Author: janeswalkwr

When: Sunday, May 5, 2-3:30 p.m.

Where: Begin at Soper Park picnic shelter, end at University of Waterloo School of Architecture building

Walk Leader: Cambridge City Green

We’ll explore the human ecology of a rare cold-water watercourse, Mill Creek from Soper Park to its mouth along the Grand River, and how the creek has been altered, destroyed, and renewed over the past 200 years. The walk will consist of accessible, flat locations (asphalt walking trails, sidewalks). Distance may be an issue for some (i.e. Soper Park to Grand River and back again).

Attendees will be encouraged to participate in this walking conversation.

When: Saturday, May 4, 10-11:15 a.m.

Where: Begin at Habitat for Humanity building (corner of Albert and Dorset), end at Waterloo Park

Walk Leader: Robert Shipley

We can learn a great deal about local cultural heritage and planning from the buildings and spaces in a few small blocks in Waterloo. 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, retired urban planning professor and former head of the Heritage Resources Centre will share humorous stories and a unique perspective on the neighbourhood.

When: Sunday, May 5, 2-3 p.m.

Where: Begin at Idea Exchange Old Post Office

Walk Leader: Idea Exchange volunteers

Whether you are new to Cambridge, or wish to help us welcome those who are, this is the stroll for you.

Join us as we share stories, secret haunts, and the lovely vistas of our home town. Idea Exchange volunteers lead this walk through downtown Galt as we all share our favorite places, memories, and stories.

How Downtown Kitchener Turned into a Coffee Lover’s Paradise

When: Saturday, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Where: Begin at Fresh Ground (256 King Street East), end at Show and Tell Coffee (30 Ontario Street North)

Walk Leader: Anna Beard

Indie coffee shops – they’re intimate spaces, designed for feet, flirtatious conversations, collaboration and idea generation. They’ve become pillars of education and design. And downtown Kitchener loves them.

We’ll take a wander along King Street between Eby and Ontario, pausing outside four fab java huts, sharing stories of how they came to be and swapping our own tales of how coffee is so much more than a drink.

Other info:

• Accessibility: City sidewalks with some uneven terrain. Slight incline.
• Family friendly: yes
• Bicycle friendly: yes
• Walk distance: <1 km from start to finish
• Stops:
  • Fresh Ground Coffee
  • Elevenses on Scott
  • Smile Tiger Coffee @ J&P Grocery
  • Show & Tell Coffee
• Parking: If you’re travelling to the walk via car, parking is available at Kitchener City Hall or the municipal lot at Duke/Ontario, conveniently across the street from Show and Tell. Transit:
• Taking Grand River Transit: 7A, 7B, 7F, 200 iXpress or 204 iXpress will get you close to our starting location.
• Biking: King Street East/West is a shared pathway for bicycles and cars. A bike map is available for review.

When: Sunday, May 5, 1:30-4 p.m.

Where: Begin at 200 Frederick Street (corner of Frederick and Lancaster), end at 85 Frederick Street (corner of Frederick and Duke)

Walk Leader: Trent Bauman

Join Urban Sketcher Trent Bauman on an urban sketch walk. This walk will be much more sitting and sketching than walking.

We will start by observing and sketching the subtle beauty of John Lingwood’s brutalist courthouse building. At first it may look like a solid lump of concrete but observe it for a while and you will start to see the variations of colour and texture. We will then move on to 20 Weber Street with its precast concrete facade and arched concrete entry cover. Finishing at the new courthouse at the corner of Frederick and Duke St. East.

Bring your own paper, drawing and/or painting instruments, maybe a stool to sit on and an umbrella for rain or sun.

No drawing experience needed just a willingness to observe and sketch the environment right before your eyes.