Latest news with #KarenRedman
CBC
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
70% of Wilmot lands purchased by Region of Waterloo
Regional Chair Karen Redman says the region has purchased 70 per cent of the 312 hectares of land it needs to create an industrial site in Wilmot Township. The region has been working since March 2024 to buy the land, which includes residential and farm properties. Redman explains why the region needs the site.
CTV News
14-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Region of Waterloo says 550 acres have been secured for Wilmot land assembly project
The Region of Waterloo says it has secured more than 70 per cent of the farmland needed for potential large-scale development projects in Wilmot Township. The plan involved 770 acres, or six separate properties, between Nafziger Road, Bleams Road and Wilmot Centre Road. As of May 14, the region had already acquired 550 acres of the land which, under provincial guidelines, meant it qualified as a mega-site. That classification would make it a much more attractive location for future employers. Other factors in its favour were the property's proximity to Highway 7/8, existing hydro, water and wastewater infrastructure and its exclusion as a water protection area. Karen Redman, chair for the Region of Waterloo, said it is 'imperative' to support local and well-paying manufacturing jobs. Wilmot land grab A map shows the land the Region of Waterloo wants to buy. (Graphic by Hayden Phillips/CTV Kitchener) Community concerns The land assembly process has stirred up controversy in Wilmot Township. Tractor protest parade Wilmot A line of tractors prepares to leave for Region of Waterloo headquarters as part of a protest on August 28, 2024. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News) Some of the affected landowners felt blindsided by the region's plan and argued the property wasn't right for future large-scale development. They organized town hall meetings, filed freedom of information requests and took their protests directly to regional council. protest wilmot land deal Protestors gathered outside of Region of Waterloo headquarters on June 19, 2024. (Tyler Kelaher/CTV News) Even Premier Doug Ford got caught up in the debate after he was overheard saying that he did not understand the secrecy around the project and claimed the process had been mishandled. The region has always maintained that they are 'committed to ensuring fair and equitable agreements for landowners.' farmer wilmot tractor convoy protest farmland Tractors make their way down the road on Aug. 28, 2024 as part of a rolling protest against the sale of Wilmot farmland. Due diligence by the region Starting this week, technical and environmental work will begin at the property as part of the region's due diligence. They said crops will be planted 'where appropriate' and harvested as per usual, but no existing crops will be removed. Corn crop destruction Wilmot 2024 Remnants of destroyed corn crop are held in this photo. This became a big issue in 2024 when residents questioned the destruction of corn crops on land purchased by the region. Council later learned the crops had been removed for an archeological assessment that could not be delayed.
CBC
14-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
70% of Wilmot farmland purchased for future industrial site, region says
The Region of Waterloo says it has purchased 70 per cent of the land it wants in Wilmot Township as part of its plans to create an industrial site for future use. In a media release Wednesday, regional Chair Karen Redman said this is a "major milestone" that gets the region "significantly closer to securing long-term investment and economic prosperity locally." "It is imperative, now more than ever, that Waterloo region be ready to support Canadian manufacturing and well-paying, local jobs," Redman said. This announcement follows a contentious land battle in Wilmot Township that started last year. In March 2024, 12 landowners of six farmland properties and six residential properties were told the region wanted to purchase their land. Affected landowners received compensation offers from the region and were told that if they refused to sell, their land could potentially be expropriated. In the release Wednesday, the region said it is "committed to ensuring fair and equitable agreements for landowners." The region has been working to acquire 770 acres of land (312 hectares) near the intersection of Nafziger Road and Bleams Road for future industrial use. The region maintains it has lost out on potential investment opportunities from major players in the past because of their lack of shovel-ready land. According to the region, the area was chosen for several reasons, including: A large, contiguous development footprint. Immediate access to Highway 7/8 and arterial transportation routes. Existing hydro, water, and wastewater infrastructure. Location outside water protection areas. The region initially planned to have all land purchased by August 2024. In July 2024, the region had announced on-site technical analysis was set to take place after it had purchased nearly one-third of the 770 acres it said it needed. Around 40 tractors drive into downtown Kitchener to protest Wilmot land deal 9 months ago Duration 0:25 Hundreds of protestors cheered on around 40 tractors driving along Frederick Street in downtown Kitchener Wednesday evening. The rally was to protest a deal by the region to buy up or expropriate 770 acres of land in Wilmot Township for an undisclosed industrial project. The situation so far A complicated road followed the region's initial announcement that they would acquire the land needed for development. Some groups, like farmers as well as provincial and federal elected politicians, opposed the project and said it would negatively impact farmland, food growth and water access. This was bolstered in July 2024 when the region faced criticism for plowing over a corn crop after it purchased a farm. On Wednesday, the region responded to that criticism by saying "planting will continue on lands where appropriate. No existing crop will be removed and any existing crop will be harvested when ready." Some, however, saw the land acquisition effort as necessary progress for the region in the wake of a population boom. A group called Best WR —comprised of the presidents of local chambers of commerce, economic development, Communitech and Explore Waterloo Region — penned an open letter in April 2024 supporting the region's plans. They said business opportunities were actively being lost by the region's lack of co-ordination and available space. The region had said their selection of land was thorough and based on a number of qualifications. They also noted that new industrial projects would create more jobs and help support the growing population of residents. The region has not disclosed any other specifics about how the land would be used and has said there is no company wanting to use the land. Fight for Farmland, a group advocating against expropriation of Wilmot lands, believed that negotiations wouldn't pick back up until after the Ontario provincial election. Although the region is in charge of the land purchase process, it was confirmed that the province was providing the funding. As Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives clinched another mandate in February, a new consideration loomed overhead: Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, would give cabinet power to exempt itself from laws on certain projects by designating them "special economic zones." Until now, many Region of Waterloo councillors found themselves unsure of what they were able to say in public about the plans to purchase farmland. They said in September 2024 that they were restricted by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
CBC
07-03-2025
- General
- CBC
Here's how to celebrate International Women's Day in Waterloo region
Social Sharing There are many ways to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) in Waterloo region this year, including attending a market for entrepreneurs, enjoying music and sitting down to a meal. International Women's Day falls on Saturday, March 8 this year and serves as a global celebration of all women in social, economic, cultural and political fields. The day is also a reminder of issues surrounding gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women. The official International Women's Day website notes that this day has been around for over a century, beginning in 1911 with a gathering of over a million people. The day is not specific to any one country, group or organization but is recognized by many people across the globe. This year's theme is Accelerate Action. Waterloo region is home to many events happening leading up to and on the day. Below is a list of some ways to celebrate the achievements of the women in the region and beyond. International Women's Day Market Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. CIGI Campus, Waterloo Waterloo Region Small Business Centre has partnered with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to create a market that features local women entrepreneurs. They're advertising a wide range of products and the opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of the women-owned businesses in the area. Register in advance to be entered into a draw. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cambridge City Hall Soroptomist International of Cambridge is inviting everyone to meet up at Cambridge City Hall, grab a sign, and walk to the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, where keynote speaker Daryn Brito will give a speech and indoor festivities will take place. Water and a small snack will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and bring donations of feminine hygiene products. Admission is free but there will be registration at city hall before beginning the walk. Femme Folks Fest 2025 March 8-16 Across Kitchener and Waterloo This festival is a mix of events, performances and art pieces in venues across Kitchener and Waterloo. It was created in 2020 in response to data from the national Equity in Theatre Initiative, which aims to promote, platform and present femme works. The nine-day celebration presents over 25 new art pieces that can be found at Studio Theatre, Centre in the Square, Uptown Waterloo Visitor Centre, Upper Rotunda, Kitchener City Hall, InterArts Matrix Performance Space and the SDG Idea Factory. Details can be found here. International Women's Day Breakfast, Victoria Park Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Victoria Park Pavilion Waterloo Region Small Business Centre is also hosting an IWD breakfast. Tickets are free but there is currently a waitlist. International Women's Day Breakfast, Bingeman's Friday, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Bingeman's Embassy Room The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual breakfast for IWD in partnership with Karen Redman, chair of the region. It typically highlights important speakers in the community who champion women's achievements. Tickets appear to be sold out already, but there's a waitlist for registration in case of cancellations. 2025 International Women's Day Brunch Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m. Waterloo Regional Police Association and Recreation Centre Waterloo Regional Labour Council is hosting a meal a little further away from the day itself. The day will include guest speaker Joan Minnery, games and a 50/50 draw and a raffle. Ticket prices start at $65 and range based on group size. Donations of feminine hygiene products are also welcome and will go to Monica Place. IWD 2025 - Accelerate Action: Agents of Change Thursday, March 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Google Kitchener Women in Communications and Technology have organized a panel discussion, local women business vendors, live music and an open mic in a community networking event to belatedly celebrate the day. International Women's Day Sound Journey Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Good Vibrations Rock Shop, Stratford Ethereal Frequencies by Jess is bringing a unique soundscape experience to Stratford for IWD as a way to unwind and connect with people to celebrate the day. They're providing a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, bolster and eye mask to achieve maximum relaxation.
CBC
12-02-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
On-demand handbikes and adult tricycles coming to Waterloo region streets
On-demand scooters and e-bikes are set return to the streets of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo this spring and later this year, more accessible options are expected to be made available to people. Neuron Mobility, which for the past two years has operated the program that offers the scooters and e-bikes for rent, will add handcycles and adult tricycles to their fleet. "This will be the first of its kind that we're aware of in Canada where we'll be diversifying the fleet for vehicles for those with mobility impairments," Isaac Ransom, head of corporate affairs with Neuron Mobility Canada, told councillors during a committee meeting on Tuesday. "Each of these provides a a different need and based on our conversations leading up to the development of this program, these seem to be the two most suitable devices to proceed forward with," he said. "We are excited to bring these to to market this year." In 2024, Neuron Mobility reported close to 173,700 rides were taken on scooters and e-bikes, totalling over 288,000 kilometers travelled. Regional councillors also voted to extend the contract with Neuron Mobility until November 2029, which coincides with the province extending the electric kick-scooter pilot project for an additional five years after it was set to end this year. The decision made during committee on Tuesday was ratified during a special council meeting later on Tuesday. In a release following that decision, regional Chair Karen Redman said the program is helping people choose "sustainable travel options" which is helping the region meet its climate action goals. "For me, it's particularly exciting when we see residents use Neuron to connect with transit, opening up an easy way to quickly move across our city and broader regional community," Redman said.
