KW TRANS LIBRARY OFFERS ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES FOR GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE FOR FOLKS IN TRANSITION

The KW Trans Library is a free resource for sharing, trading and borrowing supplies for trans healthcare. Supplies include post-surgical binders, mastectomy pillows, lap pillows and more.   

“I work in gender-affirming care too, so I do lots of the medical side of surgical referrals. Seeing how folks were needing supplies or needing to buy pretty expensive supplies, kind of […]

https://www.communityedition.ca/kw-trans-library-offers-accessible-resources-for-gender-affirming-care-for-folks-in-transition/

WILLOW RIVER COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

On Apr. 17, 2026, eight downtown Kitchener non-profits came together in solidarity to incorporate the Willow River Community Land Trust (WRCLT). These are: the Willow River Centre, Community Justice Initiatives (CJI), Social Development Centre (SDC), Civic Hub Waterloo Region, SHORE Centre, Inter Arts Matrix, MT Space, Spectrum and Kind Minds Family Wellness.  

“Our vision is for this […]

https://www.communityedition.ca/willow-river-community-land-trust/

PUSHING BACK AGAINST PRIVATIZATION

On Apr. 25, 2026, members of the Waterloo Health Coalition (WHC) organized a rally hosted in Uptown Waterloo Square at 12 p.m. The demonstrations were the first in a planned series of protests across Ontario. Hundreds of rally members called attention to the slow privatization of Ontario’s healthcare system and took a firm stand against it.   

“I got into politics because I know we […]

https://www.communityedition.ca/pushing-back-against-privitization/

LONGHOUSE LABS EXTENDS BANGISHIMO’S BUCK SKIN NAKED

On Jan. 19, 2026, Bangishimo’s Buck Skin Naked photography exhibit debuted at Longhouse Labs (LLabs)., featuring portraits spotlighting Indigenous and Afro-Indigenous bodies. The showing for Buck Skin Naked was extended until Apr. 11, 2026. Bangishimo is planning to shift into working on a book later this year, a collection of their photography over the years.  

“We don’t see […]

https://www.communityedition.ca/longhouse-labs-extends-bangishimos-buck-skin-naked/

UNDERDOG STEPS UP PERFORMANCE TEAMS, COMPETES IN CALGARY

The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo Region’s first beginner-focused adult dance studio. They introduced a more intensive training regimen for their performance team earlier this year, including strength and flexibility training in a second studio in Uptown Waterloo.   

“It’s just the consistency and the hard work to train the body to do it, and you literally practice showing up for […]

https://www.communityedition.ca/underdog-steps-up-performance-teams-competes-in-calgary/

SAFETY SHED OPENS ON 100VIC

On Mar. 15, 2026, 100 Victoria St. (100Vic) encampment celebrated the launch of the Safety Shed. It was erected by the Concerned People on Drug Use, a coalition of community members, drug users, advocates and loved ones of drug users. The grand opening event featured continued building of the shed, pizza, music, passionate speakers and a community-led discussion.  

“The Safety Shed will provide people who use drugs with a focal point where they can access and create programming that deals with the issues they are facing, inducing state attacks on their rights to medical services. It will also provide a warmer, safer place where community members can discuss, explore and strategize about solutions without fear of being stigmatized or criminalized,” the Concerned People on Drug Use said in a joint press release.  

“In fall 2023 we started seeing large quantities of xylazine going into the fentanyl supply, and more encampment residents were having worse experiences using drugs that they thought were unpoisoned, so the need grew,” Julian Ichim, a safety shed activist, said.   

Versions of the Safety Shed in tent form were used on Roos Island and then at 100Vic since the summer of 2022. The Safety Shed is a space where encampment residents can access harm reduction supplies, education and peer support in the community. The labour of many organizers and volunteers went into the building of the safety shed.   

“We have to fight for people, who have basic rights simply because they’re human. Not because we like them, not because we agree with them. Simply because they’re human,” Ichim said.   

The Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) at 150 Duke St. W. was closed on Mar. 31, 2025, due to Bill 223. It banned CTS sites from operating within 200 metres of certain types of schools and childcare centres. The CTS was co-operated by Sanguen Health Centre and the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services.  

“[The Safety Shed was proposed by] several members of the Alan Ryan People’s Community Defence Brigade with lived and living experience using substances in organized safety tents through the years, and the Safety Shed is also being organized with the Concerned People on Drug Use, a group of drug users and advocates,” Ichim said.   

The shed is in a prominent and accessible space in the encampment, chosen by the residents who will be using it. It will contain various harm reduction supplies, workshops, food and opportunities to learn about their rights.   

“The number of drug poisoning deaths has increased since the CTS was closed and the supply is becoming more toxic with sedatives like medetomidine in the mix. Harm reduction is a serious issue,” Ichim said.   

On Feb. 27, 2026, a community drug alert  was issued in Waterloo Region after 35 suspected drug overdoses and one drug-related death. Fentanyl samples were tested through Sanguen’s drug checking program and found other drugs like sedatives, veterinary tranquilizers and depressants.   

#100VictoriaSt #100Vic #AdrianQuijano #concernedPeopleOnDrugUse #consumptionAndTreatmentServices #CTS #FightBackKW #housingCrisis #JulianIchim #Safety #safetyShed #substanceUse

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFERS SPACE TO CREATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

On Dec. 31 2025, Christ Lutheran Church proposed to add townhomes to its vacant lot at Anndale Rd. and Lexington Rd. to help move the Waterloo Region out of its current housing crisis. Christ Lutheran Church had a long-held vision for the future use of the site, which included an opportunity to explore new housing options. The proposal to add 57 rental townhomes to its three-acre lot has been put into action, with some challenge from residents.  

“Neighbours and community members have continued to engage with us directly, and the city is also receiving input through its formal channels…We are taking all of this input into account through the ongoing review process of the application with our team and the city,” Carly Forrester, Director of Development and Planning at Kindred Works, said.   

Kindred Works, a Toronto-based rental housing design firm, was engaged to evaluate what could be supported on the portion of the property identified for redevelopment. This work has informed the low-rise residential proposal currently advancing through the zoning process.  

“Some residents have raised concerns about height—the proposal is for two-three storeys, similar to the nearby homes to the north and northeast, and much shorter than the six-storey retirement residence to the south across the street. Other concerns raised include the number of homes, potential impacts on traffic, parking and greenspace,” Forrester said.   

The church has occupied the mostly vacant land since 1974. The plan involves retaining the original church building, while Kindred Works develops around it. Christ Lutheran Church transferred its property to its development partner for a total of two dollars in September 2025.   

“We have also received support for the proposal, including the addition of purpose-built rental housing with non-market and family-sized units, adding much needed housing to the community, the fact the building is designed to be zero-carbon, and the retention of the existing community building,” Forrester said.   

This project aligns with the Region of Waterloo’s Homes for All initiative, which is a part of the Waterloo Region’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.  

“The project is still in the zoning process, and the timeline will be shaped by the results of this phase and the municipal review process. We are eager to complete this project as soon as practical to deliver much needed housing to the community,” Forrester said.  

#AdrianQuijano #affordableHousing #CarlyForrester #church #homesForAll #housing #housingCrisis #KatWex #KindredWorks #lutheranChurch #property #WaterlooRegion20232027StrategicPlan

REGIONAL COUNCIL AMENDS BY-LAW TO DEFER POSSESSION OF 100VIC

On Jan. 9, 2026,  the Region of Waterloo council amended By-Law 25-021. This deferred the possession date for the Kitchener transit hub site until Apr. 1, 2026. Metrolinx has advised the Region of Waterloo that it requires the use of 100 Victoria St. N. for its Kitchener Central Transit Hub (KCTH). The first version of the bylaw was designed to have encampment residents off 100Vic by the end of 2025.  The region wants to use the property as a staging area for construction vehicles and equipment for the KCTH, planned to be built at the nearby intersection of King St. and Victoria St. 

The amendment was made to allow residents of 100 Victoria St. N. encampment (100Vic) to find alternative housing options.    

“The offer would include an individual housing plan with appropriate alternative accommodation, social service supports and transportation and storage for up to six months at no cost to the person,” Fiona McCrea, regional solicitor and director of legal services, said.   

An information session for current residents of the 100Vic ran on Jan. 5, 2026, along with a public information and input meeting on Jan. 7, 2026. A summary of these two sessions was included in the appendix of the addendum report.   

“There was support expressed at both sessions for the removal of the monetary penalty and the provision of written offers of alternative accommodation included in the amendments,” McCrea said.   

Across the Waterloo Region, there are 24 known encampments and approximately 50-59 residents in them. However, the 100Vic by-law and its amendment would only affect the residents and the encampment there.  The motion of including a safe-tenting by-law came up on the Jan. 9, 2026, meeting. This would outline the procedures which people are to follow when putting up tents in designated areas deemed suitable by a governing body.   

“Such a protocol exists in other communities in Ontario including Hamilton, London, St. Thomas and the Region of Peel. These are provisions set through a by-law that provides the circumstances and conditions [in] which individuals can tent in the municipality,” Peter Sweeney, Commissioner of Community Services, said.  

Safe tenting by-laws come in one of two forms: one where individuals are given specific locations in which they are permitted to tent. The other outlines where people are not permitted to tent and sets provisions of distance from schools, cemeteries and childcare centers.   

For example, London’s Park and Recreation Area By-Law-PR-2 prohibits people from encroaching on municipally owned lands or erecting fences on municipally owned lands without the written consent of the City. Whereas the Region of Peel’s Encampment Policy Framework and Joint Protocols  explicitly outlines areas where encampments are prohibited. 

“Not one person that spoke last night wanted this amendment. Even though you [the council] might think it would be advantageous to those living in the encampment.” Pam Wolf, Region of Waterloo Councilor, said.  

Wolf wanted the Region of Waterloo council to explore the safe tenting protocols of other municipalities. The motion to explore the safe tenting protocol was defeated by a final vote of 8-8. 

#100Vic #AdrianQuijano #byLaw #encampmentPolicyFrameworkAndJointProtocols #housingCrisis #informationSession #kitchenerCentralTransitHub #kitchenerTransitHub #London #metrolinx #parkAndRecreationArea #RegionOfWaterloo #regionalCouncil

DOG DAYS ARE HERE

On Nov. 14, 2025, I had the honour and pleasure of taking in a foster dog named Charlie. 

I did not make the choice to foster a dog lightly. As someone who grew up with a dog, I knew how much responsibility and time caring for a dog takes.  

I can now confirm that the adage of rescue dogs saving the people that take them in is true.  

Since COVID-19, this seed of loneliness was planted in me, but having Charlie around has helped me regrow my curiosity for life and the great outdoors.  

Charlie is a half German Shephard, half American Dingo. He grew up in Texas and he was left to fend for himself on the streets for about six months before being taken in by a kind lady, who contacted the Dog Rescue Society (DRS). 

The DRS is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization based in Kitchener, and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need, while creating a supportive community of adopters and fosters. Usually, their foster programs take about three to four months.  

For the first few weeks, he was in what is known as the decompression phase—what he needed most was a quiet, structured and safe place to be.  

I remember our first walk together was around the block outside of my apartment building. He was skittish and anxious, much like me. I felt like maybe I was in over my head, maybe it was too long since I had a dog and I was not equipped to be a good dog parent.  

But when he looked up at me with his hopeful big brown eyes on the elevator ride up to our apartment, I felt like we were in this together.  

For the first few days we were on a strict structured routine of waking up at the same time, eating at the same time and walking at the same time during the day. It was a way to introduce structure to Charlie’s life, especially since his life was turned so completely upside down. The more time has passed the more Charlie’s personality has manifested. He is a confident dog who takes life in stride. Though doubtless he feared me when we first met, he was nothing but cordial to me. He is curious, playful and full of energy for life. All things that a depressed human like me lack sometimes.  

Since the start, we’ve settled into a similar but less rigid routine. Due to some difficulties with mental health issues, having another reason to get out of bed and get some exercise has been a lifesaver. I’m happy I got to help Charlie, and he in turn has helped me quite a lot.  

Charlie is currently up for adoption. If you are interested, check out his profile and others on the DRS website at  thedogrescuesociety.net. 

#AdrianQuijano #charlie #community #COVID19 #Dog #Foster #fosterDog #fostering #KatWex #mentalHealth #pandemic #Pets #rescue #Routine

SHOW LOVE, EVEN ON A BUDGET

Money can be tight sometimes, especially in this economy, making gifts difficult to organize. 

My family also has two birthdays in December, so I am no stranger to trying to scrimp and save to make sure I can show my loved ones how much I care. 

While overconsumption and inflation run rampant, there seems to be a rise in people wanting to make their own gifts. Here’s a list of cheap and homemade gift ideas I turn to every year. Hopefully they also help you to spread the love this holiday season.   

Needle Felting  

This craft uses specifically designed notched needles to form wool into different shapes and designs. The notches tangle the wool fibres and cause them to interlock to form firm structures. This versatile craft is perfect for those on a budget.   

I started needle-felting with the help of a friend over a year ago, and it has turned into a fun hobby that also helps me make fun gifts for friends.   

You can find Ontario roving wool at Flying Squirrel for 15 cents per bundle. And the needles can be purchased online starting at $1.50. You can easily find free patterns online as well.   

Happy felting!   

Crochet and Knitting  

Crocheting and knitting is part of the needlecraft family in which you use a hook to create fabric from loops of yarn. Both can be used to make anything from a blanket to a sweater.   

While this is not a hobby I have participated in yet, I know plenty of people who use fibre arts for gift giving. You can purchase a ball of yarn at Flying Squirrel starting at $2.99.   

Painting  

Who doesn’t love a hand-painted piece of art? Check out any dollar store and stock up on paper, paint and paintbrushes without breaking the bank.   

Something I like to do is called zen-tangles. To create a zen-tangle, paint a simple shape like a triangle or a square in one colour. The point is to be intentional about each line.

It can be very calm and makes for a beautiful piece of artwork. Cutting up the print and making unique cards out of them is sure to brighten up anyone’s holiday.   

Baked goods  

Use the holidays as a way to expand your hobbies or practice tried and true ones. For me, baking is one hobby I like to use when the holidays come rolling in.  

I like baking Filipino treats for my loved ones during the holidays to show them my appreciation. Making food like puto or biko is a fun way to be creative while also putting in a lot of care into the gift. Puto, a steamed rice cake, is very inexpensive to make and requires ingredients you would already have in the pantry like flour and sugar.  

#AdrianQuijano #baking #budget #budgetFriendlyGifts #Christmas #crochet #Hannukah #holiday #homemade #homemadeGifts #KatWex #Knitting #KWANZAA #needleFelting