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APIs were the backbone of every product I’ve worked on (whether for marketplaces, fintech platforms, internal platforms, or AI-driven systems). API testing has consistently been one of the weakest, most manual, and most brittle parts of the delivery lifecycle.

From Authentication services, telemetry pipelines, feature flagging, and internal developer platforms, all rely on well-defined contracts & predictable behavior.

And NONE of them ship a UI first. They ship guarantees.

While with time development cycles have shrunk and systems have become more distributed, API testing has largely remained:

• Script-heavy
• Engineer-dependent
• Painful to maintain
• Invisible to product teams until something breaks

That mismatch is exactly why intelligent, AI-assisted API testing is gaining serious traction. (Also, the reason why I believe every Technical Product Manager should understand this space deeply 🤓)

It allows teams to express intent, generate tests, and maintain them continuously while keeping product and engineering aligned.

This article is your one-stop to understand the landscape of AI-powered API testing tools, practical considerations, and examples from real scenarios.

Let’s be real about what “traditional” API testing usually looks like:

• Someone writes a request in Postman
• Someone else writes JavaScript assertions
• Schemas change → tests break
• Edge cases are missed
• Product only hears about failures during late QA or production incidents

This model doesn’t scale when:

• APIs evolve weekly
• Teams are cross-functional
• PMs are expected to reason about API behavior, not just UI flows

As a TPM, I don’t want to depend on how good someone is at writing test scripts. I want confidence that the API behaves as intended, continuously.

For example, from my experience of working with API gateways, telemetry endpoints, or config services, the usual questions are not just “did it return 200?” but:

• Did unauthorized requests fail correctly?
• Are rate limits enforced properly?
• Do observability headers propagate as expected?
• Are errors meaningful for downstream systems?

And manual API tests couldn’t scale to answer these questions reliably.

That’s why Traditional API testing doesn’t work for modern AI-driven systems!

A lot of tools throw the word AI around. But I care about capability, not labels, and you should too!

Intelligence in API testing (apart from just a buzzword) shows up as:

1. Expressing intent in natural language and generating tests automatically
2. Maintaining test suites when APIs evolve
3. Explaining failures in human-readable terms
4. Reducing the burden of repetitive scripting while giving engineers control

These capabilities let PMs and TPMs reason about product guarantees, not just response codes.

From my experience, an intelligent API testing system does at least four things well:

1. Understands intent, not just syntax
2. Generates tests automatically from descriptions or specs
3. Explains failures in human language
4. Reduces test maintenance over time

This is where tools like Postman’s Postbot, Testsigma, mabl, ReadyAPI, and newer LLM-driven systems come into play, each in different ways.

From “Script-Heavy Testing” to “Intent-Driven Validation”

For an API gateway, testing usually started with a checklist:

• Call the endpoint with a valid token
• Call it again with an invalid token
• Manually assert response codes
• Repeat the same logic across environments

A typical test looked like this:

pm.test(“Unauthorized request should fail”, () => {
 pm.expect(pm.response.code).to.equal(401);
});

pm.test(“Authorized request should succeed”, () => {
 pm.expect(pm.response.code).to.equal(200);
});

This approach works initially, but it does not scale. As rate limits, headers, and routing rules evolve, tests become repetitive and fragile. Most importantly, the test does not express why the behavior matters.

With AI-assisted testing, the starting point shifts from code to intent:

“Validate that unauthorized requests fail, rate-limited clients receive proper retry headers, and successful requests propagate tracing information.”

From that single statement, the tool can generate logic like:

pm.test("Gateway enforcement and tracing", () => {
  const status = pm.response.code;  

if (status === 401) {
    pm.expect(pm.response.json().error).to.include("unauthorized");
  }

if (status === 429) {
    pm.expect(pm.response.headers.has("Retry-After")).to.be.true;
  }

if (status === 200) {
    pm.expect(pm.response.headers.has("traceparent")).to.be.true;
  }
});

The difference is subtle but important. The test now encodes platform guarantees, not just status codes. For TPMs, this becomes a shared contract between product intent and system behavior.

From “Schema Validation” to “Platform Confidence”

Telemetry ingestion APIs were often tested by validating payload structure and success responses:

pm.test("Ingestion request succeeds", () => {
  pm.expect(pm.response.code).to.equal(200);
});

Edge cases like malformed payloads, tenant isolation, or missing metadata were handled manually or discovered in production. Debugging usually started after the dashboards went blank.

With AI-assisted tools, the focus moves to operational outcomes:

“Ensure malformed telemetry is rejected, tenant isolation is enforced, and valid traces return ingestion metadata.”

Generated test logic might look like:

pm.test("Telemetry ingestion guarantees", () => {
  const status = pm.response.code;
  const body = pm.response.json();

if (status === 400) {
    pm.expect(body.error).to.include("invalid payload");
  }

if (status === 401) {
    pm.expect(body.error).to.include("unauthorized");
  }

if (status === 200) {
    pm.expect(body.accepted).to.be.true;
    pm.expect(pm.response.headers.has("X-Ingest-Latency")).to.be.true;
  }
});

Now the test answers real platform questions:

• Do we fail fast on bad data?
• Are tenants isolated correctly?
• Do we expose signals that help debug ingestion delays?

For observability platforms, this style of testing prevents silent failures and aligns testing with product reliability goals.

Thus while:

Traditional API testing checks what happened.
Intelligent API testing captures what must always be true

And for infrastructure and platform products, that difference is everything.

Here’s how I see the top options today:

• Where it shines: Converts plain-language intent into test scripts, explains responses, and integrates seamlessly into existing Postman workflows
• Where it struggles: Can get shallow on large or complex collections; requires review for advanced infra logic
• My take: The most mature AI-assisted tool; ideal for teams already using Postman to speed up test creation and reduce friction
• When I would not use this tool: For low-level, timing-sensitive APIs or streaming scenarios where precise control matters

• Where it shines: Keeps API specs, tests, and mocks aligned, reducing contract drift; supports design-first and API-first workflows
• Where it struggles: AI-assisted test generation is lighter; runtime and observability-focused checks are limited
• My take: Best for teams that treat APIs as first-class products and prioritize specification consistency
• When I would not use this tool: When you need deep runtime validation or performance testing

• Where it shines: Unified API and UI testing platform; can generate tests from specifications; integrates into CI/CD pipelines
• Where it struggles: Heavier than lightweight tools; setup and learning curve can be significant
• My take: Great for teams needing broad automation across layers with AI-assisted support
• When I would not use this tool: If you only need lightweight API tests, Katalon may be overkill

• Where it shines: Natural-language test creation, accessible to PMs and QA, promotes cross-functional alignment
• Where it struggles: Abstracts underlying logic, limiting precision for infra-heavy or stateful APIs
• My take: Excellent for teams that want shared ownership of test intent without writing code
• When I would not use this tool: For scenarios needing precise request behavior and detailed assertions

• Where it shines: Enterprise-grade testing, advanced assertions, security checks, and reporting; broad protocol support
• Where it struggles: Heavyweight; slower iteration; overkill for small teams
• My take: Ideal for large organizations or regulated environments requiring thorough testing and governance
• When I would not use this tool: Small or fast-moving teams that need quick feedback

• Where it shines: Automated maintenance, auto-healing tests, analytics; integrates with CI/CD; reduces flaky tests
• Where it struggles: Can be heavier than needed for small teams; some AI features require tuning to avoid false positives
• My take: Fits mature teams with stable APIs who want AI-assisted maintenance and resilience
• When I would not use this tool: If only lightweight API validation is required, the overhead may not be justified

• Where it shines: Observability-focused platform; captures analytics, tracks errors and governance issues; provides insights for testing workflows
• Where it struggles: Less about generating test scripts; not a replacement for traditional automation logic
• My take: Highly useful for infra and observability APIs where actionable insights and live traffic analysis are critical
• When I would not use this tool: If your main goal is test automation with precise assertions, Treblle alone is insufficient

Moving from traditional scripting to AI-assisted testing is a big productivity win. But at the same time, smart PMs know this is not a handoff, it’s a partnership.

AI helps you move faster, but will not think for you!

Here’s where I always draw the line.

AI-generated tests are good at checking responses. PMs should verify that they check guarantees, not just outcomes.

Good question to ask:

• Is this asserting something the product actually promises to users or systems?

If a test checks a 200 response but ignores missing tracing headers or degraded behavior, it is incomplete for infra products.

Traditional tests often fail silently or generically. AI-generated tests can improve this, but only if reviewed.

What I look for:

• Clear error assertions
• Meaningful failure messages
• Signals that help downstream debugging

If a failure does not help an engineer understand what broke, it does not belong in a platform test.

AI tools tend to mirror what they see. That can accidentally lock in implementation details.

Smart PMs ask:

• Would this test still be valid if we refactor the service?
• Is it testing behavior or internal structure?

For infrastructure APIs, behavior always wins over structure.

AI handles the happy path very well. PMs need to push on the edges.

I always scan for:

• Invalid tokens
• Missing headers
• Rate limits and quotas
• Tenant isolation boundaries

These cases define trust in platform APIs. If they are missing, I ask for them explicitly.

This is where many teams stop too early.

For platform APIs, I expect tests to validate:

• Trace or correlation headers
• Error metadata
• Latency or ingestion signals

If an API is observable only when it fails in production, the testing strategy is incomplete.

Intelligent API testing is not about PMs replacing Engineers.

It is about giving Product Managers and Engineers the leverage to reason about API guarantees, catch edge cases early, and maintain confidence as platforms evolve.

But, the Important Part 👉 “The Line Smart PMs Should Draw.”

While AI should:

• Generate and maintain tests
• Reduce repetitive work
• Surface insights faster

Smart PMs should:

• Define what must always be true
• Decide which failures matter
• Protect product intent and platform trust

When that balance is right, AI becomes a multiplier instead of a risk.

To conclude, I would say:

• Use AI-assisted tools to translate intent into tests quickly
• Combine tools and don’t go for single lock-in: specification alignment (APIdog), test generation (Postbot/Katalon), and observability (Treblle)
• Review AI-generated tests for critical infra flows. Do not assume “set it and forget it.”
• Prioritize tools based on team maturity, API complexity, cross-functional ownership, and Risk tolerance

Thanks for reading this article, don’t forget to clap and follow ❤️

You can send me an invite @ LinkedIn or Substack 😎

Looking forward to connecting with you 🤝

Further, if you liked reading this article, you may also like to read:

• Build Once, Deploy Anywhere: How to Create Multi-Environment Workflows in GitHub Actions
• Here’s WHY Your API Onboarding Guide isn’t Working!

Thinking beyond the “200 OK”: Testing the Promise Layer! was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I've been following all the articles, opinion pieces and Letters To The Editor carefully. Overall K-W Record reporters are doing a great job bringing the facts as they know them to the public's attention. The trouble is that the Region have been much less than forthcoming for many decades now hence neither the public, the developers, builders, politicians or the media truly understand the mess we are in. The bottom line is that having read Luisa D'Amato's TWO page article titled "Will we have enough water ?" the answer is an unequivocal no. Luisa among other things advises readers about the steps to increase our water supply both immediately plus over the next four or five years and I find that terrifying.

Why is it terrifying? It is terrifying because the Region clearly are desperate to avoid litigation from developers and builders who have sunk large amounts of time and money into proposed new developments whether they be detached homes, townhouses, condominiums or office buildings. How desperate you ask? They are so desperate they are pardon the pun "Going back to the well" in order to increase their water supply. Some of these "wells" have been shut down for years and in some cases decades. Why were they shut down in the first place, you ask. Because they were CONTAMINATED. This includes trichloeoethylene (TCE) in the Parkway wells (Deilcraft), benzene in the Greenbrook Wellfield (courtesy of Ottawa St. Landfill), multiple solvents and industrial chemicals with PCBs floating in oil (LNAPL)  upgradient of the Woolner and Pompeii Wellfields along the Grand River (Breslube). Other problems with these river wells as they are called is odour issues that do not occur in groundwater wells located away from surface water. Speaking of surface water the Middleton Wellfield is in the south end of Cambridge right beside the Grand River. The wells however are screened in the Bedrock Aquifer and likely would be separate from the river water however they are not separate from the free phase (DNAPL) TCE in the fractured bedrock fissures and pores.

Also pumping more water from the Middleton Wellfield which supposedly can be then pumped uphill to Waterloo and Kitchener will likely draw out more dissolved TCE from the Bedrock Aquifers. As it is there is a special and very expensive TCE treatment system called AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process). The other allegedly still unresolved problem is the different bacterial disinfection system used at the Middleton Wellfield versus the Mannheim Service Area.  My guess is that we are talking a chlorine system versus a chloramine system.

Wilmot Township have been picked to supply water to the Mannheim Service Area almost immediately. That combined with the loss of recharge due to the 700 acre proposed industrial megasite should go over well with Wilmot residents and politicians. Gravel pits, industrial megasites, plus supplying water to K-W  should be a fairly explosive mixture for the Region.

So let's summarize. We (developers, builders, politicians) want one million people here by 2050. Do we also want more contaminated water being mixed with what clean water we have left to keep us at least technically below the Ontario Drinking Water Standards (ODWS)? Are we so desperate for growth that we will continue to revive old, shut down contaminated wells to boost our water supply? Meanwhile our river water source (The Grand) will continue receiving increasingly larger loads of treated (hopefully) human sewage as we approach one million people. WHAT POSSIBLY COULD GO WRONG WITH THIS SCENARIO?

Ever tried sending an important email offshore, only to see “No Signal” flashing on your screen? Or maybe you planned a relaxing weekend on your yacht but couldn’t stream, check weather updates, or stay in touch with family. Staying connected at sea isn’t as easy as it is on land, and that’s where marine internet comes in.

Whether you’re a weekend boater, a full-time liveaboard, a charter operator, or a yacht owner cruising long distances, reliable Internet for Boats has become a necessity rather than a luxury. From navigation tools to entertainment and safety systems, connectivity plays a key role in modern boating.

Let’s break down how marine internet works, what technologies power it, and how you can choose the right setup for your vessel.

On land, your phone or home router connects to nearby cell towers or fiber networks. But when you go offshore, those towers fade from view. Traditional infrastructure does not reach miles into the open water.

Boats and yachts face three main connectivity challenges:

• Distance from shore-based cell towers
• Constant movement
• Weather and sea conditions

To solve this, marine internet relies on specialized communication systems designed specifically for maritime environments.

Marine connectivity typically uses one (or a combination) of these technologies:

When your boat is close to coastal cell towers, usually 5 to 20 miles offshore, you can connect using marine-grade LTE or 5G routers.

These systems use strong antennas mounted on your boat to capture weaker signals and boost them. Compared to a smartphone hotspot, marine cellular setups provide:

• Stronger signal capture
• Better range
• Support for multiple connected devices

This option works well for coastal cruising, fishing trips, and weekend boating near shore.

Once you move beyond cell tower coverage, satellite internet becomes the primary solution.

Satellite systems work by:

1. Sending signals from your boat’s antenna to a satellite in orbit
2. The satellite relays the signal to a ground station
3. The data travels back through the same path

Modern marine satellite systems use either:

• Geostationary satellites (higher orbit, wider coverage)
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites (lower orbit, lower latency)

Satellite allows internet access virtually anywhere at sea, from coastal waters to mid-ocean crossings.

Many boaters now use hybrid setups that automatically switch between cellular and satellite depending on availability.

For example:

• Near shore → connects to cellular for faster speeds and lower cost
• Offshore → switches to satellite for uninterrupted coverage

This ensures constant connectivity while managing performance and expenses efficiently.

A marine internet setup typically includes:

Mounted high on the vessel for the best signal capture. For satellite systems, this may include a stabilized dish that adjusts automatically to stay aligned with satellites, even when the boat moves.

Acts as the onboard hub, distributing internet to phones, laptops, smart TVs, navigation systems, and crew devices via Wi-Fi.

Provides the data connection, either through cellular networks or satellite providers.

Marine internet equipment runs on your boat’s electrical system, usually supported by generators, batteries, or solar panels.

The main difference from land-based systems is stabilization and durability. Marine equipment is weather-resistant, vibration-proof, and built for constant motion.

Not all marine internet connections perform the same. Speed depends on several factors:

Cellular speeds decrease as you move farther from land-based towers.

Heavy rain, storms, and cloud cover can affect satellite signals.

High-end marine antennas and routers significantly improve performance.

Shared satellite bandwidth or busy coastal networks can impact speeds.

Here’s a general overview:

• Cellular (Nearshore): 10–100+ Mbps depending on signal strength
• Satellite (LEO systems): 20–200 Mbps in many regions
• Traditional Geostationary Satellite: 5–50 Mbps with higher latency

For basic browsing, weather updates, and email, even moderate speeds are enough. For streaming, video calls, and onboard entertainment, higher bandwidth plans work better.

Connectivity at sea isn’t just about streaming movies. Internet for boats and yachts supports:

Real-time weather forecasts, radar updates, and route planning improve safety.

Stay in touch with family, marina services, and emergency contacts.

Many boaters now work from their yachts. Reliable internet enables video calls, cloud access, and business operations.

Modern yachts use internet-connected monitoring systems for engines, fuel levels, and security.

Selecting the right system depends on how and where you boat.

A strong marine LTE or 5G setup may be enough.

Satellite internet is essential.

Hybrid systems provide maximum reliability.

Also consider:

• Monthly data needs
• Number of connected devices
• Budget
• Installation complexity

Professional installation is often recommended for larger yachts to ensure optimal antenna placement and signal performance.

Costs vary widely depending on technology and data usage.

• Cellular marine plans: Generally more affordable
• Satellite systems: Higher equipment and service costs
• Hybrid setups: Moderate to high investment

However, prices have become more competitive in recent years as technology advances and demand increases.

Marine internet technology is constantly improving. Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations are enhancing latency and speeds. Equipment is becoming more compact, more energy-efficient, and easier to install.

In the near future, staying connected at sea may feel just as smooth as being at home, even during long ocean crossings.

Marine internet connects land-based networks with offshore environments using cellular and satellite technologies. Whether you cruise near the coastline or explore open waters, there are solutions designed to keep you connected.

From safety and navigation to remote work and entertainment, reliable connectivity has become essential for modern boating. By understanding how marine internet systems work and what options you have, you can choose the right setup for your boat or yacht and enjoy smoother, smarter journeys at sea.

Cellular marine internet usually works up to 5 to 20 miles offshore. Satellite systems can cover almost any area in open water, depending on the provider and equipment.

Satellite is better for offshore travel, but cellular gives faster speeds and lower costs near the shore. Many boaters use both options for better coverage.

You can use cellular near the shore, but performance declines quickly as you go offshore. Marine-grade antennas and routers offer stronger, more reliable connections.

Yes. Heavy rain and storms can impact satellite signals, while rough conditions may influence signal stability depending on equipment quality.

Monthly costs range from moderate cellular plans to higher satellite subscriptions, depending on data usage and coverage needs.

Yes, marine environments need weatherproof antennas, stabilized satellite dishes, and marine-grade routers made for constant motion and tough conditions.

How Does the Marine Internet Work for Boats and Yachts? was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

There were days that were heavy, and yet we had to show up and do the work.

After graduation, I got into my first job as a developer in an MNC through campus placements. I had to struggle and suffer to get that job as I didn’t have that much communication skills (I thought). All my friends were already placed in big companies by then. Me, I had to struggle in a very difficult way. Anyhow, I finally got placed and got a job after many tries, struggles, and difficulties.

I was very excited to join my first company and learn as much as I could.

I joined and learned.

That’s been 4 years, but my learning stopped in the 3rd year of the company. Then it slowly became stagnant.

I started applying to other companies for more financial and learning options.

I applied again and again. But I kept getting rejected. I got nearly 1000 rejection emails. I used every app there is to search to send applications, but still got rejections.

I was sad and depressed. I couldn’t find a way to crack the system. I failed again and again.

After a while, I got to know the reason why my applications were rejected.

Notice period: 3 Months.

So obviously no company wants to wait 90 days for me to leave my previous job and get into a new job, right? This made sense.

People said don’t leave your current job without any offers in your hand. It’s too risky. The market is not good. We have to protect what we have. Grow in the same company.

Did I Listen? I wanted to listen because that was the safest option. Because I have dependents on me financially.

One day, I found my courage. I went to the temple and prayed to the Goddess, and submitted my resignation without a single offer in my hand. That minute was shaking and numb as if the whole world was stopping in front of me.

My thought was that if I put papers now, then I can search for a job during this 90-day notice period. If I get into another company, happy. Goal Achieved. If not, I take my papers back and continue in the same job for a while. This was my plan then.

Then slowly, I got calls for interviews. I started preparing seriously, and I prepared, noted down, and revised.

I took questions and feedback from my interviewers. Noted down all those questions that were asked in interviews. I prepared those for my next interview.

So much struggle, because interviews became tough, and some interviews had more than 3 rounds. This was all a tiresome process. Yet, I didn’t want to give up. Because I didn’t have any option.

One day, I gave around 5 interviews for 5 different companies back to back. That day, I didn’t get tired but felt happy and hopeful.

This was the process for around one and a half months.

Finally, I got the opportunity. That message said, “You are selected”.

Now I moved to the new company and started learning seriously.

Back then, I felt sad leaving my first company, because it was the only thing that believed in me and took me in and taught me the basics and made me work-ready. And also 4 whole years I spent with my colleagues and with that project. It had ups and lows, that’s ok. So I got a little emotional. I sent goodbyes. Still, it was my first company which made me disciplined and raised me as a good human being with values, not only professionally but also personally.

My first company will always have my heart, and I am proud to be a part of it.

Seriously, so much news was coming back then about my first company. I don’t know, the company always found its way into the news, but the headlines didn’t match the reality I lived. None of that news was true. Because they treat their employees with care. We have a good work-life balance there.

I am just taking this as a chance to say thanks and express gratitude toward my first company. It’s like first love. Even if it faded, it is always alive in the corners of my heart. So I love you.

You may doubt, if you love that company that much, then why did you leave? Sometimes we have to move on when our learning is stagnant, and we have more financial needs. You can’t get stuck in the same routine just because you like it. We have to grow. It’s not marriage, so it’s safe to leave previous companies and move on to new ones.

This is my story.

I was scared when I took that step, but now I’m thankful I did. Sometimes we just have to trust ourselves and move forward.

Thank you for reading this. 😊

The Day I Quit My Job Without a Backup Plan was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

• ♦ 8aba76a

  Update architecture documentation with new components

• ♦ 09a673c

  Enhance architecture documentation with component details

Not coincidentally the title of this posting is identical to the one in the K-W Record's Letters To The Editor today. That Letter is written by John Waylett on behalf of the Property Taxpayers Alliance. While Mr. Waylett takes umbrage with MPP Aislinn Clancy's recent article criticizing Premier Doug Ford's environmental missteps, I feel that there is room to agree with both of them.  Yes Doug and the provincial Conservative government have behaved towards the environment exactly as is to be expected by a Conservative government. In other words badly. 

At the same time clearly our regional government have been leading us down the garden path for many decades as they blithely swallowed the Federal and Provincial Growth mantra without conditions or proper preparation.  Did we learn nothing from the 30,000-40,000 influx of Indian students attending Conestoga College? The Region did not have enough housing, jobs, food banks, healthcare, sewage treatment or drinking water facilities to keep up to the demand. 

Mr. Waylett is also correct in that the Region need to disclose to taxpayers how we got into this latest crisis involving water supply. Remember this is after the influx of students has been dramatically reduced. Does anyone really believe the Grand River, as a depository of our many sewage treatment plants, is ever going  to be the same after we hit 1,000,000 people living and working here? I for one do not.

My last point is this. Ultimately regional senior planners and water managers will do as they are told by a multitude of uneducated and woefully ignorant "professional" politicians. The word "professional" does not refer to their academic or technical qualifications it refers to their abilities to fib, gild the lily and weasel out of accountability and responsibility. When in trouble they will hire more credentialed staff (to hide behind and ignore) and form more committees (citizens' preferably) to insulate themselves from crises and blame of their own making.

Family Services York Region (FSYR) is a not-for-profit mental health agency providing counselling and outreach support services to individuals, couples, families, groups and communities across York Region. FSYR is accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation and is committed to being an inclusive and equitable organization. Through our diverse staff group, FSYR offers culturally sensitive services in over ten different languages. FSYR is the host agency for the Rainbow Network and is 2SLGBTQ+ positive. FSYR acknowledges that we are located on the lands of our closest First Nations neighbor the Chippewas of Georgina Island and we are committed to work together with our partners and communities to continue to educate ourselves and contribute in any way possible to supporting our First Nations neighbours and communities.

Family Services York Region (FSYR) is seeking a highly engaged Treasurer to provide hands-on financial leadership during a period of stabilization and renewal. This role is designed for an experienced financial professional who will strengthen financial governance, improve budgeting and forecasting, build internal capacity, and help position the organization for long-term sustainability while remaining grounded in FSYR’s mission of serving vulnerable populations.

FSYR is seeking a Treasurer who will go beyond traditional fiduciary oversight to actively support financial strengthening and organizational resilience. Working closely with the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and to-be-organized Finance Committee, the Treasurer will help address current financial challenges, enhance financial policies and controls, and embed forward-looking financial planning practices.

• Fulfill statutory responsibilities of Treasurer and uphold fiduciary duties of the Board.
• Present clear, accurate, and timely financial reports to the Board.
• Ensure compliance with charitable, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

• Assess current financial challenges, risks, and capacity gaps.
• Strengthen budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management practices.
• Support development of multi-year financial projections and scenario planning.
• Help shift financial management from reactive to proactive decision-making.

• Lead or support review and development of core financial policies (reserves, spending authority, procurement).
• Strengthen internal controls and financial risk management.
• Act as a key liaison with external auditors and support audit readiness.

• Improve financial literacy and confidence at the Board level.
• Serve as a mentor and thought partner to senior staff.
• Align financial decision-making with mission impact and community trust.

• CPA designation (CA, CGA, CMA) strongly preferred, or equivalent senior financial expertise.
• Experience in nonprofit, charitable, public-sector, or mission-driven organizations.
• Strong understanding of fund accounting, restricted funds, and grant reporting.
• Demonstrated turnaround or stabilization experience.
• Strategic financial planning and analytical capability.
• Clear communicator with a collaborative leadership style.
• Strong alignment with FSYR’s mission and values.

• Approximately 4 hours per month
• Includes preparation for and attendance at quarterly Board meetings, chairing or active participation in the monthly Finance Committee meetings, attendance at the Annual General Meeting and additional engagement during the stabilization period as required.

• Review current financial statements, budgets, and cash-flow position.
• Identify immediate financial risks and mitigation strategies.
• Assess adequacy of financial policies and internal controls.
• Work with leadership to establish clear forecasting and reporting rhythms.
• Provide the Board with a clear financial health assessment and recommended priorities.

The ideal Treasurer is a seasoned financial professional who brings discipline, empathy, and practical leadership. They are comfortable operating in periods of transition, committed to ethical stewardship, and motivated by strengthening an organization that serves newcomers, youth at risk, and vulnerable community members.

To apply, please email your resume to Sarah Simms, Manager of Human Resources at ssimms@fsyr.ca. The deadline to apply is March 13, 2026.

The post Family Services York Region (FSYR) appeared first on Capacity Canada.

“This place saved my life!”- former grateful youth

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of youth in your community? If so, we invite you to join us in supporting vulnerable youth in Peel Region.

Our Place Peel is a non-profit charitable organization that provides shelter, support and hope for homeless and at-risk youth in the Region of Peel.

Founded in 1985, Our Place Peel is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and actively serves Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon youth. Through our emergency shelters, transitional program, and community outreach services, we empower youth to take control of their lives, break harmful patterns and make a healthy new start.

Joining the Board of Our Place Peel lets you make a real, life-changing impact on vulnerable youth in Peel Region. You’ll contribute your expertise in governance, finance, or community engagement while collaborating with a mission-driven team to shape the organization’s future. With a flexible commitment of just a few hours per month, you can help empower youth to take control of their lives and build a brighter future

The Board meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:30pm eight times per year, both virtually and select in-person meetings. Directors can be elected to the Board for a maximum of three consecutive two-year terms. This voluntary commitment involves:

• Attending and actively participating in an informed manner at Board, Committee, and Annual meetings. Board meetings are ideally in-person.
• Chairing or sitting on one of the two committees of the board.
• Committing to 3 – 4 hours per month, board members should expect 8 board meetings per year plus committee meetings.
• Actively support Our Place Peel through time, talent or treasure.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience serving on an NPO Board of Directors. Ideally, you bring a specific background in one or more of the following areas: Finance/Financial Literacy (CPA), Board Governance and/or Government Relations. Is it also preferred that you you live or work in the Region of Peel.

If you are ready to take on a rewarding and challenging role, we invite you to apply to join our Board of Directors. We are seeking energetic, committed and collaborative individuals who reflect the community we live and/or work in.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to Carolyn Bryan, Executive Assistant at cbryan@ourplacepeel.org by March 31, 2026.

Our Place Peel is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation for disabilities will be provided to support participation in all aspects of the process upon request. We are also dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to promote equity, inclusivity and diversity.

The post Our Peel Place appeared first on Capacity Canada.

The Barrie South‑Innisfil Liberal EDA is seeking a strategic Fundraising Chair to join our volunteer Board of Directors. This leadership role oversees fundraising strategy, donor outreach, and events to support community development and ensure the financial sustainability of the riding association.

The Fundraising Chair provides leadership and oversight for all fundraising activities, including events, donor outreach, and grassroots initiatives. Working collaboratively with board members and volunteers, this role develops and implements fundraising strategies that support the EDA’s long‑term financial sustainability and growth. As a board member, the Fundraising Chair also contributes to governance, strategic planning, and initiatives related to advocacy, communications, and community engagement.

• Experience or interest in fundraising, donor relations, or strategic planning
• Ability to build relationships and mobilize volunteers
• Comfort with goal‑setting and follow‑through

Transferable skills are welcome. Experience in marketing, communications, sales, policy, government, advocacy, or other goal‑oriented roles often translates well into nonprofit fundraising and community leadership. Prior political or nonprofit fundraising experience is an asset but not required.

Time Commitment Flexible volunteer board role. Most work can be done remotely, with the ability to attend regular monthly meetings and occasional events.

If you are interested in exploring this volunteer opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Please apply to our board of directors by submitting your interest to info.bsiliberal@gmail.com by end of day on Friday March 13, 2026.

The post Barrie South-Innisfil Liberal Electoral District Association (EDA) (Ontario) appeared first on Capacity Canada.

Imagine being told you’re a top performer, yet not seen as someone with potential.

That’s exactly what researchers Alan Benson, Danielle Li, and Kelly Shue found in their study “Potential” and the Gender Promotion Gap, published in the latest edition of the American Economic Review. After analyzing 30,000 workers on a management track at a large retail company, they discovered a troubling pattern: Supervisors consistently rated women higher on performance but lower on potential than men.

In other words, the company persistently underestimated the potential of its women employees.

One reason this happens? Potential is often assessed subjectively, making it especially vulnerable to bias, stereotypes, and “gut feel.”

So what’s the alternative?

Psychologists Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Seymour Adler, along with Robert B. Kaiser, point to three research-backed indicators of high potential in an article for Harvard Business Review:

• Ability. Is the candidate capable of doing the job in question? Is the candidate clearly able to learn and master the requisite knowledge and skills needed to perform this job?
• Social skills. Does the candidate excel at teamwork and collaboration? Can the candidate manage both themselves and others?
• Drive. Is the candidate willing to work hard, achieve, and do whatever it takes to get the job done?

Consider how your organization assesses potential. Are expectations clearly defined? Or left open to interpretation?

Share this action on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

A year ago, the Trump administration removed references to transgender and queer people from the Stonewall National Monument website. This act, as reported by BBC News, is particularly noteworthy given the historical importance of the Stonewall Inn bar in New York. The 1969 police raid at this bar led to riots, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Now, the first national monument in the U.S. dedicated to LGBTQ+ history bears the scars of erasure.

And this week, the National Park Service stopped flying the monument’s rainbow flag, which is an emblem of LGBTQ+ rights.

It’s easy to see erasure when it’s reported in global news outlets.

It’s harder, but just as important, to recognize it when it happens in a conference room, a Slack thread, or a project recap.

For example, when someone claims credit for a project without mentioning contributors. Or ignores suggestions people make in meetings and shared documents. Or doesn’t invite someone to an important meeting.

Let’s look out for erasure and actively counteract it. Acknowledge contributors who are being overlooked. Point out if someone is missing from a conversation. Ask why some identities were erased from a website.

The holy month of Ramadan begins on February 17th this year.

I appreciated reading Understanding Ramadan and Supporting Your Muslim Colleagues by Yusuf Zakir, chief talent and inclusion officer at Davis Wright Tremaine. He explains that during Ramadan, most Muslims fast from dawn to dusk (including not drinking water), are more dedicated to prayer, increase their charitable giving and community service, and spend more time with family and members of the community at their place of worship.

Here’s Zakir’s advice for supporting coworkers during this time:

• Acknowledge the month’s significance by wishing them Ramadan Mubarak (have a happy Ramadan) or Ramadan Kareem (have a blessed Ramadan).
• Understand how busy they may be, working their regular hours while fasting and then participating in prayers and festivities in the evening.
• Be empathetic of the stress and uncertainty many are feeling, given humanitarian crises and political rhetoric targeting Muslim and other minority communities.
• Encourage them to take off Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the 30 days of Ramadan and is commonly considered the most widely celebrated holiday for Muslims worldwide. You can also wish them Eid Mubarak (have a happy Eid).

Late last week, President Trump posted a racist depiction of the Obamas on social media. It was a dehumanizing video clip showing the Obamas’ faces on apes. After public backlash, the White House blamed a staffer and deleted the post. And Trump refused to apologize, saying, “I didn’t make a mistake.”

This kind of Teflon leadership — where problems never stick — is deeply frustrating to me. And it’s not just a political issue. We see versions of it at work, too.

A leader makes a hurtful comment. A manager overlooks someone. A teammate causes harm. And instead of acknowledging the impact, they deflect, minimize, or blame someone else.

In Why “I’m Sorry” Are Two of the Strongest Words for Leaders, Kellogg professor Harry M. Kraemer explains why this happens:

“Too often, a ‘never-apologize mindset’ permeates the culture of a team or an organization. When someone refuses to apologize, they often want to appear strong and in charge. However, … the root cause of their behavior is usually a lack of true self-confidence.”

Real leadership (and allyship) looks different. It sounds like: I got this wrong. I see the harm. I’m committed to doing better.

This week’s spotlight on an ally action from the Better Allies community is about the halftime show at last week’s Super Bowl. A subscriber wrote,

“I don’t speak Spanish, and I’m not familiar with Bad Bunny’s music. But I couldn’t wait for the halftime show. I was curious to learn about this new (to me) artist.”

They added, “I was mesmerized. It was a fantastic performance.”

I hope we all embrace this kind of curiosity about people, cultures, and situations that we’ve never encountered before.

And that we keep in mind the closing message on the JumboTron: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

Now it’s your turn. If you’ve taken a step towards being a better ally, please reply to this email and tell me about it. And let me know if I can quote you by name or credit you anonymously in an upcoming newsletter.

That’s all for this week. I’m glad you’re on this journey with me,

Karen Catlin (she/her), Author of the Better Allies® book series
pronounced KAIR-en KAT-lin, click to hear my name

Copyright © 2026 Karen Catlin. All rights reserved.

Being an ally is a journey. Want to join us?

• Say thanks to Karen and buy her a coffee (Need a receipt for educational reimbursement? Send us an email, and we’ll take care of it.)
• Follow @BetterAllies on Instagram, Medium, or YouTube. Or follow Karen Catlin on LinkedIn
• This content originally appeared in our newsletter. Subscribe to “5 Ally Actions” to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday
• Read the Better Allies books
• Form a Better Allies book club
• Tell someone about these resources

Together, we can — and will — make a difference with the Better Allies® approach.

Debias Potential, and Other Actions for Allies was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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Well I'd sure be keeping an eye on Barry Vrbanovic as well as all the other regional councillors who voted to ignore their own third party report which stated "..in 2023, 2024 and 2025, unsustainable levels of water was pumped from the Waterloo Moraine, lowering aquifer water levels faster than they can be replenished.." . This quote was read to them by Kevin Thomason vice-chair of the Grand River Environmental Network (GREN). Despite this regional council decided to earmark 50% of new water capacity to support future development.

Today's K-W Record carries the following article by Bill Jackson titled "Up to half of new water capacity to support future development".  Some interesting (for me)other points in the article include the name Amy Shaw. Oh boy unless I'm losing it that would be Amy Shaw former Ministry of Environment employee for many years. I can't say much bad about her other than her choice of employer although the name does not give me any confidence but maybe she got out of the M.O.E. for a solid reason such as they are all talk, hot air and deception. Kudos to Geoff Moroz of the Region (staff) who confirmed that the region has been producing (i.e. pumping) more water than it can sustainably take. 

Clearly both his and Kevin Thomason's words and knowledge were given little weight by our clearly pro growth, pro development regional council. Remember that folks when you turn on the tap at home and get nothing but a big "Truck You" echoing down the pipe.

Worried about losing everything if you file for bankruptcy in Ontario? You’re not alone. Many people fear that bankruptcy means surrendering all their assets. In reality, Ontario’s “bankruptcy exemptions” protect certain essentials. Understanding what assets you can keep in bankruptcy can give you peace of mind as you explore debt relief options.

Below, we’ll cover:

• Ontario bankruptcy exemptions at a glance
• What happens to your house, car, and RRSP
• Frequently asked questions (e.g., “Will they take my tax refund?”)
• How a consumer proposal lets you keep everything

In Ontario, provincial law (the Execution Act) sets specific limits for what you can keep in a bankruptcy. Federal law also protects certain assets like portions of RRSPs. Here’s an at-a-glance list of major Ontario bankruptcy exemptions:

1. Clothing – Unlimited value (for you and your dependants)
2. Household Furnishings & Appliances – Up to $17,091
3. Tools of the Trade – Up to $17,362
4. One Motor Vehicle – Up to $8,578 in value (net of any loan)
5. Home Equity – If that equity is under $12,997
6. RRSP / RRIF – Fully exempt except contributions made in the last 12 months

Note: The prescribed limits set out by Ontario law are based on resale value on an as-is basis.

Even though personal bankruptcy is governed by federal law (the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act), the type and amount of property you can keep is heavily influenced by Ontario’s exemptions. Non-exempt assets (anything above these limits or not specifically protected) become part of your bankruptcy estate. Your Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) may sell those assets or ask you to “buy back” the portion above the exemption limit if you want to keep them.

• Extra Vehicles or vehicles worth more than $8,578
• High-Value Collections (coins, art, jewelry)
• TFSAs, RESPs, and Other Investments that aren’t protected
• Second Property or principal residence with equity exceeding $12,997

If you have assets above these exemptions, you can still keep them by paying the difference into your bankruptcy estate, or by filing a consumer proposal.

This is often the #1 concern if you’re a homeowner. Ontario’s home equity exemption is $12,997. That means if your equity (home value minus what you owe) is less than $10,783, your home is considered exempt.

If you have a lot of home equity you don’t want to risk you can:

• pay the difference or “buy back” the non-exempt portion to keep the home
• look at a consumer proposal to protect your property altogether

If you are missing mortgage payments your lender may still foreclose, so it’s essential to stay current on your mortgage.

In Ontario, you can keep one vehicle worth up to $8,578 (based on its as-is resale value).

• If it’s worth more, you can pay the difference or surrender the car to the trustee.
• Leased or financed vehicles are treated differently. If you’re current on payments, you can typically keep the lease or loan.

You keep all registered pension p RRSP, RRIF and DPSP (Deferred Profit Sharing Plan) savings except contributions made in the 12 months before your bankruptcy. RESP, TFSA and other investment savings are not exempt.  Read more about this asset in our post: RRSP and bankruptcy law in Canada

• 1. Will they take my tax refunds?

  Yes, tax refunds for the year you file (and any outstanding prior-year refunds) generally go to the trustee. But you keep your HST payments and Child Tax Benefits.

• 2. Do I keep my bank account?

  You should open a new account at a different bank before filing. That way, if you owe money to your old bank, they can’t seize the funds. You can keep a reasonable amount for essential living expenses.

• 3. Can I keep valuable possessions over the limit?

  Yes—either by buying back the amount over the exemption or using a consumer proposal to avoid surrendering assets.

• 4. What if I receive an inheritance or lottery winnings?

  Inheritances or windfalls during bankruptcy generally go to the trustee. If you’re concerned about this, consider a proposal.

• 5. Do I keep my wages?

  Wages are not seized by the trustee, but if your monthly income is above a government-set limit, you may pay a portion to your creditors (this is called “surplus income”). You will be required to submit proof of income and expenses monthly to your trustee to determine f your income exceeds this government set threshold limit.

  If your wages are being garnisheed, bankruptcy will stop most garnishments.

If you have assets above Ontario’s bankruptcy exemptions or simply want to avoid surrendering anything, a consumer proposal is a powerful alternative to bankruptcy. Here’s why:

• No Asset Surrender: You keep your home, car(s), investments—everything.
• Lower Debt Repayment: You repay only a portion of your total debt, often interest-free.
• Creditors Vote: If majority agree, all unsecured creditors are bound by the proposal.
• No Surplus Income: You don’t worry about monthly income thresholds.

Proposals are legally binding, stop collection calls, and can protect your assets in a way bankruptcy may not.

Every situation is different, and it’s crucial to get personalized advice. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee will review your assets, explain exactly what’s exempt, and recommend solutions based on your unique financial situation —whether that’s bankruptcy or a consumer proposal.

Ready to get started?

At Hoyes Michalos, we help Canadians find genuine relief from debt since 1999. If you have questions about bankruptcy, consumer proposals, or other debt relief options, speak with one of our experienced Licensed Insolvency Trustees so you can make an informed decision.

Take control of your finances and start fresh

Book a FREE consultation today

The post Ontario Bankruptcy Exemptions: What Can They Take and What Assets You Keep appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

Filing for bankruptcy is a big decision. It has both positive and negative financial consequences that impact you and your family. Before you make such a big decision it’s important to weigh your options and understand the ramifications of filing for bankruptcy in Ontario, both in the short and long term.

A word of caution: Filing for bankruptcy can be a complicated process that can’t be fully understood by skimming through a few articles. We strongly suggest that you take your time and do your research to determine which debt management options are best for your unique situation. Ontario bankruptcy trustees are the best place to go when seeking detailed information about bankruptcy. At Hoyes Michalos we offer you a free initial consultation, which is great because it means that you can test the waters prior to making any commitments.

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There is a financial cost to bankruptcy, and it’s different for every person who goes bankrupt. That’s because the government has decided that the more you earn and the more you own, the more you have to pay to your creditors. First let’s look at the cost based on your income. The government knows you need income to live on, so they allow you to keep a portion of your income for living expenses. The amount you get to keep is based on your family size, the bigger your family the more you get to keep. Earn income over this threshold and you have to pay half of this surplus income to your creditors. The second cost of bankruptcy is based on the assets you own. In a bankruptcy you don’t lose everything, just like with your income, the government created rules of what you can keep and what your creditors can have. The rules differ by province, but in Ontario you can keep most personal possessions and household furnishings, tools you need for work, 1 motor vehicle depending on its value, most pension and RRSP savings except recent contributions to an RRSP. There are dollar limits on the value of assets you keep, but in most cases, people find the limits high enough to protect their basic belongings. Your creditors are entitled to any equity in your home, investments and other assets, RRSP contributions you have made in the last year, tax refunds you might be entitled to up to the year you go bankrupt. If you have a lot of assets or a high income you should talk to your trustee about a consumer proposal. You can negotiate a plan to settle your debts and keep your assets. If you don’t have any assets and don’t earn any income, you might not even have to file bankruptcy. But if you do, you will need to make payments to cover the cost of administering your bankruptcy. Your situation is unique, to get an estimate of what your bankruptcy might cost, please call or email us to arrange a no charge initial consultation with a Hoyes Michalos professional.

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The cost of bankruptcy includes fees that need to be paid when declaring bankruptcy such as government filing fees, court fees, and other administrative fees. The average bankruptcy will require a minimum payment of around $250 per month to cover these costs.

You will also be required to pay something called surplus income. Under the rules of the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act, you are required to remit to your trustee 50% of your net income over a set minimum threshold. This calculation can become quite complicated and can increase the cost of your bankruptcy so you should always take to your trustee about the possibility of having to make surplus payments.

Another important point to mention is that if you file for bankruptcy you’ll be losing any assets that are non-exempt. You either surrender these assets to the trustee or can make additional payments to pay the trustee their fair market value if you want to keep those assets.

Not all assets are forfeit. Exempt assets in Ontario are covered in the Ontario Execution Act and the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act. Some of the exemptions  (updated for 2015 limits) include:

• unlimited clothing;
• $8,578 of vehicles;
• $17,091 of furnishings & appliances;
• $17,362 of equipment that you use for your career (tools of the trade)
• RRSPs and similar pension funds except contributions made within the last year.

Particular kinds of life insurance are also exempt.

Another complicated area in bankruptcy is tax refunds and HST credits. If you file for bankruptcy you won’t be eligible for some tax refunds or HST credits. You’ll also lose any windfalls during your bankruptcy. Windfalls include money that you’ve inherited from a family member or the lottery. The moment you’re aware of these, you must tell your trustee immediately.

Since secured loans, child support and alimony and some other debts cannot be included in a bankruptcy, you will still need to make your regular payments on these obligations even if you declare bankruptcy.

If your income is high enough to trigger surplus income, or you have assets like equity in your home or investments that you would like to keep, talk to your trustee about a consumer proposal. A consumer proposal is an offer to your creditors as an alternative to bankruptcy.  The amount you offer will still be based on what bankruptcy might cost as this is the minimum your creditors will expect. However, with a consumer proposal, you can spread this cost over five years, making the monthly payment much more affordable.

In order to understand how much you’ll repay once you’re bankrupt, your trustee will talk to you about your income, the size of your family and your assets as well as other considerations.

If you would like a personalized assessment of how much bankruptcy might cost for you, call us at 1-866-747-0660 for a free consultation with an Ontario bankruptcy trustee.

The post What Does it Cost to File for Bankruptcy in Ontario? appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

The market has slowed and become more balanced, with buyers taking more time to make decisions. Prices have softened across all housing types, improving affordability compared to this time last year. Inventory remains relatively controlled, which is helping support values despite fewer overall sales.

Detached homes continue to be the most resilient segment, while townhomes and condos are currently more favourable for buyers.

As we move through Q1 2026, the local market continues to adjust after several years of rapid price growth and highly competitive conditions.

January’s data confirms what many buyers and sellers are already experiencing on the ground. The market is slower, more balanced and noticeably more price-sensitive. Both sides are taking longer to commit, and negotiations are becoming more thoughtful and data-based.

Nationally, Canadian home sales declined in January and Waterloo Region followed a similar pattern. Sales eased from December into January, new listings pulled back and days on market increased. This slowdown does not reflect a lack of interest in home ownership. Instead, it reflects a market recalibrating to affordability pressures, steady borrowing costs and more cautious buyer behaviour.

In practical terms, buyers now have more choice and more time. Sellers are seeing the strongest results when pricing and presentation clearly match today’s conditions, not last year’s expectations.

January detached home statistics

• Sales: 161 sales, down 15.3% year over year and lower than December
• New listings: Down 16.6% year over year
• Median sale price: $750,000, down 8.3% year over year and slightly below December
• Average sale price: $854,266, down 3.2% year over year
• Days on market: 41 days, up 28.1% year over year and slightly lower than December
• Inventory: Up 13.0% year over year
• Months of supply: 1.8 months
• Sale-to-list price ratio: Approximately 100%

Detached homes remain the most resilient segment in the Waterloo Region market, particularly in established and in-demand neighbourhoods.

However, pricing accuracy matters more than it has in years. Sellers who anchor their expectations to peak market conditions are seeing longer days on market and more negotiation. Homes that are positioned realistically from the start continue to attract serious buyers and sell with far less friction.

• Sales: 99 sales, down 31.3% year over year and lower than December
• New listings: Down 21.3% year over year
• Median sale price: $525,000, down 10.3% year over year and below December
• Average sale price: $530,282, down 9.6% year over year
• Days on market: 51 days, up 37.8% year over year and higher than December
• Inventory: Down 4.6% year over year
• Months of supply: 3.6 months
• Sale-to-list price ratio: Below 100%

The townhouse and condo segment is currently more buyer-friendly. With longer marketing times and more available options, buyers have greater leverage and are negotiating more confidently. Sellers who are pricing aggressively or relying on last year’s benchmarks are finding it harder to secure firm offers.

The strongest results in this segment are coming from homes that are clearly positioned on value and prepared properly before hitting the market.

January 2026 market statistics across all property types

• Total sales: 260 sales, down 22.2% year over year and lower than December
• Median sale price: $662,500, down 8.0% year over year
• Average sale price: $730,903, down 3.2% year over year
• Days on market: 45 days, up 32.4% year over year
• Inventory: Up 2.4% year over year
• Months of supply: 2.5 months
• Affordability index: Up 15.8% year over year
  

Source: Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®

Waterloo Region is firmly in a balanced and transitional market. Sales activity is lower, but inventory is not surging. Instead, the market is being driven by strategy, pricing discipline and product quality rather than urgency or fear of missing out.

Buyers are more selective. Sellers are being rewarded when their homes are well prepared, competitively priced and professionally positioned from the outset.

One of the most important trends emerging right now is improving affordability combined with relatively controlled inventory. As prices have softened and borrowing conditions have stabilized, more buyers are starting to re-enter the market, especially those who delayed decisions over the past year. This sets the stage for a more active spring market, but only for homes that are prepared and positioned correctly from day one.

Today’s market rewards preparation, pricing precision, strong presentation and thoughtful promotion. Sellers who are realistic, data-driven and proactive are seeing far better outcomes than those testing the market without a clear plan.

Buyers who remain patient, but are ready to act decisively when the right opportunity appears, are gaining real negotiating power.

The right time to buy or sell is never determined by headlines or seasonality alone. It comes down to your personal goals, your financial comfort and your longer-term plan. Market data provides context, but clarity comes from understanding how these trends apply specifically to your situation in the Waterloo Region market.

The post Waterloo Region Real Estate Market Update January 2026 | Local Market Report appeared first on Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Agent - The Deutschmann Team.

Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud of its deep roots and nearly 100 years of service. A 38-bed community hospital located in the Town of New Tecumseth, SMH is a valued and essential part of the fabric of the region through the care and treatment it provides to patients from New Tecumseth, Adjala-Tosorontio, CFB Borden & Essa Township.

On the cusp of a major redevelopment, Stevenson Memorial Hospital is undertaking an exciting renewal of its governance and is seeking exceptional community leaders to join an entirely new, skills-based Board of Directors. Desired skills span typical subject matter areas such as accounting/audit, legal, IT, HR/LR, government relations, strategic planning, and risk management as well as specific clinical, quality and patient safety and health care expertise.

Directors play a vital governance role in supporting the Hospital’s mission and ensuring excellence in accountability, oversight, and strategic leadership. As a Board Director, you will be expected to act honestly and in good faith in the best interests of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, exercising the care, diligence, respect and skill of a practical and prudent individual. Directors contribute to strong governance through active participation, informed decision-making, and collaborative engagement with fellow board members and senior leadership.

Board members are also expected to complete orientation and ongoing education, comply with governance policies such as the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policy, and represent the Hospital within the community when appropriate.

This role requires a meaningful time commitment, including preparation for meetings, attendance at approximately six board meetings per year, and service on at least one standing committee of the board. Directors should expect to devote approximately 15 hours per month.

Directors are elected for a three-year term, with the opportunity to serve up to nine years based on performance and ongoing contribution.

If you are passionate about supporting quality healthcare governance and making a positive impact in your community, we welcome your interest.

While skills remain the most important consideration for board appointment, it is the goal of Stevenson Memorial Hospital that its board reflects a diversity of identities, age, colour, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, skills, perspectives and experiences that are representative of the communities it serves.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please visit: boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3152. For more information, please contact Andrew Dumont and Collin Ritch of Boyden at critch@boyden.com and state the title of the position in the subject line of your e-mail.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be used in the evaluating or assessing of candidates. This is a current existing vacancy.

The post Stevenson Memorial Hospital appeared first on Capacity Canada.

You know I have far more respect for the Ruby Weber's of the world with their right wing, pro business positions and opinions then I do for the local, former, psuedo environmentalist Elmira residents who have cut and run. This is because I think that Ruby is a true believer whereas the others are simply opportunists looking out for number one and if that means switching sides mid stream then so be it.. Ruby was a Woolwich Council member for many years and very sympathetic to Uniroyal Chemical. She never forgot that they provided local jobs and tax revenue despite the mess they've made environmentally. In fact if she were still involved herself with TRAC and the former TAG I expect that she would have expressed her horror at how Uniroyal's promises have turned out to be nothing but wind. I also got to know her through a couple of other local issues and was pleased with her common sense as well as of her ethics of fair play. Quite possibly her, what I view as right wing, pro business attitudes, may very well have been due to her husband Amsey who I understood to be a self-made man. A self-made man who was an astute businessman who did well for himself and family.  

It is that lack of ethics, decency and fair play which have appalled me in regards to Sylvia Berg, Susan Bryant and Pat Mclean. Their modus operandi is not to declare war on someone they view as a threat or a risk to their plans but to claim friendship and collegiality along with common interests. They do not want their intended victim to even see coming their assault of lies and deceptions all intended to lower that individual's status, standing and positions be they environmental or otherwise. It is my opinion based upon personal experience that there is no room in their lives to treat others as well as they've been treated. Their incredibly self-centered approach is to slowly undermine while pretending the opposite. It does not matter that the intended victim doesn't even know that they are in the cross- hairs of their sights. The victim does not have to be intentionally undermining goals and plans that he/she are totally unaware of. In fact if asked they would likely, honestly respond oh no those self-centred goals can not be their's. 

Further thoughts have come to mind. Susan Bryant did not like Bill Strauss at all. She claimed to me that his speaking and education were an embarrassment to Woolwich Township. On the other hand both Pat McLean and Sandy Shantz liked Bill Strauss because as mayor he worked with them on Council or perhaps Pat thought she was manipulating him as she attempted with others. At first Pat made her dislike of Sandy clear based on losing her council seat to her. Later they were best buddies as both Susan and Pat worked on Sandy's election campaigns. In the scheme of lying manipulators I would rate Susan as number one, Sylvia as number 2 and Pat as number three.  

It has been specific Woolwich Council members working mostly through Susan and Pat that have enabled Uniroyal and successors, in harmony with the Ontario Ministry of Environment, to give Woolwich residents a totally inadequate and unsuccessful cleanup of their groundwater, surface water and soils and sediments.

When: Saturday May 2nd, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Meeting Point: M.R. Good Family Trailway parking lot (650 Otterbein Road)

Walk Leader: Scott Clark

Take a stroll with Scott Clark of John MacDonald Architect on an approximately 3 km loop starting and finishing at the M.R. Good Family Trailway parking lot. Along the way, we’ll explore the local network of trails, as well as look at the area’s history and infrastructure, including the planned Ottawa St extension over the Grand River to Breslau. Hiking shoes or boots are recommended, as the route will include a meander through the single track trails of Natchez Woods. Unfortunately, the route is not accessible.

Advocating for our members and the broader local business community is one of the Chamber’s highest priorities. Ensuring Waterloo Region remains both sustainable and economically competitive requires thoughtful, informed advocacy. One of the most important ways the Chamber supports our members is by bringing forward their perspectives directly to decision-makers on issues that impact business confidence, investment, and long-term prosperity. Over the past several weeks, we have engaged extensively with members across sectors regarding the Region’s water servicing pause. The following letter was submitted to Regional Council this week. It reflects that collective feedback and outlines a constructive path forward – one that balances infrastructure renewal with economic momentum and reinforces that Waterloo Region is open for business.

Dear Chair Redman and Regional Council,

This letter reflects the feedback of the Chamber and the many members that have reached out over the last 6+ weeks to share their views, concerns and ideas on how to navigate this issue.

Many of these discussions underscore what the Chamber’s review of the reports and presentations are telling us. Namely, that the current water supply issue is an infrastructure capacity challenge rather than a water shortage crisis.

As we work together toward solutions it will be important to find the balance between the need for infrastructure renewal, improved efficiency, improving the resiliency of the system with appropriate surplus capacity and ensuring that the development applications process is re-opened immediately. And by that we do not mean approvals of development permit applications but with holding provisions put in place. Our members are looking for the certainty that building permits will be issued and the construction that drives our local economy will continue uninterrupted.

In the calculations of the current water usage, the number includes development applications approved but not yet built. These approved applications will take at least several years to come on stream and therefore create an artificially high actual usage rate. This should be a factor heavily in favour of immediately opening up the development application process across the Region.

The current situation has been worsened because of poor messaging and unclear explanations on why we are where we are, what is being considered to remediate the problem and how and when the development freeze will be lifted.

Moving forward, clear and accurate communication on these issues will be essential to maintaining confidence with the community.

A significant item we want to highlight for Council is that the current pause on new servicing agreements is already having tangible impacts on business confidence and investment decisions.

At our Chamber Titans committee meeting this week, an example was highlighted of an international employer considering investing to build an advanced manufacturing facility (involving investment of hundreds of millions of dollars) here but that has since eliminated Waterloo Region from consideration because the Region is seen as “too risky” given the current uncertainty surrounding water.

Another issue of concern that was also noted was that attracting institutional investment for both employment developments and housing developments is often the result of years of sustained relationship-building with financial investors and capital markets. The certainty that the financial investors and capital markets require, is approve development applications without any holding provisions.

Eroding the confidence of Waterloo Region as a good place to do business will have long-lasting damaging impacts on investment attraction, job creation, and prosperity for us all.

With this in mind, it is critical to have a balanced approach that reflects prudent risk management while helping to maintain the Region’s ability to attract housing and employment projects.

A suggestion that has come up through our discussions is for Council to appoint an independent outside expert to assist in evaluating the actual extent of the problem and the practical, short-term solutions available. This individual can give full and complete attention to all of the issues at play. They can act as an advisor directly to Council and coordinate the gathering the information from staff, getting external expert advice, review the data received and recommend options for Council. Most importantly, they can monitor progress, keep on top of the evolving nature of the issue and ensure clear and frequent communication with the community at large.

Finally, we recommend establishing clear, transparent metrics that spell out when the ban on development applications will be lifted.

The indefinite nature of the development freeze in place today must end.

For example, where new water supply is brought online from any infrastructure renewal project undertaken or conservation programs result in reduced usage there should be an even split between approving new development applications and increasing resiliency level of the system as a whole.

We appreciate the complexity of the decisions before you and the responsibility you carry for the region’s long-term sustainability.

As always, the Chamber and our members are committed to being a constructive partner in finding solutions that ensure Waterloo Region remains competitive while continuing to be a responsible steward of its resources.

The Chamber believes it is not only possible but essential to chart a path forward that balances community concern, environmental accountability but also reinforces that our Region is indeed open for business.

Sincerely,

Ian McLean President & CEO

Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

The post Water System Renewal and Being Open For Business: Why Waterloo Region Can Do Both appeared first on Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

The Youth Impact Project (YIP) is a collaboration between the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region (CYPT) and Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab (SWRIL). The Youth Impact Project looks to fund youth who are addressing local challenges which are identified through the 2023 Youth Impact Survey results. The funded projects include a focus on supporting youth mental and physical health, increasing feelings of belonging, and responding to climate change and food insecurity.

In 2024, over 100 youth from 15 local organisations pitched their ideas to a panel of nine youth. The Youth Decision-Making Panel (“The Dragons”) decided which projects would receive funding to make their idea a reality. In 2025, CYPT and SWRIL accepted youth applications online, and a team of three youth decided which projects received funding.

MechMania was started to foster promising minds and ideas, focused on solving problems that are prominent in the community. The project aims to increase high school student access to robotics, by offering a free robotics competition in Waterloo Region. MechMania will offer information sessions, demos and tutorials, and upgraded kits to interested students free of charge, to facilitate their participation in the competition. This year’s theme: Save the Earth.

Applications for the 2025 Youth Impact Project are now closed and 17 youth projects across Waterloo Region received funding. We have now announced all of the projects!

Last but not least, we are grateful to our funders United Way Waterloo Region Communities and Region of Waterloo for making the Youth Impact Project possible.

Learn more about the Youth Impact Project here.

The post 2025 Youth Impact Project Showcase: MechMania appeared first on Children and Youth Planning Table.

Last year, I had a fantastic experience teaching React at work. I got a chance to show how to learn it from scratch. It wasn’t easy; creating a study plan was exciting and overwhelming at the same time, but the results were worth it.

In the process, I saw what new React programmers needed help with, and one of the stumbling blocks was JavaScript. Why?

Components are the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about React. However, digging deeper, you will find that functional components are just JS functions, but JSX syntax is an extension that lets us use HTML elements with JavaScript expressions.

Like it or not, it is not easy to learn the ropes of React without JavaScript knowledge.

Let’s look at 7 JS terms you need to make learning React more comfortable.

Of course, understanding different data types is essential for making coding more comfortable, but in React, it is also crucial for managing the component’s state correctly.

Why? Because there is a difference in how to work with an array and a simple string in the state. Inaccurate usage can lead to incorrect data representation.

Let’s look at how re-renders occur when the state is updated:

• We pass a new value through the setter function.
• React calculates the difference between renders.
• React makes only necessary changes to the DOM.
• The screen is repainted, and we see the changes.

React only changes the DOM nodes if there’s a difference between renders.

But if the changes do not appear? It means something went wrong, and React thinks no changes were made. It is a common problem working with arrays or objects in state.

Let’s start with the basics. There are 8 data types in JavaScript, and only the primitive ones are immutable. That in React is extremely important.

Primitive data types are: String, Number, BigInt, Boolean, Symbol, undefined and null. The Object type holds different data types: Arrays, Objects, Maps, Sets….

Let’s look at the documentation to find out more about mutability.

In JavaScript, objects and arrays are mutable by default — their properties and elements can be changed without creating a new object or array. By contrast, primitive values are immutable — once a primitive value is created, it cannot be changed, although the variable that holds it may be reassigned another value.

What does it mean for us?

It changes the way we must manage these types in the state. To correctly update the UI, React must detect changes, which is why all values must be treated as immutable.

In simpler terms, you shouldn’t modify arrays or objects in React state directly because React detects changes by comparing references. Objects and arrays are stored in memory by reference, so mutating them doesn’t create a new reference.

If the reference stays the same, React assumes the state hasn’t changed and won’t update the DOM. To ensure React notices the change, always create a new array or object rather than mutating the existing one.

const arrayDefaultValues = ["1", "2"];

const [arrayData, setArrayData] = useState<string[]>(arrayDefaultValues);
const [user, setUser] = useState<{ name: string; age: number }>({
  name: "Alice",
  age: 25,
});

/**
 * For mutable data types (arrays, objects), always create
 * a new copy before updating. This ensures React sees a new
 * reference and triggers a re-render.
 */

// Updating an array by creating a new copy
const newArray = [...arrayData, "3"];
setArrayData(newArray);

//Incorrect wayt is to mutate the array
arrayData.push("newValue");


// Updating an object by creating a new copy
const updatedUser = { ...user, age: 26 };
setUser(updatedUser);

To do that correctly, we must understand the spread syntax and different array methods.

Destructuring lets you extract values from objects or arrays into variables with simple, intuitive syntax, and you can also define default values. In React, you often see this approach in using props and state.

const PersonInfo = (props: IUserInfo) => {
  const {name, login, isAbsent = true} = props;
}

With spread syntax, we can expand an array or object into its individual elements or properties. It’s an easy way to copy, merge, or extend data structures without mutating them.

const clonedUser = { ...user };
const updatedUser = { ...user, age: 26 };

React state must be treated as immutable. That means you shouldn’t modify arrays or objects directly. Spread syntax makes it easy to create new copies with updated values, which ensures React sees a new reference and triggers a re-render.

The only nuance is that we must be careful with nested state. Let’s look at the official documentation.

When updating nested state, you need to create copies from the point where you want to update, and all the way up to the top level.

In React, a component’s props are represented as an object, which is why we often use syntax like: props. [object key]. Also, a component’s state is often described as an object; useReducer, for example, only operates with objects.

Objects are collections of key-value pairs, where each key (known as property names) has a value.

interface IListItem 
{
  id: number;
  name: string;
  desription: string[];
}

const ListItem = (props: IListItem) => {
  return(
  <div>
    {props.name}
  </div>
  );
}

Because objects are mutable, updating them requires creating a new object rather than modifying the existing one. And here, spread syntax can help.

The best place to find all information on the correct usage of objects in the state is the official React documentation.

When we want to show a user a list of objects, we use arrays. Methods like map, filter and reduce are essential in React because they transform data into UI.

Since arrays are mutable, updates must be done by creating new arrays rather than modifying them directly. To better understand how to do it, you need to read the official documentation.

There are a lot of different operations that can be managed with arrays, but it is important to learn which of them mutate the array and which don’t. That is essential for managing the state.

Functions encapsulate reusable logic, but in the React world, components and hooks are functions too. The difference is in the names and what these functions return.

• The functional component’s name starts with a capital letter.
• Hooks start with the “use”.

The ternary operator is a simplified way of writing an if…else statement. With JSX syntax, you can’t use if statements; that’s why the ternary operator is handy. Of course, you can use it without JSX syntax, for example, for calculating the values of the variable.

In React, you can conditionally render JSX using JavaScript syntax like if statements, &&, and ? : operators.

return (
<div className="item">
    {isOpened ? "opened": "closed"}
  </div>
);

Template literals use backticks `` to create strings that can include variables and expressions. They’re especially useful in React for building dynamic class names, messages, and inline styles. Conditions can be included.

const name = "Anna";
const variable = `string with variable ${name}`;
const withCondition= `string with condition ${isActive : "on" : "off"}`;

Learning React takes time, but it is impossible without a strong knowledge of JavaScript and HTML. Of course, you will need more, but these JS essentials are the bare minimum needed to feel more comfortable.

React. Learn. Easy. was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

♦

♦YEP Social March Break Sessions
Fierce N’ Fit Boxing – Tuesday, March 17
THEMUSEUM – Wednesday, March 18
Skyzone Trampoline Park – Thursday, March 19
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
KW Habilitation – 99 Ottawa St. S, Kitchener

Spend your March Break enjoying boxing, exploring the Museum or jumping around with friends. On the Tuesday, Youth Exploring Possibilities (YEP) is heading to Fit N’ Fierce gym for some boxing fitness and fun. On the Wednesday, YEP will be exploring a world of colour, light, and endless possibilities at the THEMUSEUM’s Kaleidoscope exhibit. On Thursday, YEP is defying gravity while they jump around at Skyzone’s trampoline park.

Don’t spend your March Break cooped up at home. Sign up for one or all of these fun activities.

Click here to register

♦♦ ♦

♦Pom Pom Love Bugs
Sunday, February 22
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
FREE
Homer Watson House & Gallery – 1754 Old Mill Rd. Kitchener

Join us on the last Sunday of the month for some art-making fun! In this drop-in program, we will explore painting, textiles, sculpture, printmaking, and more. Learn new skills and explore your creativity. There will be a new activity each month. Materials are provided.

Click here for more info

♦Pancake Day Community Celebration
Monday, February 16
12:00 PM – 6:30 PM
$15
Ukrainian Catholic Centre – 15 Michael St. Kitchener

Celebrating Pancake Day, Maslyana and Family Day Together. This year, Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) in Canada falls on February 17, 2026 — a time when many Canadians enjoy fluffy pancakes before the start of Lent. In Ukraine, there is a very similar and beloved tradition called Maslyana (Масляна) on February 16. Since February 16 is Family Day in Canada, we thought — why not bring families together to share in these traditions and have fun? Pre-order your tickets online (recommended) or pay cash at the door.

Click here for more info

♦Free Community Skate
Sunday, February 22
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
FREE
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex -101 Father David Bauer Dr. Waterloo

The Uptown Waterloo Neighbourhood Association invites you to lace up your skates and join us for a FREE Community Skate! Bring your family, friends, and neighbours for an afternoon of fun on the ice. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Let’s kick off the new year together with some winter joy. Feel free to share this post with other neighbors who might be interested! Thank you, City of Waterloo for sponsoring & Uptown Waterloo neighbourhoods for organizing.

Click here for more info

♦

♦Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card! You can borrow so much more than just books and movies these days. They have Waterloo Region Museum passes, Grand River Parks passes, trekking poles and wildlife kits for the adventurers out there.  There’s also roller skates, ice skates, pickleball equipment, bocce ball sets and more for your sporty side. You can borrow computers, musical instruments, board games, record players or a Nintendo Switch Lite if you’re looking for some indoor fun. You can even get a carbon monoxide monitor so you can test the air quality, if that’s what you’re into.

Call or go online to put items on hold for pickup at the library location that is closest to you. Don’t have a library card? If you live anywhere in the Region of Waterloo, you can head to your nearest library with a piece of ID like an Ontario Photo Card and get yourself a Kitchener Public Library card for absolutely free. Check out all the cool things you can get from your Kitchener Public Library!

Click here for more info

The post February 11, 2026: What’s Happening in Your Neighbourhood? appeared first on KW Habilitation.

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