Community Loop - Waterloo Region

A possible Region of Waterloo strike could affect some local services starting this weekend.

CUPE 1883 represents the Region’s full-time office, clerical, and technical employees. Its members will be in a legal strike position as of Saturday, Sept. 26.

⚠️ Important: A strike has NOT been announced. Key essential services, including 9-1-1/Paramedics, GRT, ION, MobilityPLUS, and regular waste collection, will continue as normal.

If a strike occurs, some non-urgent services may run at reduced capacity or see delays. Here is a quick breakdown of what continues and what could change.

For the full list of potential service impacts and official updates, tap the Region of Waterloo link in the first comment.

📌 Save this post. We’ll share confirmed updates in the comments and on our Stories as bargaining continues.

Weekend plans for Waterloo Region & Area!

From the Kitchener Rangers home opener, fall fairs in New Hamburg & Fergus to Lumen, the Royal Medieval Faire, and local apple picking and more, we’ve rounded up the top things to do across the region this weekend (Sept 18–20)!

Swipe through for all the details and save this post for later 📌

⚠️ Friendly reminder: Times and schedules can change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, so be sure to check the official event pages/websites before you head out!

Hey, if you're not subscribed yet, here's a quick taste of what just landed in inboxes across the region today! 👇

We know you don't have time to browse a dozen local sites or sign up for 20+ different email lists just to figure out what’s happening around town. That’s why we do the heavy lifting for you. We gather the key updates, local events, and region-wide news, filtering out the noise so you get a clear picture of what’s happening across Waterloo Region all in one spot. Then we drop it right in your inbox every Tuesday!

👉 Tap the link in the first comment to check out today's edition or subscribe for free to get next week's delivered straight to you!

☀️ Weekend plans for Waterloo Region

From fall fairs and community festivals to dog pool parties, Maker Faire, and local art markets, we’ve rounded up the top things to do across Waterloo Region this weekend (Sept 12–13).

Swipe through for all the details and save this post for later 📌

⚠️ Friendly reminder: Times and schedules can change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, so be sure to check the official event pages before you head out!

75 years of hockey games, concerts, first dates, and community memories! 🏒🍿

Tomorrow evening (Wednesday, Sept. 9), the City of Kitchener is throwing a free 75th Anniversary Open House at The Aud from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.!

Here’s what’s happening:

- Self-Guided Tour.
- Passport Challenge: Collect stamps across 5 interactive stops throughout the building.
- Memorial Cup Photo Op: Complete all 5 stops to unlock a photo with the trophy!
- Free Skate & Popcorn: Bring your skates and enjoy complimentary popcorn to wrap up the night.

📍 The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (400 East Ave, Kitchener)
🕒 Wednesday, Sept 9 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free Admission (No registration required)

What’s your favorite memory or first concert at The Aud? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

☀️ Don't waste the last long weekend of summer.

From local fairs and HobbyCon to Rangers hockey, FanFest, or a free public skate we’ve rounded up the top things to do across WR this Labour Day weekend.

Swipe through for all the details and save this post for later 📌

⚠️ Friendly reminder: Times and schedules can change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, so be sure to check the official event pages before you head out!

Looking for plans this weekend in Waterloo Region & Area? We’ve rounded up 6 great events happening Aug 28–30!

SWIPE ➡️ through the slides to check out details, locations, and pricing for:

🌾 Wellesley Township Fall Fair (Aug 28–29)
🍖 Guelph Rotary Ribfest (Aug 28–30)
🏊 Big Splash K-Pop Night Swim at Bingemans (Aug 29)
🚂 Waterloo Railway Exposition (Aug 29–30)
💎 Kitchener Rock & Gem Expo (Aug 29–30)
🏒 Kitchener Rangers Pre-Season Opener vs. Sarnia Sting (Aug 30)

🎟️ Direct links for tickets & event details are in the first comment below!

Which event are you hitting up first? Tag your weekend crew in the comments 👇

The Ultimate Busker Carnival Cheat Sheet is Here! 🎪

The Waterloo Busker Carnival Cheat Sheet has landed! Swipe through for the complete day-by-day rundown so you don't miss a single fire show or free swag drop.

📍 Location: Uptown Waterloo
🎟️ Admission: FREE
🗓️ Dates: Aug 27 – Aug 30

⚠️ Note on Free Swag: Limited strictly to the first 350 people at the Public Square Info Tent during scheduled drop times!

📲 Save this carousel for quick access during the carnival.

🔗 Link in bio to join thousands of locals reading the Community Loop newsletter every week!

🏒 Want to see the Kitchener Rangers live on the ice for FREE this week?

Training camp is officially underway at The Aud, and three Blue vs. White intrasquad games are open to the public with complimentary admission!

It’s the perfect, low-key way to catch the team before the preseason rush.

⚾ While hockey season is waking up, local baseball is in its final homestand. The Kitchener Panthers have a busy final 4-game week, including Fan & Volunteer Appreciation Night at Jack Couch Park!

👉 Swipe through for both full schedules!

Stay tuned all week for more local event updates!

Rain or shine, the markets are open tomorrow morning! ☔

With heavy rain in the forecast, a number of outdoor weekend events across Waterloo Region are being cancelled or postponed.

If you still want to get out, it's a great day to check out some local markets, grab fresh produce, or shop indoor makers, just make sure you pack a good umbrella! 🌧️

Save this post to plan your Saturday morning, and be sure to check official event pages for any weather updates before heading out! 👇

🛍️ Market & Main Vendor Market: St. Matthews Centre (54 Benton St, Kitchener) | Sat, Aug 22 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 100% Indoor artisan market featuring local KWC makers and small brands.

🧺 St. Jacobs Farmers' Market: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Full rain protection inside Peddler's Village & the Main Building, plus outdoor rows.

🧺 Cambridge Farmers' Market: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Historic indoor market building and covered outdoor vendor stalls.

🧺 Kitchener Market: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Operating outdoors only in the covered Eby Street area & breezeway (indoor building remains closed).