THE CORD
RIM Park’s legacy, ten years on
The best soup to beat the cold
K-W gets geeky with two fests
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THE DEAFENING SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN K-W
Graphic by Kate Turner Visual Designer
LAUREN WARD NEWS EDITOR
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buse is one of the worst things a person can do to another person. What can be equally bad is witnessing that abuse and not doing anything about it. It is not uncommon for most people to look the other way. “Silence is a major factor,” said Carolyn Albrecht, senior director
of operations at the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. “When people see their neighbours in these situations, they are more likely to be like ‘that’s kind of their own business. We really shouldn’t get involved.’ That is the attitude toward abuse. People feel discomfort. It isn’t an easy thing to talk about.” Another major factor is that no one ever thinks this is going to happen to them, so when it does, it comes as a surprise. “Well what made it hard for me to get out of that situation was the fact that it didn’t
happen very often,” explained Ashley (who asked that her last name be omitted), a former Wilfrid Laurier University student. “It was mostly emotional and verbal abuse. It only happened a few times physically, so it was easier to make excuses. Plus he had a way of turning the tables and making it partly or entirely my fault. So sometimes I really thought and believed I was in the wrong. And of course I loved him.” Statistics show that Ashley’s story is not unusual. In 2011, Waterloo Regional Police
reported over 6,000 domestic dispute calls to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and also responded to one domestic dispute call every 1.5 hours. One of the most chilling facts is that since 1995, there have been 16 intimate partner homicides in Waterloo Region. “Unfortunately, because of the silence it is really hard to get statistics on unreported cases. The only figures we can really get are Continued on page 5 >>
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75 University Ave. W Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5 519-884-0710 x3564 Volume 2, Issue #2 Next issue: November 8, 2013
BRYN OSSINGTON CCE PUBLISHER
Advertising All advertising inquiries should be directed to Angela Endicott at 519-884-0710 x3560 angela.taylor@wlusp.com Editor-in-Chief H.G. Watson hwatson@thecord.ca
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Publisher Bryn Ossington bryn.ossington@wlusp.com
Graphic Designer Lena Yang lyang@thecord.ca
Cord Editor-in-Chief Justin Smirlies jsmirlies@thecord.ca
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CONTRIBUTORS Ashley Denuzzo Bob Egan Jennifer Freitas Dan Herman
Anya Lomako Gregory O’Brien Jon Pukila
WLUSP ADMINISTRATION President Executive Director Advertising Manager Treasurer Vice-Chair Director Director Corporate Secretary Distribution Manager Web Manager
Allison Leonard Bryn Ossington Angela Endicott Tom Paddock Luke Schulz Shelby Blackley Kate Turner Alexandra Abbiento Angela Endicott George Liu
We examine domestic violence in Waterloo Region this issue. • KATE TURNER CORD VISUAL DIRECTOR
The Cord Community Edition is the monthly magazine version of the Cord, the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community. Started in 2012, The Cord Community Edition is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors. Opinions expressed within The Cord Community Edition are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or The Guelph Mercury. All content appearing in The Cord Community Edition bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent. The Cord Community Edition is created using Macintosh computers running Mac OS X 10.5 using Adobe Creative Suite 4. Canon cameras are used for principal photography. The Cord Community’s title font is Bebas, an open source font created by Dharma fonts (formerly Flat-it).
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Silence is deadly COVER Why domestic abuse goes unreported in the region and what we can do to stop it
2 MPP Fife reflects on a year in office 3 RIM Park carries on after scandal 3 Why a universal stipend makes sense
The Cord Community Edition circulates monthly. Normal circulation is 33,000 and enjoys a readership of over 60,000. Cord Community Edition subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada. PREAMBLE TO THE CORD CONSTITUTION The Cord Community Edition will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy. The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly. When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to reply at the earliest time possible. Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff. The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on the community of KitchenerWaterloo. Ultimately, The Cord Community Edition will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate. The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the community. The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of community press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our magazine.
6 Soups up: where to warm up 7 Free libraries make a dent in the region 7 Pure and Local examines at skin care
8 Local music educator makes waves 9 G33k fest builds community 9 Animated films shine at festival 10 Reviews 11 Event listings
little over a year ago we published the first ever Cord Community Edition. We did this because we believed there was a need in our community for a place to go for quality news and information beyond the day-today news. We wanted to tell stories that uniquely define this community. We wanted to be a go-to source to find out what cool and interesting activities, arts and culture are available for you on any given day. And we wanted to tell important stories that aren’t being covered elsewhere, but that matter to you. I’m proud to say that with this, our fourteenth issue of the Cord Community Edition, we are well on our way to achieving the goals we’ve set out. Not only are we telling important stories and becoming a go to place for information but also we are providing a valuable outlet for new volunteers to learn and hone their skills, giving a venue to local writers who want to share their views and opinions on areas that interest them and our readers and helping to promote and support great initiatives like Night/Shift, KOI Music Festival, G33K Art Show, and our very own Steel Rail Sessions. This has always been an initiative for the community. As our community partnerships expand and our community volunteer and contributor base grows we can see that our goal for a true community newspaper is becoming a reality. But, as our audience and contributor base grows we need the community to support us financially as well. Our parent organization, WLU Student Publications, is a small volunteer driven non-profit media organization. Recently as a result of lower than expected revenues for the Community Edition as well as lower than anticipated revenues in other departments the Student Publications board was forced to make cuts which include the potential ceasing of publishing the Community Edition. And so we are now turning to the community who we created this publication for. If you find the Community Edition a valuable and important part of your community please consider donating to help support our operations. If you are a business owner and believe that the work we have done over the past year is important to your community’s growth we encourage you to contact us about purchasing ads or supporting our other initiatives. We want to keep producing a publication that matters to you but to do that we need your help. The Cord Community Edition is a publication created for this community but for us to continue we need the community to help us pay the bills. Please consider supporting in any way you can. Every cent counts and if you can’t afford to give please encourage, your friends, neighbors and family to do so. Just $50 goes towards: • • • • •
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Plus we have some special gifts for people who contribute. Donate today at community.thecord.ca/pledge. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished in one year and, with your help, look forward to what we can do and be a part of in the months and years to come. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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News beat COUNTERFEIT $100 BILLS PASSED OFF IN WATERLOO REGION Waterloo Regional Police are asking businesses to be more aware and properly educate employees on spotting counterfeit money. There have been several instances of fake $100 bills used at stores in the areas of Hespeler Road in Cambridge and Sportsworld Drive in Kitchener. The accused are described as two men possibly operating a newer model, four-door, navy blue car.
As the City of Cambridge puts their plan into motion to slowly revamp their downtown cores over the next few years, council has approved new urban design guidelines for the Galt core. The main theme is one of heritage with a five-story limit as one of those guidelines. Featured photo courtesy Alex Oriente, a photographer based out of the downtown Galt in Cambridge. Having a wide profile of various photography experience, Oriente has created a niche in landscape and architecture imaging. Oriente started his photography career as a child working at his father’s photo studio that is still at the corner of Barton and Ottawa in Hamilton. Since then, Oriente has pursued his passion for the photographic arts through schooling and the ongoing learning process by the continuation of employment in a myriad of photographic related fields.
FIFE IN REVIEW
Local MPP reflects on her first year ASHLEY DENUZZO CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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t has been one year since Catherine Fife assumed the responsibilities of Kitchener-Waterloo’s Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). “It has been a huge learning experience,” Fife reflected. “There have been moments of great intensity, but I’ve truly enjoyed working in the riding and connecting with people.” Fife won her seat one year ago in a by-election, winning approximately 40 per cent of the vote. The New Democratic Party had never won the Kitchener-Waterloo riding on the provincial level and ended a 22-year Progressive Conservative stronghold. Fife’s seat also contributed in preventing a provincial Liberal majority. “It was a historic vote for K-W,” Fife explained. However, only eleven days into Fife’s new title, McGuinty shut down the Ontario legislature. This prorogation was a huge challenge for Fife, who explained that she had been working ten years to get to Queen’s Park. “Sometimes its hard not to take these things personally,” she explained. “It seemed like a cruel irony that the House was shut down.” McGuinty announced in October of 2012 that he was stepping down as Liberal leader. The prorogation inspired Fife to form her first private member’s bill, Bill 24, which limits the
powers of prorogation, modifies how the House works and when it can be “shut down.” “There is a cost to prorogation,” she said. “Not just in trust with the electorate, but over 100 pieces of legislation died when [McGuinty] did this.” “So it meant that he had to start over again.” McGuinty’s resignation was presumably connected with the Mississauga power plant scandal, where the Liberals scrapped the project, costing the province upwards of $585 million. However, Fife speculated that her seat heavily influenced the prorogation. “In many respects it was personal,” she said. “Because if the people of K-W had gone a different direction, Mr. McGuinty would have held his majority and he probably wouldn’t have resigned.” “In a minority government setting, the impact of that vote in K-W was historic; it truly allowed a minority government to hold the Liberal government accountable.” Since being elected, Fife explained that the NDP has been standing up in office. According to Fife, their major accomplishments have included negotiating a youth employment strategy in the last budget and changes to home-care. In the last seven by-elections, the NDP have won three seats at Queen’s Park. “We’re working hard and people see that,” Fife added. She went on to discuss her interactions with members of other parties in office. The groundwork at Queen’s Park is allegedly not set up so that other parties can interact.
PEDESTRIANS INVOLVED IN OVER HALF OF REGION’S FATAL COLLISIONS New statistics released by Waterloo Regional Police found that more than half of fatal motor vehicle collisions in 2012 involved a pedestrian. They also found that pedestrian-involved collisions are highest in November. Police hope to improve pedestrian safety with enhanced police presence at intersections and other locations with higher frequencies of pedestrianrelated incidents, as part of their 2013 Traffic Enforcement and Road Safety Education Plan.
UW GREAT FOR REGION’S ECONOMY
• NICK LACHANCE CCE CONTRIBUTOR
Fife, however, told The CCE, that she works closely with other members from both the Liberals and Conservatives. Going forward, Fife said that the NDP want to achieve budgetary wins, set up financial accountability in office and prevent future scandals. “That’s like a full-time job here,” she laughed. On a personal level, Fife explained that Andrea Horwath, the leader of Ontario’s NDP, has been a great mentor. However her transition has been greatly influenced by her predecessor, Elizabeth Witmer. “I will say that [Witmer] gave me great advice when I took over the seat,” Fife concluded. “She told me to come prepared, do your work and when you can make family time, make sure its quality.”
A recent study found that the University of Waterloo adds $1.5 billion annually into the economy of the Waterloo Region. That means that for every provincial dollar invested in the University, the return is nine times that amount. In 2011, the university received $297 million from the provincial government, but generated $2.6 billion in spending and more than $1.4 billion in labour income. More than 70 per cent of companies surveyed in the region stated that they depend on UW graduates and students as a source of employment and 44 per cent of those said they make up for more than half of their workforce.
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Time for bold ideas: Why guaranteed annual income makes good economic sense DAN HERMAN is the co-founder of the Centre for Digital Entrepreneurship and Economic Performance (deepcentre.com) and a PhD Candidate at the Balsillie School of International Affairs
What if tomorrow someone walked up and handed you a cheque that covered your monthly living expenses? And next month, and the month after, they did the same?
RIM Park was in the midst of a financial scandal just ten years ago • NICK LACHANCE CCE CONTRIBUTOR
RIM PARK CARRIES ON Despite its controversial history, the park has found a place in K-W JON PUKILA CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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n any given day, a visit to RIM Park in Waterloo does not give the impression of a facility clouded in scandal. The 500-squarefoot facility contains a fitness centre and golf course, and is generally well used by Kitchener-Waterloo communities. What very few people know is that the facility was built amid a financial scandal over the cost and the effects of the scandal are still being felt today by Waterloo taxpayers. This October marked the 10-year anniversary of the judicial inquiry into the RIM Park financing scandal. The report, authored by retired Justice Ronald C. Sills, recommended the City of Waterloo take steps to avoid conflicts of interest and deception by external companies in the public procurement process. The scandal saw the City of Waterloo pay $115 million more than originally quoted for the cost of building the facility. In addition to corporate donations and local tax dollars, Missisauga-based MFP Financial Services approved a lease-style loan in September 2000 for a total payout of $112 million at 4.73 per cent interest over 31 years. Six months later, it was revealed that the actual payout would be $227 million at an interest rate of 9.2 per cent. Since 2001, the city has been engaged in legal disputes that continue to run up costs. While the original suit was settled out of court in 2002, city taxpayers are still on the hook for $96 million for the remainder of the contract, expected to expire in 2031. But when talking to residents and users
of the park, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who harbours resentment over the scandal. Kat Hrabowsky is a student athletic therapist at Wilfrid Laurier University. She praised the facility for having “some of the [most] well maintained fields I’ve seen.” On the day we spoke, she was helping manage an ultimate Frisbee tournament involving some Laurier students. But when asked about the financing scandal, she had absolutely no idea as to what it was about. Others users of the park expressed similar views. Why the collective amnesia? In comments to the Waterloo Region Record in March 2012, Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran said people have “moved past” the controversy surrounding the park. “The council at that time had a dream and a vision, and had no idea they were being conned,” she said. City of Waterloo representatives did not return requests for comment on this story. One person who remembers the scandal first-hand is a Waterloo regional councillor, Sean Strickland. Strickland is the only person from the Waterloo city council that approved the deal remaining in regional politics. He says it was “regrettable” that the scandal took place and believes the city was a victim of fraud. “When I look back on it, I think that it was a failure that was shared across many levels,” Strickland said. “I think it was a failure of Waterloo legal counsel, it was a failure of Waterloo staff, and I also think it was a failure of elected officials. And that resulted in signing a deal that caused great embarrassment to the City of Waterloo and cost the taxpayers a lot more money that what anyone
Sean Strickland, Waterloo Regional councillor
would have thought.” The scandal has changed the way he approaches municipal politics. “The way the process works is that you trust your staff, you trust your legal counsel, you ask if they reviewed it, you ask if everything is in order and if the answer is in the affirmative that is what you go on. Years later when I ask those questions, if those answers aren’t good enough, I need more information.” Most residents of Kitchener-Waterloo are perfectly happy with the state of affairs and services provided at RIM Park. “It carries on,” said a patron who asked to remain nameless. And it has, attracting over one million visitors per year and hosting various recreational and sporting events, including the Ontario Volleyball Championships and the Manulife Financial Ladies Professional Golf Association Classic.
In theory, you’d never have to work. You could stay home, watch Jerry Springer, and live on the fringes with little effort. But would you? This question, and competing perspectives on it, are at the heart of a debate on the appropriateness and effectiveness of a basic annual income (or guaranteed annual income). The concept would see every individual in a jurisdiction receive a guaranteed payment from the government. At its most basic, the income paid would be sufficient to meet basic needs but insufficient to alter the incentives that drive an individual to look for work and to improve their personal welfare. Doing so would replace other social transfers (EI, Social Assistance etc), in a potentially more effective and less costly manner. Those whose incomes are above a certain threshold would pay taxes over and above that income and those whose incomes fall below would not. There’s no doubt that some would lie back and enjoy the fruits of my tax payments. But they’re the same, ultra-small minority that does so today. For most, according to the five guaranteed income experiments run in North America, the result will be little to no economic change, with vastly improved health outcomes for those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. The only Canadian experience with a BAI is well documented by Evelyn Forget on the 1974 to 1979 income experiment in Manitoba. This experiment yielded significant improvements in health and education outcomes. In the United States, four “income maintenance” experiments were run over the same period. The outcomes of these experiments included moderate reductions in hours worked but improvements in school attendance and skill development. These explicit health and educational outcomes, however, have been unable to sway political favour towards this initiative. Perhaps more focus on an economic analysis will. Given current rates of unemployment and growing unease around youth employment, a guaranteed income holds potential to spur entrepreneurship by providing a safety risk for entrepreneurial endeavours. It’s far easier to start a business when you know your rent is still going to get paid. And given structural shifts away from mass employment in both the public and private sectors, it is increasingly clear that we need to build a nation of dynamic entrepreneurs, willing where appropriate to take risks in bringing new product and services to the market. Unfortunately there’s very little research on the link between a guaranteed income and entrepreneurship. That’s why some, including myself, are advocating for the development of a pilot project to further study the effects of a basic or minimum income in Canada. I realize that calling for a study on everything isn’t the most popular, nor immediate, route. However given the magnitude of change in both fiscal and cultural attitude that the introduction of a guaranteed income would require, evidence is needed to support any proposal for change. Given growing concerns related to employment, poverty and health, we can’t be afraid of thinking creatively and boldly about how best to ensure that everyone in our society has the opportunity to succeed. Debate on a guaranteed minimum income is a great place to start. If you want to learn more about the proposed pilot project see basicincomepilot.ca
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SILENCE IS DEADLY
Do you have something on your mind you want to write about?
Local agencies work to end domestic violence from those who report incidents to the police,” said Ginette Lafrenière, associate professor and director of the Social Innovation Research Group at Wilfrid Laurier University. “There are tons of reasons why women are afraid and keep silent. Those who are abused might be afraid to leave because of what people will say. Women have economic hardships if they leave. They are socialized to believe it is better to stay together for the children.” She also pointed to the stigma of being a single parent and religious factors that might prevent a woman from leaving an abusive situation. “There are many complicated factors,” explained Albrecht. “Women in these situations are very dependent. They have become financially dependent, cut off from others, so they have no network. Isolation and dependency are fairly strong factors.” Another reason people don’t report domestic violence is that we are also naïve to the other groups of people affected by this. “Most of our services are very heterocentric,” said Lafrenière. When a woman comes to a shelter because of domestic violence, the assumption is that a man was the perpetrator. Men who are abused also find it difficult to find a safe space because there are no shelters for men that specifically deal with domestic violence situations. Lafrenière noted that gaps also exist for people with disabilities, francophones and people from First Nations communities because often there isn’t enough screening time to properly serve each client. Even the perpetrators of domestic violence are left without help. “We need to question why they are violent,” said Lafrenière. “They need to get help. Often times they are violent because they were victims of violence themselves.” However, help does exist in the region for most who need it. The Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is a not-for-profit charity that supports women who are in need of assistance because of domestic violence. They have two shelters for women and children: Haven House in Cambridge and Anselma House in Kitchener. In addition, Women’s Crisis Services also have an outreach program for women who are either not in need of shelter or leaving them. “Most of the beds are full all the time, which is an indication of the need,” said Albrecht. Our outreach is busy with supporting women. We offer practical support such as with legal issues, income support and housing.” But stopping domestic violence means taking preventative, as well as responsive, measures. “We need to start in school by teaching our kids about bullying. Talk to the children,” Lafrenière said. “I think women need to be brave and listen to their instincts. Lafrenière said that even though Waterloo region is not perfect, “we sure do a lot more than other communities. We are doing a relatively good job.” There is a great deal of collaboration between local service agencies. Mosaic Counselling and Family Services at 400 Queen
Street South in downtown Kitchener is headquarters of the Family Violence Project of Waterloo Region (FVP), a partnership of counselling and police services to help meet the needs of those who have suffered from domestic violence. Getting out of an abusive situation is the first step on the journey to a healthier and more stable lifestyle. However, the impact of domestic violence continues through life. “It’s still surreal that it happened to me,” said Ashley. “It’s something you never really get over.” If you are suffering from, have suffered from or know someone who is a victim of abuse, you can find resource information on the FVP website, fvpwaterloo.ca, or you can reach the Waterloo Regional Police domestic violence investigations branch at 519-579-9668.
WRITE FOR THE CORD
Continued from cover >>
email communityeditor@thecord.ca to learn about our writing opportunities
Ginette Lafrenière, associate professor and director of the Social Innovation Research Group, Wilfrid Laurier University
CITY OF WATERLOO | OUR COMMUNITY w6 WARD 6 COUNCILLOR
Jeff Henry t: 519.747.8784 c: 519.998.5883 jeff.henry@waterloo.ca
Late last month, the City of Waterloo welcomed a team of specially selected, senior level IBM experts, signifying the launch of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge. Waterloo was one of 31 cities around the world to receive the 2013 IBM
Smarter Cities Challenge grant and, along with Quebec City, was one of only two communities in Canada to receive the award. With a student population of over 40,000, Waterloo’s diversity and rapid growth provides a unique challenge of balancing the interests of a number of diverging groups in the Northdale neighbourhood. This neighbourhood has the potential to be really vibrant, beautiful and attractive to a widerange of residents, companies, and investors – and the IBM team is here
to help us achieve this goal. During their three week stay in Waterloo, these consultants will immerse themselves in the neighbourhood, learning its nuances, its attractiveness, its challenges, and its opportunities. The result of this visit will be a report that highlights the team’s findings, as well as their recommendations for an action plan to attract the investment and to build the community necessary for the council-approved Northdale land use plan to succeed. The IBM team brings
with them a wealth of expertise, and $400,000 in free consulting services – both invaluable tools that will help us reposition the image of the neighbourhood to increase the sense of community in this area and to attract new investments. Waterloo is an intelligent, awardwinning city and I am thrilled that IBM chose us for this project. I look forward to reading their report and working with city staff to turn our Northdale vision into a reality.
A Message From City of Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran ... I can hardly believe November is already here ... This is going to be a busy month in Waterloo and I look forward to seeing all of you out and about our great community. Join me on Nov. 11 as we gather to honour our veterans and troops at the annual Remembrance Day service and parade, which will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the Waterloo Cenotaph. It‘s always one of the most meaningful events of the year and a true testament to our community’s support for the brave men and women who stand up for this country. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the K-W
Santa Claus Parade. This year it’s on Nov. 16 beginning at 11 a.m. on King St. Arrive early and bring hot chocolate to keep warm! As the winter season gets into full swing, it’s a great time to bundle up and head outdoors. We’re fortunate in Waterloo to have a wealth of winter recreational opportunities available to us, whether you enjoy cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing and more. However you choose to spend the winter, I encourage you to stay informed about what’s happening in the City of Waterloo by checking out our website at waterloo.ca as well as our popular social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.
Visit us online and join in the conversation at
/citywaterloo
The City of Waterloo is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. If another format would work better for you, please contact:
P. 519.886.1550
E. communications@waterloo.ca
TTY. 1.866.786.3941
W. waterloo.ca
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SOUPS UP
Where to warm up with the classics this winter
Urban beat SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
Ramen
French onion soup The Whale and Ale, 1120 Victoria St. N, Kitchener Cheesy and thick with croutons, French onion soup fills you up and keeps you toasty. Having it in a traditional pub setting just makes you that much cozier.
Watami, 15 King St. N, Waterloo Watami is best known for their sushi but their ramen is no slouch either. Plan ahead to eat this combo of noodles, egg and pork belly — Watami only offers ramen on Sundays.
Mulligatawny
Tortilla soup
Masala Bay, 3 Regina St. N, Waterloo
Taco Farm, 8 Erb St. W, Waterloo
Mulligatawny is an Anglo-Indian take on lentil soup. Made with curry, it has a little more heat than its traditional cousin. At Masala it comes with a heaping side of rice and chicken.
Taco Farm has been making culinary waves with food you’d consider summer fare, like tacos. But thier tortilla soup is hearty and healthy — perfect for the cold.
Graphic by Lena Yang Graphic Designer
We went to Little Free Libraries and asked:
What book would you share with your community?
“E=mc2: A Biography of the World’s Most Famous Equation by David Bodanis”
“Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv”
Christopher Leishman, Norman Street Little Free Library
Cathy McAllister, Wiltshire Place Little Free Library
JENNIFER FREITAS owns and operates The Truth Beauty Company thetruthbeautycompany.com
It’s that merry time of year again; Santa Claus is heading out to all the parades he can attend before he’s stuck inside finishing off the toys for all the good girls and boys. The Lions K-W Santa Claus Parade takes place on Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 a.m., so bring out your blanket, grab a toasty mug of your favourite hot chocolate and come out for some general good cheer.
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WILL THERE BE A NEW FLIGHT PATH? A new proposed flight path for Region of Waterloo airport would move the path from the Hidden Valley subdivision of South Kitchener to less populated areas of Cambridge. However, due to mass complaints from the public, Cambridge residents will vote on November 14 to decide whether or not to accept the plan. Complaints include the disruption of bald eagle nesting grounds, the noise affecting 42 farms and businesses in the Cambridge and North Dumfries area and the fact that a new 900home subdivision was left out of the equation.
SAY ‘NO’ TO ANOTHER “GARBAGE MOUNTAIN” Residents of KitchenerWaterloo are urged, by Region of Waterloo Waste Management, to cut back on the amount of garbage they produce, hoping to avert another “garbage mountain.” Some tips include: use cloth bags instead of plastic bags at the grocery store; always make sure to use the green bin as well as the blue bin whenever possible and purchase products that have less packaging — everything we buy is “a vote,” and if people buy products with excessive packing, the manufacturers will continue to make them.
The BookCycle chest located at UpTown Waterloo Public Square. • TEGAN THUSS URBAN EXPLORING EDITOR
PRINT LIVES Occupy Toronto and Andrew Carnegie inspire BookCycle and Little Free Library TEGAN THUSS URBAN EXPLORING EDITOR
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n a city geared towards technological advances, books seem to have become secondary to tablets and e-readers. However, programs like Book Cycle and Little Free Library are promoting reading and sharing books throughout the community. Gena Meldazy, Carmen Peters and Ashley Kruger are the organizers and founders of BookCycle, inspired in part by the Occupy protest movement. They started the project, known as the citizen library, with the help of the City of Waterloo. While taking photographs at Occupy Toronto, Meldazy witnessed two protestors barricade themselves in the citizens’ library tent. These two protestors said they would come peacefully, once a promise was made that the books and information would be donated to those without access to such information. “This really made a huge impression on me,” said Meldazy. “One of the things that I got out of it was [the importance of] open access and transparency and better access to information.” It was especially important to Meldazy that she encourages certain groups to read more. “Reading rates and literacy rates for women are lower than they were 10 years ago,” she said. But she also wanted to make sure that everyone is reading. “The project asks the city and members of the community to self-curate an installation,” Meldazy said. “It asks members of the community who may not interact on a regular basis to intentionally come together around it and think about ‘is this something important to us as a city and as a neighbourhood?’” The first year the program went above and beyond expectations. They initially thought that by September they would be out of books and have to shut down, but they ended up having many boxes donated by both public and anonymous donors. “It was to the point where we didn’t have room and had to put
them in our garage,” said Meldazy The group is already pondering the next iteration of the project. “We can be more visible on Twitter and have a way to draw more people in and make it more fun for people to participate,” Meldazy said. Plans for 2014 include plenty of ideas, like a vending machine book dispenser or the possibility of combining the installation with another art installation in the UpTown Waterloo Public Square. While BookCycle is a politically inspired informationsharing program, Little Free Library is a program focused solely on promoting literacy and book sharing within our community. In 2009, Little Free Library began when Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin decided to create a schoolhouse themed mailbox, in honour of his mother, which he filled with books and set in his front yard as a means of sharing them with his neighbours. They loved it so much he went about creating more and giving them away. He connected with Rick Brooks of Madison, Wisconsin and together formed Little Free Library. Their goal was to create 2,510 Little Free Libraries, based on the amount of free public libraries American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie supported around the turn of the 20th century. This goal has already been surpassed and the Little Free Library world community is continuously growing. Christopher Leishman created the first Little Free Library box in Kitchener-Waterloo, which he placed on his front lawn in August 2012. It was so successful that he has since been asked to talk about his Little Free Library at different book sharing associations, has had people from as far as London, Ontario stop by for a book and has been so inundated with literature that he has had to give some away. A year after the first installation, there are now five Little Free Libraries in Kitchener-Waterloo. Luckily for us, between BookCycle and Little Free Library, there is no lack of places to go find a great book to curl up and read.
hen the weather becomes a little brisk and we notice the colours of the leaves changing, we immediately think to update our wardrobes. This time signals the need for wooly sweaters and heavier coats. How many of us stop to think about what this dryer weather means for our skin? I am certain we notice, in the depths of January, the flakiness of the skin on our legs or the lack of dewy softness of the skin on our face. Why is that? Well, the relative humidity (moisture in the air) gets lower as soon as it starts to get cooler, as a result the fall weather begins to dry out the skin, making it quite unpleasant by the time January rolls around. You will not find much relief either, if you try to remain inside as soon as the 20s are gone — indoor heating also lowers humidity, contributing to the deprivation of the skin’s moisture. Don’t stress though! Not only because stress can wreak havoc on your skin, but because I have some helpful tips! Be Rich: Try a heavier night cream in the fall. As the weather becomes cooler and drier, you should look for a richer moisturizer. Something with olive, sweet almond or pomegranate oil. Coconut oil is a great one too — be mindful of this one though, if you are prone to breakouts, as it can be comedogenic (give you pimples). Calm the wash down: With the summer weather our skin encounters more dirt, so it makes sense to use a cleanser that provides a deeper cleanse. However, with dryer seasons you should be using a cleanser that is moisture rich, or in the very least, not contributing to drying the skin out. Look for cream cleansers or ones that are aloe based. Even better, if you can find one that acts as a humectant, meaning it would draw moisture in (honey as an ingredient would be your secret weapon here). Hydrate inside out: Our skin is a reflection of what we are putting inside. Make sure to drink lots of water and limit diuretics, such as coffee. Eat some good fats! Omegas are necessary for the maintenance of good skin, so grab some nuts, eat some salmon or add some flax oil to your diet! Avocados, rich in vitamins A, D, and E, (all necessary for great skin) are also a great addition to any salad! Brush it off and rev it up: Dry brushing is a simple technique that stimulates the lymphatic system, aiding in the expulsion of toxins. We want to stimulate the dermis by promoting blood flow so that our new cells can be properly oxygenated. Dry brushing also helps your skin to breathe by removing the dead cells, ensuring pores don’t get clogged. Your skin is your largest organ and its health is a simple reflection of how you care for it! So, remember to give it the attention it deserves. Re-assess its needs periodically, treat it well and you will be rewarded.
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Arts beat BOX 13 LIGHTS UP This unique art show & sale showcases the work of local artists while exploring the historical roots of creativity and ingenuity in our community. BOX 13 invites 36 local artists to display eight works of art available for sale. Artists are donating a percentage of all sales to the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region.
BOATHOUSE BIDS ARE GO! Final bids for the Victoria Park Boathouse have moved to stage two of the request for proposal process. Local musician Danny Michel has teamed up with Glenn Smith, the owner of Ethel’s Lounge, to take a crack at running the beloved Boathouse. It will be a tight race against the second bid, launched by KOI Music Festival founders Curt & Cory Crossman, and Bill MacTavish, owner of Imbibe Food & Drink. Stage two proposals are due November 15, with the final decision to be made in December.
The New Quarterly presents the second annual Wild Writers Literary Festival, November 8-10. Celebrating the wild, unkept nature of Canadian authors, the festival brings together individuals who “revel in a well-turned phrase and a well-worn page.” Photo courtesy The New Quarterly
BUILDING A TALENT TRUST BOB EGAN CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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recent study by the Information & Communications Technology Council touted the benefits of music education for youth, the technology sector and economic health of cities. The skills developed by learning and playing music with others are the same skills in demand in the new technology economy. That is no surprise to Kari Kokko, director of the Community Music School of Waterloo Region (CMSWR). “With our students, we see many benefits: improvements in self-expression, self-confidence and relationship building for a start,” she explained. “Learning music is a very positive peer pressure experience — it is validated as being cool by the other youth. Once that happens, the door is open to all manner of learning and growth.”
Just over a year ago, Kokko founded the CMSWR as a program of the Lyrical Lines Education Network to serve youth who would not otherwise have access to formal music education. In that short time she has built a team of 14 teachers and seven volunteers to serve the current student body of 44 students. “The CMSWR brings together the strengths of this community. Our students are referred by local community service organizations and a high percentage of our teachers are university students,” said Kokko. “Students bring passion and drive and that gets the teachers inspired. Students win, teachers win and ultimately the community wins.” Kokko, a Kitchener-Waterloo local, left the region for a few years to study at York University and work in theatre production. Upon returning to KW, she worked at the Working Centre and earned her bachelor of music education at Wilfrid Laurier University. During this time she observed small-scale community music programs
and the benefits they provided to individuals and the community. Kokko’s idea to start a community music school sprouted as she was pursuing her master in social work at Laurier. Why would someone in the middle of the time-consuming grind of earning a master’s degree decide to start a not-for-profit company? “I saw the need and saw some momentum; the opportunity spoke to me, and it would have been harder to resist it than to accept it.” This momentum came from Bill Labron and Lynn McRuer, co-founders of the Lyric Lines Education Network. The momentum has continued with numerous partnering organizations and volunteers. Enriching the lives of youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience music is Kokko’s passion and we as a community are better for that. To get involved with CMSWR email Kokko at karikokko@cmswr.ca.
THIS ISLAND EARTH TAKES UWAG Burlington-born artist Kelly Richardson and her exhibition This Island Earth have come to the University of Waterloo Art Gallery for an “exploration of cinema, and the natural history of landscape painting.” Combining computer-generated imagery with natural footage, Richardson creates poignant images suggesting environmental catastrophe.
A DECADE OF ARTS & SOUL Since 2003, community artists in Cambridge have worked to promote mental wellness by offering free art classes. The Arts & Soul Foundation, organized by volunteers and supported by Cambridge Galleries, has led more than 1000 participants through workshops over the past decade. On November 16 take a trip to Cambridge Galleries and celebrate this fantastic initiative.
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Local artists g33k (geek) out ANNA BEARD ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
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his month G33k (geek) Art Show, a two-day exhibition of arts and crafts themed around comics, sci-fi, fantasy and other alternative genres, will celebrate its third birthday in a big way. An opening gala for the art show on November 22, 2013 at Kitchener City Hall will feature a reinvention of the popular graphic novel, Kill Shakespeare. It has been transformed for the stage using projected illustrations, circus acts and a live voice cast. Partnering with the City of Kitchener for the second year in a row, creator Miroki Tong hopes this free event will bridge the gap between the geek community’s talent base and the general arts community. The opening night spectacular is just one way of doing it. “I created the show because a lot of my friends who are comic artists can’t apply for grants. [Their work] isn’t seen as artwork and they can’t receive funding to complete their projects,” said Tong. Tong wants to use the art show as a method of bridging an apparent gap between talent and work opportunities. “One thing I realized … is that possibilities exist between talent groups within the arts community. I’m realizing there isn’t just a disconnect between arts and geek culture but within the community,” said Tong. Another problem is the lure of opportunity just down the 401. “There’s a tendency for talent drainage because there aren’t enough opportunities here so people move to Toronto. How can we create a sustainable arts community here and a vibrant one?” Tong also believes that emerging artists can learn from interactions not just with established artists, but also the general public. “I’m always trying to build audience growth so that it’s not just artists visiting
An artist works on a project at the second annual G33k Art Show in 2012 • JODY WAARDENBURG CCE CONTRIBUTOR
other artists. There are huge stereotypes surrounding geek culture but this is a perfect time to change that,” said Tong. “With blockbuster films coming out, we’re pulling in an enormous audience. The G33k Art Show tries to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people who are brand new.” The G33k Art Show is also hosting a number of networking opportunities including a cocktail hour before the opening gala for people to get together and talk about their craft. There will also be an after party and a Sunday brunch at the Walper Hotel. “The G33k Art Show isn’t so giant, so artists will actually be able to talk with visitors and build relationships,” said Tong. “The whole point of the show is to create breakthrough opportunities and further the growth of artists.” Among the artists attending are a number of industry professionals, including Wilfrid Laurier University alumnus Anthony Del Col, writer and co-creator of Kill Shakespeare.
Kill Shakespeare is “an action-adventure story that pits all of Shakespeare’s greatest heroes against his most menacing villains in a quest to discover and kill – or save – a mysterious wizard by the name of William Shakespeare.” It has produced three comic volumes, a mobile game and a board game. There’s also talk of licensing the property for movies or television. The success of Kill Shakespeare makes Del Col a great person to connect with artists in K-W. Del Col agrees that the community has a role to play in the development of artists. “It’s essential to build a network and fan base, and the most accessible groups to draw upon are local communities,” said Del Col. “As more artists develop ties with communities, it allows for a real hub to grow and the artists to flourish.” He also believe there’s a great arts community to be found locally. “K-W is still very
much a tech-centric city but I think there’s potential to grow the arts scene,” said Del Col. Kill Shakespeare co-creator Conor McCreery agrees. “I was a theatre minor as well as a business major at Laurier, and we did a lot of fun things with the community. I think Kitchener-Waterloo loves culture.” Challenging as it may be for new artists to break through in what seems to be a saturated market, there is hope. Del Col will walk attendees of his G33k Art Show workshop through how to pitch ideas, deal with publishers and push into the marketplace while sharing secrets learned in the creation and publishing of Kill Shakespeare. Tong hopes the third G33k Art Show can continue to help foster a conversation about the importance of community. “Geek can stem so far. Fantasy can encompass so much. It’s all about creating those intersections.” The show runs Nov 22-24 @ Kitchener City Hall Rotunda.For more info visit g33kartshow.com.
WFAC brings animation to town Animated cinema festival celebrates old, embraces new ANYA LOMAKO CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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he Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema (WFAC) is back for another year. Hosted from November 14 to 17 at the Chrysalids Theatre, the animated cinema festival is a hand-picked, non-competitive festival highlighting the year’s best animated films from around the world. Joseph Chen, founder and curator of the WFAC, is proud to present a festival unlike any other. “[I want viewers to see] how beautiful it is to see stories weave back and forth,” says Chen. Showcasing a selection of new and unreleased films, Chen calls the festival a “Coles notes version” of the year’s most majestic visual masterpieces, presented with animation as the medium of choice. It’s a rare chance to
see many of these films on the big screen, as most will not get wide distribution. Since its inception, WFAC has shifted focus from catering to an exclusively Japaneseanime audience, to one that embraces culturally diverse renditions of the craft. As curator, Chen particularly enjoys giving viewers the opportunity to see how classic Japanese anime has influenced films originating in other countries, such as France. As such, the 2013 program showcases films from all corners of the globe. Attendees will be treated to a variety of films that explore a variety of subject material from disease and human experiments to more classic themes such as abandonment and lost love. Some highlights of the festival include the award winning Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury (Brazil) which explores Brazil’s history, The Congress (France) which premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and looks at the life of an aging actress, and 009 Re: Cyborg
(Japan), a screen adaptation of the same titled comic which tells the story of nine humans kidnapped to undergo human experiments resulting in cyborgs with super human powers. Looking to add something new this year, WFAC will delve into film history, screening 1993 classic, The Thief and the Cobbler, paired with a documentary about its creation. Directed, co-written and co-produced by British animation artist Richard Williams, The Thief and the Cobbler is considered to be “the most famous unfinished film,” says Chen. The film holds the record for longest animated production — more than thirty years. The showing will be complemented by a panel discussion of international experts and a question and answer period. The discussion will serve as a cultural cherry-on-top after a screening of the most complete version of the film available. Despite the success of the festival in past years, Chen believes the potential of
animated art is held back by social stigmas. He says the festival is, in its own way, a gesture to dispute the belief that “animation is just for kids, or something limited.” This stigma is part of the reasoning behind Chen’s selectivity regarding the caliber of films included in the program. The goal is to find works where magnificent visuals are matched with refined and poignant storytelling. Meticulously pre-screening the festival program, Chen hopes people view the festival as an invitation to discover “the under-appreciated art of mature, meaningful storytelling.” Festivals like WFAC have been part of the driving force in establishing arts and culture scene in Kitchener-Waterloo since the very first festival 13 years ago. WFAC strives to bring a piece of international culture to a local audience. For more information, visit http://wfac.ca/
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NYPC NYPC The Numbers (UK) GREGORY O’BRIEN CCE CONTRIBUTOR
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eborn, rejuvenated, or just plain reinventing, NYPC (previously known as New Young Pony Club) have come a long way from their 2007 Mercury prize winning, nu-rave album, Fantastic Playground. Stripping down their name and saying goodbye to former band mates Lou Hayter and Sarah Jones, NYPC originals Tahita Bulmer and Andy Spence have spent the past two years crafting an album permeated with luscious soundscapes, textured sentiment and teasing rhythms aching for a dance floor release. The few tracks that hark back to NYPC’s previous two records — most notably “Overtime” — tend to be the least memorable here. Past habits aside, this eponymous album shows NYPC has evolved into a niche of aural artistry all their own. Playing with the best elements of pop and
electronic dance music, the album layers loops of glitch beats and dissonance atop a minimalist structure of bass lines and heart beating drums. Bulmer’s crooning punk chic vocals never shy from ringing smooth, as melodies ripen under her care. Tracks like “You Used to Be a Man” and “Everything Is” stand above the rest, burning with swift intelligence. Both tracks explore new directions in dense grooves that reveal a unifying vision, which revels with depth in superficiality. It is the end of the album that sees NYPC at their best. The last track, “L.O.V.E.”, which suggests tongue and cheek letter play, swims across an alluring downbeat paean to the cathartic shores of the album’s earnest subject — love, if through a glass, darkly.
Matthew Good Arrows of Desire Frostbyte (Canada) ANNA BEARD ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
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anadian alt-rock super star Matthew Good is back with his eighth solo album, Arrows of Desire, and is taking a break from his record of creating anthems and expressing radical emotion. In comparison to his previous recording, a more politically charged and reflective Lights of Endangered Species, Good’s latest release feels flat. Arrows of Desire doesn’t stand out among Good’s solo albums as groundbreaking, but, in a way, that’s what keeps fans coming back. The ability to push out consistent sounding albums year after year keeps supporters happy and takes them back to a time when ’90s alternative rock was alive and well. Track to track, the album does well highlighting the few gems it contains, cushioning them among songs that are more easily skipped. The title track instantly reinforces who you’re listening to, introducing the album with Good’s typical bellowing and 30-second guitar rifts. For longtime fans, expect to find yourself in 1999 when Beautiful Midnight was making its way into stores and hearts. With only one ballad on the album, “Guns of Carolina,” it’s an obvious go-to for a second single off the album and a solid follow up to “Had it Coming.” Equally reminiscent of Good’s earlier work, this track would have been a welcome addition on albums like “Avalanche” and “Hospital Music.”
Anna Beard, arts & culture editor If there is one track that stands out on this album, it’s “Via Dolorosa.” Latin for Way of Sorrows, “Via Dolorosa” spouts symbolism and lyrics about facing personal struggle and mental battles. Poignant for anyone facing a personal battle, the track could likely stand as a personal anthem for Good who has battled his share of mental health issues. Fans who have been with Good since day one won’t hesitate picking up this album, given its ability to fall in line with its predecessors. But new fans may do themselves a favour by focusing on his earlier works and moving down the line in time.
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Wild Writers Literary Festival Balsillie School of International Affairs, November 8-10 Chemia, Soul Heavy, & Chico Dusty Maxwell’s Music House, $7, 19+, 8:00 p.m.
Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema The Crysalids Theatre, November 14-17, tickets http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/509134
Queen Street Commons Coffee House Queen Street Commons, 6:00 p.m. Box 13 Art Show and Sale 41A Ardelt Place, Kitchener, November 15-17 The AxeLords of Zanzibar : Back in Axetion Maxwell’s Music House, $5, 19+ 8:30 p.m.
Waterloo Potters’ Fall Pottery Sale RIM Park, November 15-17
Sleepy Sun Starlight Social Club, $14 adv, 19+, 8:00 p.m. The Speakeasy Live The Bent Elbow, $10, 7:00 p.m. The Beaches, Air Marshal Landing, & Whiskey for Robots Maxwell’s Music House, $7, 19+, 8:30 p.m G33k Art Show Opening Gala Kitchener Hall Rotunda, $15, 7:00 p.m. Jesse Maranger, Graydon James, & Gabrielle Papillon Maxwell’s Music House, $7, 19+, 8:30 p.m BA Johnston Starlight Social Club, $10 at the door, 19+, 9:00 p.m.
G33k Art Show Kitchener Hall Rotunda, 11:00-8:00 p.m. November 24, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Brendan Canning w.s.g Dinosaur Bones Starlight Social Club, $14 adv, 19+, 8:00 p.m.
Radio Laurier Presents: Stache Bash - Poor Young Things & The Bends Maxwell’s Music House, $10, 19+ 8:30 p.m.
KWArtzLab/Transition KW Repair Cafe 33 Kent Ave, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Nerd Nite KW presents: Carl Sagan Day Rum Runner Pub, 8:00 p.m.
JUICE, Star Captains, &The Bosswich Maxwell’s Music House, 19+, 8:30 p.m.
Santa Claus Parade Starting in Uptown Waterloo, 10:00 a.m.
City Wide Panic CD Release w.s.g. The Short Films Starlight Social Club, $10 adv, 19+, 7:30 p.m.
Creative Enterprise Initiative Open House 36 Erb St. E, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hayden w.s.g. Reuben and the Dark Starlight Social Club, $23 adv, 19+, 8:00 p.m.
Chris Hadfield Public Lecture University of Waterloo
Lindy Starlight Social Club, $5 at the door, 19+, 8:00 p.m.
This Island Earth University of Waterloo Art Gallery, Free, Runs until December 21
To feature your event listing in the Cord Community, email details to culture@thecord.ca
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