “and I only bring
the best premium-cut plants and flowers to the market.”
Randazzo also does on-the-spot arrangements on request.
Prep time: 30 minutes, Cooking Time: 15 minutes
May 6: Erick Traplin
May 13: Richard Knetchel
May 20: Eric Traplin
May 27: Dan the Music Man
Roos prepares the best cuts and varieties of meat you’ll find anywhere and lives by
his slogan “Quality and Service Are #1.” To ensure customers at Your Kitchener
Market always receive fresh, top quality he cuts his meats every Friday evening.
Randazzo is always eager to share any of his knowledge with customers on the
best ways to care for their purchases to increase freshness and longevity.
Steam asparagus until tender-crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Refresh under cold
running water. Set aside. Cut potatoes into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes; steam
until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and place in large bowl.
Whisk together oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper;
add about two-thirds to hot potatoes and toss gently to coat well. Let cool
to room temperature. Add red peppers, green onions and dill along with
remaining dressing; toss gently to mix well. Garnish with chives. Serve at
room temperature.
Kids’ Hop happens Tuesday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon with free
concerts, singing, dancing and fun for preschoolers. Here is the Kids’ Hop
lineup through May and June:
Roos is an experienced butcher who was trained in his field in the Netherlands
at age 19. He has now run his own business in Canada for the last five years,
delivering his fresh meats to Dutch stores around Ontario.
In the end though, Roos’ customers speak most eloquently about his meats, as
one shopper did when initially requesting two pork chops. “On second
thought, give me four. They just look so fresh,” the customer requested.
3 cups cut (1-inch/2.5 cm pieces) Ontario asparagus
3 lb new potatoes (unpeeled), scrubbed
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp coarse-grained Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 roasted red peppers, cut in 1/4-inch (5 mm) dice
1 bunch green onions (white and pale green parts only), cut in 1/4-inch
thick slices
1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
Kids’ Hop!
Roos Meat Products offers a variety of fresh meat products, including owner
Wim Roos’ own European sausages.
“We only buy the very best quality meats for our customers,” says Roos, “We
keep it simple and we keep it local, which means we always keep it fresh.”
Ontario Asparagus and
Potato Salad
On May 3, join the storytellers from Kitchener Public Library as they share
stories about farm animals, food from the market and so much more. Create a
cool craft at the end of the stories. The fun takes place frm 10 a.m. to noon.
On June 7, it’s Blue Skies Yoga for kids from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Roar like a
lion…Fly like a butterfly…Travel to far away places by experiencing yoga
combined with music, storytelling, and co-operative games. Stretch your
child's imagination with yoga classes that explore breath work, yoga postures,
and relaxation techniques presented in a fun and creative manner.
400 East Avenue • Kitchener, Ontario • N2H 1Z6 • Box office • 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977 • www.theaud.ca
Run away with the circus
May 31 and June 1, noon and 4 p.m.
Seventy years is a long time for any family to be in business let alone the
business of entertaining other families around the world.
The Garden family has done just that since Scottish brothers, William A.
and Robert Garden started out in Toronto in 1938. For decades now, the
Garden Bros. Circus has thrilled audiences of all ages, even pioneering circus
performances in hockey arenas long ago. They earned the distinction of
being the first circus to perform in the northern regions of Canada – well
before any roads were even built there.
Over the years the Garden’s descendants ran away with the circus, including
William’s son Ian in 1949, who joined as an equestrian. Between the early
1970s and up to 1995 he and business partner B. Elliot Abells featured talent
from around the world, making it an international success with
performances in Canada, the United States and Bermuda.
Now, the third generation – Ian Jr. and Richard Garden – run the Garden
Bros. Circus. Rest assured, they are true circus masters.
Show times for the Garden Bros. Circus are May 31 and June 1, noon and 4
p.m. both days.
Ticket prices are $21 for adults, $11 for children and seniors, and $34 for a
family pass with a coupon from www.gardenbrothers.com.
For more information visit The Aud at www.theaud.ca
Artist Baird plants
‘Gathering Tree’
A commissioned public artwork, entitled “Gathering Tree,” by Ron Baird, will
be installed outside The Aud in time for the 2008 Memorial Cup in May.
Baird has created more than 150 public artworks during his 40-year
international career. His work has been commissioned by many
municipalities including Barrie, Ont. and North York, Ont.
Described by Baird as a unique centerpiece for the plaza and The Aud,
“Gathering Tree” is a site-specific polished stainless-steel sculpture in the
shape of a tree, approximately 25-feet high. The top third of the sculpture
features three arms of maple leaves.
The sculpture, which will be installed at the Ottawa Street forecourt, is
kinetic, meaning it responds to wind with a rotating motion. In addition, the
polished surfaces reflect sunlight and artificial light.
Proposed materials and design features minimize the risk of vandalism and
environmental damage.
Payment for the $50,000 art project will be funded through the city’s Percent
for Art policy, which set aside one per cent – or $60,000 -- of the councilapproved construction budget that was used to pay for upgrades to The Aud
in 2002 and 2003.
The remaining funds will cover installation, administration, and
maintenance costs of the project.
Cystic Fibrosis Fund
presents A Silly Fest
Toyota Fan Fest & CHL Awards highlight
Cup activities
In just three weeks hockey mania will abound in Kitchener when the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup takes place at
The Aud May 16 - 25. In addition to the exciting hockey games, local organizers have planned many fun events for
the public and the Canadian Hockey League presents its annual awards night during the championship.
Toyota Canada is the title sponsor for Toyota Fan Fest. Utilizing the twin pads and surrounding outdoor space at The
Aud, Toyota Fan Fest will feature 48,000 square feet of displays and activities. The Kiwanis Arena will be home to
exhibits from all 60 teams in the Canadian Hockey League. In addition, there will be interactive and skill testing
games as well as autograph sessions.
For the young hockey fan, a Children’s Village will operate on both weekends of the Memorial Cup championship,
offering children aged 12 and under inflatable rides and activities – free of charge. For the seasoned hockey fan, the
Kinsmen Arena will be home to Molson Canadian Hockey Haus – a place to experience the game action with a few
thousand of your closest friends.
In 2008, the Memorial Cup Championship will celebrate 90 years of junior hockey excellence. The Memorial Cup
was donated in 1919 by the Ontario Hockey Association as a memorial to the Canadian dead in World War I. To
continue recognition of the ongoing efforts of Canadian servicemen and women, Toyota Fan Fest will also feature a
display by the Canadian Forces of military equipment from World War II to the present, as well as interactive and
educational activities.
Toyota Fan Fest is open daily throughout the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup from Friday May 16 – Sunday May 25.
Fans who would like to see players up close can attend the CHL Awards which recognizes the top performers from
the league for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2007/2008 season. The event takes place Saturday, May
24 at Centre-in-the-Square. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the program – hosted by Rob Faulds of Rogers Sportsnet
- beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets, available through the Centre-In-The-Square Box Office, are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
For more information visit www.mastercardmemorialcup.com
Roadbreakers Memorial Cup Tournament
In the spirit of everything hockey, fans will be able to cheer on youngsters during an old fashion road hockey
tournament taking place during the 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup.
Organizers of one of the biggest street hockey tournaments in the world will stage a special competition in The Aud
parking area (Ottawa St. lot) during the morning of Saturday, May 24.
The Roadbreakers Memorial Cup Tournament will be comprised of seven divisions featuring four teams with both
male and female participants between the ages of 8-15. The lucky participants will be the top winners of the
Roadbreakers Road Hockey Tournament that will be held on Saturday April 26 at the University of Waterloo (UW).
Each participating team will be named in honour of the CHL teams participating in the 2008 MasterCard Memorial
Cup. The 4-on-4 tournament will begin at 8 a.m. and will follow a round-robin format similar to the 2008
MasterCard Memorial Cup event.
Former Kitchener Rangers’ Captain Steve Rice is scheduled to be a part of the opening ceremonies. Closing
ceremonies will be held at 2:30 p.m.
Roadbreakers is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the Canadian grass-roots sport of road hockey by
organizing annual day-long tournaments. More than 1,000 boys and girls play nearly 500 games each year.
Proceeds from this year’s UW tournament will go to Central Ontario Developmental Riding Program (therapeutic
horseback riding for children with disabilities) in Kitchener.
For more information, please call John Thompson at 519-576-3700 ext. 34 or email [email protected]
Kitchener Panthers’
Schedule
Spotlight returns to The Aud with
A Silly Fest
on May 31, presented by the
Cystic Fibrosis Fund.
As always, there will be lots of tricks
and magical fun for the whole family.
Show times are
1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For tickets call 519-571-0937.
For more information visit The Aud
at www.theaud.ca
Proceeds go to the
Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Fund.
Ticket prices are $40 for a
season pass, adults $6,
seniors/students $5,
children (15 & under) free.
Sunday,
Sunday,
Thursday,
Monday,
Thursday,
Sunday,
Thursday,
Sunday,
Thursday,
Sunday,
Thursday,
Sunday,
Thursday,
Sunday,
May 4
May 11
May 15
May 19
May 29
June 1
June 5
June 8
June 12
June 15
June 19
June 22
June 26
June 29
VS Brantford
VS Barrie
VS London
VS Guelph
VS Stratford
VS Guelph
VS Stratford
VS Barrie
VS Brantford
VS Oshawa
VS Hamilton
VS Barrie
VS London
VS Hamilton
2pm
2pm
7:30pm
1pm
7:30pm
2pm
7:30pm
7pm
7:30pm
7pm
7:30pm
7pm
7:30pm
7pm