This lot includes the first 6 DVDs; 2 blank journals (the red journal is missing 3 sheets/6pages); enough Harry Potter Trading Cards 2001 by Wizards of the Coast for 4 players (missing player mat and instructions); a brand new game of Trivial Pursuit; a brand new Wizards Chess set; a copy of the short book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (the spin off movies are based on this small book), a heavy and well detailed relief of the Hufflepuff crest (not a 3D print, this is high quality resin); a pack of vinyl stickers (some stickers missing); several assorted pendants, charms, and enamel pins; a Nobel Collection plush Niffler with tags still attached. Asking $562CAD for entire lot. Will not sell any individual items alone, must be purchased at asking price for entire lot. Listing is live March 31st 2026, posted on the Trans Day of Visibility. I will no longer sell Harry Potter items following April 30th. If this lot doesn’t sell by midnight of that day, I will delight in destroying these items. But maybe there’s something here you want and you want to save it from its grizzly fate.
Proceeds will go to my favorite 2SLGBTQ+ charity: Our Spectrum.
Shipping costs are not included, shipping can be arranged at the buyer’s expense.
P.S. Do not watch the new Harry Potter HBO series. Do not give a dime to the author.
You can find this listing by clicking here.

Book 5 of the House Adamant Series, Broken Prince, is now live on Amazon!

♦

The civil war is over. Benjamin Adamant is dead. But the consequences of his actions and choices continue to echo through the Kingdom of Adamant and the surrounding stars—as do those of the actions Lorraine and Nikola Adamant took to stop him.

The war is over. But duty remains.

Get it now:

Ebook

Paperback

Audiobook

Happy reading,

Glynn Stewart

The post Broken Prince out now! appeared first on Glynn Stewart.

In this issue:

• • Reimagining 115 University Avenue as a Community Place for Everyone
  • KW Kinsmen: A Legacy of Community
  • An update on our new build at 878 Frederick Street
  • An Accessible Cancer Screening Event
  • A trip to Cuba
  • an Update from Our Farm

and more!

The post Spring 2026 Newsletter! appeared first on KW Habilitation.

Imagine you’re the only guest at a restaurant. The waiter comes by and you order every item on the menu. Sounds cruel, I know! They go to the kitchen and break the terrible news and the chefs are in a frenzy — tackling multiple dishes at the same time.

Now imagine 10 more guests walk in and start ordering. Like you, they too want to try the entire menu. The chefs are increasingly tired, over-burdened and overwhelmed.

The host walks onto the floor informs the new comers that they will not be taking any more orders for a fixed amount of time or until the backlog of orders is reduced — that is rate limiting.

Rate limiting is controlling the number of requests in order to keep the system from getting overwhelmed/over-burdened.

Thanks to us software engineers who are working round the clock to put everything on the internet, restaurants have online ordering services to tackle as well.

Imagine you’re in charge of handling online orders for your restaurant. Everything’s going smoothly until suddenly, you start seeing a flood of orders — 1,2,3…10….20…orders in the next 5 minutes. You start panicking, until you realize that all the orders are from the same person. This person is placing orders, cancelling them and placing the orders again — disrupting your work. You decide to allow only 1 order every hour from that user until the rush hour is over. This is exactly how IP based rate limiting works.

IP Based Rate Limiting is imposing a limit on the number of requests accepted per IP address for a fixed amount of time.

FYI : An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique string of numbers assigned to each device connected to the internet, allowing them to communicate and recognize each other.

Let us go back into the kitchen, where a number of chefs are working hard to provide the guests with quality, delicious food. One chef, who’s in charge of a popular dish(whatever’s your favorite) there, is having a bad day — almost every table has ordered at least one serving of the dish. Even though they are sending out 1 plate per minute, there are still too many orders in the backlog. Tired and in desperate need of a break, they inform the head waiter to stop taking orders for that dish, thereby reducing their work load.

In this scenario, the chef is the server. The orders are requests. In server based rate limiting, it doesn’t matter if the client has only made 1 request in the past hour, if the server is busy, the client has to wait.

In Server based rate limiting, the number of requests processed by a particular server for a fixed period of time is controlled.

A restaurant in Georgia also has a branch in Texas. A user ordered food online from their Georgia branch, to be delivered in Texas by mistake. To avoid such a situation from arising again, the manager modified their online ordering service to not accept orders outside a 50 mile radius of the restaurant. This is a classic case of Geography Based Rate Limiting.

Another variation would be to restrict orders to Georgia zip codes — and if you live in Texas and really want to order from Georgia(Why though?), you could still use a VPN to get around the geographical restrictions, but you’re definitely not getting that food hot. Or at all.

Geography based rate limiting is restricting/rejecting requests from a geographical location of IP address. This can also be used to prevent malicious attacks originating from certain areas.

Just like a well-run restaurant needs house rules to keep the kitchen sane and the guests happy, every system on the internet needs guardrails to stay reliable. Rate limiting is one of those guardrails. I’ve kept the tone light so far on purpose, but the real-life consequences exceed far beyond a “tired and overwhelmed staff”.

System outages followed by the cost of restoring them, breach or leakage of sensitive data are some of the truly disastrous consequences of a poorly designed system.

Rate Limiters are not a new concept. There are tons of deep-dive articles out there about them. This is how I learnt to associate technical concepts with my day-to-day experiences to make them stick.

I will be exploring rate limiting algorithms and Rate Limiter placement in systems in an upcoming article. I will post the link here as soon as it becomes available.

Your Favorite Restaurant Runs on Rate Limiting — And So Does the Internet was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

What happens when your whole identity is built around not needing help.

My computer wallpaper has said the same thing for over a year now.

A girl standing alone on a mountain peak. Stars exploding across the sky behind her. And right there, in big white letters: “I’m the best, I can do this alone..”

I chose it on purpose. It felt like me.

Turns out, I only understood half of what it meant.

Let me give you some context.

I did my bachelor’s(bachelor of technology) in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Worked for 6 years. Then I did my Master’s in Business Analytics, majoring in Data Science. Now I’m working again as an AI/ML Engineer.

Three very different worlds, one common thread every single one of them rewards people who can figure things out on their own. Debug the signal. Find the pattern in the data. Tune the model until it works.

I got really good at that. And then I started applying it to everything, including situations where it was completely the wrong approach.

Struggling at work? Figure it out alone. Something hard happening personally? Process it alone. Feeling stuck? Push harder, alone.

I thought that was what being capable looked like.

From the outside, maybe it did.

On the inside, I was running on empty and calling it discipline.

Something I’ve noticed after moving from ECE to analytics to AI.

The further you go in tech, the more the work depends on systems talking to each other. In communications engineering, a signal doesn’t just travel alone. It gets processed, handed off, amplified, corrected. The whole point is how well the parts connect.

In data science, no single model solves everything. You build pipelines. You layer components. You combine outputs from multiple sources to get something that actually works.

In machine learning, even the models themselves learn by taking feedback. That’s literally what training is. The model makes a prediction, gets corrected, adjusts, tries again.

I was surrounded by systems built on feedback loops and collaboration. And I was over here refusing to ask anyone for anything.

The irony is not lost on me.

A few months ago, things got hard in a way my usual approach couldn’t fix.

A project that went sideways. A personal situation that hit at the exact wrong time. I sat at my desk, stared at that wallpaper, at that girl on the mountain, and those words felt completely different.

“I can do this alone” stopped sounding like confidence. It started sounding like fear.

I genuinely wasn’t sure I could.

So I stopped and asked myself something I’d been avoiding: what does “alone” even mean here? Does it mean I never need input? Does it mean I can’t feel lost without it being a failure?

Because if that was the definition, I’d been failing quietly for a long time.

When I slowed down, I realized I’d been misreading my own wallpaper.

“I’m the best” was never about being better than someone else. It’s about knowing what I bring. The way I think across domains, the way I connect technical depth with business context, the way I can sit with a messy problem and not panic.

That’s real. That’s mine. It doesn’t need comparison.

And “I can do this alone” was never about cutting people off. It’s about trusting my own judgment. Knowing that even when I don’t have all the answers, I have the capacity to find them.

That’s the foundation. Not a wall around me.

Think about how a well-designed ML system actually works. It doesn’t ignore external data. It doesn’t refuse new inputs after the first training run. It keeps learning, keeps adjusting, keeps getting better because of what it receives from outside itself.

The most capable systems are also the most open to feedback.

I needed to be more like the systems I was building.

I asked a mentor for feedback on something I’d been sitting on for weeks. Got unstuck in a day.

I talked to someone I trusted about the personal stuff I’d been carrying alone. Felt lighter almost immediately.

I stopped pretending to have all the answers in every meeting and started saying “let me think about that more” instead.

Nothing fell apart. Things actually moved faster.

I realized in data science, you never treat the first output as the final output. You iterate. You validate. You bring in another perspective when your results don’t make sense.

That’s not a sign your first attempt was bad. That’s just how good work gets built.

Life works the same way. The ask isn’t a weakness in the process. It is the process.

If you’re stuck in the same loop as I was, here’s what genuinely worked for me:

Start listening to your first instinct again. Somewhere in all the second-guessing, I stopped trusting signals I was getting early. When I started paying attention to them again, decisions got cleaner and faster.

Document your own wins. Every time something worked, I started writing it down. Not for a resume. Just for myself. To have actual evidence that I can figure things out, even hard things.

Be selective, not closed. “I can do this alone” doesn’t mean you seal yourself off. It means you’re strong enough to choose who you let in and when. That’s a completely different thing.

Normalize the messy middle. In any good data project, there’s a phase where nothing is clean and everything is uncertain. That phase is not a sign something is wrong. It’s just part of the work. Same thing in life.

I Now strongly believe People Needs People

I didn’t change it.

The girl is still on that mountain. The galaxy is still behind her. The words still say what they say.

But when I read them now, I feel something different. Not pressure to prove anything. Not that quiet fear of being seen as less than capable.

Just this steady, calm knowing I have what I need.

And sometimes what I need includes other people. A second pair of eyes. An genuine conversation. Someone who’s been where I’m trying to go.

That’s not weakness. That’s good system design.

And honestly, it took a few things breaking before I understood the difference.

Does any of this sound familiar? I’d love to hear where you’ve been with this. Drop your story in the comments. I read every single one.

Follow me here for more honest writing about AI, data, building a career across multiple fields.

About Myself(author): Electronics and Communication Engineering grad. MS in Business Analytics, Data Science. Currently working as an AI/ML Engineer. I write about the intersection of tech, career, and the things you figure out the hard way.

I Spent Two Years Proving I Didn’t Need Anyone was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In a previous “episode”, we saw together how I dealt with identifying all those “enemies” hiding in a single column… and the shock I went through when I saw the reality (I hope you’re all alright, data fellows 😅). So, if you’ve ever opened a column expecting clean dates and found a mix of formats… You know the feeling.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can check out the full story here — but I’ll warn you, you’re entering at your own risk 🙈

The migration exercise knocked on our door sooner than I expected. The business came up with 3 approaches (each one a bit crazier than the previous):

1. Ask the other team to change the column data type to TEXT/STRING, and just send the dates as they are (big NO, NO from my side 🤯)

2. Ask the front-office colleagues to manually correct all the data

3. Or… try to standardize everything on our end using SQL

— At this point, what would you do: fix it manually or automate it? —

Hold that thought, and let’s weigh the pros and cons of each approach first.

At first glance, this sounded like the dream solution:

• The workload is pushed to another team, and just like that… problem solved

Well… theoretically.

Why this works: It’s simple, low effort on your side.
Why it fails: You’re basically ignoring the real problem, and consistency becomes a nightmare later.

2. Manually correct all the data

Sounds tempting, right?

• “They caused the mess, so they should fix it!”

Why this works: Let them deal with the chaos — problem solved (again, theoretically).
Why it fails: Brace yourself for delays. Manual corrections can slow down the project and mess with your team’s regular workflow, especially if customers are involved. 😅

Ah… the rebel option. 💪

• Standardize everything on your side using SQL, and take control of your data destiny.

Why this works: You keep full control, enforce consistency, and get to flex your SQL skills.
Why it fails: It’s more work upfront and requires careful planning — but trust me, it’s worth it.

So, after knowing this, what’s the approach did you pick? (feel free to write it in the comments section, i want to know what you thought of 😊)

As you already guessed, the third approach was my favorite one (it involves SQL after all 😁). And anyway, this gave me full control and a consistent result. But enough talk, and let’s see how I did it:

Step 1: Meet all the impostors

Before fixing, you need to know what you’re up against, so I did a scouting of the battlefield before the attack.

More about this step and how i did it in this 👉article 👈

This gave me a list of all the weird date “flavors” in the column — some looked like 2023-03-23, others like 23/03/2023, and some were even text like 20250216 😱.

Step 2: Align with the business

I had to show the “flavors” to the business… and I got two almost opposite reactions:

“It’s impossible for us to have this data” AND “What can we do?”

Even with some denial, the people wanted a solution. After small debates about data loss, we agreed on a single standard format: YYYY-MM-DD .

Step 3: Convert everything to a standard format

I didn’t convert the data to a new religion 😜, but I made sure it obeyed a single standard format.

I created a SQL CASE strategy to handle all the impostors, plus some rebels that didn’t match any pattern (that’s what rebels do, right? 😎):

1. Detect known formats ✅

CASE
WHEN REGEXP_LIKE(rebel_date_format, '^[0-9]{4}-[0-9]{2}-[0-9]{2}$') THEN 'YYYY-MM-DD'
WHEN REGEXP_LIKE(rebel_date_format, '^[0-9]{2}/[0-9]{2}/[0-9]{4}$') THEN 'DD/MM/YYYY'
...
ELSE 'other format'
END AS detected_format

The rebels were identified -> first fight: Won! (for more, read my previous article here 👈).

2. Isolate unknown ones ✅

SELECT id, TRIM(rebel_date_format) AS raw_date
FROM base
WHERE detected_format = 'other format'

Problematic rows? Detected -> second fight: Won!

3. Break them into components ✅

REGEXP_SUBSTR(raw_date, '[0-9]+', 1, 1) AS part1,
REGEXP_SUBSTR(raw_date, '[0-9]+', 1, 2) AS part2,
REGEXP_SUBSTR(raw_date, '[0-9]+', 1, 3) AS part3

Divide and conquer 🪖 Each part represents the day, month, and year. 3rd fight: Won!

4. Rebuild into a standard format ✅

LPAD(part1,2,'0') || '-' || LPAD(part2,2,'0') || '-' || part3

Unify your territories (pieces), and rebuild the date into a consistent DD-MM-YYYY format. 4th fight: Won!

5. Validate before converting ✅

VALIDATE_CONVERSION(agreed_format AS DATE, 'DD-MM-YYYYStep 4: Validate the results

Before running wild because we tamed all the creativity signs from the table, I ran quick checks:

VALIDATE_CONVERSION(agreed_format AS DATE, 'DD-MM-YYYY')

Step 5: Deliver the Elixir

Finally, after testing everything, I handed my “baby script” to the IT department so they could do the big 💣

Not all values could be safely converted — and that’s okay. Identifying those is part of the solution.

💡 Pro tip for beginners:

When you deal with messy dates:

1. Always inspect and categorize first.
2. Handle each format explicitly and don’t try to be clever too early.
3. Keep a fallback for “weird” cases.

And that’s the story of how I went from

“Oh no, not another date format!” 😱

TO

“Bring it on, messy data, show me what you can!” 💪

By taking control with SQL:

💡 Lesson for my fellow data warriors:

Messy data is scary… but it’s not unbeatable. Take it one format at a time, keep your sense of humor, and remember: SQL is your sword, CASE is your shield, and a good SELECT DISTINCT is your reconnaissance mission. ⚔️

So next time you encounter a column that looks like a date salad 🥗, don’t panic, because you’ve got this.

I Found 9+ Date Formats in One Column… Here’s How I Tamed Them with SQL was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Position: Member, Board of Directors
Website: www.empoweredkidsontario.ca

Empowered Kids Ontario is writing the next chapter in its almost 50-year history.

Our strategic plan is the foundation for the current and next generation of EKO members whose delivery of developmental healthcare means kids with disabilities and developmental needs and their families live their best lives.

Through advocacy and representation, thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and innovation EKO advances developmental healthcare and provides value to our growing membership of publicly supported, community-based health agencies that provide clinical care and programs to more than 200,000 kids with disabilities and developmental needs every year.

We are a founding member of the Children’s Health Coalition, a collective of Ontario’s eight leading children’s health organizations representing the province’s expertise in pediatric health care and research; together we deliver every kind of care a child could need, and we see how the elements of care work together to support kids and families no matter what challenges they are facing.

EKO is a federally incorporated registered charitable member organization.

Follow us: @EmpoweredKidsON facebook.com/ @EmpoweredKidsON  Instagram.com/empoweredkids  LinkedIn.empoweredkidsontario 

Empowered Kids Ontario is seeking dedicated leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re on a mission to transform children’s health in Ontario by expanding access to the developmental healthcare that is foundational to lifelong health. EKO seeks to leverage the association’s remarkable assets to accelerate progress and maximize impact for our members. Our aspirations are ambitious and our board is pivotal to our goal to significantly influence the way Ontarians understand, value, and invest in developmental healthcare.

We are looking for diverse leaders with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Legal & Regulatory Matters
• Government & Government Relations
• Healthcare Leadership

A culture of respect and inclusivity is a cornerstone of our operations. Variety of thought and perspective is essential to achieving our goals. We actively recruit volunteers and staff who represent the diversity of living experiences of the communities our members serve. As a provincial association, EKO is interested in candidate representation across Ontario.

• Mission & Strategy: Advance EKO’s mission, and strategic direction
• Fiduciary Duty: Ensure sound financial management and legal compliance
•  Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for the association
• Term & Time Commitment:
  • Term: New directors serve a three-year term beginning in the fall and may serve one subsequent term
  • Commitment: Directors attend six board meetings per year including at least one meeting that is in-person, may serve on one committee, and consult on matters related to their area of expertise.

• Make an impact for the one in six Ontario kids and families across the province who benefit from the community-based clinical care and programs provided by EKO members that can change the trajectory of a child’s life
• Build your leadership skills and professional network
• Collaborate with a diverse group of passionate professionals
• Network with other influential leaders

With accessibility and inclusivity top of mind, we welcome your expressions of interest via your preferred format e.g., email, telephone, audio recording, or video recording. If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact Caroline Davidson at cdavidson@empoweredkidsontario.ca

Please submit your expression of interest along with a cv, to cdavidson@empoweredkidsontario.ca and include “Board application” in the subject line. Interested candidates are also asked to complete the skills matrix survey.

The deadline for applications is Friday June 12, 2026, 5 pm.

Expressions of interest and resumes will be presented to the EKO Board Nominating & Governance Committee for review. We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. The Committee will recommend a slate to the full Board for approval, and to the EKO membership at the virtual Annual Meeting in November.

The post Empowered Kids Ontario-Enfants Avenir Ontario appeared first on Capacity Canada.

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

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

Luisa D'Amato's Opinion column today is titled "Region reveals the purpose of pumping water from Wilmot Centre wellfields".  Well in fact I would suggest that what the Region have done is not so much revealed anything as much as their own stubbornness. At least one local citizen, Samantha Lernout, may have expressed doubts as well when she said "You don't run an experiment and not tell people". If seven years of pumping water from Wilmot to Kitchener-Waterloo is merely a test then I wonder what the last many decades of pumping groundwater from the Waterloo Moraine should be referred to .  

I would also like to see the Region offer copies of these alleged hydrogeological reports claiming lots of available water in the Wilmot Centre wellfield to both individuals and citizen groups. It is conceivable that there is plenty of water at the same time as some residents' and businesses' wells are running dry. Factors include the depth of the wells running dry as well as their proximity to regional pumping wells. A high volume pumping well does produce a large cone of influence whereby water levels within half a mile or so of these wells can be seriously lowered while the rest of the aquifer water levels remain as high as ever. Another term for the resulting cone of influence is drawdown. Again a high volume pumping well can seriously lower nearby water elevations by several metres while having minimal effect or no effect on wells one or two miles away.    

♦

Petit Bill’s Bistro is a bit quirky. And does a good job at what it does. That’s serve some French bistro fare with an overarching Newfoundland orientation — the founders are from Newfoundland and Labrador; the chef from Corner Brook, specifically.

The restaurant in Wellington West has been around for about 20 years and blends a few elegant touches — nice to have a glass of wine in a proper Riedel, if that doesn’t sound too bougy — with a certain amount of kitsch and tchotchke. I’m quite fine with that. It’s fun to look about at the decor.

The restaurant is divided into two rooms, essentially, the bar on one side, and the walls boasting what I assume are the works of local artists. There’s salt shakers and pepper mills on the tables (which have no tablecloths, at least at lunch).

The kitchen says it works towards supporting local produce as much as it can, the menu blending east coast dishes with bistro classics: that means clam strips and creamy seafood chowder are front-and-centre, the latter obviously very popular as I saw three or four bowls served. Lobster poutine is also quite a hit.

But dishes such as those you might enjoy at Montreal’s Restaurant L’Express are right there too. From a lunch menu, the duck confit and tasty beef bourguignon ($24 at lunch) with carrots, mushrooms, pearl onions and quite satisfying chunky mashed potato in a red-wine sauce (just needing a bit of salt) share space with those fish and chips and soup and a salad. Desserts include a Screech-ed Newfoundland pound cake alongside the ubiquitous crème brûlée.

Mussels/Moules to start are very plump, juicy and tender morsels with a simple but flavourful white wine broth. The “Lame Duck” confit for lunch ($27) was cooked perfectly and plated with wilted spinach and salt-vinegar smashed potatoes, which were delicious and just on the very edge of being a bit too crispy. The addition of ginger to the greens adds a pleasant piquancy while partridgeberry gastrique, made from the red berry of an evergreen native to the east coast, popped in some acidity to balance the luscious fat of the duck.

A bottle of Niagara’s Vineland Estates Winery house cab-merlot, labelled for the restaurant, is $44. With service that is casual, friendly and able to read a table, the vibe of the Petit Bill’s dining room is relaxed but with a bit of the buzz that comes from a fairly busy lunch trade, even for a Monday.

Dinner prices are aligned more with the bistro than the casual NF venue that might serve up a Jiggs Dinner: lobster risotto is $66 and classic steak frites with ribeye is $64.

Speaking of that classic Canadian/east coast boiled dinner of corned beef and cabbage, Petit Bill’s Bistro is offering such a “Newfoundland Supper” event on April 12. I’m sure it would make for an entertaining visit for peas puddin’, cod tongues and fisherman’s brewis, the salt cod dish with ship’s biscuit and often a drizzle of molasses. Down home goodness, yes b’y.

Check out my latest post Duck confit at Petit Bill’s Bistro from AndrewCoppolino.com.

For many years, 115 University Avenue served as a lively center for community participation activities. The building supported day activities, horticulture programming, group learning opportunities, and social gatherings for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its well developed garden areas and flexible indoor spaces helped foster connection, routine, and a sense of belonging for many people.

When the COVID 19 pandemic began, everything changed. Public health restrictions, the shift in program models, and the changing needs of the people we support resulted in the building being used far less frequently. Although the structure remained fully accessible, its aging layout and infrastructure no longer aligned with modern needs. As a result, the space became significantly underused. The gap between what the building could offer and what the community needed has grown wider each year.

Today, that story is shifting. KW Habilitation is reimagining 115 University Avenue and bringing new life back into a space that has always held tremendous potential. Essential upgrades like the roof and windows have already been completed, and work on a new and accessible kitchen is about to begin. These early improvements are the starting point of a much larger vision to create a flexible and welcoming community place.♦

The renovated building will support a wide range of opportunities that reflect the diverse areas of need for our community. These include senior drop in opportunities, expanded options for adults with complex needs, horticulture therapy, onsite training opportunities, and community events held in the multipurpose spaces. The renovation will not increase the size of the building, instead, it will transform how the building is used and open the door to meaningful engagement for many more people. Once finished, we believe this will create a stronger sense of connection for people, families, and the broader community.

We’re off to a strong start thanks to a generous family donation and partial funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, but to reopen our community space this fall, we need more financial support. Every contribution will help us finish what has begun.

As progress continues, we’ll share updates, stories, and ways to get involved. Together, we can bring this renewed vision to life and create a space where everyone feels welcome and connected.

The post Reimagining 115 University Avenue appeared first on KW Habilitation.

We are pleased to share the following update from Holly Hendershot and Christa Haanstra who have been helping us with the strategic planning process at KW Habilitation.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share an update on our strategic planning work.

Over the past several months, we’ve been engaging across the organization to shape the next chapter for KW Habilitation. Thanks to the time, input, and thought many of you have contributed along the way, we are now nearing the final stages of the plan.

In March, more than 25 staff came together in a workshop to help build our five-year objectives, a meaningful milestone in this process and a reflection of our commitment to shaping this plan together.

We have also refreshed our vision and core values to better reflect who we are today and the future we are working toward. We are in the final stages of defining our 5-year strategic objectives and key outcomes, which will guide our focus over the coming years.

In the weeks ahead, we will be sharing the draft plan with a group of staff representatives and people we support to gather feedback and ensure it reflects a range of perspectives and experiences. This step is an important part of our commitment to building a plan that is both meaningful and grounded in the realities of our work and community.

We look forward to sharing the final plan soon. Thank you again for your continued engagement, care, and commitment to this process.

Holly and Christa

The post A Strategic Planning Update appeared first on KW Habilitation.

The title of the article in the Woolwich Observer is "Community experts say Lanxess is not doing enough  to address contaminated hotspots in Canagagigue Creek". Susan B. and Tiffany Svensson , Chair of TAG (Technical Advisory Group), both are quoted as stating that Lanxess and their hired Risk Assessor (Stantec) are taking shortcuts. First of all this whole thing about "hotspots" has been beaten to death by all parties.  These alleged "hotspots" are basically very convenient locations for consultants, engineers and contractors to access the Creek both for monitoring /sampling purposes as well as for possible remediation. They are magically located right at the intersection (bridges) of New Jerusalem Rd. and the Canagagigue (Gig) , followed by miraculously the next downriver bridge at Northfield Dr. again followed miraculously by the last bridge over the "Gig" at Jigs Hollow Rd. (#46). Of course extensive sampling at those three locations has resulted in more exceedances there than in other less sampled locations.

Now the two TAG reps are not incorrect when they state that there are large exceedances of health criteria at those three spots. But seriously if there are exceedances miles downstream at Northfield Dr. and Jigs Hollow Rd. do you really think that there aren't lots of other exceedances upstream closer to the source namely Uniroyal Chemical? In my opinion TAG members were trying to be accommodating and compromise with Lanxess and the Ministry of Environment by suggesting/agreeing with the three "hot spots" claims. This has been the huge failure of citizens in general and UPAC, CPAC, RAC & TAG (now TRAC) and most definitely Woolwich Township. They have all been terrified of confronting the polluter. It's as if they believe that they can somehow be criminally charged for holding the polluter and his kid gloved regulator to account for their gross negligence which has resulted in both serious health issues and shortened lifespans for some Elmira residents.

Four years later and Lanxess continue to uphold their predecessors skills at perpetual delay. If the locals don't immediately accommodate the polluter's plans then the company's response is to do nothing. Every dollar they put off spending today is less money down the road both due to devaluation of that money as well as due to ongoing discharge to groundwater, air and the Creek. I expect that another one hundred years of delay while costing both downstream human beings and the environment health impairments will greatly reduce Uniroyal on-site contamination. Yes it's merely been shifted including as far as Lake Erie but if we're feeling bad about that we can always put a straw (pipeline) into the lake and suck some of the toxins back up here for consumption. I think that is referred to as political closed loop recycling. 

♦

Join the KWMP Dance Club, a vibrant, bi-weekly dance series designed to foster community, fitness, and fun through beginner-to-advanced level dance instruction.

Plus, we’re excited to announce a special guest teacher for this session: Darren Burkett!

Darren is an award-winning theatre performer and educator with international credits, including tours of Matilda and Angelina Ballerina. With 20 years of global teaching experience, he brings world-class expertise and energy to the dance studio.

Beginner/Intermediate – 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Intermediate/Advanced – 8:00pm to 9:30pm

KWMP Arts Centre (14 Shaftsbury Drive, Kitchener)

Tailored to people who are new to dance or have basic training, this class is perfect for those who want to explore dance and/or hone their skills in a casual and low-pressure environment. Build confidence in movement with slower-paced instruction, a break down of technique and the introduction of basic choreography – and have fun while you’re doing it!

Class Structure: (1 hour total) Approx. 0.5hr Warm/Technique, 0.5hr Choreography

For more experienced dancers who want to challenge themselves, continue to push their skills and are comfortable picking up choreography. This class will be less focused on the basics and more about exploring musicality, style and more complex moves and combinations. It will include faster-paced choreography, transitions and a focus on performance quality. Great for audition training and taking your dance skills to the next level!

Class Structure: (1.5 Hour total) Approx. 0.5hr Warm Up, 1hr Choreography

$20 per class ($15 for KWMP Members). Sign up for a KWMP Membership.

Register Now

NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED DUE TO CANCELLATIONS.

The post KWMP Dance Club – Spring 2026 appeared first on K-W Musical Productions.

I remember working on a dataset once; nothing unusual, just rows and columns, numbers that needed cleaning, patterns that needed to be found.

At first, it felt like any other task.

You look at distributions.
You check for missing values.
You try to make the data “usable.”

But then there was a moment; small, but enough to stay with me.

A column that showed access. Not just usage, but access.

And suddenly, the gaps weren’t abstract anymore.

Some entries had everything filled in; consistent, complete, predictable. Others were scattered. Missing. Inconsistent.

At a technical level, it was just incomplete data. But it didn’t feel like that.

Because behind those missing values weren’t just errors. They were people.

People who didn’t show up in the system the same way others did. And that’s when it clicked.

I had always thought of inequality as something obvious. Something visible. Something you could point at and say, this is unfair.

But a lot of inequality doesn’t look like that. It’s quieter.

It exists in who gets included and who doesn’t.
In who has access and who doesn’t.
In who even knows what’s possible and who doesn’t.

Two people can have the same ability, the same potential.

But if one of them grows up with access to information, guidance, and opportunities; and the other doesn’t, the outcomes will look completely different.

And we’ll call it merit. But it’s not.

It’s exposure.

That realisation changes how you see systems. Because systems don’t just process data. They reflect reality.

And sometimes, they quietly reinforce the gaps already present in it. Nowhere is this more visible than in education.

We talk about education as a solution and it is. But only when it reaches everyone.

Because education isn’t just about classrooms or textbooks. It’s about knowing that certain paths exist. It’s about having someone tell you, “You can do this.” It’s about access to the kind of information that shapes decisions early on.

For many children in our country, that access still isn’t guaranteed.

Not because they lack ability. But because the system doesn’t always reach them in time.

And that’s the part we don’t always see.

The missed opportunities that never get recorded. The potential that never becomes data. The talent that never gets the chance to be measured.

We often focus on improving systems making them faster, smarter, more efficient.

But maybe the real question is:

Who are these systems actually reaching?

Because a system can work perfectly… and still leave people out.

Not all inequality is in the data. Some of it is in who never made it into the dataset at all.

Not Everything Unequal Is Visible was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We often hear this advice early in our careers:

“Find a mentor.”
Someone wiser. Someone experienced. Someone who can guide you through the chaos.

And while that advice isn’t wrong, it’s incomplete.

Because in the quiet corners of professional growth, there’s a truth we don’t talk about enough:

Having a mentee might shape you more than having a mentor ever will.

Being a mentor is about learning how to think in the presence of someone else’s uncertainty.

In that process, you start developing skills that are hard to build in isolation:

• You learn to communicate clearly, because vague thinking is immediately exposed
• You begin to see patterns, as you revisit problems you once struggled with
• You develop patience and judgment, knowing when to guide and when to step back
• You learn the art of balancing honesty with encouragement
• You gain new perspectives, often from questions that challenge your assumptions
• And over time, you naturally grow into someone others look to for direction

These are not “soft skills.”
These are the foundations of leadership.

Despite this, mentorship often carries an unnecessary stigma.

People assume it requires:

• A lot of time
• Formal structures
• Deep expertise

So they wait.

“I’ll mentor when I’m more experienced.” “I’m not ready yet.”

But mentorship doesn’t begin with authority.
It begins with experience, no matter how small.

At its core, mentorship is not a program.
It’s a conversation.

It starts when you say:

• “I faced something similar. Here’s what I learned.”
• “This is where I went wrong.”
• “Here’s what I’d do differently if I started again.”

That’s it.

You don’t need to be years ahead.
You just need to be one step ahead and willing to share it.

Because what feels obvious to you might be a breakthrough for someone else.

When someone learns from your lived experiences:

They skip avoidable mistakes.
They move faster with more clarity.

And in helping them, you refine your own thinking in ways that no book or course can replicate.

Mentorship, in this sense, is not an act of giving.
It’s a system of mutual growth.

So yes, find mentors. Learn from them. Absorb what you can.

But don’t stop there.

Become someone others can learn from.

Not because you have reached the top,
but because you have started the climb.

That’s where real growth begins.

Why Mentoring Junior Engineers Will Accelerate Your Career More Than Theirs was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I suggest that possibly as much as tonnes of contaminants have now been spread far and wide. I further suggest that they continue spreading on a day to day basis. I mean why wouldn't they? Any alleged proof otherwise is that of sycophants, co-optees, fellow travellors, client driven credentialed experts, self-serving credentialed experts who don't want to mess up their financial gravy train with the Ontario Ministry of Environment and finally politicians. Yes I suppose it is possible for a few honest people to be fooled by all the aforementioned. Maybe it's especially possible for honest and uninformed people to be fooled by all the other folks mentioned.

Yesterday Luisa D'Amato of the K-W Record suggested that "Anger deepens in Wilmot over water". While I believe that she is correct I also think that that very same anger is throughout the Region of Waterloo.  Developers and builders are angry about losing future revenue streams. Everyday, informed citizens are angry about the power and influence of those same builders and developers being the tail that is wagging the dog. How nice to be able to step to the front of the water line it must be for them. The Townships of Woolwich, Wellesley and North Dumphries must also be angry as they understand that their water really isn't theirs according to the Region. All the Region has to do is start pumping those township aquifers until they dry up. Maybe they already are doing so . 

Meanwhile in Woolwich their politicians who have gone with the flow for decades may actually just be starting to regret their laissez faire attitudes. Laissez faire attitudes generally mean to let it happen or leave it to do it's own thing. That has been what most Woolwich Councils have done with others stepping in and putting a thumb on the scale to ensure that temporary momentum by citizens remains temporary. That is what Sandy Shantz did back in 2015 to bail out both Chemtura Canada and the Ont. Min. of Environment (M.O.E.). They were both taking a verbal and psychological bashing by informed citizens who had run out of patience with their decades long delay and intransigence. In the mindsets of polluters and corrupt politicians mere telling of the hard to hear truth equates with rudeness, terrorism and bullying .   

Why right now would Woolwich politicians be having regrets? Simple. In good times when everyone was bragging about both the quantity and quality of the water supply here, nobody was too upset that K-W had a pipeline supplying water going up to Elmira. Now during major concerns over the quantity of water available to the cities especially, many will soon if not already resent water being pumped north. Why they wonder shouldn't it be being pumped south to the high population cities?

It won't surprise me if Lanxess Canada and the M.O.E. don't cook up a batch of silly juice and try to sell it as complying with requests and demands for water to go from the townships to the cities. Of course the "silly juice" that these two misanthropes cook up could really be something else again. Have you ever tasted water imbued with NDMA, chlorobenzene and a little more? We in Elmira have but it won't hold a candle to water enhanced with NDMA, chlorobenzene, ammonia, dioxins, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, toluene, benzene and multiple chlorinated solvents.  Try it you'll like it! Trust your government all the way to the grave.   

I will no longer be carrying Harry Potter licensed merchandise in my booth. This has been something that has weighed heavily with me since 2019 when I first learned of the author’s views*.

My first thought was to destroy the merchandise I had; but I do recognize the impact the books have had on some people and, they still hold the story very dearly in their hearts. To these fans, I do want to offer the merchandise I have at a significant discount. And by that I mean a lot purchase with a deadline. If it has not sold by the end of April, the lot will be destroyed, not donated.

March 31st, I will post all the images of the items in the lot. If the price I set is not taken seriously by April 30th, I will take great pleasure in destroying the items.

I will list the lot on Facebook Marketplace and here on my site. Any shipping will be an extra charge. Really, I just want the stuff gone.

…

…

…

…

*She is actively using her platform and vast fortune to shape dangerous laws and policies that benefit her viewpoint but bring risk of violence and death to women and Trans women alike. She donated a Trans exclusionary women’s shelter to Scotland, even though Trans women are more at risk of deadlier violence than Cis women and are arguably more in need of shelter by being more vulnerable to the most extreme violence. She founded a charity, then funded two thirds of a goal under that charity to lobby a bathroom bill. A result of this bill passing was an increase of invasion of privacy transgressions and violence towards women, including the Cis women she claims to be a feminist advocate for. I have seen photos of one of her victims, a 19 year old Cis woman. The author has not looked at the direct result of the violence she has permitted men to have against women as they police women’s spaces with doxing and threats of violence. She advised taking photos of Trans women and posting them online to identify the men-in-women’s-spaces was the simple way to enforce the bathroom law. She posts transphobic tweets on her X account frequently. I could post more, but the rest is alleged.

For more than seventy years, the relationship between KW Habilitation and the Kinsmen Club of Kitchener‑Waterloo has shown what sustained community partnership can achieve. What began as a grassroots response to unmet needs has grown into one of the region’s most meaningful collaborations. A collaboration that has shaped services, created opportunities, and supported thousands of people and families.

KW Habilitation’s roots stretch back to the 1950s, when a group of local parents came together to advocate for their children with developmental disabilities. At a time when community supports were scarce, these families believed deeply in education, opportunity, and inclusion.

Standing beside them from the very beginning were the KW Kinsmen. Through fundraising, volunteerism, and shared leadership, the Kinsmen helped turn early ideas into real, life‑changing programs. Their support was instrumental in opening the New Dawn School in 1958 and the McQuarrie School in the mid‑1960s: two foundational programs that offered education and day supports for children with special needs.

When KW Habilitation was formally incorporated in July 1971, the Kinsmen were already deeply woven into its governance and growth. Their involvement helped establish several of the organization’s earliest and most influential services, including:

• The Development Centre for Children
• The Kinsmen Training Centre for adults
• The David Fisher Residence, one of the region’s first supported living homes

These services helped demonstrate something that remains true today: when people are supported to live and participate in their community, their quality of life flourishes.

Perhaps the most iconic symbol of the Kinsmen’s commitment is the Annual Kinsmen TV Auction. What began as a creative fundraising idea in 1955, it has become a beloved community tradition—now in its 71st year.

Over the decades, the auction has:

• Raised significant funds for local charities
• Mobilized thousands of volunteer hours
• Connected businesses, donors, and viewers across the region
• Consistently named KW Habilitation as one of its most significant beneficiaries

Today, the auction continues to evolve with online bidding and modern broadcasting, but its spirit remains unchanged: community helping community.

Many people don’t realize the extraordinary depth of the Kinsmen’s investment in KW Habilitation. They have:

• Purchased and continue to own seven of our homes, ensuring safe, inclusive living spaces for the people we support
• Maintained these properties for decades, reducing financial pressure on our organization
• Remained our #1 donor, year after year
• Participated in every major fundraising event, from golf tournaments to scotch tastings
• Shown up whenever asked, whether it’s installing Christmas lights or supporting new initiatives, they’re there.

Their contributions, financial, practical, and personal, are worth millions of dollars to KW Habilitation. But their impact is far greater than any number can capture.

Today, KW Habilitation supports people across Waterloo Region through inclusive living, employment, early learning, and community participation supports. The KW Kinsmen continue to champion this work with unwavering generosity and a deep belief in inclusion.

This partnership is not simply part of our history, it is part of our identity. It is a living example of what is possible when organizations commit to one another over generations. Together, we have built something remarkable. And together, we will continue shaping a community where everyone belongs and participates.

The post KW Kinsmen – A Legacy of Community appeared first on KW Habilitation.

♦

Prompt – Day 30 – A journaling manifesto, prompt by Suleika Jaouad

I reach for the page like I am addressing an oracle. The oracle is my own hand, tracing letter shapes in a way that demands slowness, patience, craft, that organizes electrical impulses into shapes that speak of beauty, longing, love, loss.

I reach for the page like a lifeline. Give me news from the wilds of self, news I’m missing, can’t see, for all the humming noise in between, and the layers of self-protection.

I reach for the page like a friend, an old dear familiar faithful friend, who reflects back to me facets of my own being that I am reluctant or sometimes unable to see or appreciate.

I reach for the page like I’m practicing a religious rite. I rarely think anymore with fear about its blankness, nor fear of putting down the “wrong” thing, committing an error. Practice has disciplined me to accept and admire whatever appears — because existence, life, is a miracle.

I reach for the page as a tonic, to soothe my rage, or reframe it, recast my judgement in these softening lines and curves, so that it lives somewhere apart from me, and I am not denying or accusing it, but merely giving it a place to reside where its harm — the harm that is my judgement — may rest and not be wielded. I lay down my pain here, on the page, so that I may live more fully as I hope to in the world, with humility, with kindness, and without the imposition of my needs unexpressed and otherwise unknown to me. The page accepts all of these, uncovers and grants ease, soaks the wounds — my wounds — in salt water that somehow, by some miracle, lessens the sting while healing.

xo, Carrie

As we wrapped up the final quarter of 2025, there was a strong sense of pride across Our Farm. After one of our longest and most productive seasons to date, autumn and early winter gave us time to reflect on everything we accomplished and to start looking ahead to another exciting year of growth.

The last months of 2025 were all about momentum. Our weekly Wednesday Markets continued right through December to the end of February 2026, ensuring fresh, affordable vegetables remained available to our community well beyond the traditional growing season. Thanks to the cooler purchased in 2024, we were able to store field crops longer and maintain high-quality produce for market pickups. This support was especially important as grocery prices continue to rise.

Community connection remained a highlight through the fall. Corporate volunteer groups and individual volunteers continued to assist with trail maintenance, garden care, and wrap-up tasks, contributing to over 600 volunteer hours pledged throughout the year. Their support helped keep the farm welcoming, accessible, and thriving right through the season’s close.

In 2025, we grew an incredible $59,327.04 worth of produce! That’s an increase of more than $12,500 from 2024. We also celebrated the impact Our Farm was able to make beyond our own organization. Regular donations of produce continued to support community partners and by the end of the year, Our Farm had donated $5,667.95 worth of food to the Waterloo Region community, something we are so proud of.

As the fields quieted and tools were stored away, it was clear that every goal we set for 2025 had been accomplished. From increased production to major infrastructure improvements, it truly was a year that exceeded expectations.

While 2025 may be behind us, planning for 2026 is already well underway and the excitement is building.

Seed orders are complete, crop plans are taking shape, and new projects are being developed across our sites. Building on last year’s success, we are looking forward to another season of abundant harvests, strong markets, and continued learning for our team through professional development opportunities and on-farm innovation.

We’re  planning our third season offering veggie box subscriptions for 17 weeks over the summer! If you want to be in the loop when that goes on sale, please sign up for Our Farm Updates here!

The post An Update from Our Farm appeared first on KW Habilitation.

Life feels easier within the comfort of your home.

Hot tea is always within reach. There’s no pressure to look a certain way. No forced small talk. No subtle tension when a manager walks by.

It feels… lighter.

But behind the screen, something quieter is happening.

Your chances of standing out are shrinking. Your exposure to how workplaces actually function is fading. And slowly, almost invisibly, your attitude toward growth begins to soften.

At a stage where growth should be intentional, comfort takes over.

No commute.
No conference rooms.
No overheard conversations.
No one tapping your shoulder to say, “Hey, quick thing…”

On the surface, it feels efficient. Even comfortable.

But if you’re a new engineer who has never experienced an in-person workplace, there’s something important you might not realize.
It's understanding what remote work quietly removes—and what you need to rebuild intentionally.

When you work from home, your tasks are usually well-defined:

• Pick up a ticket
• Write code
• Fix bugs
• Push changes

You get comfortable executing.

But in an office, something else happens in parallel:
You overhear why decisions are made, you see disagreements unfold, and you notice who influences what and how.

That ambient exposure builds context.

Without it, your growth can become narrow:
You would often be clear on what to do, but not always why it matters.

And over time, that gap grows and shows.

In an office, visibility happens passively:

• People see you working
• They notice your involvement
• Your presence builds familiarity

In remote setups, none of that exists by default.

Your work doesn’t travel unless you make it travel.

So even if you’re doing good work, it can remain invisible—not because people don’t care, but because they’re busy; they’re not in your day-to-day catch-up calls, and you're not in their line of sight

This can lead to a frustrating feeling: “I’m working hard, but no one seems to notice.”

And visibility gap slowly creeps in

In a physical office, you can compensate for weak communication by clarifying things in person and reading expressions in real time.

Remote work removes those safety nets.

Now your thinking is judged by the following:

• Slack messages
• PR comments
• Meeting inputs

If your communication is unclear, your work appears unclear—even if your thinking is solid.

This accelerates something many engineers only learn later:

Clarity is not optional. It’s part of your job.

In offices, feedback is often subtle in the form of a quick correction at your desk, a casual “this approach might not scale," or a 2-minute post-meeting comment

These are low-pressure, high-frequency signals.

Remote work replaces them with:

• Formal reviews
• Scheduled 1:1s
• Written comments

Which means:
Feedback becomes less frequent but more loaded

By the time you hear it, it often feels heavier than it should.

And if you’re not proactive in asking, you might not get enough of it at all.

One of the most underrated parts of early career growth is
Who knows you—and how they know you

In offices, relationships form organically:

• Coffee breaks
• Walking between meetings
• Casual conversations

Remote work reduces interactions to
Scheduled calls with specific agendas

Which means you might only know the following:

• Your immediate team
• Your manager

And that’s it.

This limits:

• Opportunities
• Mentorship
• Internal mobility

Not immediately, but over time.

This is not a disadvantage you’re stuck with.

But it is one you need to actively compensate for.

A few shifts make a significant difference:

1. Make your work visible

• Share updates proactively
• Write clear PR descriptions
• Summarize what you did and why

Not for attention — for alignment.

2. Ask for context, not just tasks
Don’t stop at “what needs to be done."

Ask:

• Why are we doing this?
• What trade-offs are we considering?

This builds depth.

3. Speak—even if briefly
You don’t need to dominate meetings.

But:

• Ask one question
• Share one thought
• Summarize one idea

Presence matters.

4. Create your own feedback loops
Don't wait for formal reviews.

Ask:

• “Is this approach reasonable?”
• “Anything I could improve here?”

Small, frequent feedback compounds.

5. Build connections intentionally
Message people.
Schedule short calls.
Be curious about their work.

It may feel unnatural at first, but it replaces what the office would have done for you.

Starting your career remotely isn’t a disadvantage.

But it is a different game.

Early growth isn’t just about output.
It's about context, communication, visibility, and relationships.

In an office, these come to you.

In remote work, you have to build them yourself.

And the sooner you realize that,
The faster you close the gap between doing the job
and actually growing in it.

How to Grow Faster While Working from Home was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

 Or put a little differently by Samantha Lernout of Citizens for Safe Groundwater "I've lost complete faith in their ability to manage water".  This comment is in Luisa D'Amato's Opinion piece in today's K-W Record titled "Anger deepens in Wilmot over water". Personally I would suggest that while the Region of Waterloo have a long history of saying the right things publicly and indeed of some innovative planning decisions over the decades nevertheless when push comes to shove regional councillors  are and always have been a bunch of environmentally illiterate twits with a self-serving fascination for money, power, authority, economic growth at ALL costs and legacy projects. This is why I worry that they will latch onto the Lake Erie pipeline just like native born leeches latch onto their prey.

Apparently to date the Region have not shared groundwater elevation levels (i.e. metres above sea level-masl) with local councils. What a great way to keep everybody else in the dark while you make up your own numbers. The report on the groundwater elevations for the Wilmot Centre Wellfield has been delayed until April 8/26. Even then the fibbing has not yet ceased as the region apparently still claim that the surreptitious pumping of Wilmot's water since 2019 was only for "testing" purposes. I'm thinking that if I ever get caught robbing a bank my excuse will be that I was only "testing" their security. See how far that gets me.

Another article by Bill Jackson titled "Waterloo Region asks for provincial moratorium on water-taking permits" advises that the Motion put forth a month or so ago by a regional councillor (Barry Vrbanovic?) has actually been passed. That Motion was to direct 50% of all new water capacity to support new development in the region. Geez does that not make abundantly clear how weakly regional councillors prioritize water for everybody over more profits for the development and building industries? That Motion is a direct result of lobbying by those industries and how quickly councillors respond to them versus to all the rest of us who really by now just want to flush our politicians down the toilet if only we had the water to do so.

When: Sunday May 3rd, 2 – 3:30 pm

Meeting Point: Victoria Park Clock Tower, 79 Joseph St, Kitchener, ON N2G 1J2

Walk Leader: Siming Wu

Have you ever wondered what happens when rain hits the streets of Kitchener? Where does it go? Beneath our feet lies a fascinating network of pipes, drains, creeks, and infrastructure quietly working to keep the city running.

Join us for a short urban exploration walk where we’ll uncover the hidden systems beneath Kitchener. As we stroll through downtown and nearby parks, we’ll look at everyday things—storm drains, creeks, manholes, and historic buildings—and reveal the invisible networks that connect them.

When: Sunday May 3rd, 2 – 3:30 pm

Meeting Point: Veterans Green, Beech Street at Hazel Street

Walk Leader: Michael Druker, Phil Marfisi

Waterloo’s Northdale neighbourhood is undergoing a rare transformation from a mid-century suburb to an urban, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use district. We will share what led to the master planned upzoning and how well it is working. As we walk through the neighbourhood, we’ll note features of different urban planning eras and novel aspects of city building not found elsewhere in the region, and discuss lessons for urban intensification.

The walk will end near a bubble tea shop for anyone who wants to continue the conversation.

When: Saturday May 2nd, 2 – 3 pm

Meeting Point: Corner of Lucan Avenue and Roger Street 

Walk Leader: Susan Marchiori

This walk is for families and other interested in discussing how playgrounds contribute to community building.

In the past Conestoga Rovers (CRA), on behalf of Uniroyal Chemical, Crompton & Chemtura, were accused of writing Conclusions and Recommendations to reports that simply did not reflect the data and findings of those reports. In other words CRA would cherry pick items here and there within the reports of little significance and arbitrarily pretend to believe that they had far more weight and significance than they did. This was but one of their methods during DNAPL studies done in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They were actually accused by a consultant (CH2M HILL) for the Region of Waterloo of intentionally sampling for DNAPLS in the least likely locations to find them and then claiming "see there aren't any DNAPLS here."

Similarly monthly Progress Reports showing reduced on-site pumping might be acknowledged as a temporary mechanical breakdown easily fixed yet month after month and year after year the trend continued to decrease. Also there was never any acknowledgement of public verbal promises made by  Chemtura staff regarding the Tripling of off-site groundwater pumping in the monthly Progress Reports. Neither a tripling nor even a Doubling ever occurred and yet not a peep in those monthly reports as they bragged about exceeding their old off-site Target pumping rate by five or six litres per second (i.e. from 53 l/sec to 58 l/sec).

Now Lanxess continued that fine tradition with their Risk Assessment (RA) of the Canagagigue Creek. Apparently they can manipulate various assumptions throughout the RA process in order to conclude that despite many, many exceedances of health criteria for multiple contaminants both in Creek sediments and soils; not to fuss as the RA claimed "...no unacceptable risks...". There were also issues with floodplain soils as well and don't get me started on amateurish sampling of Creek sediments using shovels instead of professional core samplers. Along with these polluter self-serving failures were the locational sampling biases that failed to properly sample the majority of the five miles of downstream Canagagigue Creek all the way to the Grand River.

All in all unethical and dishonest junk science, psuedo science and wishful thinking science alone will not succeed. It also takes a combination of either stupidity, laziness or dishonesty by sitting politicians at the municipal, regional and provincial levels. Woolwich Township and Waterloo Region, fortunately for polluters, are blessed with an abundance of these. 

".. it doesn't take much for a woman to be called insane, or hysterical. And all it takes is the wrong doctor, one who thinks sending her away will solve the problem."

"These women were so used to being ignored and forgotten when they weren't being punished and shamed. They'd internalized it to the point where the idea of anyone in power caring about their quality of life, or whether they lived or died at all, was not only foreign, but ludicrous."

"Because it's always a lack of options that hangs women, in the end."

The Northern Alberta Business Incubator (NABI) is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on its Board of Directors.

NABI operates as a not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for strategic guidance, governance, and financial oversight.

NABI is recruiting approximately five (5) to six (6) Directors. The Board is also seeking a candidate with strong financial expertise who may be positioned to assume the role of Treasurer as part of the Board’s succession planning.
Directors are appointed for one, two or three-year terms and play a critical role in guiding the strategic direction and governance of the organization.

For more than three decades, NABI has supported entrepreneurs and small businesses across Northern Alberta by providing incubation space, mentorship, programming, and connections that accelerate business growth.

NABI’s vision is to be a collaborative business incubator that empowers startups and local businesses through knowledge, resources, and strategic connections, driving innovation and regional economic growth.

Through its programs, partnerships, and entrepreneurial community, NABI supports companies as they build sustainable businesses and scale their impact.

The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and governance leadership for NABI.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Board:

• Establishes and monitors the organization’s strategic direction;
• Ensures financial accountability and appropriate risk oversight;
• Supports the long-term sustainability of the organization; and
• Strengthens relationships across the regional innovation and business ecosystem.

Board members contribute their expertise, perspectives, and networks to support NABI’s mission and strategic priorities.

To support Board renewal and organizational priorities, NABI is seeking candidates who can contribute expertise in the following areas:

• Treasurer-ready financial expertise, ideally with senior financial leadership experience;
• Finance and accounting expertise to strengthen the Finance Committee;
• Property and/or asset management experience;
• Board governance experience and understanding of governance roles; and
• Demonstrated capacity and availability for active Board and committee participation.

NABI values a Board composed of diverse professional backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.

Candidates may bring experience in areas such as:

• Accounting, finance, or investment;
• Property or asset management;
• Business leadership or senior operational roles;
• Technology commercialization or innovation ecosystems;
• Legal, governance, or risk management;
• Research, academia, or economic development; and
• Entrepreneurship or scaling businesses.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking and sound judgment;
• Collaborative leadership and strong relationship-building skills;
• Commitment to ethical governance; and
• A passion for supporting entrepreneurship and regional economic development.

Board members are expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in Board and committee meetings;
• Prepare for meetings and contribute to strategic discussions;
• Support effective governance and oversight of the organization;
• Assist in strengthening partnerships and community connections; and
• Serve as ambassadors for NABI within the broader business ecosystem.

The anticipated commitment is up to 10 hours per month, including Board and committee participation.

NABI is committed to maintaining a Board with the skills, perspectives, and experiences required to guide the organization effectively.

Interested applicants are invited to submit:

• A cover letter outlining their interest in joining the Board and the experience they would bring; and
• A current resume.

Applications may be submitted by April 17, 2026 to: emilie@nabi.ca

The post Northern Alberta Business Incubator (NABI) appeared first on Capacity Canada.

As the snow begins to melt and flowers start to bloom, Ontario homeowners know that spring comes with its own set of challenges…especially when it comes to managing the clutter and mess the seasons bring. A well-designed mudroom isn’t just a functional space; it’s a game-changer for keeping your Kitchener-Waterloo home organized, clean, and welcoming.

In regions like Kitchener-Waterloo, mudrooms act as a buffer between the outdoors and your living space. From wet winter boots to muddy spring raincoats, this transition area helps protect your floors, keeps your home organized, and makes everyday routines easier for the whole family.

Here are some features that help you have a functioning mudroom, and tips for homes without a dedicated mudroom space.

1.Durable Flooring – Choose water- and dirt-resistant materials like ceramic tile or luxury vinyl that can withstand wet boots and muddy paws.

2. Ample Storage – Incorporate cubbies, hooks, and built-in benches with hidden storage. This keeps shoes, coats, and sports gear neatly organized.

3. Seating Area – A bench or seating area makes it easy to put on or remove shoes, especially for kids or seniors.

4. Hooks and Racks – Wall-mounted hooks for coats, hats, and umbrellas keep items off the floor and easy to grab on busy mornings.

5. Drop Zones – Consider small baskets or trays for keys, mail, and everyday essentials. It reduces clutter and keeps items in one convenient location.

With bulky outerwear and lots of snow making its way into the house, Winter presents its own set of challenges. Here are some mudroom tips to help you overcome some common issues.

• Use waterproof mats at the entrance to catch snow and ice.
• Add boot trays to manage slush and prevent slippery floors.
• Keep a basket for gloves, scarves, and hats for easy access.

Although the coats may be thinner, Springtime is no stranger to wet clothing and moisture making its way inside. Switch over your mudroom to get ready for Spring.

• Swap heavy coats for lighter jackets and rain gear.
• Replace snow boot trays with a mat for wet shoes and umbrellas.
• Refresh the space with a pop of color. Think bright baskets or spring-themed décor.
• Store winter gear away in labeled bins or higher shelves until next season.

With these thoughtful additions and seasonal adjustments, your mudroom can stay functional and organized year-round, making everyday life smoother for your family while protecting your home from the mess of Ontario weather.

Even if your home doesn’t have a dedicated mudroom, you can still create an organized and functional entryway:

• Use a Rug or Mat: Protect floors from mud, snow, and wet shoes. Opt for a washable or durable mat that covers high-traffic areas.
• Add a Bench or Small Table: A bench provides a spot to sit while putting on shoes. A small table can hold keys, mail, or baskets for gloves and hats.
• Install Wall Hooks: Vertical storage works wonders in tight spaces. Hooks for coats, bags, and umbrellas keep clutter off the floor.
• Portable Storage Solutions: Use baskets or bins under the bench for shoes, winter accessories, or seasonal gear.
• Rotate Seasonally: Swap out bulky winter items for lighter spring essentials to keep the space tidy and functional.

With a few smart additions, even a foyer can function like a mini-mudroom, keeping your home clean, organized, and ready for Ontario’s unpredictable weather.

• Innovative storage solutions for your home
  Incorporating innovative storage solutions into your home can be a game-changer if you’re struggling with organization. Here are some creative ideas.
  
• Organize your house with these storage ideas
  A room-by-room list of storage ideas that will organize your entire house.

When you list your home in Kitchener-Waterloo, you might focus on square footage, upgrades, or the age of the roof. But when buyers walk through the front door, their first impressions are often shaped by something much simpler: how the home feels.

Whether they’re relocating for a job at the University of Waterloo, upsizing in Laurelwood, or buying their first place near Uptown, buyers tend to notice the same key things right away.

Here’s what stands out most during a showing and how you can use it to your advantage.

Tip: If you have questions about what you can do to make your home appeal to buyers in this market, let us help! Give us a call.

First impressions start at the street.

From established neighbourhoods in Waterloo to family-friendly areas in Kitchener, buyers are already forming opinions as they pull into the driveway.

They notice:

• The condition of the front door
• Landscaping and lawn care
• Cleanliness of windows and siding
• The roof and garage door

Even in a competitive market, buyers are drawn to homes that look cared for. A tidy exterior signals that the inside has likely been maintained as well.

Tip: Power wash the walkway, trim shrubs, and consider a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Small updates create a strong emotional impact.

It’s immediate and impossible to ignore.

Lingering cooking odours, pet smells, heavy perfumes, or mustiness can instantly change how a buyer feels about a home. In contrast, clean, neutral air makes a space feel fresh and move-in ready.

Buyers touring multiple properties in one afternoon will quickly compare homes based on this subtle but powerful factor.

Tip: Open windows before showings (weather permitting), avoid heavy air fresheners, and ensure carpets and upholstery are freshly cleaned.3.

Buyers love bright spaces.

When touring homes across Waterloo Region, one of the first things buyers do is look toward the windows. They notice:

• The size and placement of windows
• Whether blinds are open
• How much sunlight fills the main living areas

Natural light makes rooms feel larger and more inviting.

Tip: Open all curtains and blinds, clean windows inside and out, and turn on lights in darker rooms, even during the day.

Before buyers start evaluating layout or finishes, they subconsciously assess upkeep.

They notice:

• Scuffed walls
• Dirty baseboards
• Worn flooring
• Outdated light fixtures
• Clutter

A well-maintained home feels reassuring. Buyers interpret cleanliness as a sign that the property has been responsibly cared for.

Tip: Deep clean beyond surface-level tidying. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

Once the emotional first impression settles in, buyers begin assessing functionality.

In neighbourhoods popular with growing families, buyers often look for:

• Open-concept kitchen and living areas
• Clear sightlines to the backyard
• Main floor laundry
• Practical bedroom placement

They’ll mentally place their furniture and imagine their daily routines.

If rooms feel cramped or awkward, buyers notice immediately.

Tip: Rearrange furniture to highlight space and flow. Remove excess pieces to make rooms feel larger.

The kitchen can potentially seal the deal.

Buyers quickly evaluate:

• Cabinet condition
• Countertop material
• Appliance age
• Storage space

Even if a kitchen isn’t brand new, cleanliness and good lighting go a long way. In many Kitchener-Waterloo homes, updated kitchens are a major value driver.

Closets get opened. Always.

Buyers want to know:

• Is there enough storage?
• Are closets organized?
• Is the garage usable?

Overstuffed closets suggest a lack of space, even if square footage is adequate.

Tip: Remove at least 25–30% of items from closets before listing.

Buyers are trained (and often advised by their agents) to look for red flags like:

• Water stains on ceilings
• Cracks in walls or foundation
• Outdated electrical panels
• Aging furnaces

They may not be inspectors, but they’re watching closely.

Being proactive about small repairs before listing can prevent negative assumptions.

Above all, buyers notice how a home makes them feel.

When a space feels clean, bright, and well cared for, buyers can imagine:

• Family dinners in the dining room
• Kids playing in the backyard
• Relaxing evenings in the living room

That emotional connection is often what turns a showing into an offer.

Understanding what buyers notice first can help you prioritize updates that truly matter.

If you’re considering listing your home in Kitchener or Waterloo or the surrounding area, we’d be happy to walk through your property and identify the small changes that can make a big impact.

The right first impression can make all the difference. Contact us today.