Well, well, well the mud is starting to fly. Today's K-W Record has a story by Terry Pender titled "Regional councillor wants probe into water crisis".  Reporter Luisa D'Amato apparently also attended last Wednesday's Waterloo Region council meeting and spoke about it in her Opinion piece titled "For some of us, the water crisis has already arrived". The good news is that both reporters picked up on the same strange occurrences at that council meeting.

The biggest and baddest is the announcement that both the public and regional councillors have been misled factually regarding water taking from Wilmot Township.  I was aware of the 1980 agreement between the Region and Wilmot Township that the township's water would not be unilaterally diverted by the Region towards other parts of the Region in particular to the tri cities. That appeared to be changed when the mayor of Wilmot, Ms. Salonen recently gave agreement in principle for the Region to take 30 litres per second from her township for use in the water short areas of K-W and Woolwich. That agreement appears to need to be ratified by her council (Wilmot) as well. Last Wednesday's regional council meeting had a major revelation. In fact the Region indeed did divert Wilmot water to the cities six or seven years ago and it's been ongoing! Nicely done Region of Waterloo. You've now admitted to lying to the public, Wilmot Township and presumably to most of your own regional councillors. WOW !!!

That betrayal and worse will take decades to live down if ever. Meanwhile councillor Doug Craig wants an independent probe into the causes of the water supply crisis. He's not the only one but skeptic that I am I have to ask is this for real or simple politics? Mr. Craig has also appropriately condemned the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). What I am left wondering and unclear from both these articles is whether regional staff actually were going to divert and pump an additional 30 litres per second to K-W and Woolwich or were they simply gilding the lily about the diversion they did back in 2019 ?

One other major point. To date I have only seen reporter Luisa D'Amato twice reference wells being taken offline due to contamination.  That is a huge element to the alleged Quantity only (i.e. Supply) problems in our water systems.  Do not most reasonable people understand that shut down wells due to industrial contamination in Elmira and Kitchener affect the Supply of water available? Then there is the reality that there are also operating wells in both Waterloo and Cambridge with toxic trichloroethylene (TCE) in them that are still operating thanks to dilution and mixing with the rest of the water supply. Can that go on forever? 

Whether self-serving or not Doug Craig's asking the right questions as did councillor Joe Gowing recently. Councillor Huinink just got added to my regular e-mail list due to her published skepticism about agreeing to allocating water for growth at this time. Meanwhile Melissa Durell, Mr. Puopolo and other self-serving developers and builders can go suck on a raw egg at least until both the public and the Region really know where we stand on water supply.  

♦

Seeing that we are well into Lent …

The myth goes that on April 24, 1671, a Friday, maître d’hotel Francois Vatel ran himself through with a sword when he learned the fish delivery would be late for a huge party of 6,000 being thrown for Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, at Château Chantilly.  

While the tradition of eating fish on Fridays remains a serious one in our food culture – and not just during Lent and Good Friday – swords do not currently come into play. So enjoy Fish Friday!

Check out my latest post Friday fish fry from AndrewCoppolino.com.

Is it still legal to host a women-only networking event in the US?

Last week, the US government sued a regional Coca-Cola bottler for sex discrimination after it hosted a company-sponsored trip open only to women. According to the lawsuit, male employees were excluded from attending an event featuring speakers who discussed navigating a male-dominated industry, balancing work and personal life, and other topics.

The case reflects increasing legal scrutiny of identity-based programming.

David Glasgow, co-founder of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU School of Law, which tracks anti-DEI litigation, offers a helpful reframe:

“Shift from cohorts to content.”

In other words, instead of limiting participation strictly to identity, open programs to anyone committed to the program’s purpose.

This doesn’t mean abandoning support for marginalized, overlooked, and often underestimated groups. It means designing programs so they build inclusion and withstand scrutiny.

Here are a few ways to do that:

• Broaden the invitation while protecting the focus. E.g., “Career Strategies for Women: For women and allies committed to advancing equity.”
• Open employee resource groups to all. Encourage allies to listen, learn, and support.
• Use purpose-driven applications. E.g., For mentoring or development programs aimed at advancing underrepresented talent, ask applicants to share how their lived experiences or challenges connect to the program’s goals.

Share this action on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

What do you do when the insensitive joke comes from the most powerful person in the room?

Earlier this month, Marc Benioff was on stage at an internal event and thanked international employees for traveling to the United States. He then asked them to stand.

While they were still standing, he joked that agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement were in the building to keep tabs on them.

As reported by 404 Media, one employee said, “The room groaned. We couldn’t believe he said that.”

His comments trivialized real fear, not only for employees visiting from outside the US, but also for anyone concerned about their personal safety, their families, and their communities.

If I’d been there, I hope I would have had the courage to say something like, “Marc, I bet you’re trying to lighten the mood, but jokes about immigration enforcement feel scary to some of us.”

Or, “I love a good joke, but that wasn’t funny.”

Think of one simple sentence you could use the next time someone in power makes a joke at someone else’s expense. And practice it so you’re ready.

A subscriber recently asked if I’d ever covered ways to support religiously observant Jewish people who practice Shabbat or follow a kosher diet.

I hadn’t. And I’m grateful for the nudge.

As you may know, Shabbat is a weekly day of rest and spiritual renewal that begins at sundown on Friday and ends after dark on Saturday. During that time, many observant Jewish people refrain from work and from using electronics.

I’ve learned that observance isn’t one-size-fits-all, during Shabbat and at other times. For example, some people avoid elevators during Shabbat because they use electricity; others don’t. Some keep strictly kosher, meaning food must be prepared in a kosher kitchen that maintains strict separation between meat and dairy products, utensils, and surfaces. Others might follow a kosher diet, where they don’t eat pork or shellfish, or don’t mix meat and dairy. Some people observe one day of a multi-day Jewish holiday, while others observe it in full.

The key takeaway: don’t assume. Ask with curiosity and respect.

If someone shares that they’re observant, invite them to tell you what support would be helpful.

Here are some practical ways to start:

• Plan meetings with Shabbat in mind. Avoid scheduling mandatory meetings late on Fridays, especially in winter when sundown comes early.
• Don’t require work during Shabbat. Saturday deadlines, events, or required online activity can unintentionally exclude observant colleagues.
• Avoid scheduling events during Jewish High Holidays.
• Respect dietary needs by asking people about any restrictions in advance.

And if you follow a different faith tradition, I’d love to learn from you. Reply and share what meaningful support looks like for you.

This one might feel uncomfortable.

As we wrap up Black History Month, I invite you to reflect on where you’ve fallen short.

Reflect on times you weren’t inclusive. For example, when you “forgot” to invite a Black coworker to a meeting or an after-work social gathering. The time you interrupted a Black colleague, and didn’t circle back so they could finish their thought. The performance calibration where you stayed silent rather than advocating for a Black employee’s contributions. When you didn’t apologize for mixing up the names of two Black coworkers. (More on that last one in #5 below.)

And ask yourself: What will I do differently next time?

Credit to Lionel Lee, the former head of diversity engagement at Zillow, who shared this suggestion during a Black History Month webinar in 2021

This week’s spotlight on an ally action from the Better Allies community is from a subscriber I’ll call Bill. It’s a reminder that accountability can build trust, not destroy it.

During a group meeting, Bill accidentally called Jasmine, a Black woman coworker who wasn’t on the call, by the name Aisha, another Black colleague who was there. He corrected himself within seconds, but noticed what looked like disappointment flash across Aisha’s face.

The internal spiral kicked in immediately.

“Did my mistake have to do with race or gender? Or was it just because I’d been talking with Aisha moments before? I’m terrible with names generally, but is that an excuse I’m hiding behind?”

After talking it through with his therapist, Bill decided to reach out. Not to over-explain or justify, but to acknowledge what happened. Because even if someone didn’t notice, being seen and respected still matters.

He scheduled a brief call with Aisha and said:

“Two weeks ago, I mixed up your name with Jasmine’s. I don’t know exactly why, but I know how discouraging it can be when people confuse those who share a gender and race. I’m working on it. My apologies.”

Aisha told Bill she hadn’t noticed in the moment, but she truly appreciated him reaching out. Later, Aisha sent him a Slack message thanking him again:

“We need more people like you in the world.”

Bill told me,

“What I feared would create distance actually built trust. I’m so glad I took the extra step — it resulted in creating a closer bond rather than weakening one.”

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

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

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

Copyright © 2026 Karen Catlin. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

Shift From Cohorts to Content, 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.

Here’s where you can find a Dubleve Wands vendor booth in 2026. We’re looking forward to serving our community again for another year of wonderful Ontario markets. We’re adding more events than ever before. Huzzah!
Information will be updated on this page as it becomes confirmed.

Note that I’m only listing the hours our booth will be in operation. Many of these festivals have other events such as education days, or Friday Night opening ceremonies, or the Ontario Pirate Festival’s Captain’s Keg. Follow the links provided to check out all of the festivities available to you at each festival.

Saturday, May 16th—10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, May 17th—10:00am-5:00pm

2275 Dorchester Rd
Fireman’s Park
Niagara Falls, ON L2J 4L

More times and dates for this festival can be found here: www.facebook.com/NiagaraRenaissanceFaire/
www.eventbrite.ca/e/niagara-renaissance-faire-tickets-1482305629039

Saturday, May 24th—10:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, May 25th—10:00am-6:00pm

630 Trinity Rd S
Ancaster Fairgrounds
Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0

More times and dates for this festival can be found here: wentworth.medievalfaire.ca/

Saturday, June 20th—10:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, June 21st—10:00am-6:00pm

1000 Murray Ross Pkwy
The Village at Black Creek
Toronto, ON M3J 2P3

More times and dates for this festival can be found here: faires.ca/blackcreek/

Saturday, August 1st—11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, August 2nd—11:00am-6:00pm
Monday, August 3rd—11:00am-6:00pm

7391 Marden Rd
Marden Park
Guelph ON N1H 6J2

More times and dates for this festival can be found here: www.thepiratefestival.com/

Saturday, September 26th—10:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, September 27th—10:00am-6:00pm

21737 Fairview Rd
Thorndale Fairgrounds
Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0

More times and dates for this festival can be found here: oxfordrenfest.com/

DISCRIMINATORY NOT TO INCLUDE ELMIRA'S NDMA WATER INTO THE MIX

If Kitchener and Cambridge are allowed to put their trichloroethylene (and more) contaminated water into the big regional Integrated Urban System (IUS) drinking water pot then why not Elmira as well? Lanxess Canada have been moaning and groaning for the last couple of years about wastefulness as they dump somewhat treated groundwater into the Canagagigue Creek. If the Region are seriously planning on using retread wells (Woolner, Pompeii, Greenbrook & Parkway Wellfields)  with long histories of contamination then how dare you discriminate against our fine, Mennonite, contaminated water. Is our chlorobenzene, NDMA and maybe even dioxin contaminated water not good enough for you? Who knows, the state of knowledge whether toxicity or health related is so limited that maybe the various contaminants might cancel each other out.

I see two possibilities here. We could develop a two tier water system whereby our politicians, developers, builders and real estate folks are serviced from the industrially uncontaminated wells and the rest of us can drink from the leftover, retreaded and refurbished chemically enhanced wells. Hmm maybe we might want to include doctors, hospital staff and  police in the favoured status, unenhanced wells. Certainly we shouldn't charge the unsophisticated masses a premium for the extra additives that they will receive.

The other plan is to begin deporting older, useless retired citizens like me who are no longer contributing to the general good. Now by "deporting" I only mean to kick them out of Waterloo Region in order to make room for all the vibrant, hard working newcomers that Doug Ford and the Region are set on.  Just think of the advantages. Bringing in an additional 300,000 people by 2051 is a piece of cake if no upgrades are needed to our wastewater treatment systems (sewage treatment plants), our hospitals and health care and our drinking water systems. Furthermore if you squeeze your eyes, just so, you can see that we might actually be increasing the lifespans of our older, more health challenged citizens by not making them drink our NDMA, dioxin, chlorobenzene, trichloroethylene, benzene etc. mostly low level contaminated water. Talk about a Win-Win !

Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are not everybodies cup of tea. There will be shouts of hooliganism, lying, non-transparency and non-accountability but that happens every time when elites (smarter/richer)  focus on who really matters which is them not us. For progress to happen you can't let the majority (non elite masses) run the show and it is so much easier to control them by keeping them in the dark. Hence the huge advantages to NDAs keeping difficult information from the uninformed public who wouldn't understand it anyways.  Or as Jeff MacIntyre (builder) stated in today's Record article titled "Region pushes NDAs for water talks";  he likes NDAs because he doesn't want to sit by the door like a Golden Retriever (the public) waiting for a report. Right on Mr. MacIntyre !

P.S. Just because Elmira water isn't good enough for us right now doesn't mean it's not good enough if a little diluted for the rest of the Region of Waterloo. Afterall wouldn't you drink a really fine wine from a jug just because someone peed in it the night before, emptied it and then filled it with a vintage beverage for you?   

Supabase clients for use in server-side rendering frameworks.

TypeScript 182 Updated Feb 26

The Humane Society is renovating and expanding. Presently some staff are working out of trailers. Their project is stalled because they need a four inch water pipe and fire suppression and the City of Kitchener will not move permits forward because of the Region of Waterloo’s freeze on development due to water capacity problems. The freeze isn’t just effecting new development.

How did we get here? In 2003, the Region of Waterloo created The Countryside Line around Waterloo Region. It was to support local food and agriculture as Waterloo Region and our part of Ontario are paving over prime agriculture land. It was also to protect our water that comes 80 percent from aquifers. It has worked well for over 20 years.

Suddenly, the Provincial government breached the line by saying over 700 acres in Wilmot must be put aside for industrial development. We don’t know what that development will be but data centers and automobile manufacturing use a lot of water. Kitchener opened land in the south west for suburban development. Some of that land is moraines which filter rain and water. Once those areas are paved over, it is harder for water to fill up the aquifers. The Region is not short of land for housing, but all of the empty land within the countryside line is already bought up by developers.

Over many years, there has been talk of a pipe to Lake Erie. It is extremely expensive and would need the help of other levels of government to build. There are also ways to move water from Cambridge to Kitchener and Waterloo but those methods will also be expensive. Any savings from our new garbage pickup may be going to improving water capacity. We can also expect an increase in water and sewage rates which are comparatively cheap compared to other places at the moment. The Region is looking at various ways to solve the problem but many solutions are years away.

The good news for the Humane Society is that Regional staff are going to work with them on a solution. This snowy winter is also good news. The recent melt was slow, then we had more precipitation. The weather is filling up the aquifers. Aquifers are a renewable resource if used wisely.

The Region had a plan, the Countryside Line, that was working, then the province decided on growth and took planning away from the Region. That growth is not sustainable. By highlighting the problems of water capacity, the Region is sending a message to the province that unbridled growth is not sustainable

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/kw-humane-society-region-of-waterloo-water-capacity-constraint-preliminary-solutions-9.7065433

Open Letter against the breaching of the Countryside Line: www.holdthelinewr.org/open-letter

Waterloo real estate has always been expensive, something I was vaguely aware of even before I was in the business. Not long after I began selling I noticed that Guelph real estate was priced very similarly to Waterloo, and that both cities were considerably more expensive than Kitchener and Cambridge.

Over the years the ‘Waterloo premium,’ as I called it, would wax and wane month over month. I can recall seeing it a few times close right up relative to Kitchener, but more often than not Waterloo prices would be at least 100k higher. I sell in Guelph too, and prices there always seemed quite high. Conversely there were deals galore in Cambridge and Kitchener, something many of my buyers were also cognizant of.

But why the price disparity? I know these cities. I recently moved back to Guelph, having lived in the royal city previously, and my parents are from there too. But I’ve spent most of my life living in Kitchener and then Waterloo. While I haven’t ever lived in Cambridge, I certainly know it well enough. The four are all great places to live.

I decided to do a deep dive using historic data. I wanted a clean study though, so I focused on the most popular market segment, single family detached. I didn’t want the problematic apt condo segment muddying the waters, especially with what is going on with student accommodation in Waterloo. Inventory levels for detached are healthy and represent a neutral or balanced market.

Chatting with my data scientist girlfriend, the subject of standard deviation came up. She mentioned that the standard deviation for each city might vary significantly due to where outliers are sitting relative to the mean. I argued that we can’t know if this is the case without delving into the figures on a month over month basis, or even over a shorter time frame. Here are a couple hypothetical cities A & B both averaging one million dollar sale prices, but having drastically different standard deviations.

In my data set, if the deviations vary city by city, they do so in a way that doesn’t appear to impact the averages longer term. The MLS sale price data consistently ranks Waterloo, Guelph, Kitchener and Cambridge highest to lowest over the last 5 years straight. I don’t think this is a coincidence so what other factors are accounting for this? Is it lifestyle, commuting, income, employment, education, or something else?

Income is certainly a factor but isn’t enough to explain the $170,000 gap in prices between Waterloo and Cambridge seen in 2025. Household income is only $14,000 apart, at $122,000 and $108,000 respectively. Guelph and Kitchener came in at $119,000 and $110,000, again, not a substantial gap. There must be other things to consider.

Fundamentally, with regard to tech and education Waterloo is a very different place than any of the other three. It has two universities, Laurier and the University of Waterloo with UW being world renowned for stem education, particularly for engineering and computer science. The city hosts the Perimeter Institute as well as Open Text, Shopify and Blackberry. Almost all of Canada’s major insurers have head offices in Waterloo.

Waterloo’s tech boom has filtered into Kitchener, with Google being the most famous example, but nevertheless Kitchener lags behind in regard to higher education. Kitchener’s Pharmacy College at King and Victoria is an offshoot of UW. While Kitchener’s Conestoga College does offer degree programs now, these represent only 10% of the academic curriculum. Cambridge had no public colleges at all until Conestoga College opened its Fountain St. Campus in 2011.

Yes, Guelph does have the University of Guelph, a highly regarded institution with a heavy focus on food, agriculture, the environment and animal health. It’s certainly a boon to the community, adding $2 billion in local GDP and 8.6 billion nationally, but hasn’t delivered the anywhere near the level of economic growth seen in Waterloo.

No doubt the presence of a university bolsters prices, but Guelph’s proximity to the GTA is another factor that mustn’t be discounted. Many commuters make the run into the GTA daily, with travel times often 30 minutes shorter than the tri-cities. I had a client who did exactly that, working in Mississauga before finally buying in Guelph. We started searching in and around her work, but the closer homes were to the GTA the more unaffordable they were. While Guelph is expensive compared to much of Waterloo Region it is far more affordable than buying in Georgetown or Milton. 

Higher education seems to be important to much of the population living in the the more expensive of the four cities, and educational level directly correlates to pricing. 65% of Waterloo’s citizenry has either a diploma or a degree from a post secondary institution. Guelph is close behind at 57% followed by Kitchener at 53%. Slightly less than half of Cambridge, at 47%, has this level of education.

In part ‘like likes like’ explains things a bit. Educated people may very well gravitate to cities that offer higher education. Income and prices seem to align with this as well. Families looking for a place to put down roots usually want what’s best for their children such as good schools. Of course, cities with booming economies driven in part by post secondary education likely offer better employment opportunities over the long term.

As I’d said earlier, all 4 cities are great places to live, but demographics and income are definitely a factor in where people choose to live. The more expensive of the lot may offer up a potential of a better future that people are willing to pay a premium for. The data is clear, 5 years worth of unchanged price rankings for the four cities is not an anomaly.

The post Waterloo and Guelph vs Kitchener and Cambridge appeared first on Andrew Shackleton.

Gosh that wasn't so difficult now was it? Your CORRECTION on page A2 with the title "Re: Councillor wants halt on new water-taking permits in Waterloo Region" was clear and concise. I certainly didn't need any thanks or applause or public adulation for doing what I've been doing here in Dogpatch (Elmira) for the last 36 years plus. My volunteer work has always been in the public interest and yes besides environmental failures that also includes picking up on mathematical failures that have gotten by reporters and editors. Based upon Record Editor Jim Poling and National Media Council Brent Jolly's pathetic mishandling of my polite and courteous request for a Correction/Retraction on the Lanxess Canada/Elmira Water Crisis story in late November 2025 written by Terry Pender; I decided this time to be a hard a*s about it. Instead of approaching initially only Terry Pender and Jim Poling and later Brent Jolly as I did last November, this time I sent out my Blog posting immediately to Woolwich Council, Waterloo Region Council, TRAC, MECP,  Lanxess, Woolwich Observer, and the K-W Record plus maybe a few more. Gosh I wonder how pissed all your developer friends were when they figured out that the Record instead of downplaying or minimizing the crisis you were actually (unintentionally probably) artificially increasing it with your sloppy mathematics. Now after that slap to the back of your heads just let me say this: WELL DONE! Your series on the Region's water crisis has been terrific so far. I am however still wondering when you are going to publish the truth about the retread wells the Region want to put back in service in order to supplement the volume of our water supply.

Today's Record article titled "Third-generation Wilmot resident has witnessed the water table drop" certainly casts doubt upon the demands and claims of developers and builders suggesting that this Region wide water crisis is an engineering problem only. I have no doubt that our friends at the University of Waterloo who have been studying groundwater recharge, discharge and elevations for decades have a good idea whether or not putting more straws into the communal milkshake will continue to lower the water levels to dangerous levels or not. Personally until I see peer accepted, proven and verified data on the Waterloo Moraine Aquifers in particular, I am very skeptical that those who have personally made tons of money through development and building are speaking for the public interest.  

K-W Record I applaud your Correction in today's newspaper. I really don't believe that your readers will hold it against Mr. Pender that he made an honest mistake. I expect that they, like myself, will be more impressed that the Record quickly acknowledged and corrected that mistake.  

♦

This is a special treat that you should seek out and eat when you can find it: elote.

A Central American snack food, often purchased from small mobile carts operated by street vendors called “eloteros,” the word translates to something like “tender cob.”

Usually made by slathering butter and mayonnaise on a cooked cob of corn, and often a cob cooked in its husk for added flavour, elote is enriched wonderfully by traditional ingredients such as cotija cheese, salt, lemon or lime juice and chile powder, depending on which Central American country is making it.

From any of the countries in that region, and with its variations, it’s a truly great snack.

Check out my latest post Elote street corn from AndrewCoppolino.com.

♦

♦The Hangout at Grant’s Café changed its Thursday hours back in January to 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. We are so happy to be seeing more people able to come and enjoy the café during these new hours. That’s not all that has changed. Darien has been making freshly baked goods every Thursday. This Thursday, February 26, come enjoy Cinnamon Buns and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Darien will be baking Brownies and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies on Thursday, March 5. Baked goods cost $2 each but the fun, friendships and laughter are free! Enjoy our games table, board games, colouring and more. Check out our website for more details.

Click here for more info

♦♦ ♦

♦Euchre Night
Tuesday, March 3
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
FREE
KW Escape – 259 Gage Ave. Kitchener

Join TriCity Sociables for Euchre, snacks, and plenty of laughs. There will be a learning table as well for anyone not familiar with the game. Enjoy a fun night with no pressure – just good vibes, good friends, and maybe a few friendly grudges by the end of the night. Bring a snack to share and something to drink. I have some pop to share! We have lots of room. The hours are 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm but there’s no need to stay the entire night if you don’t want to.

Click here for more info

♦Darts Night at TWB
Wednesday, March 5
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
$12
TWB Brewing – 300 Mill St. Kitchener

Come out for a fun and friendly evening of darts that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. Ticket includes your first 12oz beer or non-alcoholic beverage. Winner receives a $20 TWB Gift Card! Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of. Check-in before 6:45 pm because the games start at 7:00 pm sharp. Buy your tickets now to guarantee your spot!

Click here for more info

♦Adult Social Hour: Dungeons and Dragons
Monday, March 2
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
FREE – Registration Required
Grand River Stanley Park Library – 175 Indian Rd. Kitchener

The Temple of Thor is a day’s travel north of a small town of Murky Water, its Jarl has requested the aid of travelers to seek justice and vanquish evil. Whispers spread of a secret cult of Loki spreading chaos from the shadows. Create a Level 3 hero of one of the following three races; Human, Half-Elf or Dwarf. Face cultists, roaming beasts and the favor or disfavor of the Gods themselves in this fast-paced Viking-themed adventure. No experience required.

Click here for more info

♦

♦KW Little Theatre

KW Little Theatre is a volunteer run theatre in Waterloo. They pride themselves on being an entry point for anyone wanting to work in theatre. KWLT holds auditions that are open to anyone, regardless of experience.

They have some Great Shows coming up this year at affordable prices. Tickets for shows are just $25 and cost even less if you have a membership. They will be holding auditions for in late March for “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” – a musical of Charlie Brown and his friends in their daily adventures based on the comic strip Peanuts. Everything you need to know to audition is right here.

You can also check out their Volunteer Page for current volunteer opportunities to get involved! You can send an email to info@kwlt.org and let them know how you’d like to contribute. Whether it is behind the scenes or centre stage, this community theatre wants to welcome you!

Click here for more info

The post February 25, 2026: What’s Happening in Your Neighbourhood? appeared first on KW Habilitation.

A next generation HTTP client for Python. 🦋

Python 15.1k Updated Feb 23

Whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests or looking for a casual weekend meal with the kids, Kitchener-Waterloo has a fantastic lineup of restaurants that are welcoming to families. Here are some of the most loved family spots…plus what local diners are saying about them.

♦ 574 Lancaster St W, Kitchener, ON N2K 1M3, Canada
♦ lancsmokehouse.com

This beloved BBQ destination brings Southern‑style smoked meats and hearty comfort food to KW, with generous portions that are perfect for hungry families. The spacious, lively atmosphere and variety of shareable platters make it easy to feed kids and adults alike. One diner shared, “The BBQ here is so tasty, and massive portions… brisket and ribs were perfectly cooked and full of flavor”

Why it’s great for families:

• Big, shareable platters make feeding a group easy
• Casual, fun environment where kids and adults enjoy classic BBQ together
• Kid‑friendly comfort sides like mac & cheese and fries

♦ 79 Victoria St N, Kitchener, ON
♦ jandbrestaurant.com

A hidden gem for European comfort food with a family focus, J & B doesn’t disappoint. Diners consistently praise the welcoming staff and flavourful meals, with one reviewer calling it “an amazing place… such delicious food and amazing service!”

Why it’s great for families:

• Casual, relaxed setting perfect for kids and multigenerational groups
• Friendly staff and generous portions
• Menu with crowd-pleasers like schnitzel and grilled dishes

♦ 20 Heldmann Rd, Kitchener, ON
♦ moosewinooskis.com

A long-time local landmark, Moose Winooski’s brings classic Canadian comfort food in a fun, lodge-style space. Reviewers highlight the atmosphere and variety, with one noting, “Great place… huge patio and good selection — something for everyone.”

Why it’s great for families:

• Huge menu with burgers, ribs, salads, and kid-friendly options
• Casual, lively atmosphere that works for both lunch and dinner
• Outdoor patio space ideal for relaxed family meals

♦ 800 Ottawa St S, Kitchener, ON

Fireside is a classic diner-style stop popular with locals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From omelettes to souvlaki platters, guests enjoy hearty meals and friendly service. One local review raved about the generous portions and welcoming staff, saying it’s “a friendly, casual place to dine… never hesitate to go here for a family dinner.”

Why it’s great for families:

• Extensive menu with something for all ages
• Relaxed atmosphere that works for weekend meals and celebrations
• Large portions and breakfast favourites

♦ 75 King St. S, Waterloo
♦ beertown.ca

A lively and casual gastro-pub in the heart of Uptown Waterloo that’s great for family dinners, lunches, or weekend outings. Beertown offers a diverse menu of comfort food, burgers, tacos, plant-based options, and a dedicated kids’ menu, so there’s something for every taste and age. Families especially love the all-season patio overlooking Waterloo Public Square, perfect for warmer days. Diners have shared their appreciation in reviews: “…excellent food, a friendly and accommodating staff, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.”

Why it’s great for families:

• Diverse menu with kids’ options and plant-based choices for picky eaters and dietary needs
• Casual, upbeat atmosphere
• Lots of screens for sports-loving kids

♦ 137 Glasgow St suite 385, Kitchener, ON N2G 4X8, Canada
♦ graffitimarket.ca

A unique spot in Belmont Village with interactive touchscreen tables that kids love, perfect for keeping little ones entertained while waiting for pizza, pasta, or creative shared plates. The modern, relaxed vibe makes it a fun destination for family meals or birthday dinners. “My son and daughter were so impressed… the interactive table was a blast.”

Why it’s great for families:

• Interactive touchscreen tables and games that keep kids engaged
• Variety of food choices (pizza, pasta, sandwiches) to please picky eaters
• Casual and lively atmosphere ideal for family celebrations

♦ 20 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo, ON N2V 2J9, Canada
♦ jacksfamilyrestaurant.ca

A Waterloo classic for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with generous portions and homestyle cooking that feels like a hug on a plate. Families love the range…from pancakes and omelettes in the morning to hearty mains and Greek‑inspired dishes later in the day. Here’s what one diner had to say:“Great everything. … The serving staff were running around, families smiling everywhere, and us taking it all in with a nice big piece of banana cream pie! Our first time here but won’t be our last”

Why it’s great for families:

• Huge portion sizes. Kids often get seconds (or leftovers!)
• Friendly, relaxed staff and a homey dining experience
• Extensive menu with something for every age and appetite

♦ 15 King Street, South, Waterloo
♦ famoso.ca

Famoso is a lively, casual Italian restaurant in Uptown Waterloo known for its Neapolitan‑style pizzas, pastas, and family‑friendly vibe. Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and varied menu that appeals to kids and adults alike, from classic margherita pizzas to comforting pastas and shareable starters, all served in a relaxed setting that’s great for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Many reviewers highlight the friendly service and accommodating staff; one family wrote “We had a great experience at Famoso. The staff was friendly… the host had given my kids some dough to play with, which was extremely kind and thoughtful. The food was phenomenal… Portions are big and prices are very reasonable“

Why it’s great for families:

• Kid-friendly atmosphere with lots of menu options
• Great selection of gelato for dessert
• Kids are offered pizza dough to play with before their meal arrives!

• Many restaurants in the region offer kids-menus or shareable platters great for families with younger children.
• If you’re planning a larger group or weekend dinner, booking ahead is often a good idea, especially in popular Uptown Waterloo and Downtown Kitchener spots.
• If you have young children, it’s always a good idea to call ahead so you can limit your wait time.
• Consider dining earlier in the evening to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed family experience.
• Pack some activities for young kids. Many restaurants offer colouring activities, but it’s always a good to have some backups.

Another day, another debt consultant case, but this time with a very clear message from the Official Receiver (a federal government official who works for the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy).

In a recent Report of the Official Receiver regarding a consumer proposal filed in Alberta, the court was asked to consider a fundamental question:

Will a consumer proposal receive court approval if the debtor refuses to disclose payments made to a debt consultant?

The answer was unequivocal: no.

As the Official Receiver stated:

“A debtor unwilling to make full disclosure of [her] financial affairs is entitled to no relief under the BIA.”

This decision reinforces a core principle of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA): full financial transparency is not optional.

For those interested, here is the Report re Debtor and Metus Lykos Debt Law Firm.

In this case, the debtor disclosed in her Statement of Affairs that she had retained the services of Metus Lykos Debt Law Firm (“Metus”, formerly known as GEM Debt Law) regarding her financial situation prior to filing.

However, the debtor refused to disclose:

• How much had already been paid to the Service Provider
• How much remained payable
• The underlying contract
• Whether ongoing monthly payments existed outside the proposal

When questioned at the reconvened meeting of creditors, the debtor, on objection from Metus representatives, refused to answer questions regarding Metus’s services, asserting “privilege”.

The Official Receiver took the position that the court should refuse approval of the proposal because there had been material non-disclosure of the debtor’s financial situation.

Under subsection 66.24(2) of the BIA, the court must refuse approval if the proposal:

• Is not reasonable
• Is not fair to the debtor or creditors
• Or fails to meet statutory requirements

The Official Receiver noted:

“Neither the court nor creditors are in a position to divine a debtor’s finances; therefore, good faith transparency of a debtor’s affairs is essential to the operation of the consumer proposal process.”

In this case, the debtor’s Monthly Income and Expense Statement showed a surplus of only 16 cents per month.

If there were undisclosed ongoing payments to the consultant of $230–$263 per month (as suggested in the Report), that would materially affect the feasibility of the proposal and whether funds were being diverted away from creditors.

The court, and creditors, could not properly assess:

• Whether the proposal is viable
• Whether the debtor can complete it
• Whether creditors are being treated fairly

…if material financial information is withheld.

A central issue was whether solicitor-client privilege prevented disclosure of the fee arrangement.

The Official Receiver addressed this directly:

“While the BIA’s consumer proposal regime does not compel the disclosure of privileged legal advice, it does require a debtor applicant to make the statutory disclosure in order to obtain court approval of the proposal.”

And further:

“A consumer debtor should not expect her proposal to be approved if she cloaks relevant information about her expenses under an assertion of privilege.”

In short, the Act does not require disclosure of legal advice. But it absolutely requires disclosure of financial obligations.

Fee payments are financial obligations.

The Report repeatedly emphasizes that transparency is fundamental to the integrity of Canada’s insolvency system.

The Official Receiver cited established case law confirming that relief under the BIA is reserved for the “honest but unfortunate debtor.”

Justice Yamauchi was quoted approvingly:

“Unless they are prepared to be honest with their creditors and with the court, then sought relief under legislation to ensure the integrity of the bankruptcy law is maintained… a debtor unwilling to make full disclosure of his financial affairs, is entitled to no relief under the BIA.”

This is not a technicality. It goes to the foundation of the process.

Several years ago, we reviewed a GEM Debt Law contract (now operating as Metus Lykos Debt Law Firm) and raised concerns about:

• Significant third-party fees layered on top of consumer proposal payments
• Payment structures that diverted funds before creditors were paid
• The need for greater regulatory oversight

At that time, our focus was primarily on cost and value.

This case shifts the conversation.

The issue is no longer simply whether a consultant’s services are necessary or cost-effective. The court is now addressing whether undisclosed consultant fees can undermine the court approval process itself.

When payments to a third party:

• Reduce the funds available to creditors
• Affect proposal feasibility
• Or create a potential preference

…those payments become directly relevant to court approval.

If you are considering filing a consumer proposal:

1. All payments made to third parties must be disclosed.
2. Fee arrangements are financial obligations, not privileged advice.
3. A proposal can be rejected even if creditors vote in favour.
4. Court approval requires transparency and good faith.

As the Official Receiver concluded:

“Without accurate and complete disclosure of expenses, no restructuring regime would be able to function properly.”

Our advice continues to be to work directly with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee when exploring your debt relief options. Licensed Insolvency Trustees are federally regulated professionals, and all provide free initial consultations.

I have written extensively about the limited value proposition and often duplicative nature of ‘debt relief’ services provided by debt consultants in the consumer proposal process. These services frequently overlap with work already performed by Licensed Insolvency Trustees, while adding additional cost to financially vulnerable individuals.

I am encouraged to see the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy taking steps to address and curtail these practices in order to protect the integrity of the insolvency system, debtors and creditors.

The post Court Rules Debt Consultant Fees Must Be Disclosed appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

Erler, Dr. A. (2026, February 5). Harnessing Advanced Hydrologic Models to Help Canadian Hydroelectric Operators Navigate Climate Change - Waterpower Canada. Available at: waterpowercanada.ca/learn/blog/all/harnessing-advanced-hydrologic-models-to-help-canadian-hydroelectric-operators-navigate-climate-change/

The HydroSphereAI (HSAI) article in the January/February 2026 issue of the Water Canada Magazine.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

We’re pleased to share that Aquanty recently contributed a guest blog post to WaterPower Canada, authored by Dr. Andre Erler, Senior Climate Scientist at Aquanty. The article “Harnessing Advanced Hydrologic Models to Help Canadian Hydroelectric Operators Navigate Climate Change” explores how advanced hydrologic modelling and forecasting tools can help Canadian hydroelectric operators navigate increasing uncertainty driven by climate change.

Canada relies heavily on hydropower, with more than 60% of electricity generated from water. However, shifting precipitation patterns, declining snowpack, changing runoff timing, and more frequent extreme weather events are reshaping the hydrologic systems that hydroelectric generation depends on. These changes introduce new operational and planning challenges for dam operators, utilities, and energy planners across the country.

The guest feature highlights how physics-based watershed modelling with HydroGeoSphere supports long-term climate adaptation planning, helping operators assess future water availability, infrastructure resilience, and energy production potential under changing climate conditions. It also discusses how HydroSphereAI (HSAI), Aquanty’s machine-learning based streamflow forecasting technology, provides near-real-time operational insight — improving reservoir management, generation planning, and flood-risk preparedness.

Together, these complementary tools help hydroelectric operators shift from reactive water management to more proactive, climate-resilient decision-making — supporting energy reliability, environmental stewardship, and community safety.

We encourage you to read the full guest article on the WaterPower Canada website to explore how advanced hydrologic simulation technology is helping shape the future of Canadian hydropower.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

If you’re thinking about renovating, refreshing your space, or even preparing your home for sale, local home shows are one of the best places to start. They bring together trusted professionals, fresh ideas, and the latest trends, all under one roof. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, a seasoned DIYer, or simply love browsing beautiful spaces, these events offer inspiration you won’t get from scrolling online.

For homeowners across Ontario, home shows are more than just weekend outings. They’re an opportunity to connect face-to-face with contractors, designers, landscapers, and real estate professionals who understand our local market. You can compare services, ask questions, discover new products, and even score show-exclusive deals, all while gathering ideas that can add real value to your home.

In this blog, we’ll break down the top reasons local home shows are worth your time, and share a roundup of upcoming home shows in Ontario so you can mark your calendar. If improving your home (and protecting your investment) is on your to-do list this year, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

1. Discover the latest products and local businesses
Home shows bring together hundreds of exhibitors, including local companies you might not otherwise find. A perfect opportunity to browse new products and services for your home.

2. See and touch products in person
Instead of just scrolling online, you can test the features of products from smart tech to building materials, ask questions, and try things out firsthand.

3. Get inspired for your next project
Walking through displays and talking to professionals is one of the best ways to spark ideas for renovations, décor, and upgrades.

4. Talk with experts and get real advice
Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or renovating, home shows often include industry pros and guest speakers ready to answer questions and offer practical tips.

5. Score show-only deals and promotions
Many exhibitors offer special discounts or offers exclusively at the event, so attending can save you money on big projects.

6. Prioritize your home improvement list
With ideas and advice all in one place, you can figure out what to tackle first and make smarter planning decisions.

7. Learn through demos and workshops
Home shows often feature live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and educational sessions, letting you walk away with new skills and confidence.

8. Shop for products and services on site
Many exhibitors are ready to sell services or book consultations right at the show, saving you time and effort after the event.

9. Discover the latest home tech trends
From smart home gadgets to energy-saving solutions, home shows are a great place to see what’s new and trending.

10. Fun for all interests
Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, DIYer, or just curious, there’s something for everyone, making home shows both useful and entertaining.

♦KW Home & Garden Show
March 27-29 | Kitchener
♦kwhg.ca

National Home Show presented by RE/MAX
March 6-15 | Toronto
♦torontohomeshows.com

Ottawa Home & Garden Show presented by RE/MAX
March 19-22 | Ottawa
♦ottawahomeshow.com

Caledonia Spring Home & Garden Show
March 20-22 | Caledonia
♦jernkinsshow.com

Cottage Life Spring Show
March 26-29 | Mississauga
♦cottagelife.com

Oakville Spring Home & Garden Show
April 10-12 | Oakville
♦jernkinsshow.com

Burlington Spring Home & Garden Show
April 17-29 | Burlington
♦jernkinsshow.com

Niagara Spring Home & Garden Show
April 17-29 | Niagara
♦jernkinsshow.com

Lifestyle Home Show
April 2-4 | London
♦lifestylehomeshow.ca

Erin Home & Garden Show 2026
April 24-26 | Erin
♦erinchamber.ca

Milton Spring Home & Garden Show
April 24-26 | Milton
♦jernkinsshow.com

Grimsby Regional Spring Home & Garden Show
April 24-26 | Grimsby
♦jernkinsshow.com

Hamilton Spring Home & Garden Show
May 1-3 | Hamilton
♦jernkinsshow.com

Grey Bruce Home & Lifestyle Show 2026
May 2-3 | Owen Sound
♦owensound.ca

Clearly conflicts of interest are front and centre. All the above groups have been offered incentives not to be reasonable, responsive and honest in their dealings with myself and others still advocating for a proper cleanup of the downstream Canagagigue Creek, the former Uniroyal Chemical site and the Elmira Aquifers. These incentives may very well be worded as benefits to the local community that would otherwise not be forthcoming. Of course citizens and residents have never been invited to comment on this possible tradeoff. For example would you undermine your physical health in exchange for a tiny bit more financial security? Some might, some might not but none of us have been given that choice thanks to our non-transparent and non-accountable politicians.

So why do I continue? Simple. One most of them are not well informed and feel they have no need to be . Their direction and decisions have already been made for them and it's easier and safer not to rock the boat. So they need to be informed whether or not they act upon that knowledge. Secondly I'm producing documentation that in the future will condemn at least some of the worst offenders. All of them will scuttle like rats when the whole scam collapses. Whether it's slowly or with a bang they will be looking for cover and for excuses. The more written documentation and facts that they clearly have received the more difficult that will be. That is why I continue. The future (& present) need to know the truth and our elected representatives are not providing it.

♦

The classic coulibiac (kulebiaka, in Russian transliteration) is a French adaptation of a Russian salmon dish.

Traditionally made with fresh salmon, rice, mushrooms and shallots, hard-cooked eggs and dill, the dish is wrapped en croute in a crisp swaddling of a brioche-like pastry and is usually oval-shaped and made in a variety of sizes.

Pictured here, from his Instagram, is Jonathan Gushue’s koulibiac prepared with wild-caught Chinook salmon, the largest species of Pacific salmon.

Check out my latest post Coulibiac: from Russia to France from AndrewCoppolino.com.

Chen, Y., Xu, Z., Dong, Q., Fan, W., & Yang, Z. (2024). Modeling the water use associated with energy consumption changes on saltwater intrusion in the Pearl River estuary, China. In Applied Energy (Vol. 372, p. 123755). Elsevier BV. doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123755

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

Fig. 1. Study area of Pearl River Estuary (left), and location of stations for FVCOM model validation (right).

This research investigates how increased energy consumption and associated changes in water use impact saltwater intrusion in the Pearl River Estuary— one of China's most economically vital and environmentally vulnerable regions. Rapid urbanization and industrial development in estuarine zones can significantly alter freshwater availability and hydrodynamic conditions, increasing the risk of saltwater intrusion into water supply systems. This study provides a novel perspective by linking energy consumption to hydrologic changes and their downstream effects on salinity levels in estuarine environments.

Researchers developed a three-part modelling framework to explore this relationship. First, they used a k-nearest neighbour (kNN) model to estimate runoff in the Humen Channel of the Pearl River Estuary based on precipitation and sectoral energy consumption data from 2019 to 2020. This step revealed a strong positive correlation between energy use and runoff, particularly during the wet season, suggesting that energy-intensive activities influence water supply dynamics. Second, they employed the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) to simulate salinity distributions under various water use and precipitation scenarios projected for 2030–2031 and 2060–2061. Finally, they evaluated how different sectoral energy consumption patterns affected the number of days when salinity levels exceeded acceptable thresholds.

Fig. 3. Comparison between simulated and observed data of water level in different stations.

The modelling results demonstrated pronounced seasonal variability in salinity levels, with significant exceedances during low-flow periods. Across the three future scenarios, a total of 654 days were projected to have salinity levels above drinking water standards in the downstream portion of the Humen Channel. These exceedances were linked to reduced runoff caused by high water demand from energy-consuming sectors and altered precipitation patterns. The findings emphasize the need for integrated water-energy management strategies in estuarine regions, where hydrologic responses to energy consumption patterns can have profound implications for freshwater availability and water quality.

By simulating the coupled effects of water use and hydrologic change on saltwater intrusion, this study highlights the hidden vulnerabilities introduced by the intersection of socio-economic development and climate variability. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and planners working to ensure water security in fast-developing coastal zones under future climate and energy demand scenarios.

In support of this integrated modelling approach, HydroGeoSphere (HGS) was used in earlier stages of the study to help understand the impact of mega-tidal events and surface flooding on saltwater intrusion dynamics. HGS’s ability to simulate surface-subsurface interactions and density-dependent flow provided critical insights into the mechanisms driving salinity migration into coastal aquifers. While the final saltwater intrusion scenarios were modelled using FVCOM, HGS informed the conceptual understanding of how subsurface processes contribute to vulnerability in coastal groundwater systems. This application underscores the importance of advanced, physics-based modelling tools like HGS in capturing the full complexity of groundwater–surface water interactions in estuarine environments.

Abstract:

The intrusion of saline tide into estuaries is one of the major environmental issues impedding the regional development of the Pearl River Estuary, which has been exacerbated by increasing water use associated with energy consumption in the estuary areas. However, the relationship among water use, energy consumption and saltwater intrusion remains ambiguous. Firstly, this paper established a k-nearest neighbor model that identified the correlation between inputs of precipitation and sectoral energy consumption and output of runoff in the Humen Channel as part of the Pearl River Estuary during 2019–2020. Then, the Finite–Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) was employed to explore the process-based mechanism between runoff and salinity via three scenarios simulated for the periods 2030–2031 and 2060–2061 with different water use and precipitation levels. Finally, the impacts of sectoral energy consumption on saltwater intrusion under the different scenarios were analyzed. The results showed that the increase of the energy consumption was positively correlated to runoff, especially in the wet season of Humen Channel. The monthly average salinity exhibited remarkable seasonal variations with similar trends under three scenarios. Totally 654 days with salinity exceeding the standard were projected to take place in the downstream of Humen Channel during the simulation period.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

Polluters don't like you.  Ministry of Environment doesn't like you. Municipal councils don't like you. Regional councils don't like you. Co-opted citizens don't like you. Fellow travellors of polluters don't like you. You get blacklisted from local jobs especially in a place like Elmira. You are discriminated against even by local groups desperate for volunteer assistance. Slander and bad mouthing occur behind your back. Others take credit for your volunteer work that you have done. Negativity and skepticism need special care and attention. Trust in strangers diminishes in direct proportion to the manipulative liars you meet, confront, console or get stabbed in the back by. 

The plus side of whistleblowing: You develop one hell of a sense of humour. You learn dozens of euphemisms for the word "liars". Irony and hypocrisy become much clearer. You see the humour in everything. Double entendres, synonyms, puns all leap out at you. Your newly found wicked sense of humour is coiled and ready to spring at any opportunity. Eventually both your lie and liar detection skills do improve. You begin to understand people's weaknesses and why they do what they do. You learn the various shades of good, bad, evil and sociopathic. 

Despite everything: Hope Springs Eternal

A simple, zero-configuration, command-line http server

JavaScript 14.2k Updated Feb 25

♦

It’s worth the short journey to the Festival City to experience Aaron and Bronwyn Linley’s new venture, Bluebird Restaurant. Here are a few of my thoughts from my recent food column in Metroland Media papers.

Chefs often move around as they seek unique challenges and test themselves against new opportunities in different kitchens in different cities.

The culinary pair of Aaron and Bronwyn Linley ran the successful Bijou in Stratford for more than a decade; they then operated a boutique catering business before they headed to Toronto in 2018, each to pursue new aspects of their careers.

But the homing instinct is a strong one: they’ve returned to the Festival City to open their new venture, Bluebird, located in the space that was once The Mill Stone and the beloved Down the Street.

“We decided we wanted to be closer to family and friends,” says Aaron Linley. “We wanted to be closer to our community.”

Both are Stratford Chefs School grads, where they met; their return and the reawakening of 30 Ontario St. was met with eager anticipation by that community when they opened in November.

A narrow, long space, Bluebird’s front bay window looks onto Ontario Street; the rear window onto York Street and the Avon River.

In between, the decor is quaint and cosy with what might be called warm whimsy, including a vintage brass bird cage.

The eclectic ambience is ideal for Bluebird’s bistronomy menu, a style that evolved in 1990s France blending casual bistro cooking with a gastronomic experience.

For more, visit Waterloo Chronicle.

Check out my latest post Bluebird: Worth the drive to Stratford from AndrewCoppolino.com.

“Sarah is gone. This was only a performance issue. Nothing more, nothing less.”

That’s how Pasquale, our senior director, started the weekly group meeting. Ten engineers around the table, as well as Eliot, Sarah’s manager and mine.

Sarah had been a L4 engineer for close to 5 years at the company. She had stopped showing up the week before without a warning and without a goodbye.

A couple days back, my colleague Lynn had come to my cube: “If you still want a whiteboard for your cube, take Sarah’s one. She is gone and will not be back.” I was between two tasks. I didn’t ask anything, I just took the board.

At Pasquale’s announcement, Eliot repeated “It’s only a performance issue as Pasquale just said”. Eliot was looking unusually straight and sounding unusually firm.

The group meeting continued as usual.

Funny enough, the night before, out of curiosity, I had consulted Sarah’s LinkedIn profile. It said she had started a new position at one of our competitors as an engineering manager.

After the meeting, I decided to go back to Lynn, she was well connected and always had insights. I told her about the performance issue Pasquale and Eliot were weirdly pushing to explain Sarah’s abrupt departure. And I told her about LinkedIn.

“I doubt it was a performance issue.” She said. “Sarah had been looking for a job at competitors for some time. I know it because one of my friends over there saw her resume going around a few weeks back and told me about it.”

“Ha!” I thought. Sarah was on the move for some time. She had a plan.

Why was management pushing that performance issue story though?

Lynn had her hypothesis: “So that they can control the narrative of her departure! It sounds so much better for them than admitting she was unhappy and got hired by the competitor and with a promotion!”

For sure engineers were not moving up fast here, Sarah was far from being on her way to manager in our current organization.

Something Lynn and many engineers did not know is that Sarah and Eliot didn’t see eye to eye and had trouble working together. I was Sarah’s closest colleague. After the recent reorg, we both unexpectedly moved under Eliot. I saw firsthand how he rolled his eyes at her technical comments. I saw her being irritated with his directions. She would tell me, “Eliot is wrong; look at the hardware diagram, look at what he is saying!”

I think that’s why management awkwardly wanted to control the narrative here.

Sarah was not happy with the latest reorg. She didn’t get along with her new manager. She had started to look around for jobs and successfully landed a manager position at one competitor.

That didn’t make Eliot and management look good. To blur things, Pasquale and Eliot came out with this performance issue.

Here is an uncomfortable truth: once you leave a company, what is told about you in the room you are no longer in is out of your control and your earshot.

But even your exit is part of your career there; and controlling the narrative still matters.

Sarah left abruptly, without giving the team a reason as to why she was leaving. That left the door open for management to come up with one that suited them best.

If she had given an explanation, management wouldn’t have been able to spin her exit so easily.

Control the narrative while you still can, if you don’t, someone else will fill the blank for you.

Sarah Quit and Got a Promotion. Management Called It a Performance Issue. was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

When: Saturday May 2nd, 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Meeting Point: Victoria Park Pavilion, 80 Schneider Ave

Walk Leader: Todd Bowman

Explore many leisure activities enjoyed by Berlin/Kitchener citizens of yesteryear, beginning with Victoria Park’s features and buildings. Then visit the location of a wholesome family activity, while also learning about a sordid scandal that was quietly buried. Learn about several downtown theatres that entertained patrons with plays, vaudeville, opera and later…moving pictures! End with the Depression-era fad that swept through Berlin on this walk about fun and games in our local past.