When: Saturday, May 5, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Where: Begin at the main entrance of Galt Collegiate Institute
Walk Leader: Jim Griffin
Walk begins at the main entrance of the historic Galt Collegiate Institute and navigates across the road to the Canadian Pacific Railway Station where Jim will share significant stories of the past. This walk is hosted in partnership with the Blair Road Neighbourhood Association and Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.
For safety reasons, no pets allowed.
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.
When: Sunday May 3rd, 2 – 3:30 pm
Meeting Point: Veterans Green, Beech Street at Hazel Street
Walk Leaders: Michael Druker, Phil Marfisi
Waterloo’s Northdale neighbourhood is undergoing a rare transformation from a mid-century suburb to an urban, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use district. We will share what led to the master planned upzoning and how well it is working. As we walk through the neighbourhood, we’ll note features of different urban planning eras and novel aspects of city building not found elsewhere in the region, and discuss lessons for urban intensification.
The walk will end near a bubble tea shop for anyone who wants to continue the conversation.
