For the past 10 years, Canada’s 28th governor general, and former University of Waterloo president David Johnson has made his home in Wellesley Township. Now, the Township Council is hoping to have road signs around the township announcing it as the home of this leading Canadian statesman.

It is a source of pride for the community that Mr. Johnson has a home in Heidelberg. In fact, Johnson likes to use the “barn raising” concept to promote cooperation and resourcefulness and it’s believed that he has absorbed this from his life in Wellesley Township.

Filed under: Around Kitchener Waterloo, general news by Keith Marshall
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Last week on 365 things to do in Kitchener Waterloo, we started out the week making paper snowflakes at the Kitchener Market. We learned that the first paper snowflake was made in 1345.

Well, how ‘bout that?

After celebrating Christmas Day with the family and Boxing Day with dropping by friends, we wanted to be around dogs for a while. The Elora Gorge Kennel Club put on a three-day dog show at Bingemans. There, we found big dogs, little dogs, fluffy dogs, running dogs… every dog had its day.

We followed that up, with a trip to Centre in the Square to see Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Prince with a Canadian twist.

And then, because it wouldn’t be a great week if we didn’t go out for lunch at least once, with our friend Dave we picked and pecked at the King Tin restaurant in Waterloo. It has authentic food and service. I hadn’t been to the King Tin for a long time and hasn’t changed a bit.

Around the offices of 365 things to do in Kitchener Waterloo, we were showing off our new sweaters and wool socks, basking in the warm glow of the holiday season. We experienced a happy and contented feeling, likely brought on through general sloth and turkey gravy.

And now, we are ready to go again, kicking off the new year with 365 more things to do in Kitchener Waterloo. Hang on, it’s going to be a busy year.

Filed under: 365 things to do in Kitchener Waterloo, Around Kitchener Waterloo, general news by Keith Marshall
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According to the latest Global Real Estate Trends report issued by Scotia Economics, there were only six countries in the world that posted growth in their housing markets in 2010, and Canada was one of them. Sadly, the Canadian market was also one of the least stable.

The hottest real estate market in 2010 was Australia, with prices rising nearly 10% over the year. High demand there was supported by a tight housing supply and low unemployment.

France, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK were the other four countries recording growth in their housing markets last year.

Germany and the United States were flat in 2010.

Ireland, Italy, Japan and Spain all recorded price drops but Ireland’s market was worst among the 12 nations tracked. It posted more than a 10% decline in 2010.

Next year, the Canadian housing market is predicted to grow more slowly. Interest rates will play a critical role in the housing market and most experts don’t expect the central bank to start raising its prime rate until mid-2011.

Filed under: Buying Real Estate, canada, home owners, house, Industry, interest rates, real estate, real estate trends by Keith Marshall
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Wilfrid Laurier University dates back to 1911 when it opened its doors as Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. Waterloo was selected as location for the seminary because of the large Lutheran population in Kitchener Waterloo and because the citizens of Waterloo donated the land that was then on the edge of town.

The Waterloo College of Arts was established in 1924 after non-theological courses began being offered in 1914.

Waterloo College became Waterloo Lutheran University in 1959.

When Waterloo Lutheran University became a public university a new name was needed. In 1973, it became Wilfrid Laurier University. There were 94 proposed names, among them were Beaver University, Louis Riel University and Iroquois University of Waterloo. Eventually Wilfred Laurier University was selected in 1973, but not without controversy, as some students at the time charge that Wilfred Laurier was a politician of questionable reputation who had no connection to the school or the region of Waterloo. There has also been speculation over the years that the name was chosen for the University mainly to preserve the initials as WLU. Given the history, that seems unlikely.

Filed under: Around Kitchener Waterloo, general news, just for fun by Keith Marshall
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A UK-based company, WaterSpace, has developed a one-bedroom apartment intended to be set afloat on inland waterways. The Floating Studio Flat includes a bedroom, kitchen, wet room, and an upper sundeck.

The Floating Studio Flat is designed to be a permanent home. Unlike regular houseboats, Floating Studio Flats options make it nearly self-sufficient. It will have options such as wind turbine and integrated solar panels.

Would you like to live along the Kaufman Flats, or how about Silver Lake? We’re running out of land to build on here in Waterloo Region. Maybe this isn’t such a crazy idea.

Filed under: Buying Real Estate, general news, home, just for fun, real estate trends by Keith Marshall
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