TRAVERSING CULTURAL LANDSCAPES THROUGH THE LIBRARIES

If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore in Waterloo Region this winter, look no farther than your local library. With diverse community programs at a variety of branch locations, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and meet new people. Each of the listed events below are free to attend, open to anyone and require advance registration.  

The Region of Waterloo Library serves the residents of Wellesley, Woolwich, North Dumfries, and Wilmot with 12 branches. Below are five cultural events to add to your calendar.  

Celebrate Black History Month with three short films centering Black stories and history from the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), followed by a community discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register for the Ayr Branch event online. Afterwards, learn about Waterloo Region’s connection to the Underground Railroad by reading about Buxton, Ontario.  

Did you know that chess, formerly known as chaturanga, originated in India during the Gupta Empire in 600 CE? The strategic game’s playing pieces resembled components of the military and the game traversed the world through trading routes. Join a game every Tuesday and Saturday at the New Hamburg Branch and every Wednesday at the Baden Branch from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  

Hygge—pronounced “hoo-gah”—is perhaps one of Denmark’s most identifiable cultural exports. It is the notion of coziness and encompasses everything from the glow of a candle to spending time with good people. Head to the Breslau Branch on Tuesday, Feb. 10 for a night of Winter Hygge from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for ages 9 and up. Enjoy hot beverages, crafts and puzzles and good company.  

Embracing winter weather is a feat for some and a joy for others. Cambridge resident and globally published freelance journalist Paul Gains will share his love of the Arctic’s snowy owls during a presentation at the Ayr Branch on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.   

Escape the cold and slip into a sunny state of mind without hopping on a plane. Chef Arielle is teaching a Roti and Trini Curry Masterclass at the Wilmot Recreation Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for ages nine and up.   

The Cambridge Public Library (CPL), Waterloo Public Library (WPL) and Kitchener Public Library (KPL) offer a wide range of tools to rent out, some of which will help support your Waterloo Region (and beyond!) explorations. Visit their websites or branches in-person to borrow skates, snowshoes, trekking poles, wildlife kits, museum passes, or Grand River and Ontario Parks passes.  

Learning a language is a phenomenal way to travel deeper. Start at home with free language classes, French reading buddies, or language circles in French, Chinese, Spanish and English at CPL, WPL and KPL branches.   

Finally, if you’re looking for an activity that’s engaging for the whole family, the WPL is hosting The Great Family Geocache Challenge. Geocaching is an adventurous hobby where participants search for hidden objects based on other participants’ clues. It’s an excellent way to get outside, exercise your brain, and enjoy a new and free activity at home or elsewhere around the world.  

Happy exploring!  

There are some very tall ducks that live on the common at the end of the street.

I need to take some photos of them. They are majestic.

#birds #ducks #UK #Plumstead #Woolwich

Head-on collision in Woolwich sends 2 people to hospital with serious injuries
Waterloo regional police are investigating a head-on collision that happened in Woolwich Wednesday afternoon that sent five people to hospital, including two people with serious injuries.
#accident #injury #hospital #Woolwich #Waterloo
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/head-on-collision-woolwich-sends-several-to-hospital-9.7055781?cmp=rss

HEATING AND COOLING CENTRES OFFER REFUGE ACROSS THE REGION

Waterloo Region residents can access a network of warming, cooling, and clean air spaces designed to provide temporary relief from extreme weather and poor air quality.  

According to the Region of Waterloo, these designated public buildings offer space for anyone who needs refuge from heat, cold or unsafe air during regular business hours. These spaces are intended for temporary relief and are not meant for extended stays.  

The region made these spaces more accessible during late 2022 and early 2023 by expanding hours beyond official weather warnings. This makes spaces available year-round during extreme cold or heat and opens specific overnight warming shelters.  

“Warming, Cooling, and Clean Air Spaces are buildings in the region that provide space for the public to get temporary relief from heat, cold, or poor air quality during regular business hours,” the Region of Waterloo environmental health webpage state.  

So far, there are 57 spaces coordinated by Region of Waterloo Public Health in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich. They are operated by various partners, including the Region itself, area municipalities, community agencies, recreation centres, libraries, and other public buildings.  

In addition to these locations, two Region of Waterloo buildings, 150 Main St. in Cambridge and 150 Frederick St. in Kitchener, are open on weekends and holidays for community members.  

The Region of Waterloo Housing Services is also working closely with community partners, service providers, and those with lived experience to prepare for the cold weather this year.  

“Winter plans include expansions of the emergency shelter system, creating new overflow spaces in shelters and motels across the community, the distribution of winter warming packages, and the opening of two overnight warming spaces,” Scott Cressman, communications specialist at Waterloo Region, said.   

He stated the Region developed warming packages in partnership with co-creators of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, including items to support people experiencing homelessness. These packages are distributed by outreach workers who can connect individuals to supports.  

Public libraries also serve as designated spaces. Waterloo Public Library currently has three libraries serving as cooling, warming, and clean air spaces. These branches include the Eastside branch, the John M. Harper branch and the Main branch. Due to size constraints, the McCormick branch is not considered a warming, cooling, or clean air space.  

“As public spaces, community members are welcome and encouraged to visit our library locations any time. In extreme weather conditions, we offer our spaces to anyone in the community, along with all our free library amenities, services, programs, and online resources,” Anjana Kipfer, Marketing and Communications manager at the Waterloo Public Library, said.  

Kipfer explained that she does not know when the libraries were designated as cooling, warming, or clean air spaces, but she suspects it occurred quite a long time ago, and the branches will continue to have this designation.  

“We have been used for temporary relief from heat, cold, or poor air quality throughout the seasons, as a cooling centre in the summer during heat waves, as a clean air space during poor air quality conditions, and as a warming centre during extreme cold warnings,” Kipfer said.  

She also said that besides the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system the library has for heating, cooling, and air quality, they do not have other specialized equipment.  

Residents can access these spaces even without official weather alerts. Extreme Cold Warnings are issued when temperatures or wind chill reach -30 degrees for at least two hours, while Heat Warnings are issued during high temperatures or when humidex values meet national criteria.   

Many of the designated spaces operate year-round during business hours to provide relief whenever needed, ensuring that residents of all ages, including those experiencing homelessness, have safe and accessible options during extreme weather or poor air quality conditions. 

Elmira curling club to host provincial championships
Elmira & District Curling Club will be hosting the 2026 Curling Ontario Championships at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira starting Jan. 4. The club previously hosted the provincial championships in 2019. Bill Barr, host chair of 2026 Curling Ontario Championships, spoke to CBC K-W's John Dalusong about the preparations for the upcoming championships.
#curling #sports #Elmira #Woolwich
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7026274?cmp=rss

ONTARIO WASTE COLLECTION CHANGES

On Nov. 4, 2025, Circular Materials released new details on the changes to curbside recycling in Waterloo Region. Circular Materials is the national not-for-profit which took over responsibility for managing recycling in the province in March 2024.  

The changes are part of Ontario’s new recycling regulation that moves recycling programs to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) model. The new recycling program officially starts on Jan. 1, 2026 and is funded and operated by producers of packaging and paper products.  

“The program takes the costs of and operational responsibility for blue box recycling away from taxpayers and municipalities. This means that residents will no longer be paying for recycling services as this cost will be borne by producers,” Jennifer Kerr, Director of Community and Media Relations at Circular Materials, said.  

Under current recycling programs, each municipality decides what materials can be placed in blue bins. The change introduces a unified materials list that is the same across the province.   

The new list includes previously unaccepted items, including hot and cold beverage cups, toothpaste tubes, black plastic containers and frozen juice containers. The complete list of materials is available on the Circular Materials website.   

“The unified material list and new materials included are a great example of how extended producer responsibility advances innovation and improves environmental outcomes,” Kerr said.  

March 2026 brings additional changes to curbside recycling. Recycling collection will shift to a bi-weekly, four-day schedule running Tuesday to Friday. To accommodate the change, Circular Materials is delivering two additional blue boxes to residents starting in January 2026.  

“The new bi-weekly recycling schedule will alternate with the new bi-weekly garbage and organics collection schedule which is managed by the Region of Waterloo,” Kerr said.   

While Circular Materials manages the program, each community is serviced by a different collection contractor. Miller Waste currently provides curbside collection in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.   

Starting on Mar. 3, 2026, Miller Waste will provide collection service across all Waterloo Region communities, including North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich. Contact information for local collection services, along with the most up-to-date recycling details, is available at circularmaterials.ca/waterlooregion.  

The move from municipally operated programs to a province-wide program is a major change. Kerr said the feedback from residents has mainly been on clarifying what the changes are.   

“We appreciate residents’ and communities’ continued engagement and participation in recycling through this transition. Resident participation is vital to increasing recycling rates and advancing a more sustainable future,” Kerr said. 

#AlexKinsella #Cambridge #CircularMaterials #jenniferKerr #kitchener #millerWaste #NorthDumfries #recycling #RegionOfWaterloo #waterloo #waterlooRegion #Wellesley #Wilmot #Woolwich

KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1

On Oct. 23, the Kitchener Fire Department implemented Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), a fully digital upgrade to the traditional emergency network that improves reliability, accuracy and system resilience.  

Kitchener Fire is among the first fire Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Ontario to implement this new system.  

NG9-1-1 provides more precise caller location and phone number information, enhanced cybersecurity, expanded backup redundancy in the event of a system failure, and the capacity to support future digital technologies.  

Robert Gilmore, deputy fire chief for the City of Kitchener, said the upgrade represents a major shift in how the public connects with emergency services.  

“For three decades, our Emergency Communications Centre has served this community well, but NG9-1-1 will ensure we are ready for the next generation of challenges, with faster, smarter or more resilient service,” Gilmore said.  

Jamal Alam, the City of Kitchener’s Program Manager of Fire Systems and Projects, said the infrastructure behind 9-1-1 has fundamentally changed.  

With the switch to NG9-1-1, the department has replaced traditional telephones with computer-based softphones. Operators now use touchscreen monitors and digital keypads to handle calls, search contacts and access speed dials. The updated system displays caller location and call type and adds new phone lines and customer service features.  

The shift is part of a national transition mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).  

All telecommunications providers must update their networks to NG9-1-1 voice services by Mar. 31, 2027. Across Canada, 226 PSAPs are required to migrate.  

“We’ve transitioned to an IP-based infrastructure that provides more reliable services and better interconnectivity between emergency services,” Alam said.  

“People calling 911 won’t notice a change, but the tools available to operators will help them serve the community more effectively,” he said.  

The Kitchener Fire Department looks forward to receiving fire or incident reporting from NG9-1-1. The data will allow the department to use advanced analytics to better understand their call volume and the types of incidents they are dispatching in the community.  

“With technology changing so rapidly, all emergency services need to understand and use these tools,” Alam said.  

“At the Kitchener Fire Department, aside from NG9-1-1, we are transitioning many forms from paper to digital. We continue to lead the way in implementing technology for our staff,” he said.  

Funding for NG9-1-1 transitions is available through the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, which allows PSAPs to apply for grants to purchase equipment and support staffing costs for the project.  

“NG9-1-1 aside, we are fortunate to have funding available for new tools and upgrades,” Gilmore said.  

Kitchener Fire’s Dispatch Emergency Communications Centre provides call-taking and fire dispatch services for Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley, North Dumfries and Stratford.  

#Cambridge #canadianRadioTevelvision #jamalAmal #kitchener #NorthDumfries #ontarioMinistryOfTheColicitorGeneral #PSAPs #publicSafetyAnsweringPoints #robertGilmore #SangjunHan #Stratford #telecommunicationsCommission #waterloo #Wellesley #Wilmot #Woolwich

#Transport for #London Have Your Say:
Thamesmead bus lane, walking and cycling proposals. #TfL is consulting on changes to roads between #Woolwich and Abbey Wood via #Thamesmead to improve bus journeys, cycling routes and pedestrian safety. Plans include new 24/7 bus lanes, upgraded bus stops, segregated cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, and junction alterations at Plumstead Road, Western Way, Central Way and Carlyle Road. Speed limits would be reduced and roundabouts downsized to enhance safety. The proposals aim to support new SL11 bus services, encourage active travel, and complement future DLR and cycle network expansions. Consultation closes 15 January 2026.
https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/thamesmead-proposals

Decision tonight could seal the fate of a second entrance at Woolwich’s Elizabeth line station

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/decision-tonight-could-seal-the-fate-of-a-second-entrance-at-woolwichs-elizabeth-line-station-84843/

Video ~ Court In UK Jails 4 Nigerians For 13 Years Over 2000 Fake Nigeria Court Mariage Certificates ~ OsazuwaAkonedo

Court In UK Jails 4 Nigerians For 13 Years Over 2000 Fake Nigeria Court Mariage Certificates ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Abayomi #Abraham #Adekunle #Aderinsoye #Alade #certificates #EU #Gbadamosi #Kabir #Lagos #London #Marriage #Mojisola #Moran #news #Nosimot #Olarotimi #Onifade #Paul #Shodipo #UK #Woolwich #Law Published: August 31st, 2024 Reshared: August 31,…

https://osazuwaakonedo.news/video-court-in-uk-jails-4-nigerians-for-13-years-over-2000-fake-nigeria-court-mariage-certificates-osazuwaakonedo/09/10/2025/

OsazuwaAkonedo BriefRecall ~ Brief Recall @8am

Court In UK Jails 4 Nigerians For 13 Years Over 2000 Fake Nigeria Court Mariage Certificates ~ OsazuwaAkonedo #Abayomi #Abraham #Adekunle #Aderinsoye #Alade #certificates #EU #Gbadamosi #Kabir #Lagos #London #Marriage #Mojisola #Moran #news #Nosimot #Olarotimi #Onifade #Paul #Shodipo #UK #Woolwich #Law Published: August 31st, 2024 Reshared: August 31, 2024 6:18 am Court in United Kingdom, UK has sent 4 Nigeria nationals to…

https://osazuwaakonedo.news/osazuwaakonedo-briefrecall-brief-recall-8am/31/08/2024/

This weekend is the last chance to say goodbye to our local West Montrose Covered Bridge ("Kissing Bridge"). The historic 145 year old span of the Grand River is the last remaining original one in #Ontario. It will be replaced over the next 2 years by a rebuilt covered bridge, with hopefully many of the original elements reused.
#history #restoration #Waterloo #Woolwich

We have a great walk in London on Sunday. Join us!
https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk
#ramblersuk #hiking #londonwalks #greenwitch #woolwich

Mother of murdered schoolboy accuses government of losing control of London's streets – London Evening Standard

Mother of murdered schoolboy accuses government of losing control of London’s streets  London Evening StandardKelyan Bokassa: Teens detained for…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #KnifeCrime #UK #UnitedKingdom #Woolwich
https://www.newsbeep.com/20067/

This Sunday we have the third part of our Capital Ring Series, all welcome join us!
https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk
#ramblersuk #walking #hiking #capitalring #woolwich #beckenhamplacepark #elizabethline #londonwalks

Volunteer with us!

Get outside, get your hands dirty and build a better connection with the environment around you! We have several excellent opportunities to volunteer and get involved. For more information, please visit www.raresites.org/about/volunteer

#WaterlooRegion #Cambridge #Kitchener #Waterloo #Wilmot #Woolwich #Wellseley #NorthDumfries #ExploreWR #WRawesome #DTCbridge #GaltLove #DiscoverON
#VolunteerWR #CommunityInvolvement #InvasiveSpeciesRemoval #FoodbankGarden #SeedCollecting

Silvertown Crane (Black & White)

Taken: May 2025
https://flic.kr/p/2r3DN2H

Canon EOS 90D
EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM

f/14.0 | 1/250s | ISO 500 | 300 mm

#photography#blackandwhite #london #woolwich #silvertown #industrial #blackandwhite