Spur Rail Line proposals

One of our Blog readers sent the following information which is very interesting. Thanks so much for the update!

The Region is proposing to create a multi-use trail along the Spur Rail Line (the one that cuts across Weber at George Lippert Park and runs all the way to uptown Waterloo). 

 

Here are the draft plans from last week's public consultation open house at regional headquarters (I think this was the 2nd public consultation on the plans, with the first held sometime late summer). Starting on p. 12 are some maps/graphics of where the trail would run through the neighbourhood, and what they’re recommending for design of the trail.

 

http://regionofwaterloo.ca/en/discoveringTheRegion/resources/WaterlooSpurLineMulti-useTrailFeasibilityandDesignStudyPCC2FULLv8.pdf

 

I think this is a pretty cool project to formalize the use of the rail line as a path for cyclists, walkers, etc., and to connect neighbourhoods with one another. From a public health (i.e. encouraging active modes of transport/commuting/physical activity) standpoint trails like this are a great thing. From a neighbourhood building perspective (getting people out of their houses and talking to each other) trails like this are also a great thing. 

 

The proposed designs so far seem pretty thoughtful from an accessibility and user safety perspective. After reading the plans what do you think? They’re still looking for public comment from people in the neighbourhood, so if you have any thoughts for or against the idea, or recommendations to the coordinators/designers for how to do ensure the end product is something we all want to use and are proud of, you can send an email to the project coordinator, Hanan Wahib HWahib@regionofwaterloo.ca.

 

I guess this whole thing is still in the "proposed" stage and that funds haven't been officially approved/allocated for the construction, so perhaps they are still waiting to make sure that there is public support for the idea. I guess it's been in the works for many years now. Some neighbourhood residents at the consultation last night talked about having used the trail (the informal worn path that's there now along the rail line) for 40 years!

On page 9 of the report it states they would like feedback by November 10.

Great neighbourhood pumpkin patch

In Duke Street Playground, on November 1st, we had the first "pumpkin patch" organized by the folks at Little City Farm. It was fun to see the people and their children out (swinging and playing on the equipment in the spooky evening). 

The trek to the playground was made via cars, vans, feet and lots of wagons. Much conversation and fun was had and it is planned to be repeated next year. For more information, and better photos, click on this link.

Central Art Walk this weekend!

The annual Central Art Walk is coming to our neighbourhood this weekend (Oct 22 and 23, 2011). For a map of all artists who are participating, click on this link.

For a nice poster of the event, click here. Feel free to print the poster and advertise the walk.

The main website for the art walk is here and includes a brochure you can view or print out.

It is always an enjoyable activity to go for a weekend walk around the area and drop in on a few artists to see what they have been doing. See you there!

Survey for Waterloo Region NetSquared Group

Here is a link to a survey. NetSquared is a social networking organization interested in technology and social impact. They have groups in over 80 cities around the world and KW seems like a logical area for them start another.

OK, the above link was to the general posting about interest in a local NetSquared group. The actual survey is here.

The Boathouse thing

I find the current situation with the Boathouse to be ridiculous and sad at the same time. I have written to city councillors to voice my frustration with the way the city is handling this. The Boathouse has provided 6 nights a week of music and after it is closed there will be silence.

Here is a link to a Facebook Group organized to "save the boathouse". And here is a link to the city's explanation which seems a little flat. The city will close the Boathouse  and then a city committee is going to direct "staff to explore ways the city can lend this community a helping hand". Wow. They can lend a hand by continuing to lease the Boathouse after they dredge the lake!

Frankly, I think the space in the Boathouse is too small, but the location is excellent and it has been a vibrant part of the arts community for several years. What does the city think they will replace it with?

The city's article ends: "The city has not yet considered the future use of the Boathouse building or the building at 79 Joseph St. to determine the best uses for both in the long-term." The sentence is ungrammatical, bureaucratic and just plain sad.

Election Forum on Environment

For those who are interested, there is the following forum:

Environmental Election Forum

Date: Thursday, September 29, 2011

Time: 7-9 pm

Cost: Free!

Location: Rockway Mennonite Church, 32 Weber Street West (rear entrance), Kitchener (http://mapq.st/o4u8j5).

Description: Learn what candidates from all four parties have to say about water, energy, smart growth, heritage preservation and other environmental issues at a Provincial Election Forum on Environmental Issues. For more information, visit the Facebook Event page “Provincial Election Forum on Environmental Issues (http://on.fb.me/n9NuVR).

Word on the Street on Sunday the 25th

Let us not forget the great Word on the Street this Sunday in Victoria Park. There are always many things to see and hear and read there. Many booths will be set up with deals on books, author signings and readings.

The park comes alive and it is a great place to stroll around. We go every year and buy a book and listen to a few people reading and talking about books. It is ALL GOOD.

For information about this year's 10th anniversary edition, click here.