Author: janeswalkwr

When: Saturday May 2nd, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Meeting Point: Log Cabin in Waterloo Park – 50 Young Street

Walk Leader: Jennifer Huber and Shaye Reichard

Step into the heart of the city with Past, Present, and Possible: Exploring Waterloo Park with the City of Waterloo Museum and the Waterloo Public Library Ellis Little Local History Room. This guided journey invites you to walk through the park’s storied landscape, uncovering how this green space has shaped our community for generations. Together, we’ll reflect on what the park means to you today and envision the exciting possibilities for its future. Join us to experience Waterloo Park not just as a destination, but as a living piece of our shared history.

When: Saturday May 2nd, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Meeting Point: old library, 47 Albert St. Waterloo.

Walk Leader: Robert Shipley, past professor at the University of Waterloo School of Planning

The streets and open spaces immediately north of up-town Waterloo have been designated as a heritage conservation district for a very good reason. Albert, MacGregor, Fountain and few other short streets as well as Waterloo Park provide us with a wonderful assortment of architectural styles, reminders of the past and planning features that can be read like a book of community development. Robert Shipley, urban planning professor and head of the Heritage Resources Centre will share humorous stories and a unique perspective on the neighbourhood.

When: Saturday May 2nd, 10:30 – 11:30 am

Meeting Point: The main parking lot for the Grey Silo Trail (part of the Walter Bean Grand River Trail) is located at the end of Park Road, Waterloo, ON, near the RIM Park Recreation Center. A convenient address for navigation to the general area is 2001 University Ave E, Waterloo, ON N2K 4K4.

Walk Leader: Judy Watson

Join us for a relaxed, one-hour Jane’s Walk exploring the historic farmstead at Grey Silo. This very short, stop-filled loop focuses on how a 19th-century farm functioned as a complete system—growing food, storing it, caring for animals, and surviving through the seasons.

We’ll gather in the parking lot by the trail sign and then head to the farmhouse and visit the garden, a root cellar near the creek, the barn, and the silo. Along the way, we’ll explore how people lived on this land before modern conveniences and how the landscape has changed over time.

This is an interactive walk with opportunities to share observations, ideas, and stories.

Washrooms can be used before and after at the recreation complex which is a very short drive or a short walk away.

When: Sunday May 3rd, 11:00 – 11:45 am & 2:00 – 2:45 pm

Meeting Point: 7 Floral Crescent, Kitchener ON N2G 4N9

Walk Leader: Maryanne Weiler-Former Head Gardener and Board Member

Since 1933, the Kitchener Horticultural Society (GardenKitchener) has created, cared for, and continually shaped Rockway Botanical Garden through the dedication of its staff and volunteers.

Join us for a guided walk through this historic garden. We’ll explore original landmarks that have been part of Rockway since its earliest days, along with the beautiful plantings and features added by GardenKitchener and the community over the decades.

When: Sunday May 3rd, 2 – 3:30 pm

Meeting Point: Victoria Park Clock Tower, 79 Joseph St, Kitchener, ON N2G 1J2

Walk Leader: Siming Wu

Have you ever wondered what happens when rain hits the streets of Kitchener? Where does it go? Beneath our feet lies a fascinating network of pipes, drains, creeks, and infrastructure quietly working to keep the city running.

Join us for a short urban exploration walk where we’ll uncover the hidden systems beneath Kitchener. As we stroll through downtown and nearby parks, we’ll look at everyday things—storm drains, creeks, manholes, and historic buildings—and reveal the invisible networks that connect them.