Driving by the gas station and seeing the numbers plastered on the big, bright sign out front has been dreadful for the last month or so. The numbers, if they do go down, don’t seem to stay there for long. Russia’s war on Ukraine, Ontario lifting COVID-19 restrictions, and the government’s recent increase of Canada’s carbon pricing on April 1, are all contributing factors. However, as aggravating as it may … Continued
The Downtown Kitchener Maple Sugar Shack kicks off spring at the Kitchener Farmer’s Market on April 2 with a celebration of local maple syrup and other Canadian-themed products. Maple syrup is more than just something to put on pancakes in Canada; it’s something many people consider part of Canadian culture, and the flag even perfectly represents that. “We partnered with the Kitchener Market and found that the maple syrup harvest … Continued
The Waterloo Region community has erupted in support for Ukraine and its citizens, who have been experiencing war for more than a month. Canada recently authorized a quick, temporary pathway for Ukrainians fleeing war to live in Canada. Many in the community are getting ready for their arrival, including a local Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis and two local women who have started their own fundraiser.
As we hope for warmer spring months in Ontario, winter can have a fierce way of holding on for as long as it can. For the past few weeks, it has been coating Southern Ontario roads in a blanket of glistening ice and snow. However pretty it may appear, it can be extremely dangerous to drive on, especially when the weather around this time of year can change from a … Continued
Black History Month takes place during the shortest month of the year. Fortunately, there are plenty of BIPOC-owned businesses in Waterloo Region and surrounding areas to explore all year long. Beauty Club Outlet and Shyne Body Butter are two BIPOC, female-owned companies that are making waves in beauty and their communities.
Sweet Life Candy & Pop Shop has brought its wide variety of candy and sweets to customers in Waterloo Region. The colourful candy store opened its doors to a new location on Jan. 7, 2022. “I knew it was going to be a great experience … a great start in the Waterloo area, because who doesn’t love candy right?” said Andrew Ariganello, the owner of Sweet Life Candy & Pop … Continued
It has been a long, trying two years of mostly online learning at Conestoga College. “I’m still trying to adjust to it,” said Michael Keenan, a Professor of Electro-Mechanical and Automation Maintenance at Conestoga College. “In this [Zoom] box, I find it hard to break out into different topics, or different ways of showing information.” After originally planning to have students return to campuses in early January, Conestoga College is … Continued
The COVID-19 pandemic had heaps of repercussions, one of the most significant being inflation and a rising Consumer Price Index, which recently made its highest surge in more than 18 years. What does this mean for Canadian students?
The Indigenous Holiday Art Market on Sunday, Dec. 5 features some meaningful local gifts for the holidays. “Small creators are very intentional with every item they use,” said Emma Smith, a Waterloo-based Indigenous beader and artist who owns Rain Beading, selling primarily upcycled and thrifted jewelry. “I know I specifically go and thrift much of the metal parts of the jewelry that I use.” It will be the second in-person … Continued
The start of the holiday season is usually marked by snowfall, Christmas music all over the radio stations, and people rushing to malls for their holiday shopping. This year, however, the spirit of the holidays is sparkling in the nearby village of St. Jacobs, Ontario. From Nov. 12 to 28, the annual St. Jacob Sparkles takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with more dates, activities, and longer hours to … Continued
From their barbed stingers to their intimidatingly loud buzz, bees might send some people running in the opposite direction at the sight of them. Even Dana L. Church, a local researcher of animal cognition and author, had her reservations before working with bumble bees. “One of my professors that I really liked said she was looking for a research assistant that summer, so I applied … then I realized I … Continued
Downtown Kitchener’s Charles Street Bus Terminal has been vacant for more than two years, but now there is a new proposal for an Indigenous Community Hub.
Kitchener’s Frederick Art Walk could be a walk to remember this year. The 20th annual art walk that started in 2001 will look a little different. It will be held outdoors because of COVID-19 restrictions. “We started the art walk to just build community in our area and as an outlet for artists,” Lori Cole, Coordinator of the Frederick Art Walk said. “We learned we had a lot of creative … Continued
Life has looked considerably different for many people over the past two years. COVID-19 took a big toll on mental health, especially in students. Sunday, Oct 10 is World Mental Health Day, a time to raise awareness and advocate for mental health around the world. Mental health supports and services are needed now more than ever. According to a 2020 Statistics Canada survey, around 64 per cent of participants aged … Continued
