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 are accepting youth applications online, and a team of three youth are deciding which projects will receive funding.

Pop-up Youth Led Circles’ goal is to create dedicated youth-led and supported spaces inside larger community events. These spaces will be welcoming spaces that encourage conversation, interactive activities, and resource sharing. Pop-up Youth-led Circles ensures racialized and newcomer youth have the opportunities and space to lead conversations, not just attend – ensuring their voices are part of the change. Congratulations to Srivatsa, Nehemiah, Mobina, Angela, Dalia, and Massara (supported by @kwmulticultural) for receiving funding to make this idea a reality.

Applications for the 2025 Youth Impact Project are now closed and 17 youth projects across Waterloo Region received funding. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we announce the other 10 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.

The post 2025 Youth Impact Project Showcase: Pop-Up Youth-Led Circles appeared first on Children and Youth Planning Table.

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 are accepting youth applications online, and a team of three youth are deciding which projects will receive funding.

Move4Health is an 8-week program for youth living with diabetes in Waterloo Region to access weekly fitness session including walking, yoga, and strength training. A celebration (Move Day) at the end of the program will be held where participants get to celebrate progress and build community. Move4Health is about giving youth with diabetes the tools, confidence, and support to live healthier lives.

Applications for the 2025 Youth Impact Project are now closed and 17 youth projects across Waterloo Region received funding. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we announce the other 9 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.

The post 2025 Youth Impact Project Showcase: Move4Health appeared first on Children and Youth Planning Table.

The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce (GKWCC) provides strong, continued service to over 1500 members in one of Canada’s marquee pioneering and entrepreneurial business communities. For the past 131 years, dating back to the Chamber’s founding as the Berlin Board of Trade, we have expanded into one of the largest and most innovative Chambers in Canada by focusing on the needs of all our members, big and small. For more information, please visit GreaterKWChamber.com.

About the Role

The GKWCC is seeking an Events Coordinator who is responsible for organizing their own portfolio of events within the Chamber’s annual event calendar, supporting volunteer committees, executing day-to-day administrative tasks of the Events Department, and working alongside a team to deliver successful, high caliber events and positive guest experiences.

Event Planning – With the guidance of the Events Manager, coordinate and execute high quality events that fall within your event portfolio. You will also assist the Event Manager with the coordination and execution of their event portfolio (typically Signature/Premier events).

• Execute virtual, hybrid, and/or live events.
• Book and coordinate all venue logistics (physical venue spaces and/or virtual event platform).
• Assist in booking keynote speakers and panelists, providing them with full event details, and content direction.
• Determine event agendas and write event scripts.
• Provide direction for event promotional materials, and update website with all event details and registration.
• Liaise with all vendors and suppliers needed to successfully execute event (i.e. – production, décor, food & beverage, entertainment, etc.), which may include confirming event needs, contract review, and/or negotiation.
• Greet and assist all event attendees including dignitaries, VIP’s, and/or high-profile guests.
• Compile and send out all pre, during, and post event communication to attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and any other key stakeholders.
• Prioritize the health and safety of all guests, staff/volunteers, and vendors.
• Create event wrap-up reports, debriefs, and thank you emails.
• Submit invoices for processing.

Administrative Tasks. To ensure the department runs smoothly, day-to-day administrative tasks will need to be performed.

• Reply to event-related email & phone inquiries in a timely manner.
• Update internal event calendar.
• Update internal tracking documents and budgets, as required.
• Provide general support to Events Manager, as required.

Sales & Sponsorship. Work with the Sponsorship and Sales Teams to successfully deliver on sponsor commitments for all events, while exceeding their expectations.

• Build and manage relationships with partners and event attendees to help generate leads for Sales/Sponsorship.
• Identify future sponsorship opportunities for existing events.
• Introduce new ways to incorporate and support members in our event programs.
• Generate event ticket sales among members and future members.
• Make monthly membership retention calls.

Volunteer Committees – Assist in leading and supporting volunteer committees (4-6 total). Volunteer Committees are made of dedicated Chamber Members who help plan events.

• Schedule and attend all committee meetings.
• Prepare agendas and minutes pre/post meetings and respond to any communication from volunteers outside of scheduled meetings.
• Assist in recruiting and retaining volunteers on committees.
• Update Committee mandates annually, and ensure all members receive, understand, and agree to the policies.
• Support volunteer appreciation initiatives.

Other Duties as Assigned – As you would expect, the Events Industry is unpredictable and requires you to adapt to many different situations at a moment’s notice. As such, there are always “other duties” that come up unexpectedly that you should be prepared for.

About You

• Top-notch organization: You love lists, colour coding, and calendar invites. You can meet deadlines and achieve outcomes even when there are numerous other priorities and distractions. You’re extremely attentive, thorough, adaptable, and focus on the little details.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment: You are willing to tackle projects independently and push through until the job is done. You’re an exceptional multi-tasker, and a self-starter with the ability to take initiative and ownership of your responsibilities.
• Excellent communicator: You keep everyone informed and can do so efficiently, effectively, and professionally – in written and verbal. You’re also empathetic and enthusiastic and feel comfortable socializing with people you may not know. You’re excited at the opportunity to expand your network and build relationships within the community.
• Thrive under pressure: You stay calm, approachable, and in control during stressful situations, by focusing on the solution, not the problem. As this is a customer-facing role you may face some negative feedback and criticisms.
• Leader, not a follower: You’re innovative and think outside the box. You enjoy pushing the limit (creatively), and set trends, not just follow them.
• Tech Savvy: You are comfortable adapting to new forms of technology and using various platforms (social media, video communications, virtual events, etc.). You are also proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Support Local: You make regular trips to the corner bakery, participate in #KWAwesome community groups on social media, and generally enjoy supporting Waterloo Region business owners.
• Helpful, but not required: Experience in photography, videography, video editing, live productions, graphic design, project management, and/or public speaking.

If this sounds like you, or what you’re striving to obtain, then please apply. We look forward to learning more about you and what you could bring to this role.

Application Process

To Apply: Please send your application to Carolyn Marsh, Director, Community Engagement & Strategic Programs at cmarsh@greaterkwchamber.com. When applying, please provide a resume, and either a cover letter or 60-second self-introduction video.

Next Steps: We thank all those who apply, however, only those candidates who are selected to move forward in the application process will be contacted. The posting will remain open until the position is filled. The start date for the successful candidate is flexible, but preferably they will start in early-mid January 2026.

The Specifics

Position Type: Full time, Permanent.

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch for a total of 37.5 hours each week. Evenings/early mornings will be required based on event schedule.

Travel: Hybrid work environment, with minimum 2 days per week in-office (80 Queen St. N., Kitchener), with additional travel required around Waterloo Region to event venues and/or scheduled pick-ups and deliveries of supplies and donations from partners. Mileage will be reimbursed for work-related activities.

Compensation: $37,000 – $42,000 annually, plus benefits. Compensation within this range will be based on experience & qualifications.

Benefits:

• Healthcare including dental and vision plan, as well as an EAP program, which all starts 3 months into employment.
• RRSP matching, which starts 3 months into employment.
• 2 weeks’ vacation + stat holidays + lieu time for hours earned for events.
• Monthly mental wellness half-day Friday (subject to change).
• Flexible hybrid work model.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Parking included.

—

The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce believes that everyone is free to be their true self and receive the same respect and opportunity, regardless of ethnicity, gender, culture, identity, sexual orientation, age, beliefs, language, or disability. We have an inclusive work environment that is a safe and welcoming space for all and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please email cmarsh@greaterkwchamber.com.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $37,000.00-$42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Vision care

Application question(s):

• This role requires you to work in-office (located in Kitchener, Ontario) a minimum of 2 days per week, in addition to any in-person events. Are you able to accommodate this Hybrid Work Structure?

Licence/Certification:

• Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle? (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kitchener, ON N2H 2H3

Expected start date: 2026-01-12

The post Job Posting: Events Coordinator appeared first on Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

You  would almost think that it was the apathy or love of polluters by local citizens that caused the cleanup failures to date based upon the behaviour and words of all guilty parties. They are all strutting around as if they are the saviours and the heroes of Elmira when in fact it is the reliance upon our governing structures combined with their refusal to stand up for the public interest that has doomed the cleanup of our drinking water aquifers and of our Canagagigue Creek. Two sellouts by the name of Pat McLean and Susan Bryant dragged CPAC in 2000 into and under the control of our municipal government. Esther Thur, Dr. Henry Regier and myself all spoke against that  direction and time has proven us correct. Susan and Pat knew that they would have support from both Uniroyal Chemical and Woolwich Township  forever more if they could deliver CPAC to Woolwich control and the company knew that they had far more influence with the municipality than they would ever have with individual citizens not working for them.

The best citizens group ever was disbanded by Chemtura, the Min. of Environment,  Sandy Shantz and Mark Bauman back in late August 2015. We volunteers were unceremoniously dumped precisely because we were so effective in insisting upon real cleanup and source removal (both on & off the Uniroyal/Chemtura site)  versus the slow and ineffective pump and treat that had been sputtering along for years. Going on eleven years later and only now is there discussion about enhanced and improved off site groundwater cleanup.  History shows the likelihood of that "discussion" going on forever. The Creek ("Gig") remains totally unremediated downstream of Uniroyal/Lanxess Canada.

Below is a partial copy of my complaint to the Ontario Ombudsman. No remediation done for the public interest versus saving the company money and for saving face for the Min. of Environment will occur until honest and knowledgeable citizens once again are in charge of local public consultation.  

♦

Holiday Updates
We are taking a week off for the Holidays! The next edition of What’s Happening In Your Neighbourhood will be available Wednesday, December 31, 2025. If you are planning on visiting KW Habilitation’s 99 Ottawa St. make sure you check out their Holiday Schedule of hours. The team at Out and About Waterloo Region would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season.

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♦The Gingerbread Exhibition
Monday, December 22 to Sunday, December 28
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FREE
Tapestry Hall – 74 Grand Ave. S, Cambridge

Bakers, creators and architects of all skill and talent levels have submitted their Gingerbread creations to the Tapestry Hall’s Gingerbread Exhibition. Get in on this festive fun by visiting Tapestry Hall to see all of the fantastic festive creations. All of the submitted Gingerbread creations will be on display for the public to view and vote for their favourite. Top prize gets $150 District Dollars.

Click here for more info

♦New Year’s with The Almost Hip
Wednesday, December 31
8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
$13.05
Bobby O’Brien’s – 125 King St. W, Kitchener

Get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music from The Almost Hip, delivering an energetic tribute to the legendary sound you love. Enjoy a night full of great vibes, dancing, and celebration as we count down to midnight together. Your ticket includes a fancy Champagne toast at midnight! Gather your friends, raise a glass, and welcome the new year in style at one of the city’s favourite party spots.

Click here for more info

♦It’s A Wonderful Life
Saturday, December 20
12:45 PM – 3:00 PM
FREE with 1 non-perishable goods donation for the Food Bank
Princess Original Cinema – 6 Princess St. W, Waterloo

This movie is an absolute classic Christmas film. It is sure to make your heart grow three sizes or more! Grow your heart even more – get free entry to the Cinema by donating one dried or canned food item per person. It’s suggested you arrive early to secure your seat!

Click here for more info

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♦Weekly Fun and Free
There are lots of fun and free things to do this winter! There’s Bingo, Skating, Euchre, Zumba, Badminton and more. Come walk with Parents for Community Living on Wednesdays at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre. Make a new friend at Buddy Choir while singing your favourite songs together on Mondays. Join Coffee and Games with Matt to play board games each week while hanging out and having a hot beverage on Tuesdays. The best part is, you can enjoy any of these great activities for absolutely FREE!

All activities are on the Belonging Collective Community Calendar. Some activities take a week off for spring break or other events so be sure to check the calendar ahead of time. Some activities require you to sign up if they are at a Community Centre which you can do by calling or just stopping in at the front desk when you arrive. You will want to sign up for Badminton before you go as there is a limit on the number of people because of the number of courts. Don’t worry, if you don’t get in one week, you can always try again for the following week. Most activities you only need to sign up for one time and you are good to go all the way to March! Get planning ahead and have a fantastic and fun winter!

Click here for more info

View Community Calendar Here

The post December 17, 2025: What’s Happening in Your Neighbourhood? appeared first on KW Habilitation.

As the year draws to a close, many of us reflect on ways to make a meaningful impact. At KW Habilitation, we believe that every act of generosity helps build a stronger, more inclusive community. Whether through a one-time donation, a gift of securities, or a paid-up life insurance policy, your support goes far beyond dollars—it changes lives.

Housing is more than a roof over someone’s head—it’s the foundation for independence and dignity. KW Habilitation is proud to lead affordable housing projects that provide safe, accessible homes. These projects ensure that people can live in their own communities, close to family and friends, while receiving the supports they need.

Your donations help us:

• Develop inclusive housing options that meet diverse needs.
• Create spaces where people can live independently and feel connected.
• Reduce barriers to affordable housing for vulnerable populations.

When you give, you’re not just funding bricks and mortar—you’re building futures.

Did you know that donating publicly traded securities—such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds—can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to give? When you transfer securities directly to KW Habilitation:

• No Capital Gains Tax: You avoid paying tax on the appreciated value of the securities.
• Full Donation Receipt: You receive a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value of the securities.
• Greater Impact: More of your gift goes directly to programs that make a difference.

Another powerful way to give is by donating a paid-up life insurance policy. If you own a policy you no longer need, you can transfer ownership to KW Habilitation. Here’s why this matters:

• Immediate Tax Receipt: You receive a charitable tax receipt for the policy’s fair market value.
• Future Impact: When the policy matures, KW Habilitation receives the full benefit—funding programs like affordable housing and employment supports.
• Simple and Meaningful: It’s an easy way to turn an existing asset into a lasting legacy.

Imagine you purchased shares for $5,000 several years ago, and today they’re worth $15,000. If you sell them, you’d pay tax on the $10,000 gain. At a 50% inclusion rate and a marginal tax rate of 40%, that’s $2,000 in taxes.

Instead, if you donate the shares directly to KW Habilitation:

• You pay zero capital gains tax.
• You receive a $15,000 charitable tax receipt, which could reduce your taxes by up to $6,000 (depending on your tax bracket).
• KW Habilitation receives the full $15,000 to fund programs that change lives—including affordable housing initiatives.

Every donation helps us provide essential services, create inclusive opportunities, and advocate for a world where everyone belongs. By choosing to give—whether in cash, securities, or a paid-up life insurance policy—you’re investing in a future where individuals with developmental disabilities can reach their full potential.

To learn more about ways to give, visit kwhab.ca/join-us/donate/ or contact the Brightside Wealth team at pcarson@alignedcapitalpartners.com Together, we can create a community where inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality.

♦About Patrick

Patrick Carson, CIM, RIS is the founder of Brightside Wealth, where he provides independent financial advice and leads the firm’s commitment to ethical investing. He also serves on the Board of Directors at KW Habilitation, actively contributing to the finance and fundraising committee to support affordable housing and inclusive community programs for people with developmental disabilities.

The post Guest Post: The Power of Giving appeared first on KW Habilitation.

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This year’s Jam and Salsa Sale at KW Habilitation was more than a fundraiser, it was the celebration of a season spent nurturing at Our Farm from seed to harvest. Throughout the growing season, fruits and vegetables are tended with care to provide fresh, healthy food for the people we support. A portion of that harvest is set aside each year for our annual sale, a tradition that brings together staff, volunteers, and community partners. After harvest, the produce makes its way to our canning partner, Wilma, a skilled and very busy canner who finds time to help transform Our Farm’s fruits and vegetables into something truly special.

♦

This year, we introduced several exciting new products. In addition to refreshed label designs, we added Saskatoon berry jam and elderberry jam—both made with fruit grown right at the farm. Our bushes produced only a small amount this season, which meant only limited batches were possible, but those jars sold out quickly. We also unveiled a new salsa recipe that was so popular, it disappeared from the tables before the day was even half over. And for the first time, LEG Up! joined the sale, offering their own handcrafted pure vanilla extract and pure orange extract. These new additions were a beautiful complement to the jams and salsas and were very well received by shoppers, adding another layer of creativity and collaboration to the event.

At the end of the day, our leftover products were uploaded to the KW Habilitation Marketplace, ensuring that supporters who missed the in-person sale still had the chance to enjoy this year’s creations. We still have some delicious products available online and they can be purchased anytime. This year’s sale has raised important funds for Our Farm, and we are grateful to everyone for their continued support.

♦

♦

The post Jam and Salsa Sale was a huge success! appeared first on KW Habilitation.

Construction at 878 Frederick Street is moving along well. Work is happening both inside and outside the building as crews get the suites ready, install important mechanical and electrical systems, and prepare to fully close in the building for winter.

• Inside the suites on Levels 2–4, crews are installing plumbing, tubs, drains, heating and cooling systems, and other essential parts of each unit.
• Electricians are working on things like wiring, panels, transformers, and connecting major electrical components throughout the building.
• Sprinkler systems are being installed in hallways and suites on the first three levels.
• Outside, the base asphalt has been laid, a test section of brick has been completed, and materials for the exterior siding and insulation are being put in place on the North and East sides.
• All work is being closely supervised to make sure the site stays safe and the building continues to progress smoothly.

In the next few weeks, crews will keep installing drywall on Levels 2 and 3, put in metal door frames for suites and stairwells, continue sprinkler installation, and move forward with heating, cooling, and plumbing hookups. Brickwork on the North and East sides will also continue as the project prepares to move into more detailed interior finishing.

We are so excited to see everything taking shape but the final pieces, the ones that transform a building into a home, still need funding. Your support could help us provide:

• An accessible elevator
• Appliances and window coverings for comfort and privacy in every unit
• Furnishings and equipment for a community room that will bring neighbours together

These touches may seem small, but they are essential in creating dignity, connection, and home. When you support this project, you’re helping address critical housing challenges facing our region. You’re contributing to a concrete, meaningful solution: one that will strengthen the community for years to come.

♦

The post Building Together: December Update on 878 Frederick Street appeared first on KW Habilitation.

♦Four Paws Foundation’s mission centers on keeping people and their beloved companion animals together during times of crisis and financial hardship. By operating a low-barrier pet food bank and, when possible, offering subsidies for veterinary care. Four Paws serves a wide range of community members. These include seniors on fixed pensions, youth, families facing emergency events like job loss or medical crises, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Every day, Four Paws Foundation lifts the anxiety and burden from people who fear they may have to surrender their pets during tough times. Many clients visit only briefly, during a period of need, and some share stories of relief when they realize their companion animal can stay by their side.

This work directly prevents the heartbreak that comes from having to give up a pet simply because of temporary setbacks. Donations and support mean more families stay whole, even as requests for food and support continue to rise.

♦Like many similar organizations, Four Paws Foundation has faced numerous hurdles: needing to safely relocate its food bank during the pandemic, rebuilding its volunteer pool after team reductions, and overcoming persistent resource shortages.

Partnerships have played a crucial role, notably access to more secure facilities and broader food security hubs.

Four Paws Foundation found an essential partner in Capacity Canada when embarking on a journey to strengthen its governance and Board leadership. Through tailored coaching and Board development support, Four Paws Foundation gained critical resources including Board training for the first time, clear governance roles, and a stronger organizational mindset.

“I have been on non-profit agency boards and never had Board training. As a new board member at Four Paws, the information from Capacity Canada was practical and immediately useful. It was a game-changer,” says Trina Redman, Board Chair.

During the giving season consider donating to Four Paws!

Helping someone feed or care for their pet in a time of crisis can lift an enormous weight and preserve precious companionship; ensuring that a temporary hardship never forces a beloved animal from their home.

Donate today at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/four-paws-food-bank-foundation/ 

The post Because Companionship Matters: Give the Gift of Hope appeared first on Capacity Canada.

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I’ve been drawing with my left hand. It feels like I’m asking an oracle to give insight into the hidden parts of myself, but really, it’s just my left hand, moving the pen with greater concentration and focus, and less pressure to make something “good.”

Renewal—of curiosity, of interest, of discipline—this is the working-at-home challenge. How to remove the self-induced barriers and step into liminality, slow time, enter the flow.

I think that entering into liminal space relies on a combination of factors, and it’s helpful to have different tools and tricks and modes of operation on hand, for when one method of entry loses its freshness. One habit that’s stuck for me: I sit for ten minutes, eyes closed, doing a body scan meditation, checking in with the state of my energy.

This is not a waste of time. More likely, I’ll waste my own time if I skip it. 

My ability to sit in stillness and focus (aka writing) is directly related to my body’s capacity, and its connection with my mind. What’s the rush? I ask myself a lot. Usually, my restlessness is unrelated to an actual need to get somewhere else, let alone in a hurry; my restlessness is causing the sensation of needing to rush, not my reality.

♦

I like to draw and paint after this meditation, because it’s really fun and freeing; after drawing, I write by hand in my notebook. And then I open my laptop and move onto whatever fiction-writing tasks / goals / priorities I’ve set for today. The writing itself is methodical—or my approach is; not that different from glueing spines and taping torn pages, except the landscape I’m exploring is more varied, and I’m more skilled at using the tools of grammar and structure and form than of tape and glue.

Outside the warm walls of my writing space, Life is bearing down on me and my siblings, and my own family and our extended family. It’s a familiar story to those of us in the middle of our lives—those of us who still have parents are seeing our roles flip into caregivers; and some of us have already said goodbye, and no longer have parents to care for. I’m still learning balance, if there is such a thing to learn. I go to the gym as often as possible to burn off the sadness (sometimes it’s rage).

♦

I try to eat sensibly, get at least seven hours of sleep at night, and drink alcohol next to never. When do I let down my hair and kick up my feet and have fun? I haven’t cracked that code. Or maybe I find my release at spin class, and my friendships one-on-one. Spiritual care matters to me too, whether I’m involved in planning worship services at church, or seeking connection for my own spirit with the light that shines in and through all beings.

When in doubt, I do laundry. It’s soothing to work through the simple steps of that process.

Renewal comes in many forms. All ideas welcome.

xo, Carrie

As we head into the end of 2025, we are excited to share an update on how things are going with our Early Learning and Child Development team. It has been a busy and positive few months, and we are grateful for the strong partnerships we continue to have across our community.

Our Early Learning and Child Development team continues to grow and evolve. John Martin, Director of Early Learning and Child Development, has shared his decision to step down from his role in January 2026. John will continue to support the team during the transition period before stepping away from the role. We are thankful for John’s leadership and dedication to children, families, and community partners over the years.

We are pleased to share that Kristy Heimpel joined the senior leadership team as Associate Director of Early Learning and Child Development on December 15, 2025. Kristy has been part of the Early Learning team at KW Habilitation for 14 years and brings a strong understanding of our programs, families, and community partnerships.

Our Infant and Child Development Program continues to grow and respond to community need. Since August, we have received 50 new referrals, and there are now 96 children actively supported through the ICDP program.

Families continue to reach out for support, and our team is working closely with caregivers and community partners to help children reach their developmental goals. We are encouraged by how well the program is meeting the needs of families in Waterloo Region.

Earlier this year, new licensed child care spaces were announced across Waterloo Region. KW Habilitation is proud to support these programs as they open and grow.

We continue to work alongside licensed early learning and child care programs receiving CWELCC funding, providing resource consultation and support to help ensure inclusive, high-quality care for children attending child care. 

The post Early Learning and Child Development Update appeared first on KW Habilitation.

To be specific my thoughtful, specific and relevant critiques may very well indeed have a word such as is included above albeit I usually spell it as follows:  "bulls*it" . I am also known to call professional liars OMG "professional liars" although sometimes I even soften that slightly to simply "liars".  Thank you Sebastian and Nathan Cadeau for stating very clearly at the end of last Thursday's TRAC meeting that TRAC were refusing to include written Delegations to themselves as part of their official correspondence if they didn't meet or pass certain professional standards. Or did Nathan say certain politeness standards? Or was it a censorship standard whereby certain unstated but common and well known English words being used would automatically disqualify the document from being sent on to TRAC members? Anyways thanks Nathan (five minute boy wonder) - ooh ooh are any of those words also naughty?  for publicly live and on video telling the world that Woolwich and TRAC censor on topic and well researched citizen written Delegations to TRAC.

I watched last Thursday's TRAC video on-line. It was no more disappointing than usual. The bulls*it however is getting thicker and heavier. Apparently failing to achieve drinking water standards after 27 years of pump and treat technology that regularly failed to meet their own consultant's Target Pumping Rate can be remedied by reducing that same pumping. At least that is what Luis and Hadley (three minute girl wonder) are selling .  

Hadley also claimed that the Region of Waterloo have stated that they want to put the water from well E10 by Scotch Line into the Elmira Distribution System. Really? Then why has the Region put well E10 (& others) out for tender? Check their website under Bids & Tenders and it says that they want to decommission that well.  Very strange.

Cullen somebody or other has expressed surprise about increasing concentrations of contaminants (likely chlorobenzene) at well CH 44D after shutting down most of the off-site pumping wells. Oddly or not nobody brought up or pointed out to him the history of that well including its' proximity to DNAPLS from Uniroyal plus other issues over the decades. That is likely because there is no one on TRAC who either ever knew or who can now remember those issues.

I just love how Hadley and friends are trying to soften up both TRAC members and the public to getting back to drinking contaminated Elmira water. After all we all drank NDMA, chlorobenzene and so much more in our tap water for decades prior to November 1989. Hadley even suggested mixing clean water with contaminated water to reduce the contaminant concentrations to below drinking water standards.

There will be a new but equally useless 2028 Control Order from the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MECP) eventually appearing. Allegedly there will also be either public meetings or more public consultation upcoming regarding some of the expected changes. Sandy and fellow travellors have a very low mark to hit to achieve "more" public consultation. Refusing the public the right to present statements and ask questions of the MECP and others at TRAC may and should doom the credibility of the process over the last decade. 

The failure to achieve promised groundwater results by both Uniroyal and corporate successors while supervised by the M.O.E./MECP should remove them from doing yet further damage by being in charge of cleanup any longer.

The failure to even start cleaning up the downstream five miles of Canagagigue Creek is shameful and should also remove them  from any further supervisory or control status. Their money can go to honest brokers not professional gamers and liars.  

A friend of mine cancelled a plan on me last minute. It hurt, bad. So, naturally, I opened “Temporary Chat” on ChatGPT and expressed my heart out. And it kept validating my feelings.

I even asked it, “Don’t sugarcoat your answers, be practical, bro”. But, in my heart of hearts, I love to feel validated.

I was dependent on AI to convince me that my feelings are valid.

What a curse it is to believe a data-trained bot more than my own instincts. What a tragedy it is to tell AI my feelings in more detail than the friend who cancelled and hurt me.

And, the thing is, this is not a one-off incident. No.

I have asked AI whether my meeting stance was right or not. Whether my diet is good enough or not. Whether my complimenting someone could have been misinterpreted.

I became so dependent on AI without even knowing it in the first place.

And, when I realised this, I couldn’t fathom how much authority I have given it over small things.

My actions. My reactions. My feelings. My words.

All waiting to be validated by… not a person, but a chatbot.

I was not being controlled by a toxic partner. I let myself get controlled by ChatGPT.

And even after realising this, I didn’t know who to go to if not my new, non-human bestie.

It felt weird not to just give in to the urge of opening the app and typing as fast as I can to know that I am not wrong. I didn’t want to tell me the truth anyway, I just wanted to know that I was right.

What do you do when you don’t want to discuss your feelings with humans anymore?

Sometimes people don’t have the bandwidth. Sometimes they’re fighting their own wars. And sometimes, you don’t want to hear the bitter truth they might tell you.

So you turn to someone who will always listen.

Someone who will always respond.
Someone who will usually say what you want to hear.

I had to fight the urge to not open ChatGPT on my phone every time I felt something. Instead, I decided to sit with myself. Talk to myself. Not give in to the desire to smash my keyboard looking at that black and white interface.

I must admit, it’s tough being your own bestie. I am still struggling.

But ChatGPT isn’t a therapist.

It’s biased. Biased towards you.

It won’t always give you the right advice. It’s not in its job description to give you the right path and the right advice. It is trained on a lot of data, sometimes it gives clarity, other times it simply tries to please.

And when you start outsourcing your inner voice, pleasing answers can quietly replace honest growth.

Don’t Let ChatGPT Validate Your Feelings was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Yes leeches put in cages in the Canagagigue Creek were loaded with chlorophenols back in the day. Today my understanding is that they are much lower concentrations possibly even close to non detect. This is because the source of the migrating chlorophenols has been significantly reduced by the UACS (Upper Aquifer Containment System). Secondly any fish tissue results made available to CPAC around 2014 had concentrations exceeding the health criteria i.e. Tissue Residue Guidelines (TRG) They were certainly exceeded for DDT as well as for dioxins . Mercury and PCBs were detected but I do not recall at what concentrations.  Councillor and TRAC Chair Nathan Cadeau was one of the persons presenting inaccurate information. Another was Hadley Stamm, the second five minute wonder (Nathan is the first) . She works for Lanxess Canada. 

Between the two of them they are caught claiming no contamination in leeches and below criteria contamination in fish. These are both likely self-serving lies although it is possible both five minute wonders are simply ignorant and or listening to lying colleagues.

I have recently approached both Woolwich Township plus a TRAC member looking for any new biomonitoring reports presented to them that might suggest a lowering of contaminants in fish and leeches. To date my inquiries have been fruitless as both parties state that they are unaware of any such recent or new data. 

A third example from the K-W Record (Nov. 15/25) has just come to mind. namely Well E10. This well is located at the extreme south end of the town of Elmira beside Scotch Line. I had advised that it's water had never been used in the Elmira Distribution System. An environmental colleague has confirmed this via knowledge of and discussion with the owners of the property the well sits on or possibly beside. 

The holiday season is a time of celebration and connection, but it can also be overwhelming. Between year-end work deadlines, social commitments, and personal obligations, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Taking steps to manage stress and protect your well-being is essential for enjoying the season and entering the new year feeling refreshed.

Setting clear boundaries is one of the most important ways to maintain balance. Letting colleagues know your availability, limiting after-hours emails, and avoiding overcommitting to tasks or events helps protect your energy. Pairing this with mindful prioritization of work responsibilities (focusing on what truly needs to get done and letting less urgent tasks wait) can reduce pressure and keep you feeling in control.

Taking regular breaks throughout the day, even for just a few minutes, can make a significant difference in reducing stress. Step away from your desk, stretch, get some fresh air, or enjoy a quiet moment to reset your mind. Small mindfulness practices, like deep breathing or a short meditation, can also help you stay centered and calm amid a busy schedule.

Financial pressures often add to holiday stress, so being intentional about spending is key. Setting a budget, participating in Secret Santa exchanges, or giving experience-based or homemade gifts are simple ways to reduce financial worry while still showing thoughtfulness. Maintaining basic healthy habits, such as staying hydrated, moving your body, and getting enough rest, also supports both mental and physical well-being during the season.

Finally, leaning on your support system can help you navigate holiday stress. Meaningful connections with friends, family, or colleagues provide encouragement, perspective, and a sense of community that can make the season more enjoyable.

By taking small, intentional steps to care for yourself, you can reduce stress, stay energized, and fully enjoy the holidays. Protecting your well-being now sets the stage for a healthier, more productive start to the new year.

The post How Employees Can Reduce Holiday Stress and Protect Their Well-Being appeared first on Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

♦

Now now as Giant Pink Pig Smokehouse …

With a smoker more than two-metres tall working long hours cooking low and slow in a building adjacent to the restaurant, Moonshine BBQ Smokehouse has been cranking out brisket, ribs pulled pork and pork shank in Hawkesbury for just over five years.

It’s a family business, according to Fred Beaver who oversees day-to-day operations at Moonshine.

“We started this venture sort of dabbling. It’s a love of ours, a hobby. We ended up catering a few weddings for friends and family and demand grew. So, we decided to give a restaurant a whirl. That was six years ago.”

That business model, shall we say, is a tried and true one for barbecue restaurants, in my experience: smoking aficionados start out with a food truck (Moonshine has truck that heads to various area events) that they take to competitions or for catering, and they evolve their expertise into a bricks-and-mortar restaurant.

Today, the Moonshine menu has about 60 items, including upgrades, sides, a kids’ menu and desserts.

You can find the restaurant by looking for the pink pig inflatable that sits on the roof.
For more of the story, visit Andre Paquette Editions.

Check out my latest post Moonshine BBQ + French-Canadian ingredients from AndrewCoppolino.com.

♦

KITCHENER - The Kitchener Panthers are proud to announce the signing of utility defender and power bat Zane Skansi.

Skansi, an import out of the United States, is coming off a season with the Okotoks Dawgs of the Western Canadian Baseball League, where he was named the 2025 WCBL Rookie of the Year.

There, he posted a .363 batting average, 11 home runs, 22 stolen bases and 45 RBI.

Previously, he hit 13 home runs in 53 games with the Campbellsville Tigers (NCCAA) in his senior year of university.

"I am very excited to add Zane to our roster. He has hit everywhere he's played and is coming off a great senior college season and summer in the WCBL," said general manager Shanif Hirani. 

"He adds another impact bat to our lineup and offers a lot of defensive flexibility, being able to play both the infield and outfield."

============

ZANE SKANSI

• Bats/Pitches: R/R
• Hometown: Gig Harbor, Washington (IMPORT)
• Birthdate: June 25, 2001
• Pronunciation: ZAY-n SCAN-see

(Not a Medium paid member, no worries… read for free here)

Some technical products feel heavy the moment you open them. Not because they’re complex or built to be powerful. But simply because they feel dense, fragile, and mentally exhausting.

And then there are tools that feel light, even when they do difficult things.

They handle massive scale, tricky state, and ugly edge cases. Yet you move through them without friction. You rarely think about how they work.

Difference is rarely about Simplicity. And it isn’t a UX issue, it’s about Clarity.

And Clarity, in Technical Products, is an Architectural Concern.

There’s a dangerous idea in product design that clarity comes from reducing complexity. That is, if we hide enough options, collapse enough menus, or rewrite enough copy, the product will feel easier to use.

That may work for consumer apps. But fails terribly for technical systems.

Technical products are complex. They deal with real constraints: state, configuration, edge cases, and scale. The goal isn’t to erase that complexity. It’s to structure it so the user doesn’t have to carry it all at once.

When a product feels light, it’s usually because:

• Complexity has been layered, not removed
• Decisions have been sequenced, not dumped
• Meaning has been encoded in structure, not explained in paragraphs

Lightness is what happens when users can predict what comes next (even if what comes next is hard).

Here’s a test many engineers will instantly relate to:

If you step away from a tool for two weeks and come back, how much mental state do you need to reload before you can be productive?

• If you immediately remember where things are and what matters, the product is light.
• If you have to re-learn how to think inside the system, it’s heavy.

This has nothing to do with feature count. It has everything to do with how decisions, state, and intent are encoded.

Now that is my favourite part, I wish to discuss it through this article.

Most technical products offload too much thinking onto users.

Common examples:

• “Which of these 12 options actually matters for my use case?”
• “Is this screen informational or actionable?”
• “What order am I supposed to do these steps in?”
• “What happens if I change this now?”

None of these are hard questions.

They’re just constant.

And that Constant Low-Grade Reasoning is what makes tools Feel Heavy!

Clear systems move that reasoning into the product itself

When developers call a tool “confusing,” they rarely mean the tool is unintelligible. What they mean is:

“I’m being asked to hold too much in my head at the same time.”

Every technical product forces users to manage some mental state:

• What am I configuring?
• Where am I?
• What does this option affect?
• What happens if I change this?
• What’s safe? What’s destructive? What’s required?

A heavy product pushes all of that cognitive load onto the user.

A clear product, on the other hand, systematically offloads cognition into:

• Layout
• Naming
• Defaults
• Predictable flows
• Visual hierarchy
• Constraints

That’s why Clarity is Architectural. It operates at the Level of Systems, not screens.

Bad design tries to reduce complexity by hiding options.

Good design keeps complexity but sequences it.

Heavy product:

• Dumps all config options at once
• No indication of which are required vs advanced
• You must read the docs to know what matters

Clear product:

• Defaults work out of the box
• Required inputs are obvious
• Advanced options appear only when relevant
• You can stop at any point and still have a working system

The insight:

Clarity comes from ordering decisions, not removing them.

Engineers don’t mind complexity — we mind being asked to solve the whole system at once.

Heaviness often comes from an implicit state.

You see this everywhere:

• Is this change live or staged?
• Am I editing a draft or production?
• Has this action already been executed?
• Is this system waiting for input or processing?

When the state is implicit, users maintain it mentally. That’s expensive.

Clear products:

• Make the state visible
• Make transitions obvious
• Label modes clearly
• Show consequences before execution

If users don’t have to remember state, the system instantly feels lighter.

Ambiguous naming forces constant translation.

Examples engineers know too well:

• “Job” vs “Task” vs “Run”
• “Project” vs “Workspace” vs “Environment”
• “Deploy” vs “Release” vs “Apply”

When names don’t encode behavior, users repeatedly pause to ask:

“Wait, what does this do in this system?”

Clear naming:

• Reflects actual behavior
• Is consistent across UI, APIs, and docs
• Makes wrong usage feel incorrect

This isn’t a branding thing; it’s runtime cognitive performance.

Many tools surface data without indicating importance.

Logs, metrics, warnings, banners — all presented flatly.

The result?

Engineers must decide:

• What to look at first
• What’s safe to ignore
• What requires action

Clear systems encode priority:

• Primary signals stand out
• Secondary data is available but quieter
• Errors, warnings, and info are visually and structurally distinct

This reduces scanning time and decision fatigue, which is what engineers actually feel.

When actions have surprising side effects, users slow down.

Engineers become cautious:

• Extra checks
• Defensive workflows
• Hesitation to explore

Light systems are boring in the best way:

• Similar actions behave similarly
• Reversible actions are marked
• Destructive actions are obvious
• Feedback is immediate

Predictability isn’t a UX nicety. It’s how systems earn permission to be used quickly.

Most “heavy” products weren’t designed poorly (they were assembled).

• Features added incrementally
• Interfaces shaped by internal abstractions
• Docs layered on after behavior stabilized

No one owned the coherence of the system as a whole.

Clarity emerges when engineers, designers, and writers align on:

• Shared mental models
• Explicit state transitions
• Semantic consistency
• Decision sequencing

This is architecture, not polish.

If you’re building or maintaining a technical product, you don’t need a full redesign to make it feel lighter. You need to systematically reduce the amount of thinking the user has to do outside the system.

Here’s a more actionable way to evaluate that.

User flows show steps. What matters more is the mental state per step.

For each screen, command, or API interaction, ask:

• What does the user need to know to use this correctly?
• What do they need to remember from previous steps?
• What assumptions are they expected to infer?

Anywhere the answer is “they just have to know,” you’ve found unowned complexity.

Light systems externalize that thinking into structure, defaults or visible states.

A common source of heaviness is premature decision pressure.

Look for places where users must choose before they understand:

• Advanced configuration during setup
• Environmental distinctions before they grasp the impact
• Terminology choices before mental models are stable

Good systems delay commitment. They allow users to move forward safely, then refine later.

If you reduce the number of early irreversible decisions, the product immediately feels calmer.

Every implicit state is a tax on working memory.

Audit your system for questions users silently ask:

• Is this global or local?
• Is this persistent or temporary?
• Is this change live, staged, or queued?
• What is this action scoped to?

If the UI (or API response) doesn’t answer these clearly, the user must.

Explicit state doesn’t clutter systems; it calms them.

Misalignment is one of the fastest ways to create heaviness.

• UI uses one term
• API uses another
• Documentation explains a third

Engineers shouldn’t have to mentally translate layers of the same system.

A simple litmus test:

Can someone predict the API call by looking at the UI, and describe the UI by reading the documentation?

When those surfaces reinforce the same concepts, the system becomes easier to reason about as a whole.

If a user must leave the interface to understand basic behavior, clarity has already failed.

Docs should explain why and when, not rescue what and how.

When documentation becomes essential for navigating the UI, it’s usually compensating for:

• Unclear state
• Ambiguous naming
• Overloaded screens
• Missing feedback

Use docs as a diagnostic tool.

Wherever they’re overused, clarity is leaking elsewhere.

This is one of the most honest tests you can run.

Ask someone — or yourself — to return to the product after 2–3 weeks away.

Observe:

• How long before they feel oriented?
• Where do they hesitate?
• What do they need to re-learn?

Light systems reload quickly.

Heavy systems require narrative reconstruction.

That gap tells you exactly where clarity is breaking down.

At the end of the day, we all need to accept that:

Lightness isn’t something you add at the end of a sprint. It’s an outcome of consistent, accumulative decisions.

It shows up in places teams often overlook:

• How defaults are chosen
• How errors explain themselves
• How empty states teach the system
• How reversible actions are framed
• How changes in the state are surfaced

As systems grow, entropy creeps in. Features pile up. Edge cases expand. Without deliberate attention, clarity erodes quietly.

The teams that maintain lightness over time treat clarity like infrastructure:

• Reviewed during design
• Discussed during implementation
• Protected during iteration

They ask not just “does this work?” but “does this increase the thinking burden?”

That mindset compounds. Over time, products built this way don’t just become easier to use, they become easier to evolve.

To conclude, I would say:

Great technical products don’t feel light because they’re simple.

They feel light because they absorb complexity on behalf of the users; Deliberately, Predictably, and Repeatedly.

And that’s not just UX polish. That’s architectural intent.

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 🤝

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

• Why AI Systems Fail Even With Great Models: The “Hidden Cost” of Bad Context…
• The Architectural Pendulum Swing of Hype and Buzz!

The Architecture of Clarity: Why Some Technical Products Just Feel So Light! was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The first days on the market matter more than many people realize when selling your home in the Waterloo Region, Kitchener, Cambridge, or surrounding townships. Buyers judge quickly, and your listing will attract the most attention right after it goes live. This early stage is known as the first impression window. If you miss it by overpricing your home, the effects can follow you throughout the listing period.

Most sellers think it is safer to start high, but that can backfire. The Ontario real estate market moves quickly, and buyers are well-informed. They use all available tools, including websites that allow them to estimate home value by address. They compare listings, track trends, and notice when something seems off. When your house appears too expensive compared to similar properties, it becomes an overpriced home in their eyes, even before they schedule a viewing.

Once buyers sense that your home is overpriced, they may lose interest. This highlights the importance of knowing how to determine an accurate estimated home value before listing. A realistic and solid home value estimate also helps attract serious buyers and prevents scaring them off.

Buyers in our region come prepared. They receive property alerts, monitor neighbourhood activity, and can keep an eye on homes while waiting several weeks before making decisions. Once your listing is seen, they immediately compare it with recent sales, active listings, and online tools that estimate your home’s value. Although those online estimates may not be perfectly accurate, they are still used by buyers to identify the general range of reasonable prices.

Unless your price matches their perceived value, your home seems overpriced in their eyes. Once that impression takes hold, it is hard to change. You might be able to adjust the price later, but the initial damage has already been done.

This is among the reasons sellers contact a professional to obtain an accurate estimate of home value. An expert in real estate understands local neighbourhood trends, seasonal variations, buyer interests, and micro-market fluctuations in Waterloo Region. A professional home valuation is based on real data and field experience rather than generic automated estimates.

Overpricing your home can create a ripple effect on your schedule, final sale price, and stress levels. When a property is overpriced, it remains on the market longer, causing buyers to question whether there is an issue. This hesitation tends to grow over time. The extended days on market make the home appear less attractive, even if it is a lovely house.

When a home stays on the market too long, people start to ask questions. “Is my home overpriced?” is not only a concern for buyers but also for you as a seller. You might begin to feel anxious about the timing, your next move, or managing your finances. When priced too high initially, a home often sells for less than it would have if it had been priced appropriately in the first place.

This happens because overpricing your home reduces interest. Fewer showings lead to fewer offers. Without buyer competition, you miss out on the advantages that come when a home is priced strongly and accurately at first. When you price your home correctly, it gains the momentum it needs in the first few days. It shows buyers you understand the market and that your house is worth their consideration.

Trust is an unspoken but powerful part of real estate. Buyers want assurance that the seller made reasonable, informed choices. Buyers consider the listing risky or unrealistic when your price is not in line with the estimated house price in your location. They worry it will be hard to negotiate or that you are not serious about selling.

They also compare your listing with online tools that estimate home value by address. Although these tools do not consider upgrades, lot features, and neighbourhood nuances, buyers still rely on them as quick reference tools. When you overprice your house significantly relative to their expectations, it creates the impression that something is wrong, and trust is lost.

Your listing will suffer the moment that trust is breached. You may change the price later, but buyers might see you as reactive rather than strategic. That is why it is critical to start with a professional home value estimate rather than guessing or relying on automated sites. Local professionals know when a house is priced correctly because they learn the neighbourhood every day and work with active buyers.

The financial effects of an overpriced house are not always obvious. Most sellers focus only on the listing price and think it can change over time. The true cost presents itself in different ways. It appears through delays, reduced interest, and the loss of good initial offers.

You also face holding costs when your home remains unsold and sits on the market. These may include mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. Furthermore, the longer the home stays unsold, the lower the offers tend to be. Buyers feel they have more bargaining power because the house is stale, and they expect you to accept lower bids.

This is why you should price your home accurately, not just to attract buyers but also to protect your financial future. A realistic, sound home value estimate will give you a strong starting point and reduce stress over time.

Online tools may help provide a quick starting point. Many homeowners check the estimated home value on these sites to see what they think. These can be used to estimate your home value by address and to obtain a rough idea of how your property might be valued. The issue is that such readings frequently overlook important details that define actual value.

Online platforms are unaware of whether you remodelled your kitchen, replaced your roof, landscaped, finished your basement, or improved your home’s energy efficiency. They do not even consider the orientation of your lot, the level of privacy, or the demand on your specific street. They are also unable to assess local changes, such as new schools, transportation updates, or new developments. The combination of all these factors prevents an accurate home value estimate.

That is why the smartest sellers use online tools for an initial estimate, then contact a local real estate team for a complete and accurate evaluation. A personalized estimate considers actual sales in your neighbourhood, existing competition, buyer behaviour, and market trends in Waterloo Region.

Many sellers wonder how to know if a house is priced right. Signs often appear early. One sign is low showing activity; another is slow online interest. When buyers view similar properties but overlook yours, it usually indicates mispricing.

When you find yourself asking, “Is my home overpriced?” it might be time to review your price compared to the competition. A home value estimate by a reputable local team can help you understand where your property stands in the current market. This doesn’t mean you should lower the price right away. It simply means you need accurate data to make informed decisions.

Hiring a professional guarantees that your pricing strategy is based on facts rather than assumptions. The goal is to set the right price for your home from the beginning, so the first impression window works in your favour.

Something powerful happens when your home hits the market at the right price. Serious buyers rush to view it. They sense its value and recognize when a listing is doing well. An appropriately priced house creates excitement, spurs competition, and fosters an environment where buyers see your home as attractive.

This is where pricing your home right pays off. An excellent launch usually results in quicker offers and a higher sale price since buyers are confident enough to act. When what they expect based on their home value estimation tools aligns with your price, they have confidence in the listing, the seller, and the process.

Overpricing your home may seem harmless at first, but it can cost you time, money, and opportunity. A strong and accurate home value estimate is the best way to avoid those challenges and protect your goals. If you want a clear and professional estimated home value for your property in Waterloo Region, The Deutschmann Team is here to help.

Reach out to us anytime for a personalized home value estimate, local market guidance, and a pricing strategy built on experience. We are committed to helping you price your home right, attract the best buyers, and move forward with confidence.

Contact us for a free home evaluation today to get started.

The post The Cost of Overpricing: What Happens When You Miss the First Impression Window appeared first on Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Agent - The Deutschmann Team.

Deciding whether to sell first or buy first is one of the biggest decisions you will face if you’re considering moving to Ontario. This is a common question among homeowners, especially in markets like Waterloo Region, Kitchener, Cambridge, and the surrounding townships, where market conditions can shift dramatically between seller-friendly and buyer-friendly.

It is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right information and approach, you can move in the right direction. The Deutschmann Team prepares families to navigate this crossroads every day. Do you want an estimated home value by address, an exact home value estimate, or a comprehensive understanding of the financial risks involved in buying or selling out of sequence? Knowing the right steps makes all the difference.

This guide outlines the advantages, disadvantages, and smart strategies to help you choose the best option based on timing, financial capacity, and future goals.

You should always know your home’s current value before debating whether to sell or buy first. Guessing in a fluctuating market might leave money on the table or cause unnecessary financial stress.

Although online tools can estimate home value, the figures are not always based on precise data and can be off by tens of thousands. An expert analysis offers more context, detail, and accuracy.

When you ask a local expert to provide an estimate of your home’s value, you receive more than just a number. You gain insight into:

• What customers are paying in your neighbourhood for similar houses.
• How the school zone, upgrades, and location influence pricing.
• Where your house is in the current supply-and-demand cycle.
• How closely your so-called online estimate aligns with the actual market value

Understanding your true value will help you decide whether to buy or sell a house first, especially when financing or equity release is a major factor.

This is one of the most common questions sellers ask us: Should I sell my first home before buying the second? Selling first means listing your property on the market and selling it, then purchasing another home.

♦ Benefit #1: You Have Full Knowledge of what you can spend

By selling first, you lock in your selling price. There are no uncertainties or surprises. This makes shopping with confidence easier, helps in setting a budget, and facilitates negotiation.

♦ Benefit #2: Less Financial Pressure

Some homeowners fear having two mortgages or using bridge financing. When you sell first, those issues are gone because you know your equity and your schedule.

♦ Benefit #3: Stronger Purchasing Power

Buyers who have no home to sell are often more competitive, particularly in multiple-offer situations. You can negotiate better terms, move faster, and be unique against competing offers.

Potential Downsides

Although selling first provides financial transparency, it also means you won’t have a place to stay unless you secure your next home beforehand. Some families opt for temporary rentals, short-term furnished suites, staying with relatives, or extending closing dates.

The Deutschmann Team will arrange longer closing periods to ensure you don’t feel rushed or ignored.

Selling First Is Best When:

• You seek strong economic stability.
• You are in a cooler or balanced market.
• You prefer a less risky path.
• You do not want to have two homes simultaneously.

Option 2: Buying First — When It Makes Sense

The question most homeowners ask is, “Should you sell a house or buy first? Buying first means you purchase your next home before putting your current house on the market.

This may be the right option based on your objectives, your budget and the market.

♦ Benefit #1: You Move into the Home You Truly Love

There is no rush; you can shop precisely and get only what you need, especially when inventory is limited.

♦ Benefit #2: No Need for Interim Housing

It is a stress-free choice since families prefer a smooth transition.

♦ Benefit # 3: Good Pricing Confidence

Also, if you recently had a local expert estimate your home’s value by address, you may have a good idea of your home’s price range for a qualified purchase.

Potential Downsides

Financial flexibility is essential initially. You might require bridge financing, a clear understanding of your selling price, and a dependable agent who can price and sell quickly.

The real estate market in Ontario is fast-moving in areas such as Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. Buying first can be easy with such a high home value estimate and a professional team to assist with your sale; however, timing is everything.

Buying First Is Best When:

• You possess sufficient financial flexibility.
• The real estate market is hot, and properties are selling quickly.
• You are so choosy about your new home.
• You want a smooth move.

Deciding whether to sell the house first or buy a house first usually depends on current market conditions.

Buying a house and selling it later is generally safer in a seller’s market, when homes sell quickly, and inventory is limited. It reassures you that your current house will be sold within a short time after listing it.

In a buyer’s market where listings stay longer and competition is fierce, it is often wiser to sell first. This saves you the financial burden of holding two properties during a sluggish sales season.

The optimal strategy in a balanced market depends on your objectives, budget, and comfort level. Micro-markets in Ontario behave differently. Waterloo might move quickly, while parts of Cambridge could lag, and rural areas like Wellesley or Conestogo may have their own rhythms. Making the wrong decision in the wrong part of the region can be risky. Before deciding whether to buy or sell a home, an accurate home valuation combined with local experience is essential for making the right choice.

How to Choose: A Strategic Breakdown

Here’s how most families in Ontario make the right decision:

Get a True Market Evaluation

Ask a reputable local Realtor to assess the value of your home before you make the decision to buy or sell the property, rather than relying on online estimates. Professional knowledge helps you understand how quickly your house will sell and at what price.

Evaluate Your Financial Flexibility

Consider:

• How much equity you have
• Is there a possibility of temporary accommodation?
• Your ease with bridge financing
• Cash-flow needs

The safest route is frequently based on the correct valuation of your house.

Consider Your Timeline

Are you moving because of school zones, employment opportunities, or a higher-quality lifestyle? Do you need more time to plan? These considerations are important when deciding whether to sell or buy a home first.

Understand Your Buyer Demand

Some properties, particularly renovated houses in quality pockets, sell within days. Others take longer. Being aware of which category your home falls into can help determine whether it is safe to buy first.

Real estate choices are determined not only by price, but by timing, negotiation approach, market trends, neighbourhood patterns, and buyer behaviour.

The Deutschmann Team offers decades of experience, is ranked among the Top 50 RE/MAX Teams in Canada, has a proven track record in condos, semis, detached houses, and luxury estates, and understands the micro-markets in the Waterloo Region.

We do not simply offer you an estimated home value. We assist you in taking the most secure and effective path based on your financial condition and long-term plans.

One easy way to think of this is to concentrate on what is important to you.

Selling first provides you with financial stability, eliminates the risk of having two houses in your portfolio, strengthens your standing as a buyer, and fits our cooler markets perfectly.

Buying first makes the move easier, eliminates the need for temporary housing, lets you find the ideal place to stay, and encourages a more lifestyle-focused relocation.

Both paths can work. The right one is solely a matter of your own situation and level of comfort.

Ready to Make the Right Move? Let’s Start With Your Home Value.

A professional home evaluation is a helpful first step before deciding whether to sell or buy a house. The Deutschmann Team provides precise, data-driven valuations that far surpass what online tools can offer.

We are prepared to help you estimate your home’s value by address, get a personalized home valuation, understand local demand, and plan your next move with confidence.

Take the guesswork out of your decision. Book your free home evaluation today and move forward with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

The post Should You Sell First or Buy First? A Guide for Ontario Homeowners appeared first on Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Agent - The Deutschmann Team.

I would find it easier to forgive and forget (hmm maybe?)  if there had ever been an out and out apology. Even sincere regret followed by promises that were kept would be more palatable than what Elmira and Woolwich citizens have received from Uniroyal Chemical and successors. That would be false promises combined with lies, deceptions, dishonest public communications and consultations.

Furthermore there is the not so small matter of the company and their hired intellectual pros ti toots consistently squeezing every nickel possible in order to reduce their financial liability. Of course this reduced financial liability and expense comes at a cost but it is one that corporations just love. It's called externalization of costs. In other words if a corporation can grab every dollar of profit while reducing legitimate toxic waste disposal expenses then they are thrilled. This reduction however is based upon using public rivers and streams as sewers. It also relies upon discharges of toxic gases into the communal air. Finally our legal system in it's utter majesty has permitted dirty corporations to dump as much poison into ground and soil that they own allegedly provided that it doesn't migrate onto neighbours property. This however is the elephant in the room. 

Everybody knows now and has known for at least the last 100 years that buried toxic wastes, just like those intentionally dumped untreated into rivers and streams, will migrate. The poisons can migrate via groundwater, via surface water, via air currents and via subsurface gas vapours. Dr. Gail Krantzberg advised CPAC (Chemtura Public Advisory Committee) that everything ever dumped on and into the Uniroyal Chemical site in Elmira will eventually migrate off site. It could take hundreds of years but anything not removed today and treated will eventually depart including liquid wastes that have stained and contaminated soil more than one hundred feet below ground surface.

This public apathy apparently knows no bounds.  It is only exceeded by public ignorance which has been exacerbated by a grossly weakened media desperate for corporate dollars.   

The post Holiday Hours appeared first on Grand River Rocks Climbing Gym.

The post Holiday Hours appeared first on Grand River Rocks Climbing Gym.

We’re pleased to share the recording of our recent webinar introducing hgs2vtu.exe, the powerful new post-processing utility designed to modernize and streamline visualization of HydroGeoSphere (HGS) model outputs.

As part of the December 2025 HGS software update, Aquanty is officially beginning the deprecation of hsplot.exe. While hsplot will remain available to support existing workflows, its architecture can no longer keep pace with the expanding capabilities of HGS. Developed over the past three years, hgs2vtu.exe offers a more flexible, robust, and fully supported path forward for post-processing.

Key Highlights:

• Get an introduction to hgs2vtu.exe and its role as the new HGS visualization post-processor.

• Learn about supported output formats, including VTU UGRID, NetCDF, Tecplot (SZL/ASCII), and CSV point clouds.

• See the potential of the interactive command-line workflow.

• Understand the core differences between hsplot.exe and hgs2vtu.exe and what users can expect going forward.

This session is especially valuable for HGS users preparing for the transition to the new post-processing framework— whether you’re generating animations, analyzing spatial patterns, or managing multi-format outputs.

Watch the recording now to explore how hgs2vtu.exe enhances the HGS workflow and supports more efficient, flexible and future-ready post-processing.

Watch The Recording

Feeling disconnected at work is surprisingly common, and sometimes all it takes is a slight nudge to help people feel they belong. A recent Stanford study by Rui Pei and colleagues found that simple, low-cost prompts can dramatically boost people’s sense of community.

In student residence halls, researchers put up posters encouraging connection, sharing data gathered during the previous quarter such as “85% of Stanford students enjoy meeting & becoming friends with students they don’t know.” They also delivered app-based suggestions to connect with peers, such as complimenting a stranger or reaching out to a friend they hadn’t spoken to in a while.

The interventions made a difference. Students were more likely to see their peers as caring, and after just three weeks, they were nearly 90% more likely to step outside their comfort zones and initiate a connection.

Look at your recent engagement or pulse survey data. What signals are employees already giving you about how they want to connect or support each other? Then turn those insights into small prompts — a “connection tip of the week,” a Slack reminder to recognize a colleague, or a meeting opener that encourages people to get to know each other better.

Share this action on Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, or YouTube.

The latest Women in the Workplace report from LeanIn and McKinsey delivers an unsurprising-but-still-discouraging finding: only about half of companies say they’re prioritizing women’s career advancement.

Even more troubling is that women who work remotely three or more days per week are promoted at lower rates than men who do the same. (37% of women compared to 49% of men.) They’re also less likely to have a sponsor advocating for them.

When employees work mostly on-site, that gap essentially disappears. The report highlights why: coworkers often assume women using flexible work arrangements are less committed, while men’s dedication is simply taken for granted.

Let’s be intentional about how we distribute stretch assignments, visibility opportunities, and high-impact projects. Don’t rely on assumptions about someone’s preferences or availability, and don’t reward proximity over performance. As LeanIn and McKinsey recommend, focus on skills and potential, not personal convenience or arbitrary criteria.

Fair access to career-growing opportunities shouldn’t depend on where someone works. Let’s make sure it doesn’t.

New research from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) finds that employees who grew up in financially disadvantaged households report much lower workplace inclusion than those from affluent backgrounds, even when they reach senior leadership.

Why? Because belonging often hinges on access to invisible advantages: insider networks, informal coaching, and the unwritten rules that no one ever explains out loud.

As Y-Vonne Hutchinson wrote in her book How to Talk to Your Boss About Race: Speaking Up Without Getting Shut Down, “bias thrives in ambiguity.” Her advice is clear:

“Give away all of the inside knowledge you can. Make things as transparent as possible. Talk about the unwritten rules. Share your salary and negotiation tips. Share advancement opportunities. Help people find the resources they need to do their jobs better.”

Think about the hidden guidance you’ve picked up over the years — how decisions really get made, what “executive presence” actually means, the informal expectations that shape advancement.

Who could benefit if you shared one of those insights today?

We’ve all been there: someone drops an offensive “joke” in a meeting, and you barely have a second to react — especially in virtual calls where speaking up might be hard.

After watching my Memorize a go-to response for offensive jokes reel, a subscriber asked whether there’s an even less confrontational way to push back in those fast-moving moments.

Yes. Enter conversational speed bumps. They’re quick phrases that politely interrupt the flow and redirect the conversation away from harmful comments.

In a 2019 newsletter, I explored using “polite incomprehension” to create such speed bumps. For example,

• “Sorry, my sound dropped out for a second there, but the gist of what you are saying is [repeat without the oppressive comment], right?”
• “I’m a little confused, but what I think you are saying is [topic minus the oppressive comment].”
• “I’m afraid I don’t get the joke. Moving on…”
• “I think I’ve lost the thread. What about [topic]?”
• “I didn’t quite catch that, but here are my thoughts on [topic]…”

These gentle pivots signal that the original comment wasn’t okay, without escalating tension or requiring a confrontational call-out.

Which one could you imagine trying the next time a conversation takes a wrong turn?

p.s. I’d like to grow my community on YouTube. Please consider following me there.

This week’s spotlight on an ally action from the Better Allies community comes to you from Kate Baumgardner, who shared a small but powerful moment from an online team icebreaker.

During a “What Do You Meme?”-style game, Baumgardner was the judge. The meme she liked best was submitted by a colleague… whose name she didn’t know how to pronounce. And in that split second of choosing a winner, she caught herself thinking it might be easier to pick someone whose name she could confidently say out loud.

Instead of going with that instinct, she paused and asked:

“I really like the second meme shown, but I want to make sure I say your name correctly. How is it pronounced?”

A simple question. A meaningful difference. Baumgardner told me she sometimes collaborates with this colleague and is now glad she can say her name correctly in every context.

This is what everyday allyship looks like: choosing curiosity over avoidance, respect over ease. 🙏

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

That’s all for this week. I wish you strength and safety as we all move forward.

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

Copyright © 2025 Karen Catlin. All rights reserved.

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

• NEW — Say thanks to Karen and buy her a coffee
• Follow @BetterAllies on Bluesky, Instagram, Medium, Threads, 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.

Create Belonging Interventions, 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.