An idea whose time has come?

For many years the residents of Kitchener have walked or cycled alongside the railway tracks that link Kitchener and Waterloo. A well worn path runs alongside the tracks and serves as testament to this fact. After all these years, the development of the Spur-line trail has gained some traction and is seriously being considered by the city’s planners.

“We are looking at the entire station area and how we can improve the pedestrian and cyclist connections,” John Hill, the region’s lead sustainable-transportation planner, said.

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An example to be emulated

Four women who over the years have touched the lives of many and have made a difference. An example to be emulated.

— Every February, the Zonta Club of KW makes a special event out of honouring four incredible women in Waterloo Region.

Kitchener Housing 

Residential rental bylaw?

A study is being launched to see if Kitchener needs to bring in a residential rental licensing bylaw.

Feb. 3: Ron Scott, The Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership; Jaimie Philip, ROC Michigan and organizing restaurant workers in Detroit.

Click image for more on OPIRG Windsor Listen to entire program here: Technical assistance: Moses Frimpong On the program last week (Jan. 27th) we spoke to Joe Mancini, director of the Working Centre in Kitchener. The centre provides work and services to people from transitional housing to a cafe, as

Kitchener social service providers affect neighbourhoods

One should not underestimate the role played by the organizations that provide social services to the citizens of the communities they serve. Their efforts not only help improve the quality of life for the individuals who receive direct services from them, but everyone in society benefits by having less to worry about when it comes to their neighbors and fellow citizens.

These organizations bring together individuals to look after and address a variety of community issues. They further help the communities they serve by dispensing funds to help support initiatives and innovative ideas that have a lasting effect on the community, and provide a variety of tools and resources to those who serve the community’s needs.

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Home buying process – Before you buy your first Kitchener home

The home buying process can have a profound effect on the prospective home owner. Go into it with your emotions unchecked and you may end up on the hook for thousands of dollars. It pays to preplan your steps before you head out and start looking for that dream property you just have to have. When purchasing a first home you should consider what the smartest choice would be. Should you buy an older home smack dab in the middle of town or a brand spanking new build further out? Should you plant yourself amongst the noisy streets of the busy city or put down roots in a quiet cul-de-sac with little in the way of traffic and on most days even less noise? Make the wrong move and you may pay for your choice many times over. But, what is one to do without the right information to make a rational choice?

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More rental housing according to the FCM

Kitchener city councillor, Berry Vrbanovic has correctly pointed out the need for additionl reasonably priced rental units. Affordable housing for the poorer members of society not only helps those that rent the appartments, but, also has a positive impact on the region’s economy. As the President of The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (Kitchener’s city councillor happens to also be the President of The Federation of Canadian Municipalities in case you didn’t know), Berry Vrbanovic has called on the feds to create more rental housing units.

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Entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in Kitchener Ontario

The importance of a thriving business environment in any city can not be overemphasised. The jobs a solid business provides to the residents of the community are the engine that in turn allows for further development and growth. At the very least, it ensures the community’s survival. Any doubts about the veracity of these statements can be easily dispelled with a little research.

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Federal government urged to support rental-housing market

Municipalities across Canada are calling on the federal government to support the construction and renovation of rental housing.

Balanced conditions set to return to most Canadian housing markets in 2012

Balanced conditions set to return to most Canadian housing markets in 2012, while residential values expected to once again set new records, says RE/MAX Canadian residential real estate defied conventional logic and outperformed expectations in 2011, posting another solid year of housing activity vi