Sep
26
2022
Displacement in Kitchener’s Inner Suburbs: Experiences and perspectives from low-income tenants: A key aim of this report is to centre the experiences of low-income tenants, focusing on their day-to-day experiences and the knowledge that they have about changes in their buildings and wider communities. Too often, these voices are omitted from mainstream planning and policy debates. By assembling and amplifying these voices, we can shift beyond isolated stories and anecdotes in order to identify trends which shape the lives of communities that are rarely heard. We thank you University of Waterloo and City of Kitchener for their collaboration.
The SSHRC funded project “Filling the Gap: The role of social engagement hubs in a world changed by COVID-19” is hiring a Civic Hub Community Research Assistant. Filling the Gap addresses the research question: in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, what strategies can social engagement hubs adopt to maximize social inclusion and civic engagement? Through surveys and key informant interviews this project will develop a needs assessment of Civic Hub partner organizations and contribute to development of strategies for community organizing. 
"Many Faces of Urban and Rural Displacement: Ontario Tenants Organize and Speak Up" a new project of the Social Planning Network of Ontario in partnership with the Centre for Equality Rights and Accommodation and University of Waterloo has been launched with a coordinator in place. Rose Vandermeer actually lives in Kitchener! Now, we are ready to start engaging with local leads! This project is following up on the displacement studies we collaborated on with the University of Waterloo School of Planning and will engage and connect with tenants who have lived experience across Cornwall and area, Kingston and district, Oxford County and the York Region. 
SDC continues to adapt to the ever-changing context and relationships as the scope and depth of the needs of underserved and underrepresented communities becomes more evident every day. You can see it in your daily interactions and we continue to provide more research and data, especially on housing and homelessness in Waterloo Region. We need also to take a deeper look at our own capacity to respond to multiple calls for assistance and collaboration, as well as, to determine our sphere of influence with greater precision and clarity. Your input on these topics at the Annual General Meeting will be invaluable - 
Civic Hub Waterloo Region is the proud host for the development and rehearsals of the anti-poverty engaged theatre production rooted in lived expertise! Living Below the Line is a stereotype-busting work about struggle, resilience and hope, co-created by Watercourse Theatre and fourteen individuals living in poverty. Over the course of five free, regional public presentations between June 17- 25, these new actors will share their stories. Scenes include perspectives on stigma, a mock quiz show, and superheroes! “These stories are important truths, shared from the heart. I am honoured to help bring them to the stage,” says Catherine Frid, Artistic Director of Watercourse Theatre.
