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CTV News
14 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Local artists push to use vacant church in Waterloo, Ont., as creative hub
Could a vacant church in Waterloo answer the prayers of local artists? CTV's Alexandra Holyk finds out. One man's church is another man's treasure – at least, that's what artists in Waterloo Region are hoping for. St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., has sat empty for several months, but a local non-profit known as ArtsBuild Ontario wants to turn it into a creative hub. 'St. Columba can unlock all of that potential,' said ArtsBuild executive director Alex Glass. 'It's an incredible opportunity for the artists, for the neighbourhood, and for the community at large.' Earlier this year, ArtsBuild launched a pilot program called 'Meanwhile Spaces,' which provides artists with free or low-rent facilities to pursue their projects. The program is hosted in two spaces so far – one in downtown Kitchener and another in Waterloo – and houses dozens of artists on a rotating basis. 'We have 50 artists on our roster who are looking for space,' said Glass. The search for a space led ArtsBuild to 250 Lincoln Road. Back in February, the City of Waterloo purchased the church for $2.9 million with a plan to use the site for local arts programming, before eventually turning it into affordable housing. 'It's community supported, it's community initiated,' said Ward 5 Councillor Jen Vasic. Waterloo Ward 5 Councillor Jen Vasic, Alex Glass, executive director of ArtsBuild Ontario City of Waterloo Ward 5 Councillor Jen Vasic (left) stands with Alex Glass, executive director of ArtsBuild Ontario, outside St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., on June 18, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) Decision deferred On Monday, Waterloo city council deferred the decision to sign a three-year lease agreement with ArtsBuild, citing cost concerns. The deferral motion narrowly passed with a vote of 4-3 and was brought forward by Ward 4 Councillor Diane Freeman. Freeman noted the agreement would have 'financial implications' for the city. 'While we chose in February to dip into the reserve funds, the question now is was that the right thing to do?' Freeman asked. As part of its $2.9 million purchase, the city allocated $500,000 to transform the space for artists and maintain operating costs. Freeman also referenced her past stance on the future of St. Columba Church. She mentioned that she had not supported the motion in February, as she had preferred to see the area focused on affordable housing instead. Vasic voted against the deferral, saying at the time she was 'embarrassed by the fact we're asking for one.' 'Is this an in good faith request?' Vasic asked in the meeting. 'Is this a deferral in good faith?' Since the discussion, Vasic said she spoke with Freeman and understood her concerns. 'They're all really important matters,' Vasic said in an interview with CTV News Wednesday. 'Fiscal responsibility of the city, as well as arts and creative industries, and also housing.' The decision was deferred to next week when council meets again on June 23. Interior St. Columbia Anglican Church, Waterloo Ont. The interior of St. Columba Anglican Church in Waterloo, Ont., was photographed on June 18, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) Artists and community members speak out People who live near St. Columba said they support the arts' initiative. 'I think it would be an ideal spot for the artists regionally, and for the community as a whole,' said Joanne Makulski, a local artist who lives across the street from the vacant church. Artists like Jen Prior agree. A few months ago, Prior moved into the downtown Kitchener location as part of ArtsBuild's Meanwhile Spaces program. 'There's a huge need for it,' she said. 'I can't even tell you how many creatives I know that just don't have access to space.' Artist Jen Prior Kitchener studio Artist Jen Prior worked on a painting in a downtown Kitchener studio on June 18, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News) Rufus John also recently moved into a Meanwhile space at Wing404 in Waterloo. John founded Freedom Marching Project, an arts organization that curates safe creative spaces for marginalized and racialized youth. 'With ArtsBuild, what I really loved about the space is that we could call a space home for a while,' he said. 'Art can become expensive,' John continued. 'I think it's important that if a city can find ways to offset some of those costs, that would … be amazing.' Prior also said cities need to step up and support the arts. 'I think the arts community here is really vibrant and we just really need more spaces for us to come together and to create, as well.'
CBC
10-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Local non-profit 'unlocking' empty office space for artists in Waterloo region
A new collaboration that allows local artists to temporarily take over empty buildings in Waterloo region aims to "cut the red tape" normally associated with renting space. ArtsBuild Ontario is the non-profit organization behind the pilot project called Meanwhile Spaces. Alex Glass is the executive director of ArtsBuild, a group dedicated to "building, managing and financing" spaces for artists in the province, according to their website. "We're actually unlocking a physical asset that can actually see the potential for the individual or an artist group in a term that they wouldn't otherwise have access to," said Glass. "So what they can do now is have the space and then they can also have the opportunity to access funds … we want to cut the red tape for them so they can focus on really making their art," she said. Currently, the non-profit provides space to over 30 tenants and 140 short-term renters at 44 Gaukel Street in downtown Kitchener. The new pilot program hosts artists in two spaces — 99 King St. W. in Kitchener and former recreation centre at Wing 404 on Dutton Drive in Waterloo. The King Street space is a collaboration with developers Lowland Properties Group and currently holds five artists at a time. ArtsBuild Ontario has the space for one year and will swap out artists throughout the year, for a duration they call "terms." That means about a dozen artists will be able to use the space over the course of the year.. Jen Prior is one of those artists. She's a visual artist who works mostly with acrylic paints, and it was the collaborative energy of the space on King Street that spurred her to move her easel from her home to the empty top floor of the building. "I think when you're at home all the time and you're trying to work, it's just really difficult to get in that flow state and just kind of feel that light-heartedness that you need to have as an artist," Prior told CBC News. The space is directly above Four All Ice Cream in the heart of downtown Kitchener. It's a partially unfinished room, with particle board floors and large, floor-to-ceiling windows. Each artist works in their own small section of the space. "When you're alone too much, your thoughts ruminate and you're not really feeling connected to the community, and that's what art is all about," Prior said. The program has 71 artists signed up for the program, and 50 more on a wait list. 'It's a beautiful space' The City of Waterloo has partnered with ArtsBuild Ontario to offer up space at the former recreation centre at the Wing 404 location on Dutton Drive in that city. Lakyn Barton is the cultural planning specialist for Waterloo. She says the city is excited to be able to transition the 508 square metre, city-owned location into a new opportunity for the creative sector. "Artists and different organizations being able to workshop together, do rehearsals, performances — it's a beautiful space and we're excited to bring a new life to that building," said Barton. "There's musicians, dance performers, there's visual artists. The Wing 404 is a much bigger space, so it actually has a tiny stage. There's a dance floor. So there's a lot more room to be able to spread out. There's also an outdoor component that can really aid in a lot of different types of work that artists can do," Barton explained.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Expel Recognized by CRN® in 2025 Partner Program Guide for Third Consecutive Year
Leading MDR provider chosen for partner-first approach, delivering premium security outcomes for customers, and driving mutual success HERNDON, Va., March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Expel, the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider, was recognized by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, with a spot in the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide. This is Expel's third consecutive inclusion in the prestigious guide, which serves as an essential resource for solution providers seeking vendor partner programs that match their business goals and deliver high partner value. "Expel is in the business of creating positive security outcomes for our customers, and the partner program we've built reflects that mission at its core," said Alex Glass, VP, Global Channel and Alliances, Expel. "Our partnerships are rooted in collaboration, accountability, and determination to drive mutual success for all parties—and our inclusion in the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide is testament to the strength of our approach." In a complex and crowded security landscape, solution providers rely on vendor programs that offer the right tools, resources, and support to help them succeed. Expel's partner-first approach delivers: Premium MDR services that drive revenue for channel partners while addressing customers' evolving security needs. Expel Workbench™, a best-in-class security operations platform that enables the highest level of transparency on the market. Robust support including sales incentives, training tools, and marketing collateral. This year, Expel celebrated continued program growth with its inaugural Partner of the Year Awards, honoring organizations exhibiting excellence in partnering with us to reflect our shared, customer-based values. CRN also recently included Glass on the 2025 Channel Chief's list and featured Expel on the CRN Security 100 as one of the 20 Coolest Endpoint and Managed Security Companies of 2024. To learn more about how our program improves the outcomes partners deliver to their customers, visit the Expel Partner Program webpage for details on sales incentives, training tools, marketing collaboration, and more. "Being featured on the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide highlights the dedication these technology vendors have to evolving with solution providers, driving innovation, and supporting mutual success," said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. "This critical annual project empowers solution providers to identify vendors that are committed to enhancing their partner programs and meeting the always-changing business needs of the channel and end customers. The guide provides deep insight into the distinctive value of each partner program so solution providers can make strategic partnership decisions with confidence." The 2025 Partner Program Guide will be spotlighted in the April 2025 issue of CRN and published online at beginning March 24, 2025. About The Channel Company: The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world's top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit Follow The Channel Company: X, LinkedIn and Facebook. © 2025 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved. About Expel Expel is the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider trusted by some of the world's most recognizable brands to expel their adversaries, minimize risk, and build security resilience. Expel's 24/7/365 coverage spans the widest breadth of attack surfaces, including cloud, with 100% transparency. We combine world-class security practitioners and our AI-driven platform, Expel Workbench™, to ingest billions of events monthly and still achieve a 17-minute critical alert MTTR. Expel augments existing programs to help customers maximize their security investments and focus on building trust—with their customers, partners, and employees. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Expel Sign in to access your portfolio
