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

SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS IN YOUR OWN COMPANY

While the holidays are typically associated with being around friends and family, sometimes it’s also a nice way to spend time with someone you’re around all year long: yourself.   

Having a solo holiday meal at a restaurant may seem like a scene straight out of break-up movie, but there can be many benefits to dining for one: eating alone means only catering to what you want to eat and ensuring you eat at your own pace.   

Here is a list of places around the region where solo dining for the holidays would strike up a cozy vibe.   

Arabella Park  

Located in Kitchener’s Belmont Village, this classic beer bar serves bar food that pairs swell with their 18 rotating taps.  

Having a holiday dinner on their mezzanine floor is a good way to soak in the holiday vibes while having your own little slice of the restaurant to yourself.  

I always enjoy having their feature burger and pairing it with a non-alcoholic beer.   

Loloan Lobby Bar  

This taste of the tropics will serve as a palmy balm for the wintry soul. Located in Uptown Waterloo, this is the place to go for Southeast Asian inspired cuisine.  

Known for their well-versed staff, enjoy sitting at the bar or the dining room. Feel like chatting? Their friendly bar staff would be happy to tell you about their menu while you’re sipping on a classic pho cocktail. Whether thirsty for a unique holiday drink or hungry for a pan-Asian tasting menu, Loloan is a treat for the senses of a solo diner.   

Hooland Cafe  

If you’re looking for something more casual, look no further than Waterloo’s premier destination for Hong Kong street eats.  

They have classic neon lights, the snacks and the atmosphere that transport you to Hong Kong. Enjoy their black truffle cream sauced chicken wings alongside ice cream coffee. The Hooland Cafe also boasts a robust vegetarian menu. 

Rhythm and Brews  

For lovers of beer and music, this rustic Cambridge-based bar is just for you. Having a few sips while enjoying food at their bar or having wings while enjoying live music, a dinner here will never leave you wanting stimulation for your five senses. Their venue was specifically designed with acoustics in mind, so sit back and enjoy holiday tunes while munching on locally sourced food. 

Oh! Bombay  

I enjoyed a dinner at Oh! Bombay on my own and I was not disappointed. This authentic Indian and Hakka food is just what the solo diner needs to warm their soul after a long winter’s day. Their honey chili chicken momos made me feel right at home while I was sitting and enjoying the rain outside.   

East Africa Cafe  

This cozy retreat where tradition meets taste is a great place to be if you’re looking for a cozy and unique dining experience in Downtown Kitchener. I went here for a cozy solo break from my day, and I enjoyed a nice la pisma with mango juice.   

This year has been particularly challenging for me in my personal life. I have learned to take breaks from the everyday and make time for myself. It’s important to be able to sit down and have a meal on your own, no distractions, just you and the food.  

Helps you think and unwind. So I encourage you all to do the same this holiday season. Who knows, maybe it’ll help you stay present and enjoy the holidays more.  

#AdrianQuijano #ArabellaPark #eastAfricaCafe #eatingAlone #holidays #holidaysAlone #hoolandCafe #LoloanLobbyBar #ohBombay #rhythmAndBrews

DONATIONS FOR 100 VIC FOR THE WINTER

Winter is here and residents at 100 Victoria St. North (100Vic) need supplies to get them through the season. Going into the harshest weather of the year, residents need the support of their community now more than ever. Here are a list of things residents need and details on how to donate.   

Urgently  

• Four person tents  

• Tarps  

• Wooden pallets  

• Sleeping bags  

• Blankets  

• Hygiene products  

Needed daily   

• Water  

• Juice  

• Single serve snacks (granola bars)  

• Home cooked meals  

• Clothes  

• Hats  

• Nail clippers and files  

• Pest repellent  

Amazon Wishlist 

• Glad black garbage bags  

• Rubbermaid 6-pack heavy duty durable totes  

• 8-liter plastic storage boxes  

• Evian natural spring water, 12 bottles  

• 36 Pack AAA batteries  

• 48 Pack AA batteries  

• Polarized sunglasses   

• Banana Boat sunscreen  

• Butane refill  

• Sunheavy duty double-sided dust barriers  

• Rain tarps  

• Paracord bracelet rope   

• Awning repair tape  

• Permanent all-weather duct tape  

How to drop off donations  

There is a parking lot adjacent to the encampment. Once at the encampment, the donation table is near the Sandbag House in the middle of camp. There will be a Fight-Back member on-site near the donation table.   

Other options for drop-offs  

Donations can be dropped off at the encampment at any time. For large or heavy donations, reach out to [email protected] to arrange a drop-off. If you are unable to make it to the encampment, pick-ups can be arranged for donations. 

#100Vic #100VictoriaSt #AdrianQuijano #amazonWishList #batteries #donations #ductTape #encampment #fightBack #FightBackWR #FightbackKW #fourPersonTents #KatWex #supplies #YIMBY

THE ISRAEL EFFECT IN CANADA

Peter Eglin, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Wilfrid Laurier University, released his critical autoethnography Analysing the Israel Effect in Canada in 2024. Eglin analyzes the organizational methods which public criticism of Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people is silenced in Canada. This is explained over the course of ten episodes in the life of the author over a 30 year period, from 1990 to 2020 through his interactions with Canadian news media. 

The Israel Effect is analyzed as a three-tier propaganda industry. Tier one is Israel’s lobby groups around the world, tier two is the role of universities and news media, and tier three is the non-Jewish, non-Zionists onlookers and institutions. Analysing the Israel Effect in Canada exists in the third tier as it is written by someone who is non-Jewish and non-Zionist. 

As a sociological work, it analyses and documents the different organized methods by which public criticism to Israel’s oppression towards Palestinians is silenced in Canada.   

Poignant and heart-wrenching at every turn, it is a crossover between an academic standpoint and journalistic exposé.  

In the chapter “Photo Propaganda” Eglin explores the role news media plays in suppressing Palestinian voices and promoting Israel’s interests.  

For example, looking at the Globe and Mail’s coverage of Palestinian victims: “What is most striking in the photographic depiction of victims of terror by The Globe and Mail, however, is the quite different use made of, and treatment accorded to, relatives, friends, co-workers and other associates of persons who have been killed or injured by terrorist violence, depending on whether the victims are Palestinian Arabs or Israeli Jews,” the book states.   

Eglin consistently reminds readers that the book is not about Israel and Palestine, it is about Canadian society and how it reacts to Israel’s oppression. Readers explore different vignettes arranged in chronological order to display a horror story of institutional censorship.   

Eglin, and in turn the reader, questions why the Canadian government does not enforce the human rights laws that would protect the Palestinian people. He emphasizes the importance of exposing ties to Israel in the government and corporations, and why people should continue to speak truth to power.   

Eglin remains an unflinching narrator throughout the book, not afraid to call out institutions that try to suppress his work. In the chapter “Circling the Wagons”, Eglin reacts to the National News Council not publishing his criticism of Israel. He tells his story through damning emails back and forth between Eglin and a representative from the council.   

For anyone who wants to understand the genocide in Palestine as it exists in the context of Canadian society, this book is a highly important read. The work is a compelling testament to the importance of preserving freedom of expression and the vital role academics play in challenging systemic injustice. It is an ideal book for historians, activists and scholars of politics. 

#adrianQuijano #analysingTheIsraelEffect #bookReview #canadianNews #israelEffect #media #mediaLiteracy #newsMedia #palestine #peterEglin #sociology #wilfridLaurierUniversity #zionism

ILWR HELPS RESIDENTS BE IN CHARGE OF THEIR OWN CARE

Independent Living Waterloo Region (ILWR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating choices and support for people with disabilities.  

Their mission is to champion independent living through self-directed services and programs.   

The organization was founded in 1982, originally named Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region.  

Founder Henry Enns, a social worker and wheelchair user, focused on self-direction and accessibility, elements that remain at the organization’s core today.   

“We want their family to remain their family, not their caretakers. So, this program gives that back to a lot of people,” Robyn Jackson, Direct Funding Resource Coordinator for ILWR, said.   

Through the attendant outreach program, ILWR helps adults with physical disabilities in their home, school or workplace.  

These services include non-medical personal support, essential homemaking tasks, safety checks and medication reminders.   

“We evaluate what sort of level of need they have, what sort of budget they’re looking to request and, as well, we test their knowledge of employment standards and how to be an employer,” Jackson said.   

Some eligibility requirements for the assisted living program include that people need to be insured under OHIP, have a valid OHIP card, be 16 years of age or older and have a permanent physical disability that requires physical assistance with activities of daily living.   

“I have two children. They’re both young adults, but my wife and I felt that direct funding provided me with more flexibility and more freedom to be able to fit my personal care needs,” Dan Lajoie, Manager of Independent Living Resources and a self-manager with ILWR, said.  

According to Waterloo Region Community Foundation, the number of older adults in the Waterloo region is growing quickly.  

The number of residents aged 65 to 69 rose from 23,000 to 31,000 between 2014 and 2024, which is a 28 per cent growth. This indicates a critical need for mobility, care and adaptation of public facilities.   

“The traditional service model would see somebody accessing services through an agency where they might not necessarily get to choose who comes into their home. Being on this program gives that power back to the individual,” Jackson said.   

ILWR focuses on personal support services. Professionals assist with essential housekeeping that fits around a client’s personal care.  

Unlike other programs, there are no maximum hours. Hours are based on identified personal care needs and budgetary capacity.   

“I find it very rewarding to do this type of work. We see a lot of folks coming in that maybe don’t have any care at all in place. Maybe their disability is new to them and they’re sort of navigating all those pieces, and I get to help them put this program in place,” Jackson said.   

Another program available to ILWR clients is assisted living. Attendants are trained to assist with personal care activities. A service plan will be created between the client and an ILWR staff member, which includes assistance with controlled acts and complex needs.   

“I would say that it’s a great program for anyone who can manage it. It allows freedom of choice and scheduling within your own life,” Lajoie said.  

#AdrianQuijano #clients #community #communityHealthCare #DanLajoie #directFunding #HenryEnns #ilwr #IndependentLivingWaterlooRegion #nonProfit #nonProfit #OHIP #olderAdults #personalSupport #PSW #residents #RobynJackson #seniorCitizens #Seniors #WaterlooRegionCommunityFoundation

KITCHENER JOINS PROVINCE-WIDE CODE RED PROTESTS

The Ontario Health Coalition hosted Code Red, a series of protests called to make a visible show of public opposition to the privatization of healthcare. The Kitchener protest ran on Oct. 4 on the public sidewalk near the new CTV offices on Sportsworld Dr. Ontario Health Coalition’s primary goal is to protect and improve the public healthcare system and have a Kitchener-Waterloo faction.  

“Many people in Ontario aren’t aware of what’s happening before the government is really attempting to dismantle our public health care system,” Jim Stewart, chair of the Waterloo Health Coalition, said.  

According to a report by Health Quality Ontario, total public spending on healthcare was $4,125 per person in 2016 and has been steadily declining over the years. This is the lowest among all provinces, and lower than the Canadian average by $4,487 per person.   

“The people of Ontario do not want a US-style healthcare system that’s going to cost them thousands of dollars out of pocket, because this is what’s actually happening right now,” Stewart said.   

In 2023, on average, insured patients were billed $1,177 for out of province services. The Ontario Hospital Association said that hospitals in 2024 ended last year in a $360 million deficit. In 2025, hospitals need an additional $1 billion in funding to keep pace with population growth and inflation.   

“We are embarking on a series of petitions, not just to the federal government, but to the provincial government to tell them that this [privatization] can’t occur. We’re going to have a day of action very soon to try to get members of Provincial Parliament to pay attention to this issue,” Stewart said.  

On Oct. 29, the Waterloo Health Coalition will host a legislature watch event for the Legislature Galleries. Their goal is to advocate against a two-tier Medicare program and stop patients being charged thousands of dollars out of pocket for surgeries and diagnostic tests.  

“If we want to have a strong society, we need to build a foundation of educated, smart young people through our education system, and we need healthy people through our public health care system,” Stewart said.   

Stewart wanted to increase public awareness towards the slow privatization of many healthcare services. Ontario had more than 1,100 emergency department closures in 2024. On the other side of the spectrum, private clinics are being funded at a higher rate than that of inflation.   

“The privatization plans are moving ahead, and so we wanted to make sure that people can pay attention and think and investigate and read for themselves,” Lorna Aberdeen, a Waterloo Health Coalition member, said.   

Dozens of participants congregated with signs of support towards a public healthcare system. Protesters had signs that read “honk if you oppose privatization” which received many honks in support.  Aislinn Clancy, MPP of Kitchener Centre, was also in attendance and was one of the speakers.   

“My hope is that we return to what we had. I would like to see the privatization stop, or at the very minimum, that we don’t put our public funds into it,” Aberdeen said.

#AdrianQuijano #AislinnClancy #codeRed #deficit #HealthQualityOntario #JimStewart #legislatureGalleries #LornaAberdeen #Medicare #OntarioHealthCoalition #ontarioHospitalAssociation #PublicHealth #WaterlooHealthCoalition

PRINCESS CINEMAS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS 

On Sept. 18, 1985, around 6:45 p.m., a screening of Casablanca played on a 16 mm projector and was the first film that opened the Princess Original. Now, 40 years later, a lively block party and a customary Casablanca screening at their 6 Princess St. W. location celebrated the history and impact the Princess Original has had in the KW Region.   

“If you’re ever looking for a way to disconnect from the phone for a little bit, otherwise you’d be just sitting scrolling, come for 90 minutes or two hours and buy a ticket to see a movie at the Princess,” John Tutt, owner of Princess Cinemas, said.  

Tutt graduated Wilfrid Laurier University with a bachelor of business administration and took as many film courses as he could. At the time, Kitchener did not have an arthouse style cinema, which was unusual when compared to cities of similar sizes like London and Kingston. St. Jerome’s University and the Humanities Theater at the University of Waterloo hosted some experimental film series sporadically.   

About two months after opening, the Princess Original found its audience. Tutt purchased a couple of 16 mm projectors and introduced the theatre’s membership program.  

In 2003, the Princess Twin Cinema opened. Tutt and his team purchased the Alan Rigby House of Furniture location in Uptown Waterloo and converted it into the film house it is now over the course of two years. They opened the Twin because they could not play all the movies they wanted to play.  

Now, Tutt is not as much a part of the planning and marketing of Princess. His son, Jacob, alongside Sophia Irwin, cinema programmer and assistant manager, runs most of the behind-the-scenes work.   

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show is such a staple to the Waterloo Region,” Irwin said.  

The Original Princess Cinema maintains its calendar art-house programming model. They showcase a variety of international, independent and Canadian cinema alongside festival hits, mini-festivals and cult classics. One of Tutt’s favourite events run at the Princess included the screening of Blackberry, a biographical comedy-drama about the rise and fall of Blackberry.  

“We had the director, the producer, ex-engineers, ex-owners, employees of Blackberry, all attending these screenings. The street in front of the Original Princess was just packed with people,” Tutt said.  

Unlike the Original Princess, the Twin Cinemas screen different films every week and host popular hits. The converted two-story retail space has stadium-level seating as compared to the Original’s high-back chairs.   

“I honestly hope [the cinema]continues to do what it’s done for the past 40 years and bring our community together under the love of film, the love of community events and local artists and Canadian cinema, celebrating worldwide cinema, just celebrating the movies and what film can do,” Irwin said. 

#AdrianQuijano #artHouseStyleCinema #casablanca #humanititiesTheater #kingston #kitchener #London #princessOriginal #StJeromeSUniversity #universityOfWaterloo #waterloo #wilfridLaurierUniversity

ODD DUCK WINE & PROVISIONS GETS MICHELIN RECOMMENDATION 

On Sept. 19, 2025, Kitchener’s Odd Duck Wine & Provisions was added to the Michelin Guide as a recommended restaurant to visit. Odd Duck aims to be a welcoming space without tip culture that focuses on people and providing unique dining experiences.   

The team shows careful attention to detail in their menus and wine pairings. Still, the Michelin recommendation came as a pleasant surprise.   

“We haven’t cared about fitting into a box. So, we’re just gonna keep doing our thing. We’re glad they noticed. That’s really cool, but that doesn’t change our approach,” Wes Klassen, owner and sommelier of Odd Duck, said.   

Klassen wanted Odd Duck to be different from other restaurant environments. He wanted a place that encouraged kitchen team members to be creative and actively participate in creating the menu.   

“The foundation of thinking about Odd Duck came from, is how do we create a space that is a brave place for people to exist as they are, and ironically thinking about this in the pandemic, not be masking all the time, right? They’re able to be themselves,” Klassen said.   

In 2020, Klassen started Purple Teeth Wine Consulting, a business that strove to make wine education accessible. Just before he was about to launch wine events, everything was shut down due to COVID-19.  

“In the very beginning, we focused on wanting to build an environment that was just unapologetically inclusive,” Rob Corrigan, Odd Duck’s co-founder, partner and director of operations, said.  

Stuck at home, Klassen began thinking about how to make the restaurant business more ethical. He wanted to do a lot of listening and unlearning with other individuals in hospitality to create a better work environment.   

“It’s an experience. And we also know that we won’t be for everybody, in terms of people who want that mass kind of consumption. We’re more of a place you go to explore flavor,” Klassen said.   

Odd Duck is driven to do things differently from restaurant chains. Every week the Odd Duck team meet and discuss changes to the menu. Whether it’s a new wine or new dish, talking about flavors is something that involves all kitchen, bar and server staff.   

“We want to hear from staff. Doesn’t matter if you’re a sous chef or a head chef or someone just starting as a server. We want everyone to contribute ideas when creating our menus,” Corrigan said.  

Sitting down and enjoying a meal at Odd Duck means being greeted with genuine hospitality from the staff. This authenticity is attributed to the staff feeling like a welcome and heard part of the team, according to Corrigan.   

“Whether it’s ingredients from a local farmer or whether it’s a wine from a biodynamic or an Indigenous producer, we want to be able to bring our guests on that journey and transport them to that place or that environment,” Corrigan said. 

#AdrianQuijano #COVID19 #KatWex #kitchener #localRestaurant #michelinGuide #MichelinRecommendation #OddDuck #oddDuckWineAndProvisions #purpleTeethWineCounsulting #robCorrigan #waterloo #wesKlassen