Happy Tuesday, Waterloo Region!
Hats off to all the parents out there. You made it through the chaos of the first week back to school. Hopefully things are starting to settle into a routine.
Speaking of routines, grab your coffee, tea, or whatever your go-to morning drink is. Let's get into it.
🌤️ This week's weather outlook:
Tue Sept 15 | Wed Sept 16 | Thu Sept 17 | Fri Sept 18 | Sat Sept 19 | Sun Sept 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High | 23°C | 25°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 21°C |
Low | 13°C | 15°C | 14°C | 12°C | 13°C | 14°C |
Chance of rain | 70% (risk of thunderstorms) | 80% (~5mm) | 80% (5-10mm) | 10% | 80% (5-10mm, risk of thunderstorms) | 80% (~5mm, risk of thunderstorms) |
In This Issue
Two banners, one Friday night: the Rangers open their title defense in style
A real breakthrough on the Region's water math, plus what it means for new housing
The first joint public-Catholic school in Region history opens in Cambridge
What's happening in Waterloo Region this week: Lumen, Doors Open Waterloo Region, the New Hamburg and Fergus Fall Fairs, the Royal Medieval Faire and more.
Local News & City Updates
💧 A Real Breakthrough on the Region's Water Math
The Region's water capacity squeeze has been a slow grind for a year now. This week brought something that actually moves the needle.
Regional staff found a way to adjust pressure zones that squeezes more capacity out of infrastructure the Region already has, no new construction required. Regional Chair Karen Redman called it faster, cheaper, and more permanent than the temporary pumping station it replaces, a fix expected to save over $8 million.
Separately, the first of several new sidestream treatment units has arrived on site. This first unit alone is expected to add 20 litres per second of new capacity for Kitchener, Waterloo, Wilmot, Woolwich, and part of Cambridge.
Add it up and the Region believes it can stop leaning on Wilmot Township's supply come January 2027, freeing that water for growth in Baden and New Hamburg instead.
One catch: staff are asking for 10 new positions in the 2027 budget, roughly $870,000 that year and $1.5 million a year after, to keep this timeline on track.
The City of Waterloo is already putting the extra room to use: 13 projects just got the green light for building permits, about 1,250 homes plus some commercial and industrial space, with priority given to affordable housing and sustainability.
Council votes on the staffing ask during fall budget talks. Worth watching whether the money follows the win. If you want the bigger picture, UW hosts a free public panel on the region's water future, Tuesday, September 22, 6–8:30pm at The Registry Theatre, with researchers, the City of Waterloo's Director of City Utilities, and community voices. CityNews Kitchener | Region of Waterloo staff report | City of Waterloo | UWaterloo Research Talks
💧 Well Interference Policy Gets Its Final Sign-Off
We told you last month this was headed for a vote. It happened.
Regional Council unanimously passed the final Well Interference Claim Policy at the same Wednesday meeting.
The only real change from August: the Appeal Committee now includes a non-voting public member, not just councillors. Everything else is largely as originally proposed.
If your household relies on a private well near Region pumping, this is the policy that now governs what happens if something goes wrong. CityNews Kitchener
🏗️ The Province Is Paying Waterloo to Keep Building
Hit your housing target, get rewarded for it. Waterloo just did, for the second year running.
$3,765,333 is heading Waterloo's way through Ontario's Building Faster Fund, a program built to reward cities that hit at least 80% of the housing numbers the province set for them.
Waterloo cleared that bar comfortably: 1,412 homes broke ground here in 2025, good for 88% of the target.
The money isn't for the homes themselves, it's earmarked for the roads, water systems, and other infrastructure that has to keep pace with them.
Zoomed out further, the whole Region is sharing in over $31.4 million through a related provincial infrastructure program, projected to enable close to 18,500 new homes across Waterloo Region, with $11.9 million of that flowing specifically to the City of Waterloo.
Two years in a row now. Whatever Waterloo's doing on this file, it's working. Details
🎓 A First for the Region: One Roof, Two School Boards
For the first time in Waterloo Region's history, public and Catholic students are sharing more than just a street address.
Giinawind Public School (519 spaces, WRDSB) and Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School (354 spaces, WCDSB) opened together in southeast Cambridge on the first day of school this year, plus 88 licensed child-care spaces on site.
Day to day, the two schools function almost like neighbours who share a wall: separate staff, separate classes, even separate times for recess and drop-off. The overlap comes down to a few common rooms, plus school-wide events like the upcoming Terry Fox run that bring both student bodies together.
The public school's name comes from the Ojibwe word for "us, including you," submitted by members of the Indigenous community to reflect the school's focus on inclusion.
A small architectural choice and a new kind of collaboration for the Region. CBC News
🖥️ Cambridge Weighs In on Ontario's Data Centre Rules
We've been following this one since August: a councillor's motion, a unanimous vote, and a provincial framework announced days later. Now Cambridge has told the Province what it wants in that framework.
The City of Cambridge submitted formal recommendations on Ontario's proposed Data Centre Playbook, the provincial framework Premier Ford announced back in August.
Among the recommendations: data centres should be required to use modern, water-efficient closed-loop cooling, with the city explicitly noting that in groundwater-dependent communities like ours, drinking water "must not become an inexpensive industrial cooling resource."
Other asks include protecting Canadian data sovereignty, making operators pay the full cost of connecting to the electrical grid, and a mandatory but locally-determined community benefit framework, so Cambridge, not the Province, decides what a host community gets in return.
Given how tightly this region has tracked its water capacity all year, this is Cambridge putting its concerns on the record before the rules get written. Details
🚧 Road Report
🚗 If you commute on the 401, you may have already noticed the new signs. Speed limits through Kitchener-Cambridge are up from 100 to 110 km/h, part of a rollout the province's been working through since June. The signs are already changed and the higher limit is live now, so you're not imagining it. Details
NEW
Can-Amera Pkwy, from Townline Rd to Can-Amera Pkwy, Cambridge: partially closed Sunday, September 20, 7pm to Thursday, September 24, 7am. Northbound lane closed; southbound traffic maintained; pedestrian access maintained around the work zone. Cause: road repair.
Victoria St N, Lackner Blvd to Forwell Rd, Kitchener: reduced to one lane, north/eastbound direction, Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, approximately 1–8pm, for a special event. Access to other businesses not impacted.
Park St, Allen St to Norman St, Kitchener: closed Wednesday, September 23 to Thursday, September 24, for mobile crane work at 115 Park St. No through traffic; pedestrians directed around the work area.
Grants & Incentives
Reep Fall Native Plant Pre-Order: pre-order by Sept 27, pickup Oct 3, Chandler Mowat Community Centre. reepgreen.ca
LoveMyHood Matching Grant (City of Kitchener): funds resident-led neighbourhood projects, painted crosswalks, street parties, little libraries, trail enhancements, and more, with up to $30,000 available and a matching contribution required. Next review period deadline is October 29. Free virtual grant-writing workshop Wednesday, September 23, 7–8:30pm, register via Eventbrite. lovemyhood.ca
Sports
Kitchener Rangers: Looking sharp heading into the new season: Kitchener closed out its preseason with a 3-2 win over the Barrie Colts on Saturday, Tanner Lam scoring the winner. The Rangers open the 2026-27 regular season Friday, September 18, 7pm, at The Aud, hosting the Owen Sound Attack, with the night starting off in style as the team raises both the J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup championship banners to the rafters before puck drop. Details
What's Happening
⚠️ Reminder: Ticket scams are active. Buy tickets only from official sources. Never e-transfer a stranger for tickets.
Looking for events not on the big calendars? Your local Optimist Club runs community programs, fundraisers, and events year-round. Find your nearest chapter at optimist.org.
Please Note: Events are subject to change, postponement, or cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Check the event's own page before heading out.
Standing Farmers' Markets
🧺 St. Jacobs Farmers' Market – 878 Weber St N, St. Jacobs. Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, and a flea market from around 300 vendors. Recurring Thursdays, 8am–3pm and Saturdays, 7am–3:30pm, year-round. Free to browse. Details
🧺 Kitchener Market Breezeway outdoor market – 300 King St E, Kitchener. Local farmers, makers, and vendors in the outdoor Breezeway while the main building remains closed for fire recovery. Recurring Saturdays, 7am–2pm. Free to browse. Details
🧺 Cambridge Farmers' Market – 40 Dickson St, Cambridge. Meats, baked goods, produce, and crafts from local vendors. Recurring Saturdays, 7am–1pm, year-round. Free to browse. Details
This Week (Sept 15–21)
😂 Yuk Yuk's on Tour – Kingpin Bowlounge, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener. Saturday, September 19, doors 8:00 p.m, show 9:00 p.m. Ticketed. Recommended 18+ for mature subject matter and coarse language. A touring night of stand-up from Canada's best-known comedy club brand. Details/Tickets
🎵 The Coltrane Sutras – The Jazz Room, Waterloo. Saturday, September 19, 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. $20–$32. A live jazz set exploring the music of John Coltrane. Details/Tickets
🎭 Royal Medieval Faire – Waterloo Park West, entrance off Westmount Rd. Saturday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cash only: $10 general admission (ages 14+), $5 children (13 and under), $20 family (up to 4 people). The 29th annual faire brings the Kingdom of Mearth to life with storytelling, swordplay, games, vendors, music, and dancing for the whole family. This year the faire partners with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, non-perishable food donations welcome at the entry gate. Details
🎉 Lumen – Uptown Waterloo, there is no official start point. Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Free and family-friendly. More than 30 visual, interactive, and performance-based light installations from local and international artists transform uptown for one night; typically draws over 40,000 people. Details & Festival Map
🎠 Multicultural Festival of Elmira – Gibson Park, 17 First St W, Elmira. Saturday, September 19, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Free. The 4th annual edition of this celebration of the community's cultural diversity, organized by HOPE (Hearts Open For Everyone), with performances, food, and vendors from across the township. Details
🏛️ Doors Open Waterloo Region – Sites across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, New Hamburg, Elmira, and North Dumfries. Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free. The 24th annual edition opens 27 heritage and notable sites region-wide, from historic churches and the Waterloo County Gaol to Perimeter Institute (free tickets required for entry), CIGI Campus, the Fire Hall Museum, Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Schneider Haus, and Tapestry Hall in the Gaslight District. Download the full event guide before you go. Details
🚗 Cambridge Cruise Fest – Forbes Park, 16 Kribs St, Cambridge. Saturday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free entry. Classic and custom cars, car registration from 10:30 a.m., Best of Show awards, food trucks, vendors, and great music, presented by Fireside Haven Studio. Details
🍺 Craftoberfest – THEMUSEUM x TWB – THEMUSEUM, 10 King St W, Kitchener. Saturday, September 19, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. $10 admission, 19+, ID checked at entry. Drinks purchased separately via tokens, $2.50 each or in packs of 10 ($25), 20 ($40), or 30 ($60); THEMUSEUM members get 25% off admission. The 10th anniversary of this craft beer celebration, with seven local breweries including TWB, Collective Arts, and Wavemaker, food from Grainharvest Pretzels and others, and live music from Toronto Beatles tribute act The Shitty Beatles. Details/Tickets
🌕 Harvest Moon Market – 44 Gaukel St, Kitchener (Gaukel Block). Saturday, September 19, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free entry. Kitchener-Waterloo's biggest Halloween vendor show, with over 35 local creators selling art, oddities, crystals, and more. Details
🎪 New Hamburg Fall Fair – New Hamburg Fairgrounds, 251 Jacob St, New Hamburg. Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 20. Midway opens Friday 5:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. Event times vary through the weekend, check the full schedule. Details
🍂 Harvest Hoedown – St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, 878 Weber St N. Friday, September 18, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. $10 advance, $15 at the door, kids 10 and under free (separate $10 bar tickets for alcoholic drinks). Live music from 8 Second Ride, line dancing lessons from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., a mechanical bull, alpaca and baby goat selfies, and Harvest Hoedown-themed trivia. Details/Tickets
🎷 All That Worldly Jazz Festival – St. Jacobs Village, five stages along King St N. Saturday, September 19, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Free. A day of jazz and music across cultures, from South American folk to flamenco-rock to soul, plus a Latin dance workshop, a drumming circle, and artisan vendors throughout the village. Details
🍎 It's Pick-Your-Own Apple Season – A few options around the region:
Shuh Orchards, 6515 Line 86, West Montrose (Woolwich). Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. through Oct 31. Tickets required, available online or at the orchard. Also has a wagon ride, corn maze, and petting zoo. Details
Downey's Apple Farm, 1355 Hopewell Creek Rd, Breslau (Woolwich). Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Check website for Details
Paradise Pointe Orchard, 3811 Weimar Line, Wellesley. Opened for the season Saturday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page directly for full details.
🧘 Yoga Hike – Huron Natural Area – Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Dr, Kitchener. Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Free, drop-in, no registration required, 18+. A 90-minute guided walk through the meadows, maples, and pines with pauses for stretching and yoga postures suited to all skill levels. No mat needed, just weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear. Meet at the picnic shelter by the main entrance. Details
🎶 Mom's Gone Mild – Maxwell's, 35 University Ave E, Waterloo. Saturday, September 19, doors open at 6:00 p.m., runs 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 19+, licensed, ticketed. Waterloo's early-night video dance party returns, hosted by Kat Callaghan (91.5 The Beat) with music from DJ Rob Da Selekta, general admission standing room with limited side seating. Details/Tickets
🎪 Just outside the Region: 189th Fergus Fall Fair – Fergus. Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20 (midway: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday). Adult daytime admission $10 ($15 evening), kids and seniors discounted; weekend passes and a family day pass are also available. Truck and tractor pulls, Krusher BMX, agricultural shows, exhibit halls, and midway rides. Details
Coming Up This Month (Sept 23 – Oct 14)
💰 LoveMyHood Grant Writing Workshop – Virtual. Wednesday, September 23, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Free, registration required. See Grants & Incentives for full details on the grant itself. Details
🎨 Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, Opening Night – THEMUSEUM, 10 King St W, Kitchener. Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (doors 6:00 p.m., program at 6:45 p.m.). $50, includes a welcome drink and grazing stations. THEMUSEUM's major new immersive exhibition, created with Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome, officially opens with the Italian Ambassador to Canada on hand. Interactive displays and life-sized recreations of Leonardo's inventions. Details/Tickets
🍺 Oktoberfest – Venues across the region. September 25–October 17. Events aren't held every day, check the event calendar for specific dates and times. The region's signature festival returns, including the Gaslight District's new outdoor "Prostgarten" Festhalle (Sept 25–Oct 4). Details
👨👩👧 Oktoberfest Family Treasure Hunt – Fairview Park Mall, 2960 Kingsway Dr, Kitchener (outside Urban Planet). Saturday, September 26, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free. Live entertainment including a Baby Dinosaur Show and a Chicken Dance with Onkel Hans, crafts, a root beer keg tapping for kids, and a treasure hunt with prize giveaways. Bring a donation for the Onkel Hans Food Drive. Details
🎨 Fest2Fall Music Festival – Dickson Park, Galt (Cambridge). Friday, September 25 to Saturday, September 26. Check the link for set times and ticket prices. Friday goes country with The Reklaws and Dean Brody; Saturday rocks out with The Trews and The Glorious Sons. Local vendors and food trucks throughout the weekend. Details/Tickets
🍎 Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival – Saturday, September 26, from 7:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m., with a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast to open. Free general admission (some individual activities, like the breakfast, have their own cost). Running since 1975, one of the region's favourite fall festivals with food, crafts, music, and more throughout the day. Details
🎸 Bales & Boots Bluegrass Bash – King Street, St. Jacobs (business porches throughout the village). Saturday, September 26, starting at 12:00 p.m. Free, non-ticketed. A day of live bluegrass on the main stage and around town, food and drinks from Block Three Brewing and Stone Crock Market, plus shopping through the village. Details
🎪 Just outside the Region: 185th Stratford Fall Fair – Stratford. Thursday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27. Midway hours: Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (note the Saturday farmers market runs earlier, 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.). Agricultural exhibits, ambassador competition, opening ceremonies, and more; check the full schedule for day-specific events. Details
🚚 King StrEATery Food Truck Festival – Downtown Kitchener's East End. Sunday, September 27, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Free. A food-truck and local business street festival. Details
🍩 KW Gluten Free Fest – Bingemans, Marshall Hall, Kitchener. Sunday, September 27, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $8 online, $10 at the door (cash only). Details/Tickets
Thanks for reading Community Loop – Waterloo Region. Have something happening in your neighbourhood that should be in next week's issue? We'd love to hear about it. See you next Tuesday!