Your Region Pod

• Improving access to child care in Waterloo Region

  The federal government continues to work with provincial governments to fund more child care spaces across the country in an effort to reduce child care costs to $10 a day. On this episode of Your Region Pod, we’re going to look at the impact of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system (CWELCC) on families in Waterloo Region. So far, 3,725 spaces have opened through CWELCC, with another 411 coming by the end of 2026. The question is, now that we have the funding for these spaces, do we have enough educators to staff them? On this episode we sit down with experts from across the region and learn that as critical as this funding is, it only solves half the problem. Have a listen and let us know what you think on our social channels. Joining us on this episode:Barb Cardow, Director of Children`s Services, Region of WaterlooKristine Parsons, Director of Operations, Rising Oaks Early Learning OntarioCarolyn Finlayson, Chair, Child Development & Education Studies, Conestoga CollegeSend us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

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• How can you benefit from a roundabout?

  With more than 40 across Waterloo Region, the Region is a leader in roundabouts in Canada. The Region's Transportation Services Director Mike Henderson says we've learned a lot in 25 years, and we continue to make improvements with a new pilot project set to begin this fall.In this episode of Your Region Pod, we chat with people on the street about their experience with roundabouts and learn more from Mike about what the Region is doing to try to ensure that everyone can benefit from them - including cars, trucks, and people walking and rolling. Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

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• A local look at climate change and the Region

  In May, Regional Council approved a Corporate Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases our organization emits. This plan is part of a larger community strategy called TransformWR, and the goal is to cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. On this episode of Your Region Pod we look at the challenges we face in reducing the local effects of climate change and the important role municipalities play in reducing harmful emissions. We hear from Dr. Sarah Burch, a professor at the University of Waterloo and the Executive Director of the Waterloo Climate Institute. Tova Davidson joins us as well, she is the Executive Director at Sustainable Waterloo Region, an organization that helps businesses see the cost benefits of environmental sustainability. Meaghan Eastwood, Manager of Planning and Sustainability at the Region of Waterloo and a member of Climate Action Waterloo Region, shares a few examples of what the Region is doing to reduce emissions. Visit the Region's 2024 yearbook to learn more. Check out our newsletter, Around the Region,  for more news and stories about how we are addressing climate change. And... if you haven't already, listen to our Meet the Pollinators episode to learn about out how some of the smallest creatures have a big role to play in keeping life on this planet healthy.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

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• Meet the pollinators!

  Okay, so you may not enjoy the company of bees, but they’re vital for plant reproduction and biodiversity. Without bees and other pollinating species, a significant portion of our global food supply would be in jeopardy. On the latest episode of Your Region Pod we take a look at the top three pollinators in Waterloo Region (you may be surprised!), what our community partners are doing to help them get where they need to go, and how you can as well.   Vicki Wojcik, the Executive Director for Pollinator Partnership Canada joins us to help us identify who these pollinators are. Spoiler: It's not just bees. Dr. Jennifer Leat from Waterloo Region Nature talks about the pollinator roadside program.Brydon Rayner, the Region's expert on forestry and horticulture shares his insights on ideal habitats for pollinators.Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region  for news and stories on how The Region is becoming one of the best places to live in Canada.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

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• What does it mean to belong?

  What does it mean to belong? On this episode of Your Region Pod, we look at how belonging benefits the whole community. The idea for this episode came out of a symposium called “Forward Together: Activating Change, Amplifying Belonging." The event, hosted by the Immigration Partnership, Children and Youth Planning Table, and the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, brought together community members and organizations who work with individuals and groups who are often excluded and face barriers to opportunities that many of us take for granted. We speak with some of the participants, and learn what the Region is doing to help through the Upstream fund.Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter Around The Region  for news and stories on how The Region is becoming one of the best places to live in Canada.You can find Your Region Pod wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.Website: https://yourregionpod.buzzsprout.com Spotify: Your Region Pod | Podcast on SpotifyiTunes: Your Region Pod on Apple Podcasts Send us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | FacebookSend us an email!Instagram: Regional Municipality of Waterloo (@regionofwaterloo) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Region of Waterloo | Kitchener ON | Facebook

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