Le Diefenbunker est l’artéfact le plus important de la Guerre froide au Canada. Cette impressionnante installation souterraine de quatre étages, prête à tout moment en cas d’attaque nucléaire, a servi de quartier général central des communications du pays pendant la Guerre froide. Aujourd’hui, c’est un lieu historique et un musée unique en son genre, qui raconte des histoires d’importance nationale et internationale.

Le Diefenbunker est un organisme de bienfaisance indépendant régi par un conseil d’administration et dirigé par une directrice générale ou un directeur général. Le personnel professionnel à temps plein et un corps de bénévoles veillent ensemble à l’intendance, à la vision, à la croissance et à la durabilité de cet important organisme. Nous promouvons l’importance de comprendre notre passé, pour que les générations présentes et futures s’efforcent de construire un avenir plus pacifique.

Le Diefenbunker est à la recherche de personnes qualifiées pour siéger à son conseil d’administration bénévole et ainsi contribuer à orienter l’organisation sur le chemin passionnant de sa prochaine phase de croissance. Si vous vous intéressez à l’histoire et que vous partagez notre passion pour le succès du Diefenbunker, nous vous prions de communiquer avec nous.

Le conseil d’administration a plus particulièrement besoin de personnes ayant une expertise dans les domaines suivants :

• Philanthropie, collecte de fonds et relations avec les donateurs, plaidoyer.
• Affaires publiques (communications, relations publiques, marketing).
• Relations gouvernementales.

Dans le cadre de son engagement à l’égard d’une culture d’équité, d’inclusion et de diversité, le conseil d’administration encourage les candidatures de candidates et candidats dont les antécédents personnels pourraient améliorer sa diversité sociale, culturelle, démographique et géographique.

Le Musée est situé dans la région rurale de l’ouest d’Ottawa, à Carp, en Ontario. Les candidatures de Canadiennes et Canadiens de partout au pays sont les bienvenues. Bien que le Musée utilise la technologie pour faciliter les réunions virtuelles du conseil d’administration et de ses comités, les administrateurs sont censés assister à deux réunions sur place chaque année, en juin (AGA) et en août (retraite de planification), à leurs propres frais.

Les nominations seront examinées en avril et mai et seront annoncées au moment de l’assemblée générale annuelle 2025 du Musée à la mi-juin. Les mandats sont d’une durée initiale de trois ans et renouvelables.

En tant que société sans but lucratif, le Musée est régi par un conseil d’administration bénévole qui a un devoir de prudence, de diligence et de loyauté.

Le conseil d’administration assume les principales responsabilités suivantes :

• But : superviser la mise en œuvre du mandat et de la vision du musée.
• Aspect juridique : assurer la conformité à la législation et aux exigences légales, ainsi qu’aux politiques de gouvernance. S’assurer que les objectifs de la société sont correctement réalisés. Définir les stratégies d’exploitation.
• Aspect stratégique : établir les objectifs à long terme et les priorités stratégiques du Musée, assortis de buts et d’indicateurs de rendement appropriés, afin de réaliser le mandat du Musée.
• Risque : évaluer les risques courus par l’organisation et identifier des stratégies d’atténuation. S’assurer que des systèmes d’évaluation et de contrôle sont en place.
• Comme fiduciaire : assurer la stabilité financière et le rendement global de la société. Assurer l’intégrité des pratiques comptables.
• Leadership : s’assurer qu’une équipe de gestion efficace est en place pour sécuriser les ressources et gérer le fonctionnement du Musée. Embaucher la directrice générale ou le directeur général et en superviser le rendement.
• Sensibilisation : promouvoir l’organisation au sein de réseaux personnels et d’industries, y compris le réseautage philanthropique, afin de créer et d’entretenir une communauté de parties prenantes.
• Collecte de fonds : participer à des activités de collecte de fonds et faire un don de bienfaisance chaque année à un niveau personnellement significatif.
• Relève : planifier la relève et la diversité au sein du conseil d’administration.

• De se familiariser avec le mandat, les programmes, les politiques et les besoins du Musée.
• D’assister et de participer régulièrement à toutes les réunions bimestrielles du conseil d’administration, aux réunions du ou des comités dont ils font partie, à l’assemblée générale annuelle, aux sessions de planification stratégique et à d’autres réunions extraordinaires, au besoin.
• De participer à au moins un comité du conseil d’administration, possiblement à titre de président ou présidente.
• De s’appuyer sur l’expertise professionnelle pour fournir des conseils et une surveillance, au besoin.
• De se préparer pour les réunions en examinant les rapports et les documents fournis.
• De s’assurer de leur conformité avec le Code de conduite et toute autre politique applicable.
• De préserver la confidentialité des délibérations et travaux du conseil d’administration.
• De se tenir au courant des problèmes et des tendances affectant l’organisation.

• Le conseil d’administration se réunit six fois par an, pour deux heures chaque fois. Hybride (virtuel et en personne).
• Les comités se réunissent tous les deux mois pendant une heure et parfois plus souvent, au besoin.
• On s’attend à ce que les administratrices et administrateurs arrivent aux réunions bien préparés, ayant lu toute la documentation et les renseignements contextuels.
• Les sessions de planification ont lieu tous les trois ans pour mettre à jour le plan stratégique.
• Le mandat est de trois ans, renouvelables jusqu’à trois fois pour un maximum de neuf ans.

Si vous pensez que vous pouvez contribuer au Diefenbunker et que notre vision vous inspire, nous vous encourageons à poser votre candidature à notre conseil d’administration en déposant :

• Une lettre d’expression d’intérêt (maximum 500 mots) ; et
• Un curriculum vitae.

Les soumissions doivent être envoyées par courriel avant la fin de la journée, le vendredi 28 février 2025, à president@diefenbunker.ca, et en copie à c.hunter@diefenbunker.ca.

Les candidatures seront examinées au fur et à mesure de leur réception. Le Diefenbunker remercie toutes les personnes qui manifestent un intérêt pour ces postes. Seuls les candidates et candidats retenus pour une entrevue seront contactés.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter les pages suivantes sur notre site Web :

• Notre équipe
• Plan stratégique
• Rapport annuel
• États financiers

The post The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum- French Version appeared first on Capacity Canada.

The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum is Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact – it is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. Today, it is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site, telling stories of national and international importance.

The Diefenbunker is an independent charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors and led by an Executive Director. A full-time professional staff and a corps of volunteers attend, collectively, to the stewardship, vision, growth, and sustainability of this important organization. We promote the importance of understanding our past, for present and future generations to strive to build a more peaceful future.

The Diefenbunker is seeking qualified candidates to serve on its volunteer Board of Directors, to help steer the organization on the exciting path toward its next phase of growth. If you have an interest in history and share our passion for the success of the Diefenbunler, then we’d like to hear from you.

The Board has a particular need for individuals with expertise in the following areas:

• Philanthropy, fundraising, and donor relations, advocacy
• Public Affairs (communications, public relations, marketing)
• Government Relations

In its commitment to a culture of equity, inclusion and diversity, the Board encourages applications from candidates whose personal backgrounds could enhance the social, cultural, demographic, and geographic diversity of the Board

The museum is located in rural West Ottawa (Carp), Ontario. Applications are invited from Canadians from across the country. While the museum uses technology to facilitate virtual meetings of both the Board and its Committees, directors are expected to attend two on-site meetings annually, in June (AGM) and in August (planning retreat), at their own expense.

Appointments will be considered in April/May and made at the time of the museum’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in mid-June. Appointments are for an initial three-year term and can be renewed.

As a not-for-profit corporation, the museum is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with a duty of care, diligence, and loyalty.

The Board carries the following primary responsibilities:

• Purpose: Oversee the implementation of the museum’s mandate and vision
• Legal: Ensure compliance with legislation and legal requirements, as well as governing policies. Ensure that the objects of the corporation are properly carried out. Set operating policies.
• Strategic: Set the long-range objectives and strategic priorities of the museum’s mandate.
• Risk: Assess potential risks to the organization and identify mitigation strategies. Ensure assessment and control systems are in place.
• Fiduciary: Ensure the corporation’s financial stability and overall performance. Ensure the integrity of accounting practices.
• Leadership: Ensure an effective management team is in place to secure resources and manage museum operations. Hire and oversee the performance of the Executive Director.
• Profile: Champion the organization within personal networks and industries, including philanthropic networking, to build and nurture a community of stakeholders.
• Fundraising: Participate in fundraising activities and make a charitable donation annually at a level that is personally meaningful.
• Succession: Plan for the succession and diversity of the Board.

• Become deeply familiar with the museum’s mandate, programs, policies, and needs.
• Regularly attend and participate in all bi-monthly meetings of the Board, the committee(s) on which they serve annual general meetings, strategic planning sessions, and other special meetings, as required.
• Participate on a minimum of one Board committee, possibly as chair.
• Draw on professional expertise to provide guidance and oversight, as required.
• Prepare for meetings by viewing reports and materials provided in advance.
• Ensure personal compliance with the Code of Conduct and any other applicable policies.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all deliberations and proceedings of the Board.
• Keep up with issues and trends that affect the organization.

• The Board meets six times per year for two hours each. Hybrid (virtual and in-person).
• Committees meet bi-monthly for one hour and occasionally more often, as required.
• Directors are expected to arrive at meetings fully prepared by having read all documentation and background information.
• Planning sessions are held every three years to update the Strategic Plan.
• The term of office is three years, renewable up to three times for a maximum of nine years.

If you think that you could contribute to the Diefenbunker and are inspired by our vision, we encourage you to apply for our Board of Directors by submitting:

• An expression of interest (max. 500 words); and
• A resume or

Submissions should be emailed before end of day on Friday, February 28, 2025 to president@diefenbunker.ca and copying c.hunter@diefenbunker.ca.

Applications will be considered as they are received. The Diefenbunker thanks all applicants for their interest in the position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

For further background information, please consult the following pages on our website:

• Our Team
• Strategic Plan
• Annual Report
• Financial Statements

The post The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum- English Version appeared first on Capacity Canada.

Thank you Donald Trump for letting the world see and understand that you don't have to be intelligent, honest, decent or ethical to get to the top. In fact being overbearing, arrogant, fat,  rude, a liar and a criminal seems to have worked for him. Access to money also helps dramatically.

Today's Waterloo Region Record (i.e. K-W Record)  has a story on page A6 titled "Biden guards against "revenge"".  Former President Biden is giving out pardons to particular and specific employees and politicians whom he believes that the new President (Trump)  would like to punish for their honest and appropriate behaviour whether involving Covid  (Dr. Fauci) or  involving investigating the January 6, 2020 attack on U.S. democracy by Trump and his allies. Biden's exact words are "even when individuals have done nothing wrong - and in fact have done the right thing - and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances."

That is exactly what happened to me more than twenty-five years ago.  The various and assorted lowlifes include the Dishonourable Robert Reilly,  G. Pecker,  WRDSB (Oman, Stine, Witeman etc.), the WRPS and so many more. Suggesting that I could/should have appealed Reilly's beyond asinine decision which minimized my many parent witnesses' testimony and elevated Board fantasy testimony ignores the reality of the costs of Motions, pre-trial Motions, time off my job, and appeals. Our courts are a playground for the rich and I never stood a chance once that total twit Reilly was running the show. He even denied me a jury of my peers among other questionable actions he took.

I think that you can imagine the joy I had running Mayor Sandy Shantz as well as then councillor Mark Bauman through the judicial system. Of course the huge difference is that they were as guilty as sin regarding their contraventions of the Municipal Elections Act whereas I told the truth and went through the appropriate channels (Principal, trustees, Board Superintendents etc.) unsuccessfully before acting on my own trying to get justice from the education system. They and their employees weaponized the judicial system to try and ruin a parent, his spouse and family. They are filth and they know it.  And shame on the Judicial System for allowing those kinds of clear and obvious abuses of their system.  

♦

Perfect for cold weather and staying indoors to work in the kitchen and cook: it’s cassoulet.

A “farmhouse dish” and a rich concoction that’s often called a Languedoc classic, cassoulet is often white beans, sausages, sometimes mutton, pork and preserved duck or goose. It’s slow cooked for a long time, in many places of its origin in an earthenware pot.

The crispy crust on top yields to a creamy-rich interior, the result of the luscious beans having done their job.

Elizabeth David notes a funny story in French Provincial Cooking: in Castelnaudry, located in Occitanie (formerly Languedoc-Roussillon), a sign was posted on a shoemaker’s door explaining that the shuttered and dark shop was closed for the day.

The note further explained that it wasn’t family matters or an unfortunate death that was responsible for the temporary closure; it was, rather, “fermé pour cause de cassoulet.”

[Banner/commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Le_Cassoulet_du_Sud-Ouest_-_Le_Florida.jpg]

Check out my latest post Cassoulet comfort for the cold from AndrewCoppolino.com.

If you’re using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services to manage your purchases, you’re not alone. While these programs seem to offer a simple way to split payments, they can quickly lead to financial challenges when not managed carefully. As Licensed Insolvency Trustees, we’re seeing more Canadians struggling with BNPL debt combined with other forms of credit, leading to serious financial difficulties.

When you use Buy Now, Pay Later, you’re taking on short-term financing that splits your purchase into smaller payments over 4-6 weeks, usually without interest. While this might seem like a convenient way to buy what you need now, it’s important to recognize that BNPL is a form of debt that needs careful management.

In Canada, you are likely using one of seven major companies provide BNPL services: Paypal, Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, Sezzle , PayBright and Zip. You might be attracted to their promise of easy payments and interest-free grace periods. However, if you’re using BNPL to stretch your budget or make purchases you can’t afford, you could be heading toward financial difficulty.

When you’re considering using BNPL, you’ll encounter several types of payment plans:

Equal payment plans allow you to make regular installment payments until the balance is paid in full. You make your first payment at checkout, then the remaining balance is divided into equal payments – typically four to six installments spread over 4-6 weeks.

Deferred Payment Plans allow you to choose when to make payments as long as the balance is paid off by a specific due date. These plans typically advertise a “don’t pay until’ type of event. While these plans may advertise no interest if paid by the due date, they usually include administration fees. Failing to pay the full amount by the deadline typically converts your purchase into an installment loan with high interest rates.

Credit Card Post-Purchase Installments Major credit card issuers have entered the BNPL space by allowing cardholders to convert individual purchases into installment plans after the fact. You can select eligible transactions and spread the payments over 3-24 months. While some issuers offer promotional 0% APR periods, most charge a lower interest rate than your standard card APR, plus a plan setup fee. These plans offer more flexibility in payment duration than traditional BNPL, but the purchase remains on your credit card line of credit and affects your available credit until paid off.

Before using Buy Now, Pay Later for your next purchase, consider how its advantages and disadvantages might affect your financial situation. Like any form of credit, BNPL can be helpful when used wisely but can create financial stress if not managed carefully.

• Interest-free payments when paid on schedule
• No impact on credit score for regular use
• Automatic scheduled payments for easier budgeting
• Immediate access to needed items without full payment
• Quick approval process without traditional credit checks

• Increased spending – Users are more likely to increase basket sizes when using BNPL options
• Late payment fees and potential high interest charges
• Credit score damage from missed payments
• Overdraft fees if automatic payments exceed bank balances
• Complicated refund processes while payments continue
• Difficulty tracking multiple payment schedules
• Encouragement of impulse purchases
• Risk of overlapping payment obligations

If you’re using buy now pay later thinking it won’t impact your credit, you need to know that missed payments can seriously damage your credit score. Here’s what happens when you use BNPL:

Credit Check: Most BNPL services don’t do a credit check so taking out BNPL usually has not impact on your credit score. However, if you’re applying for larger or longer delayed payment installment loans, the provider might do a hard credit check that will show up on your credit report.

Credit Reporting: Most ‘pay in four payment” BNPL loans are not reported to either Equifax or TransUnion. The result is that, similar to payday loans, owing money on multiple BNPL loans does not harm your credit score. However, this may change as credit bureaus and consumer protection agencies look for options to increase reporting on these types of loans given the growth in the market.

Making Regular Payments: Your on-time payments usually won’t help build your credit score because most BNPL providers don’t report information to credit bureaus.

If You Miss Payments: Missing payments can seriously harm your credit score. If you default on your BNPL agreement, the account may be sent to collections, which can damage your credit for up to six years.

If You’re Using Credit-Based BNPL: BNPL services that work with credit cards or offer credit lines will affect your credit utilization ratio, which could lower your credit score if you’re using too much of your available credit.

Recent research shows that 43% of BNPL users turn to these services because they can’t afford to pay for items in full at the time of purchase. What begins as an innocent way to split a single purchase into manageable payments can quickly become more complex as you make additional purchases, each with its own payment schedule.

A TransUnion whitepaper shows that you are more likely to use BNPL if you also carry credit card balances. Debt accumulates because you add BNPL debt on top of other credit. Credit card debt continue to grow after starting with BNPL, and this creates a risk of overextending financially.

In our practice, we’re seeing an increasing number of insolvency filings where BNPL debt appears alongside maxed-out credit cards and other forms of debt. This combination often indicates a pattern of using multiple credit sources to maintain unsustainable spending habits.

Watch for these warning signs that your BNPL use is becoming unmanageable:

• You have multiple active BNPL accounts you’re trying to juggle
• You’re using BNPL for basic necessities like living supplies and groceries
• You’re regularly paying late fees
• Your credit card balances are growing while using BNPL

While Buy Now, Pay Later plans can be a useful payment tool, they require careful management to avoid financial difficulties. If you choose to use BNPL services, following these guidelines can help you maintain control of your spending and avoid payment problems.

Before accepting another BNPL offer:

• Calculate the total purchase cost, including all fees and potential late charges, before accepting any BNPL offer
• Save BNPL for planned purchases rather than impulse buying
• Review your budget to confirm you can afford payments without using additional credit
• Limit yourself to one BNPL agreement at a time to maintain clear oversight of your obligations

To manage current BNPL payments:

• Create a dedicated payment calendar and set reminders for all due dates
• Set up automatic payments, but ensure you maintain sufficient funds to avoid overdraft fees
• Read all terms and conditions, particularly regarding late fees and missed payments
• Keep detailed records of each BNPL agreement, including payment schedules and confirmation numbers

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your BNPL payments, there are several immediate steps you can take to regain control of your finances:

• Contact BNPL providers about payment extensions or modified payment plans
• Consider a low-interest personal loan to consolidate multiple BNPL debts
• Review your budget to find extra money for BNPL payments – look at reducing non-essential expenses, using savings, or earning extra income through overtime

Consider alternatives for future purchases including:

• Save for purchases in advance
• Use store layaway programs that don’t charge fees
• Explore zero-interest credit card offers with fixed terms
• Negotiate directly with retailers about payment plans

If you’re finding it impossible to manage your BNPL debt, especially alongside other debts, it’s time to talk with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

A consumer proposal can consolidate all your debts, including BNPL obligations, into a single monthly payment, often at a reduced amount. This legal process stops collection actions and provides a structured path to debt freedom.

At Hoyes Michalos, we offer free consultations to review your situation and explain your debt relief options. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you regain control of your finances and develop a plan for a debt-free future.

Book your FREE consultation

The post The Hidden Dangers of Buy Now, Pay Later Loans appeared first on Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc..

Hwang, H.-T., Jeen, S.-W., Lee, S.-S., Ha, S.-W., Berg, S. J., Miller, K. L., Sudicky, E. A., & Lee, K.-K. (2024). Improving monitoring network design to detect leaks at hazardous facilities: Lessons from a CO2 storage site. In Science of The Total Environment (Vol. 950, p. 175256). Elsevier BV. doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175256

“The determined ranges of parameter uncertainty were subsequently employed in HGSUQ for the LHS operation.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

We’re happy to highlight this publication co-authored by Aquanty personnel (including Dr. Hyoun-Tae Hwang, Dr. Steve Berg, Dr. Killian Miller and Aquanty co-founder Dr. Ed Sudicky) which focuses on improving monitoring network design for detecting potential CO₂ leaks in hazardous material storage facilities. This research specifically utilizes the Korea CO₂ Storage Environmental Management (K-COSEM) test site to develop methodologies that address the challenges posed by uncertainty in detecting subsurface leakages.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

In this research highlight, researchers explored methods to enhance the monitoring network design for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) sites by focusing on improving CO₂ leak detection in complex subsurface environments. This study, centered at the Korea CO₂ Storage Environmental Management (K-COSEM) test site, aimed to advance monitoring techniques critical for ensuring the long-term security of stored CO₂ and protecting groundwater resources in storage areas.

Using a combination of cross-well pumping tests, tracer tests, and simulated CO₂ release experiments, the researchers developed a robust monitoring framework capable of detecting subtle changes in subsurface CO₂ levels. By integrating HydroGeoSphere (HGS) with predictive modelling approaches, including Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) for uncertainty analysis, the team was able to simulate potential leak scenarios and evaluate CO₂ migration patterns. HGS was instrumental in this research, enabling researchers to perform detailed spatial and temporal analyses of CO₂ transport across multiple monitoring wells, and providing a basis for optimizing network configurations.

The study’s findings indicate that a carefully planned network of monitoring wells, informed by high-resolution simulations and experimental data, can significantly improve the reliability of early leak detection. By addressing the unique challenges associated with CO₂ migration in complex geological formations, the research emphasizes the importance of precision in monitoring network design to ensure effective CCS operations. These advancements not only contribute to safer CO₂ storage but also offer a framework for monitoring approaches in other subsurface environmental applications where robust detection systems are essential.

Abstract:

Exploring the challenges posed by uncertainties in numerical modelling for hazardous material storage, this study introduces methodologies to improve monitoring networks for detecting subsurface leakages. The proposed approaches were applied to the Korea CO2 Storage Environmental Management (K-COSEM) test site, undergoing calibration, validation and uncertainty analysis through hydraulic and controlled-CO2 release tests. The calibration phase involved inter-well tracer and multi-well pumping tests, leveraging the Parameter ESTimation (PEST) model to determine the aquifer flow and solute transport properties of the K-COSEM site. To tackle uncertainties with limited observation data, we adopted Latin Hypercube simulation. Our uncertainty analysis confirmed model accuracy in simulating observed CO2 breakthrough curves. We also explored a probabilistic method to identify the environmental change point (EnCP) through correlation analysis with the distance from the CO2 injection well, revealing a linear trend and pinpointed potential preferential flow pathways by assessing detection probabilities. Evaluating CO2 detection capabilities was crucial for optimizing monitoring well placement, highlighting strategic well selection based on detection probabilities. This study advances managing uncertainties in hydrogeological modelling, underscoring the importance of sophisticated models in designing monitoring networks for hazardous leak detection in complex subsurface conditions.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

Integrity is one of my core values and I believe it is the cornerstone of effective leadership. It’s the guiding principle that ensures decisions are ethical, actions align with values, and trust is built within teams and organizations. Without integrity, leadership loses its foundation. In this article, I share why maintaining your personal and company values is essential for success and provides actionable steps to lead with authenticity in every aspect of your professional life.

Integrity, defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, is a non-negotiable trait for leaders. Research consistently shows that ethical leadership positively impacts team morale, productivity, and trust. For instance, a Gallup study revealed that employees who trust their leaders are 3 times more likely to be engaged at work.

Leading, for me, means being an example — a trustworthy person who is a good communicator, honest, responsible, empathetic, and who uses emotional intelligence to manage and motivate teams. A good leader is also a negotiator, strategic thinker, visionary, and someone with strong principles. Integrity is fundamental to achieving all these qualities and fostering effective leadership.

Consider Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, whose values-driven leadership transformed the company’s culture. By emphasizing empathy and inclusivity, Nadella aligned his principles with Microsoft’s mission to “empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” His approach not only revitalized the company’s performance but also reinforced trust among employees and stakeholders.

As a leader, it’s crucial to understand and embrace your core values. These are the principles that shape your decisions, actions, and interactions. Equally important is aligning these personal values with your company’s mission and culture.

One way to achieve this alignment is through intentional self-reflection. Ask yourself questions such as:

• What principles are non-negotiable for me?
• How do these values align with my organization’s mission?
• In what ways can I embody these values daily?

Living your values as a leader means applying them consistently across various aspects of your professional life. Here are some examples:

Every email you send reflects your integrity. Be honest, clear, and respectful, even in difficult situations. Avoid exaggeration or over-promising, and ensure your tone conveys respect for the recipient.

When creating presentations, ensure that your messaging is transparent and aligns with company goals. Highlight achievements truthfully and acknowledge challenges openly, demonstrating your commitment to honesty.

Use 1–1 meetings to embody empathy and active listening. Show genuine interest in your team members’ concerns and aspirations. Provide constructive feedback rooted in care for their growth and development.

Negotiation and stakeholder relationships are areas where integrity plays a crucial role. Being transparent about goals, challenges, and constraints builds credibility with stakeholders. For example, when negotiating a partnership, openly addressing potential risks and aligning on mutual benefits fosters long-term trust. This approach not only helps achieve win-win outcomes but also solidifies your reputation as a principled and reliable leader.

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a practical framework for maintaining integrity in daily actions, such as beginning with the end in mind and prioritizing values-driven interactions.

Integrity doesn’t just benefit the leader; it creates a ripple effect throughout the organization. Ethical leadership fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration. Employees feel safer, more engaged, and motivated to perform at their best.

When managers fail to act with integrity, team morale suffers significantly. I recall instances, though not directly affecting me, that became infamous “stories” within companies. These were cases where managers or directors hired unqualified individuals — family members, friends, or neighbours — simply because of personal connections. Such actions eroded trust, leaving employees who aspired to promotions disappointed and disillusioned by the lack of fair competition.

On the other hand, when a leader embodies and promotes integrity through consistent actions and alignment between words and deeds, they inspire their teams to follow suit. Not everyone may naturally possess such values deeply ingrained in their daily lives. At times, ego or a desire for power may drive decisions, overshadowing the importance of reputation and ethical leadership. As leaders, we must recognize that our behaviour represents not just ourselves but also our teams and the organization as a whole. In interactions with customers and suppliers, acting with integrity is critical — it builds trust and fosters long-term relationships, whereas a lack of values-driven decision-making can irreparably harm these connections.

Leading with integrity isn’t always easy. Conflicting priorities, external pressures, and organizational challenges can test your values. However, these moments provide opportunities to reaffirm your commitment to integrity.

• Regular Self-Reflection: Take time to evaluate your actions and decisions against your core values.
• Seek Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for honest input on how well you’re embodying your values.
• Revisit Company Values: Use your organization’s mission statement as a compass when faced with difficult decisions.

Integrity is not just a trait; it’s a practice that must be cultivated daily. By letting your values guide every email, presentation, and interaction, you set a powerful example for your team and foster a culture of trust and respect. Remember, leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency and authenticity.

“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.” — Brené Brown.

Take a moment to reflect on your core values and consider how you can lead with integrity in every aspect of your professional journey. Your team, your organization, and your legacy will thank you for it.

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Harvard Business Review articles on ethical leadership
• Gallup’s research on leadership and trust

If you enjoyed this article, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to leave a positive comment, clap 👏, and share it with others who might find it helpful. Your support means the world to me!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME to stay updated on my latest articles. Let’s connect and grow together! 💛

Leading with Integrity: The Compass for Authentic Leadership was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Advocacy is one of the four core pillars of our Chamber, but it’s sometimes hard to understand the importance and the practical aspects of the advocacy work that we do. What is it? Why is it important? How do we do it? Who supports it? The answers are all below.

In the context of the business community, advocacy involves representing the interests of local businesses, ensuring their voices are heard, and working to shape policies that help foster a thriving economic environment. It’s about influencing decisions that affect the way businesses operate, grow, and succeed. Advocacy can be directed at all levels of government—local, provincial, and federal—and can also extend to addressing issues with other organizations or international bodies that affect the business landscape.

Advocacy is at the heart of every successful business community. It’s how we ensure that the voices of business owners are heard and that policies are shaped in ways that foster growth and opportunity. At the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to advocating for the issues that matter most to our members – from local regulations to international trade. We prioritize our advocacy efforts around the businesses within our membership, and the issues that matter most to them. Sometimes that includes reducing red tape or accessing funding for small businesses, while also pushing for job creation and investments for larger employers in our Region. We also tackle industry-specific issues, such as threats to the supply chain for our manufacturers.

First and foremost, we listen to our members and where their pain points are. Once those priority areas have been made clear, we engage with policymakers, government officials, and industry leaders to promote policies that benefit businesses in our area. This includes advocating for better regulations, favorable tax policies, improved infrastructure, and other essential elements that help businesses thrive.

We also track political and economic developments, from provincial and federal elections to international affairs, ensuring that our members are always informed about how these changes might impact their operations. You can access this information in our email communications, on our website, and at events. We bring a number of elected officials and Cabinet Ministers to the Region to speak at events throughout the year, giving our members access to the information that impacts them.

Our goal is to be a trusted advocate for businesses, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

You do! We do the advocacy work to support you – our members. So the areas in which we focus, are driven by you too.

We are a non-profit. Our primary goal is to support and advocate for the interests of businesses and the local community rather than to generate profit. That means, without your support, the work we do wouldn’t be possible. If you believe in the work we’re doing, and/or are looking to support us in our advocacy efforts, there’s a couple of different ways you can do so.

1. Become a Chamber Member
   Joining the Chamber of Commerce is one of the best ways to get involved in advocacy efforts. As a member, you’ll have access to valuable resources, information, and a platform to raise issues that matter to your business. And if you’re already a member, consider referring a new one to us. We all benefit from a stronger and more diverse membership.
2. Volunteer with Us
   Volunteering with the Chamber is a great way to actively participate in our advocacy initiatives. For those with experience in supporting advocacy campaigns, you can volunteer on the Regional Municipal Affairs Committee or Provincial Federal Affairs Committee. Your involvement will help strengthen our efforts to represent the interests of the business community.
3. Provide Feedback
   Your input matters! By completing surveys and providing feedback, you help us understand the key issues businesses are facing. This valuable information guides our advocacy work and allows us to tailor our efforts to the needs of our members. We regularly send out surveys to gauge your opinions on policy, regulations, and other topics that affect your business.

Advocacy is a powerful tool for change, and by becoming actively involved with the Chamber, you’re helping us make a difference for the entire business community. To learn more about how we’re working for you, or to participate in discussions and initiatives aimed at shaping policy decisions at the local, provincial, and federal levels, please email us!

The post Advocacy Explained: Understanding the Impact and Action appeared first on Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

“Inspired by Terry Fox, we invest in highly collaborative, world-class scientific teams to drive research discoveries that improve and save the lives of cancer patients.”

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), named for Canadian icon Terry Fox, is built on Terry’s dream to end cancer through research. Established in 2007, TFRI is a registered charity and invests its funds in cutting-edge cancer research through highly collaborative, team-oriented programs and national research networks. Together with its many research and funding partners, TFRI empowers Canada’s brightest researchers to seek out new transformational and precision medicine discoveries to advance our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer with the goal of significantly improving outcomes for patients.

TFRI is seeking a highly qualified individual with a strong background in oncology to join our Board of Directors. TFRI Board is composed of professionals from diverse fields, including research, oncology, business, communication, finance and philanthropy. United by Terry Fox’s legacy, they provide strategic oversight and guidance to advance cutting-edge cancer research and improve outcomes for patients.

The ideal candidate will be a clinician or researcher with significant expertise in cancer research or clinical oncology. This individual will bring objective scientific judgment to TFRI’s strategic direction and governance while helping advance our mission to drive impactful cancer research. The Director should exemplify Terry’s values: Integrity, Inclusivity, Perseverance, Creativity, and Excellence

The role of the Board is two-fold: decision-making and oversight. The decision-making aspect includes the selection and appointment of the President & Scientific Director, and, working with management, the formulation of TFRI’s strategic goals and policies. Oversight focuses on reviewing management decisions and ensuring adequate systems, controls, and the successful implementation of strategic policies. Directors receive no remuneration for their service in accordance with the By-laws of TFRI. TFRI does reimburse out-of-pocket expenses for travel and accommodation.

• Work with the President & Scientific Director to set long-term goals for TFRI.
• Provide objective scientific input and broad judgment to ensure strategic initiatives align with TFRI’s mission.
• Working with management to develop, approve and monitor the implementation of TFRI’s strategic plan, ensuring its success in advancing cancer research.

• Select and appoint the President & Scientific Director of TFRI.
• Nominate directors with relevant experience and qualifications to support TFRI’s strategic goals.
• Appoint and define mandates for board committees (e.g., Nominations, Finance & Audit Committees).
• Regularly review and assess the board’s governance structures and processes.

• Steward TFRI’s financial resources by approving annual operating and capital budgets.
• Authorize expenditures and approve cancer research investments based on recommendations from the President & Scientific Director.
• Monitor financial performance against the approved budget and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Vote on recommendations from the Finance & Audit Committee and approve the annual audited financial statements.

• Ensure stakeholder relationships are maintained based on principles of inclusion, equity, transparency, accountability, and fairness.
• Balance the interests of key stakeholders, including the Terry Fox Foundation (TFF), researchers, patients, hospitals, governments, and donors.
• Contribute to the development of effective communication strategies for TFRI’s stakeholders.

• Understand the risks inherent in cancer research supported by TFRI and balance these with potential benefits to patients and stakeholders.

• Educational Background: PhD, MD, or equivalent in Oncology, Cancer Research, or related fields.
• Professional Experience: Experience in clinical oncology or cancer research.
• Leadership and Governance: Previous board experience or leadership roles in research or clinical settings is an asset.
• Strategic Judgment: Proven ability to provide scientific and clinical judgment in decision-making.
• Collaborative Approach: Experience working with diverse stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, funders, and policy makers.
• Commitment: Availability to attend quarterly board meetings (in-person or virtual) and engage in ongoing board activities.

To express interest in this position, please submit a cover letter and CV to board@tfri.ca, outlining your relevant experience and your vision for contributing to the mission of TFRI.

The post Terry Fox Research Institute appeared first on Capacity Canada.

TypeScript has rapidly become the go-to choice for JavaScript developers across various industries. Leading organizations like Microsoft, Amazon, and growing startups are adopting TypeScript due to its significant improvements in code reliability and maintainability.

TypeScript extends JavaScript with powerful features — introducing static typing and enhanced clarity — that help developers write more potent, error-free, and maintainable code.

Are you curious how TypeScript transforms the way developers code?

Let’s take a closer look at how it works.

This blog will explore key aspects of TypeScript, including:

• TypeScript vs. JavaScript: Comparing features and capabilities
• Advanced Types: Exploring union types, generics, and conditional types
• Interfaces: Defining object structures and improving code consistency

When comparing TypeScript and JavaScript, it’s important to understand how TypeScript builds upon JavaScript while introducing additional features that make code more robust and maintainable.

• TypeScript: Introduces static typing, which allows you to define types for variables, functions, and properties, making it easier to catch errors before runtime.
• JavaScript: Uses dynamic typing, meaning types are determined at runtime, which can lead to unexpected behavior.

An example of this in TypeScript is:

let message: string = "This is TypeScript";  
// Type is explicitly defined as string, 
// the message should remain as a string

In contrast, JavaScript uses dynamic typing, where the type of a variable is determined at runtime. This often results in unexpected behaviors, such as:

let message = "This is JavaScript";
message = 67;  
// JavaScript allows this but might lead to runtime errors

TypeScript goes further by restricting valid values for certain variables. Consider defining roles in an application.

type Role = "admin" | "editor" | "viewer";

function hasEditPermission(role: Role): boolean {
    return role === "admin" || role === "editor";
}
const userRole: Role = "viewer";
console.log(hasEditPermission(userRole));  // Output: false

Here, TypeScript catches errors early — if someone accidentally assigns a value like "superAdmin", TypeScript will raise an error before runtime, helping to avoid potential bugs.

• TypeScript: Comes with intelligent code completion, refactoring support, and type-checking at compile time, making development more productive.
• JavaScript: Relies more on runtime debugging and browser console tools, offering less support during development.

• TypeScript: Performs static error checking during build time, catching issues like type mismatches and null references.
• JavaScript: Errors are found at runtime, which can lead to runtime bugs.

While JavaScript already provides a basic set of primitive types: boolean, bigint, null, number, string, symbol, and undefined. TypeScript adds more specialized types for flexibility:

TypeScript allows you to create complex types by combining simpler ones. There are two common ways.

Union types let variables hold multiple types. They also make creating adaptable functions that accept different input types easier.

function printMessage(message: string | number): void {
  console.log(`Message: ${message}`);
}

printMessage("Hello, World!"); // Output: Message: Hello, World!
printMessage(25); // Output: Message: 25

It can also be used to specify a limited set of possible string or number values(like we have seen above).

type UserRole = "admin" | "editor" | "viewer";
let role: UserRole = "admin"; // Valid
role = "manager"; // Error: "manager" is not assignable to "UserRole"

Generics allow you to write flexible, reusable code by associating types with variables, functions, or classes.

By introducing placeholders for types, generics allow you to abstract functionality while maintaining strong typing. Let’s break this down.

Generics allow you to define a template for types that can work with any data structure while maintaining type safety. For example, consider a function that works with both strings and numbers without losing type precision.

function identity<T>(value: T): T {
  return value;
}

T: A placeholder for the type. It stands for "Type" and can be named anything.

The function takes an argument value of type T and returns a value of the same type T .

console.log(identity("Hello")); // Output: "Hello" (type: string)
console.log(identity(56));      // Output: 56(type: number)
console.log(identity([1, 2, 3])); // Output: [1, 2, 3] (type: number[])

TypeScript infers the type automatically based on the argument passed to the function. This allows for type safety without needing to specify the type explicitly in most cases.

Generics are especially useful with collections like arrays. Without generics, an array in TypeScript can accept any type but this lacks type safety:

let mixedArray: any[] = [1, "hello", true];

Generics let you specify the type of elements, ensuring that every element in the array has the same type.

let stringArray: Array<string> = ["TypeScript", "Generics"];
let numberArray: number[] = [1, 2, 3];

Sometimes, you may want to limit the types a generic can accept. This is where constraints come into play. By using constraints, you can ensure that the generic type meets specific requirements. For example:

interface User {
  id: number;
  name: string;
}

function getUser<T extends User>(user: T): Readonly<T> {
  return { ...user };
}

const user = getUser({ id: 1, name: "Bob" });
user.id = 2; 
// Error: Cannot assign to 'id' because it is a read-only property

What we see here is that the generic type T must include at least the properties defined in the User interface because it extends it.

The Readonly<T> property makes the return object immutable, preventing its modification.

Generics become even more powerful when combined with conditional types, as they enable dynamic type transformations based on the types provided.

type ConditionalType<T> = T extends string ? "String Type" : "Other Type";

// Examples
type Test1 = ConditionalType<string>; // "String Type"
type Test2 = ConditionalType<number>; // "Other Type"

What’s happening here?

• T extends string: Checks if the type T is assignable to string.
• If true, the type resolves to "String Type".
• If false, it resolves to "Other Type".

This approach is valuable for creating type-safe abstractions that adapt based on input types.

Conditional types also allow for advanced type manipulation, such as filtering properties in an object based on their types.

Let’s see it with an example. Imagine you have an object that represents a person, like this:

interface Person {
  name: string;   // a string property
  age: number;    // a number property
  isStudent: boolean; // a boolean property
}

Now, suppose you want a way to automatically pick out all the keys (properties) that belong to a specific type, like string or number. For example:

• If you’re looking for string properties, the result should be "name".
• If you’re looking for number properties, the result should be "age".

We can achieve this using a type called FilterByType .

type FilterByType<ObjectType, TargetType> = {
  [Key in keyof ObjectType]: ObjectType[Key] extends TargetType ? Key : never;
}[keyof ObjectType];

Let’s go over the steps one by one.

Loop Over Keys:

• [Key in keyof ObjectType] means, "Go through each key in the object."
• In our example, the Person object has the keys: "name", "age", and "isStudent".

Check Each Key’s Type:

• ObjectType[Key] extends TargetType checks if the type of the value for a key matches the type you’re looking for. For example:
• For "name", the type is string. Does string match TargetType?
• For "age", the type is number. Does number match TargetType?

Keep or Discard Keys:

• If the key’s type matches the TargetType, it stays.
• Otherwise, it’s replaced with never (a special placeholder that means "nothing").

Extract the Keys:

• Finally, [keyof ObjectType] gathers all the valid keys that didn’t turn into never.

So, we can use it in practice as:

type StringKeys = FilterByType<Person, string>; // Result: "name"
type NumberKeys = FilterByType<Person, number>; // Result: "age"

This technique is powerful when working with large, complex objects. Instead of manually inspecting types, TypeScript does the heavy lifting for you.

An interface in TypeScript is like a blueprint for an object. It defines the structure (or “shape”) of an object by specifying its properties and methods without implementing them.

Think of it as a contract that ensures consistency in how data is represented across your application.

• Define Object Shapes: Ensure that objects have specific properties with expected types. For example, a User interface guarantees that any object representing a user will always have name and id properties.
• Promote Code Consistency: In team projects, interfaces ensure everyone follows the same design pattern.
• Flexibility: Unlike classes, interfaces don’t generate JavaScript code — they are purely for type-checking.

Here’s how you can use an interface with a class:

interface User {
  name: string; // A property that must be a string
  id: number;   // A property that must be a number
}

// A class implementing the interface
class UserAccount implements User {
  constructor(public name: string, public id: number) {}
}

// Example of using the interface
const user: User = new UserAccount("Elif", 178789);
console.log(user.name); // Output: Elif

Interfaces can include optional properties using the ? symbol:

interface Product {
  id: number;
  name: string;
  price: number;
  description?: string;  // This property is optional
}

Do the product interface can be used in these ways without an error:

// Example of a product without a description
const product1: Product = {
  id: 101,
  name: "Laptop",
  price: 999.99
};

// Example of a product with a description
const product2: Product = {
  id: 102,
  name: "Smartphone",
  price: 699.99,
  description: "A brand-new smartphone with advanced features"
};

Interfaces can extend other interfaces to create hierarchies and reuse existing type definitions. For example, let’s say we have a basic Contact interface.

// Base interface for common properties
interface Contact {
  phone: string;
  email: string;
}

And, there is a Person interface that extends the Contact interface.

// Interface extending Contact and adding more properties
interface Person extends Contact {
  name: string;
  age: number;
}

This person can also be an employee with an ID and department information. Therefore, we can create an employee object with the following properties:

// Interface extending Person and adding additional properties
interface Employee extends Person {
  employeeId: number;
  department: string;
}

So, in the end, we can create an employee object with the following properties:

// Using the combined interface
const employee: Employee = {
  phone: "123-456-7890",
  email: "employee@example.com",
  name: "John Doe",
  age: 30,
  employeeId: 101,
  department: "IT"
};

Benefits of Multiple Inheritance through Interfaces:

• Code reuse: You can avoid repeating code by combining common properties and behaviors from different interfaces.
• Maintainability: Changes made to base interfaces propagate to any interface that extends them, ensuring a consistent structure.
• Scalability: With multiple interfaces, you can develop flexible models that support scalable systems by gradually layering properties.

TypeScript is an excellent tool for developers aiming to improve the reliability and maintainability of their code. Its strong type system enables developers to write clearer and more error-resistant code, making it easier to identify potential issues before they occur.

TypeScript enables collaboration by ensuring that every component of the application works together. Its gradual adoption approach allows you to start small by using TypeScript alongside JavaScript, slowly increasing your familiarity over time.

For anyone looking to elevate their development skills, TypeScript is a wise choice. It is flexible, reliable, and designed to grow with your projects.

Happy coding, and enjoy exploring TypeScript!

TypeScript: The Reliable Tech JavaScript Devs Are Adopting for Success was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On Monday, January 6, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned as the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and prorogued Parliament until March 24. We wanted to unpack this important announcement a little bit further and provide some additional context for you – our Members.

The prorogation has effectively ended the Parliamentary session removing all the current bills and motions from the parliamentary agenda. No new bills (laws) can be brought forward until the Speech from the Throne is delivered and the new Parliamentary session begins. Members of Parliament will still be open to meetings, though expect many Liberal MPs to be engaged in the leadership race organizing for their preferred candidate. MPs will not participate in parliamentary sessions, as all legislative business is paused. This includes debates, committee meetings, and other formal activities within the House of Commons. MPs will continue their roles as representatives of their constituencies. They often use this time to engage with constituents, address local concerns, and prepare for the next parliamentary session, and in this case – a federal election.

The Cabinet, which was reshuffled just a few weeks ago, will remain in place until we are informed otherwise. This means that (subject to rules on the Liberal leadership race related to Cabinet Ministers running for party leadership) for the time being, Ministers will still be making decisions, and the public service will still be carrying out its various functions at a federal level.

Prorogation of Parliament in Canada refers to the formal ending of a parliamentary session by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister. It effectively halts all parliamentary activities, including debates, committee meetings, and legislative processes.

Here are key points about prorogation:

1. End of a Session: Prorogation marks the conclusion of a current session of Parliament. Unlike adjournment, which is a temporary pause, prorogation ends all business for that session.
2. Effect on Bills and Motions: All bills and motions that have not been passed or addressed are removed from the parliamentary agenda. However, some can be reintroduced in the next session, depending on the government’s priorities.
3. Restart with a New Throne Speech: When Parliament resumes after prorogation, it begins a new session with a Speech from the Throne, which outlines the government’s agenda and priorities for the upcoming session.
4. Timing and Use: Prorogation is typically used for political or administrative reasons, such as when the government wants to reset its agenda, respond to changing circumstances, or shift focus to new priorities. In this case, the government will use the prorogation period to elect a new party Leader, and by extension the new Prime Minister.

Despite numerous rumours about the selection of the new party Leader, Justin Trudeau has announced that the party will hold an open leadership race and let the members decide who will lead them in the next election. The rules of the leadership race will be revealed in the days and weeks ahead. It is unclear whether current Cabinet Ministers who choose to run for the leadership will be required to leave the Cabinet, however generally that is the case.

*Note: On January 9, 2025, The Liberal Party of Canada announced that the nation-wide race to choose the next Leader of the party will conclude on March 9, 2025. A leadership contestant must declare their participation in the race by January 23, 2025.

Given the Parliamentary calendar and the House of Commons procedures, the next opposition day motion has to be scheduled no later than March 26. All three opposition parties (BQ, CPC, NDP) have already confirmed that they will be bringing forward non-confidence motions at the first opportunity. The other important fact to note is that the House has to vote on the Supply Bill before March 26 automatically triggering a confidence motion. In the most likely scenario, the House will return on March 24 with a new Liberal leader, and by extension the Prime Minister, and deliver Speech from the Throne. The first confidence vote will happen on March 26 at which point the government will likely be defeated and the Parliament will be dissolved. In another scenario, the new Prime Minister will deliver a Speech from the Throne and go directly to the Governor General with a request that the Government be dissolved, triggering an election. The most likely time for a federal election is May 5 or May 12.

The post Trudeau Resignation & What It Means appeared first on Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

I am referring back to both my Saturday Blog post as well as to the article in the K-W Record that day by Terry Pender. One of the questions I have is exactly how hard have efforts been across North America to actually, fully and properly remediate contaminated sites? I know that Conestoga Rovers did work at both the Love Canal in New York State as well as up here in Elmira, Ontario. My understanding is that problems with oozing contamination still exist at the Love Canal. Sure as hell little on-site source removal of toxic wastes has occurred here in Elmira. It's all about off-site, to date unsuccessful attempts to remediate the Elmira Aquifers to drinking water standards. Therefore are remediation failures based upon mediocre to poor efforts being used to justify taxpayers' costs of multiple billions of dollars for water pipelines here and or perhaps south of the border as well? Is this just one more boondoggle or legacy project for our corrupt politicians to get their names in the history books at our expense? 

Secondly I did not mention last Saturday another error besides the two incorrect dates given namely 1989 and 2030. Susan Bryant mentioned that "millions of gallons" of treated ground water were being dumped into the Canagagigue Creek every day. By my calculations the number is shy of a million gallons and certainly not "millions of gallons".  

These three errors may be an attempt to to intentionally mislead the public by Susan however I am not convinced of that. It is quite possible that karma has reared her head and decided to bestow some justice on Susan.  Over the past year there have been several incidents of mistakes and errors by Susan that may simply be no more than fairly normal ageing.  Despite relatively modest but problematic benefits being received by her over decades for assistance to Uniroyal and successors she has been the go to person for information, facts and opinions by the media and others. Maybe her current memory failures are both to discourage further media reliance upon her or even for them to realize that her grasp of  all the facts and history has deteriorated significantly over time. This is not a bad thing.

♦

Wood Heart Coasters Workshop
Saturday, February 8
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
$35 per ticket
Colour Paradise –  1209 Bleams Rd, Petersburg

Colour Paradise is teaming up with KW Habilitation to bring you this crafty, fun workshop. Annita from LEG Up! will be your instructor as you create a set of 4 heart shaped coasters. Annita has taught many different craft related classes at KW Habilitation’s LEG Up! such as Stick Tree Ornaments, Embroidery Hoop Pumpkins and Mandela Rocks. Participants require no previous experience and will learn how to create something beautiful. Grab your tickets at the link below.

Click here for more info

♦

Puzzle, Book and Game Exchange
Saturday, January 25
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
FREE
Stanley Park Library – 175 Indian Road, Kitchener

Stanley Park Library is having a puzzle, book and game exchange. Upcycle your gently used books, games and puzzles to make room for new ones at our community exchange. The swap is 1 for 1. If you drop off one item to swap, you can take one item. If you drop off three items you can take three items. Puzzles, books and games can be dropped off at ahead of time from Saturday, January 18th onward.

Click here for more info

♦Winterloo
Saturday, January 25
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
FREE
Uptown Waterloo Square and Waterloo park 75 – King St. S, Waterloo

Waterloo Square is going to be full of winter fun. Bring your own skates for outdoor ice skating, enjoy music by the on-site DJ, play the giant games with friends and family, and warm up with hot drinks and treats from local food trucks. Take a stroll down the Central Promenade of Waterloo Park and you might see some award winning ice carvers sculpting some winter magic. Be sure to bundle up and  join in the fun.

Click here for more info

♦

Winter’s A Drag
Wednesday, January 22
7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
FREE
The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts – 88 Dalhousie St. Brantford

Laurier’s Winter’s a Drag, a celebration of talent, creativity and self-expression, is back again for the fourth year! This free event features fun giveaways, a photo booth, meet and greet with the artists, and a drag show spotlighting five talented performers including Miss Xtacy Love, Manny Dingo, Lucy Flawless, Eboni La’Belle and Destiny Doll.

www.eventbrite.ca/e/winters-a-drag-tickets-1111951219029?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Music At Noon: Jerzy Kaplanek
Thursday, January 23
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
FREE
Maureen Forrester Recital Hall – 75 University Ave. W Waterloo

Music is more than just a hobby or a pastime. It is a powerful force that improves physical, emotional, and cognitive health in countless, tangible ways. Enjoy the musical magic of Laurier faculty and guests at our Music at Noon Concert series! Whether you are a fan of classical, jazz, or contemporary music, you will find something to suit your taste in our diverse lineup of performers.

www.eventbrite.ca/e/music-at-noon-jerzy-kaplanek-tickets-1000793419057?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Pager Turners and Pop Icons Trivia Night
Thursday, January 23
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
FREE – Registration Required
Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener

Join us for a fun-filled Pop Culture Trivia Night, where you can test your knowledge of movies, music, TV shows, and more! Bring your friends, form a team, and compete for exciting prizes while enjoying a lively evening of trivia and entertainment.

kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=152549

QueerKPL Social
Saturday, January 25
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
FREE
Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener

Come connect with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for a casual social drop-in. Play a game, chat about your latest queer read or just hang out!

kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=149834

Be Gay Do Crafts: Queer Crafternoon
Saturday January 25, February 22, March 22
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Kwartzlab – 145 Bedford Road, Kitchener

Join us for a casual afternoon of 2SLGBTQ+ pride-themed crafts and community-building! We will have supplies and seasonal craft ideas prepared that you can drop in and create, or bring your own project to work on in queer company. This is a drop-in event, come and stay as long as you’d like.

www.eventbrite.ca/e/be-gay-do-crafts-queer-crafternoon-tickets-1023085535377?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

♦

Open Space: Games & Social Drop-In
Mondays
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
FREE
Central Library – 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener
kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/series?sn=open+space

Schooner Street Brewery Trivia
Wednesdays
7:30 PM
FREE
Schooner Street Brewery – 200 Bathurst Dr. #200, Waterloo
allevents.in/waterloo/schooner-street-brewery-trivia/80003661635454?slot=2025-01-15

Line Dancing Lessons
Thursdays
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
FREE
Ouroboros Sports Lounge – 101 Hazelglen Dr. Kitchener
www.facebook.com/share/18aw3wBjZW/

**If you would like your event or activity featured in our What’s Happening In Your Neighbourhood post, please reach out to us at connecting@outandaboutwr.ca**

The post January 20, 2025: What’s Happening in Your Neighbourhood? appeared first on KW Habilitation.

I love a Dragon Age. I love Bioware-style narrative RPGs in general, to be honest. Dragon Age is a bit weird for me as I really don’t like dark fantasy. And, at some level, Dragon Age is trying to be all dark, with blights and demons and slavery and dead bodies strewn everywhere. But it’s it’s also strangely a goofy hang with friends.

I really like the goofy hang with friends part. To the point where I’ll forgive the grimdark. And seeing past the grimdark, I actually came to really like the worldbuilding. I’ve read a bunch of the spin-off novels and I bought the TTRPG (with no real intent of running a game, but I’m all about having RPGs sourcebooks for crap I like.

It’s been a minute since the last Dragon Age game, and Bioware has stumbled a bit since their heyday. I liked Dragon Age: Inquisition well enough. I was kind of looking forward to Veilguard, but put off getting it until I got the Steamdeck. And then it was on sale after Christmas. That gave me enough time to learn that the Internet wasn’t super into Veilguard.

The Internet, as usual, is dumb.

Is there anything very revolutionary here? No. Is it a perfectly serviceable Dragon Age? Yes.

Is the non-binary coming out story wedged into this thing a bit cringe? Yeah, sorry. But it feels sincere. Just wedged in there without a lot of thought to the in-world cultural context. Here’s a bit of criticism from a trans perspective that I will use to replace any criticism I might have. And move on.

It was fun to see parts of Thedas we haven’t seen before. I liked the deep-dive into Dragon Age cosmology we get. I liked my Rook’s northern accent (voiced by Bryony Corrigan). I liked the streamlined loot system and the narrative seemed well-paced. I liked that I got to make out with Scout Harding, although I didn’t feel like the romance aspects of the game were quite up to Dragon Age standards. I did like all my goofy friends, tho. Even the oddly charming necromancer.

Anyways, I just finished the game today, and I had a good time. It’s been years since I’ve gotten this deeply invested in a game.

It’s possible if I’d played Baldur’s Gate III, Veilguard might pale in comparison. That’s the impression I’m getting from the (non-shitty) reviews. But I haven’t played BG3, so I’m quite happy with Veilguard.

Standards first web framework

JavaScript 6.4k Updated Jan 22

👻 Ghostty is a fast, feature-rich, and cross-platform terminal emulator that uses platform-native UI and GPU acceleration.

Zig 24.8k Updated Jan 22

Instead of battling your way through traffic at 8:30 a.m., picture yourself drinking coffee in your jammies and coding away in the luxury of your own home.

Don't you think that sounds ideal?

Previously regarded as a benefit, remote work has now become commonplace for engineers worldwide. To thrive in this setting, you need more than just a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, which is the worst part.

The way remote developers operate is about to undergo radical change in 2025, bringing with it both previously unheard-of opportunities and difficulties. Knowing these dynamics could make the difference between advancing in your job and falling behind, regardless of your level of experience. Are you prepared to unlock the future? Let’s get started.

The days of using only Slack and Zoom are long gone. By 2025, cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered code review bots and virtual reality meeting rooms will rule the landscape. Tools like FigJam and GitHub Copilot are essential for productive workflows; they are more than just features.

Here's an interesting question, though: what would happen if you didn't adjust?

Imagine showing up to a VR team standup and being the only one stuck on a 2D screen. Awkward, right? Staying ahead means mastering these tools early.

Treat learning them as an investment—one that pays off in boosted productivity and career longevity.

Remote work means teaming up with developers across continents. Sounds exciting? It is…until you realize your teammate’s ‘morning’ is your midnight. Effective collaboration requires more than just scheduling prowess; it demands empathy and strategic communication.

Here’s where the magic happens: tools like Notion and Asana streamline tasks while culturally inclusive practices break down barriers. Pro tip: inject humour into your asynchronous updates (because who doesn’t love a good meme on a Monday?). With the right approach, remote teams can feel as cohesive as an in-office squad.

Ah, the freedom of working from home. No micromanaging boss hovering around, no rigid 9-to-5. Bliss, right? Not so fast. Without discipline, that ‘freedom’ can morph into a 24/7 grind or, worse, a procrastination spiral.

Time-blocking apps like Clockify and AI-driven personal assistants are game-changers, but the real MVP is mindset. Consider if you're working efficiently or merely keeping yourself occupied. Being proficient in time management protects your mental health in addition to increasing your productivity.

The following point, a cliffhanger, shows how to maintain a work-life balance without sacrificing professional advancement.

Thriving in the Remote Era

What is the key to mastering remote work, then? It's a trifecta: maintaining flexibility, embracing lifelong learning, and cultivating deep relationships. Consider your professional life as a startup. You are simultaneously the product, the marketer, and the CEO. Will you create or remain the same?

There will inevitably be difficulties in this brave new world. The good news is that every obstacle is actually a hidden opportunity. Do you suffer from loneliness? Construct a digital water cooler. Do you have too many tools? Deal with each one separately. Do you feel uninspired? Improve your skills with mentorship or microcourses.

Your blank canvas is 2025, ready to be painted with audacious brushstrokes of aspiration and originality. Working remotely is your ticket to a prosperous, satisfying life—it's not simply a fad. What is stopping you, then? The future has already here; it is not coming. Are you prepared to possess it?

Remote Work for Developers in 2025: Opportunities and Challenges was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

 Oh boy but that quote is a tough one. Let me amend it somewhat as follows: "Once the contamination is in there, allowing the polluter to be in complete charge of the cleanup, guarantees you don't get it out." Today's K-W Record has an interesting pro water pipeline story by Terry Pender. Mr. Pender calls upon Susan Bryant and the Elmira situation to back up various  supporters of a multi billion dollar water pipeline to be built from Lake Erie presumably all the way to Elmira! 

Unfortunately Susan's memory continues to slip as there are some serious errors of date and fact in this story presumably supplied by Susan to the reporter, Terry Pender. Firstly Leander Martin's cows did not die from drinking in the Canagagigue Creek in 1989. Rather they died shortly after drinking from the Creek in 1965. Secondly the first deadline for the cleanup has not come and gone as stated with a second deadline of 2030. That is nonsense on both counts. The first deadline is 2028 and yes all parties agree it won't be met. Secondly there is no public 2030 deadline but in fact 2050 or 2060 has been suggested as perhaps the next time that we can allegedly see the cleanup of the Elmira Aquifers. 

All in all it is good to remind people of the consequences of sloppy handling and disposal of toxic chemicals. Using that behaviour and more however as an excuse to build a multi billion dollar water pipeline to Lake Erie is disturbing. Clearly the decision has been made long ago and clearly many somebodies are going to become rich when there is literally billions of dollars of  TAXPAYERS MONEY on the line.

♦

This image of an abandoned farmhouse in the Rural Municipality of Mount Pleasant No. 2, Saskatchewan, is courtesy of Masterhatch and is used under their Creative Commons license.

In our last chapter, Aurora's attempts to explore her surroundings now that she has her memories back are complicated by another, more subtle attack against her. This escalates to a confrontation where Matron intervenes and sends the young woman off to Saskatoon while she holds off clouds of attacking crows. What's next for Aurora? Read on.

<<- Back to Chapter Two.

The first dream that Aurora read belonged to her best friend, Anne.

It was at school, sixth grade, and Aurora was just hanging up her new spring jacket. Standing back to appreciate the dark denim, she bumped into Anne.

Anne caught her arm. "Hey! Watch it!" But not unkindly. "Nice jacket."

"Thanks!" Aurora beamed. "Mom bought it for me on the weekend. We went out to that new place out by the power centre. Isn't it cool?"

"Yeah, I saw you wearing it at the mall yesterday," said Anne.

"Oh," said Aurora. "Why didn't you say hello?"

"I was just heading out," said Anne quickly. She shrugged off her brown polyester coat and tossed it onto a hook. It flopped on the floor instead. Anne sighed and bent to pick it up.

As she placed it back on its hook, a slab of a boy shouldered her aside. He threw her ragged brown coat on the floor.

"Hey!" Anne shouted. She caught her breath when she saw who she was talking to. Aurora started forward, then froze. Roger had already won two fights that the teachers knew about, and more that they didn't. If that wasn't enough, Roger's friend and henchman, Jack, was right behind him.

Roger sneered. "Get your own hook." He hung his parka from the disputed hook with sausage-like fingers.

Anne's breathing quickened. "C'mon, there's a free hook right over there!" She reached for her coat.

Roger pushed her back. "Your trashy old Goodwill coat belongs in the garbage, anyway." He leered at them. "Unless you wanna make something of it."

There was an adult throat-clearing. Miss Daultry leaned in from the classroom. "Is there a problem here?"

Aurora opened her mouth, but Roger caught her eye. He and Jack stuck their hands in their pockets and stood, waiting.

Anne glared at the floor. "No, Miss Daultry. Everything's okay."

The teacher frowned over her glasses, then turned away. Grinning, Roger and Jack followed her out of the coatroom into the classroom. Anne thumped the wall.

"It's okay," said Aurora. "Share my hook."

Anne forced a smile. "Thanks," she said. And without meaning to, Aurora looked into her friend's brown eyes.

Anne snatches Aurora's denim jacket and runs across the classroom, laughing, impervious to Aurora's pleas. She flings it out the window into a lake that has materialized in place of the schoolyard.

Aurora shook her head and looked around. Her jacket was still on its hook, and the classroom windows were closed. Anne had turned away and was slinking out of the cloakroom to take her seat as Miss Daultry called the class to order.

"Aurora," Miss Daultry called. "Won't you grace us with your presence?"

The rest of the class giggled, but Aurora was too distracted to be embarrassed as she slouched out of the cloakroom to take her seat beside her friend.

Aurora read her second dream before recess. As the rest of the class filed out, Miss Daultry pulled her aside. "Is anything the matter, Aurora? You've been distracted all morning."

Aurora kept her gaze on the lower half of the teacher's face. "Nothing's wrong, Miss Daultry."

"You're sure?" Her teacher gave her an encouraging smile. "If anything is the matter, you can always talk to me."

Aurora looked into Miss Daultry's eyes.

Miss Daultry kicks back at her desk and pulls out a good book. Around her, the classroom stands empty, the windows white with snow. School is cancelled. No children today. Miss Daultry inspects a box of chocolates, picks one, and settles in to read.

Aurora dropped her gaze to the floor. "I'm sure. Nothing's the matter. Can I go?"

Miss Daultry's eyes narrowed a moment. Then she patted Aurora on the shoulder. "Okay. Get going."

At recess, Aurora played hide-and-seek and agreed to be 'it'. As the other kids ran away, Aurora hunted them down methodically, pouncing on each boy or girl and looking them in the eye. Dreams flooded her.

...I did it! I scored the winning goal!...

...I get to meet Santa! And they told me he wasn't real!...

Jack glared at Aurora. "What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing." Aurora moved on.

...Yes! I just punched Roger's face in!...

...No. The planes are back. The sirens are wailing. The bombs are falling again...

Albijana grimaced as Aurora stared at her for a moment too long. "Stop staring, Aurora! You're weird!" She pushed past Aurora and ran for home base.

Finally, at the end of the day, Aurora fumbled on her coat in the cloakroom, lost in thought.

"Hey," said Anne. Aurora jumped.

"You okay?" asked Anne as she yanked on her too-small, salt-stained, balding fur-lined boots. "You've been quiet all day."

"Why do you want to throw my coat into a lake?" said Aurora.

Anne froze. She looked up and laughed nervously. "What are you talking--"

Aurora looked into Anne's eyes.

Anne laughs. Aurora's denim jacket sails out the window and lands with a splash before sinking without a trace. Aurora sobs, standing in Anne's ratty clothes.

Aurora stepped back. "You're jealous!"

Anne gaped at her. "No-- what-- Aurora!"

"You want to grab my jacket and toss it into a lake. You hate that I have a new jacket, and you're in an old one!"

Anne gasped. "How did you--" Then her eyes flashed. "You read my diary!"

Aurora flinched. "I didn't! I--" She froze. How else could she explain how she knew? But she didn't feel like she should be the one to be ashamed, here. "It doesn't matter. You've been jealous the whole time we've been together, thinking all those things behind my back."

"You think I meant it?" Anne drew a shaky breath. "Yeah, sure, I wanted the things you had, but that didn't mean I didn't like you. It was just a dream. I still liked you. Until now! You traitor!"

Anne stormed out of the cloakroom. She came storming back to pick up her remaining boot and stormed out again. This time, she was choking back sobs.

Aurora watched her go, blinking back her own tears.

#

The rain stopped a few miles down the road, but black clouds loomed in the rear-view mirror. Aurora drove through the sunset and into the night. She passed a sign which said "SASKATOON: 390 KM". Soon, the only sound was the hum of the engine as her headlights turned the road into a small pool in the middle of a rolling void. More signposts appeared, slowly counting down the distance. Eventually, she ignored them and focused on the black ribbon ahead of her. She ignored the stars, ignored the horizon as it began to brighten. Finally, as she topped a hill and drove into sunshine, she had to blink.

She sobbed and hated herself for it.

Wiping her nose on her sleeve while still gripping the wheel, Aurora tried not to remember Matron standing with her gun raised as the feathery clouds descended. Crying was what little kids did. She was a teenager. On her own. In a car she could barely drive, fleeing from some monster who could attack in dreams and in the waking world at the same time. Heading southeast to Saskatoon to meet... who? There was no one she could turn to--

Someone breathed behind her. There was a crunch of vinyl. A hand clasped her shoulder. "Hey--"

Aurora screamed.

From the back seat, Polk screamed.

"What are you doing here?" Aurora shouted.

He looked past her, and his eyes widened. "Watch the road!"

She turned around, squeaked, and twisted the wheel. The car swerved, skidded on the edge of the ditch, then eased back onto the road. Aurora took a deep breath. "What are you doing here?" She grabbed a quick look back before facing the road ahead.

"I needed a nap," he said. "I snuck out to Matron's car, lay down and fell asleep. She never thinks to look for me here. Have I been asleep long?"

Aurora kept her eyes forward. Before them, on their left, the sun climbed further up the sky. "A while."

Polk squirmed over the top of the passenger seat and slithered down beside her. He gave her a goofy grin. Then he frowned. "Are you old enough to drive?"

"Give me a break! I'm almost sixteen! I've got a learner's permit."

Polk raised his eyebrows.

"Okay, I could get my learner's permit, if I'd spent the time to actually, you know, get one. But I'm old enough to drive!"

"Okay." Polk settled into his seat. He shielded his eyes against the sun, then folded down the sunshield. The grogginess in his gaze disappeared, as though a sudden cold wind had cleared his mind. He blinked into the sunshine. "Wait a minute. Is that... sunrise?"

"Yes."

"I slept the night?"

"Yes."

"Have we been driving all night?"

"Yes."

"Matron's back at the diner, right?"

Aurora choked, then swallowed. "Y-yes," she said at last. She didn't add, 'I hope so.'

Polk looked from her to the road ahead and back again.

"We've been driving all night?" he said again.

"Yes."

"Why were we driving all night?"

Aurora didn't answer.

"Does Matron know you took her car?"

She nodded.

"Aurora?"

"Yes?"

"What's going on?"

She thumped the wheel with her forehead. The car swerved. "Just shut up! Shut up! Shut the hell up!"

Polk clutched the armrest. He hurriedly did up his seat belt. "Aurora, calm down."

"Calm?" Aurora rounded on him. Polk cringed in his seat, but she didn't care. "Calm? How do you expect me to be calm? I saw the whole village disappear before my eyes! Crows talked to me! Then I found it was just a dream, but I woke up into a storm and the crows were still there and they attacked Matron! She could be dead for all we know, and you expect me to be calm? I can't be calm! I'm exhausted and scared and confused and I don't know what to do except drive! So that's what I'm doing! Okay?"

"Aurora," Polk said softly. "Stop the car."

"What?"

"Just... pull over and stop the car." He sounded ultra-calm. "Please?"

They pulled onto the shoulder. The car tilted, perched at the edge of the ditch. When they were stopped, Polk reached over and moved the gearshift to park. Aurora stared at the wheel.

Polk gripped the door handle, then turned to her. "Kill the engine. Let's stretch our legs."

"What for?"

He gave her a smile. "Trust me." He opened the door and slid out, disappearing into the ditch with a yelp. He popped up seconds later, grinned at her, and trudged to the back of the car.

Aurora made to kill the engine, then realized that she couldn't uncurl her fingers from the steering wheel. She pulled back hard until her fingers slipped from the vinyl and came away, curled into claws. She flattened them on her lap and flexed them, wincing as they cramped. She shook them to get some life back into them.

She turned off the ignition and left the car keys on the seat as she hauled herself outside. She came around back, to where Polk leaned against the trunk. They stood on the broken paved shoulder, grassy where it met the drainage ditch. Aurora stared out at the rippling fields. A chill wind, left over from the night, touched her cheeks and plucked at her hair.

Polk just stood there. She looked at him. "You waiting for something?"

He waved a hand at the fields of grass and flower stretching on forever. "Just take a minute. Breathe. Talk. Scream. Cry. Whatever comes to you. You'll know what to do. You just need to let it out. It's safer to do it out here instead of behind the wheel."

"When did you get all Zen?"

He gave her a teasing smile. "Hey, I have hidden depths."

She turned and walked away. Asphalt crunched as she trudged along the shoulder up a low rise. When she reached the top, she looked around. The fields dipped away, a sea of yellow-green waves breaking against posts and barbed wire fences. The wind made a sound like surf. Blackbirds tweedled, but there were no crows.

You know what to do, she thought. Just let it out.

She took a deep breath and howled.

Her voice rang in her ears, powered by all the rage and confusion and fear that had built up over the past day and a half. She screamed one long note that bent her over as the air left her lungs. The scream stopped. She straightened up, pulling in air, arching her back.

"Mom! Where are you?" she hollered. "How could you leave me like this? How could you?"

She hollered until she was bent almost double again, breathing heavily, her hands on her knees. Quiet again. The wind rushed through the tassels like waves on the ocean. The only other sound was Polk scuffing the pavement with his toe.

Aurora straightened up. Her cheeks were wet, but she wiped them dry on her sleeve and cleared her nose with a sniff. She stood a moment, drinking in the isolation, the endless blue sky, the yellow fields, and brought her breathing under control. Cleansing breath in. Stressed air out. Cleansing breath in. Hold it. Then let it out.

She set her jaw. There were no answers blowing in the wind. She was on her own, so she wasn't going to waste her time curled up in a ball and weeping.

She strode back to the car. Polk stood leaning on it. She leaned beside him and looked ahead. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. So, what's going on?"

She looked away in disgust. "You wouldn't believe me."

He grinned. "You have the car. You have the keys, and it's a long walk back to Matron's place. I don't think it would be wise for me to disbelieve you."

She just looked at him. His grin vanished. "What happened?"

Aurora's hands clenched into fists. She banged the trunk. How could she even begin to explain? But she had to tell someone.

"I--" She stopped, then started again. "I had a dream. I dreamt that we were working the diner like we always do, and the dinner crowd came in, but they started to disappear one by one. Everyone I knew in Cooper's Corners vanished, leaving me out in the open, all alone when -- something -- came for me."

He turned to her, his expression sympathetic. "That's a horrible nightmare, but--"

"Polk, I didn't dream that last night, or the night before. I dreamt it yesterday afternoon!"

"That's impossible."

"No. It happened. Polk, what did I do yesterday? Did I talk to you after the dinner crowd came in? What?"

"No." He shrugged. "You took orders, served them up. You were a little distant, though. Like you were sleepwalk--" He stopped and stared at her, eyes wide. "You're serious? You were asleep then?"

"Yes."

"You didn't spill a drop of coffee--"

"That's not important! Polk, it wasn't normal. Something attacked me. And in my dream, I walked out to the field behind the diner. That's when Matron found me and woke me up. Except when I woke up, the dream was still around me."

He straightened up. "What do you mean?"

"There was a storm in my dream," said Aurora. "And when I woke up, it was all around me. I saw twisting clouds, and I heard windows breaking."

"My God. Was everybody okay?"

"I don't know. Matron made me get in her car and go. She said the storm would follow me, and everybody else would be safe. Then the crows attacked her, and--"

The colour drained from Polk's face. "Is... she okay?"

Aurora drew a shaky breath. "I don't know."

They stood in silence on either side of the parked car, staring at each other. "This is silly," said Polk. "Running away because of some dream you had. If Matron's hurt, or if the town-- We should go back. It's not like the storm's actually following--"

A rumble echoed across the fields, like barrels rolling across a stage. Aurora and Polk looked north, back the way they'd come. The sky was still blue, but the horizon was dark, and growing darker.

They looked back at each other. The breeze plucked at their hair.

"So, where do we go?" said Polk at last.

"South," said Aurora.

"Why south?"

"That's the way the car's facing."

"Fair enough." Polk straightened up and came around to the driver's side. "Get in. My turn to drive."

Aurora leaned on the driver's side door. "I'm driving."

He pulled at the handle. "You're not legal."

She slapped his hand away. "I want to drive."

And she did, too, she realized. It was the one thing she could control in this world gone haywire. There was no way she was going to fidget in the passenger seat.

"Hey!" Polk slapped her hand back.

Aurora shoved him.

He staggered back, then came forward angrily. Aurora raised her fists.

Polk threw up his hands. "Fine! Just don't crash." He stomped around the car and pulled open the passenger door. Aurora allowed herself a small smile as she slipped behind the wheel.

"Matron gave me an address," she added as she started the engine. "Somebody in Saskatoon who could help me, she said. It's as good a place as any to run." The car drove off with a spray of gravel.

"Saskatoon," Polk murmured.

They passed a sign: SASKATOON, 300KM. Polk twisted in his seat to stare at it as it passed. He looked back at Aurora. "Something's wrong."

Aurora laughed. "You just figured that out?"

His expression didn't change. "Did you really drive all night?"

"Yeah."

"Did you stop at all?"

"No."

"Not even to go to the bathroom?"

"No."

"You tired?"

"No."

"You hungry?"

"No."

"You have to go to the bathroom?"

"... No."

"Look: did you, or did you not, drive away yesterday evening at top speed?"

Aurora flushed, thinking of how she'd abandoned Matron. "What are you getting at?"

"You picked the road to Saskatoon, right? You just drove straight?"

"Yes!" Her knuckles whitened on the wheel. "Polk--"

"Saskatchewan's big, but it's not that big, and we're not that far north. It's a five-hour drive, tops, between Cooper's Corners and Saskatoon. If you left soon after I went to sleep, and it's sunrise now, you're looking at, what, eight hours? Ten? You should be well on your way to Billings, Montana, by now."

"Polk, just be quiet and let me drive." New nerves twisted in her stomach. She didn't know how big Saskatchewan was. The lack of knowledge reminded her that she wasn't a local and that her years here had been a lie.

They passed another signpost: SASKATOON: 300KM

Aurora and Polk exchanged glances. They drove on in silence for a few minutes.

The next signpost read: SASKATOON: 300KM

Polk twisted to look at the sign as it passed. "Okay... were you... sleepdriving, maybe?"

"We're not driving in circles." Aurora scanned the dashboard.

"Except that I'd have to be sleepdriving too. How does that work?"

The next sign said: SASKATOON: 300KM

It's like in a dream, Aurora thought, where you kept running as fast as you could but didn't get anywhere. Very like a dream.

So, how do I wake myself up?

She glanced at her wrist, then gave it a quick pinch. She looked at the road ahead. Nothing happened. She pinched harder. She looked ahead. The sign appeared on the horizon again. Then she took a deep breath and put all of her strength into her thumb and forefinger.

"Ow!"

The world shuddered.

The car swerved. Where the road had been straight, now they were rushing headlong towards a curve. The sun was higher in the sky. They passed an abandoned farmhouse that they hadn't seen before.

"What the hell?" said Polk.

"We're out of the dream," said Aurora. "Uh... I think."

"How can you tell?"

Another sign appeared over the crest of a hill. Polk and Aurora held their breath.

SASKATOON: 290KM

"Okay," said Polk. "Let's find someplace to stop and get some breakfast."

"What?" Aurora gaped at him. "After all that, you want to stop?"

"Look, we can't just drive on without stopping. We need to eat. And if we don't want to stink up Matron's car, we'll need to use the bathroom."

"If you need to go to the bathroom so bad, you can go in the bushes. You can forget about food. I left my purse back at Matron's. There's no money."

"I got money."

She glanced at him. "How much?"

He looked up at the ceiling, calculating. "About a thousand dollars."

"What?!" The car swerved.

"Would you please get a handle on your reactions?" said Polk tightly. "I swear, someone says boo, and we'll end up upside-down in the ditch."

"Sorry," said Aurora crossly. "But, how--"

He shrugged. "It just sort of... accumulated. The nearest bank was fifty miles away, after all. Though I think we may have passed it sometime in the night."

She looked ahead. "I see."

"So, can we stop?"

"I said I wasn't hungry!"

"And I called you a liar. Besides, we have to stop: the empty tank alert just came on."

Aurora looked at the dashboard. A red gas tank icon shone back at her. She swore under her breath.

They passed a signpost for the next small town, but Aurora didn't catch its name.

#

Minutes later, they crested a hill and Aurora looked down on a settlement consisting of a single shuttered house and a general store. The store was built of wood and painted red. Gas pumps squatted on the gravel driveway. In the distance, a grain tower stood guarded by rail cars.

"Ah, civilization," Polk breathed.

"Huh," said Aurora. There was something about this that didn't feel right. But she caught sight of the low gas indicator again and applied the brakes. They coasted off the road and stopped in front of the gas pumps. They had dials for numbers instead of a digital display. Aurora wondered if she should look for a hand crank.

A tall, lanky figure unfolded himself from a battered wooden chair. He stood by the front door of the general store and watched without any sign of surprise as they pulled up. When Aurora cut the engine and got out, she took a good look at him.

He wore a dark brown suit jacket over a white T-shirt, khaki pants, and black leather shoes. His brown hair was thinning on top, and he had a small brown goatee. His moustache had been manicured into two brown lines below his nose, with curled-up ends. He gave them a thin-lipped smile, then threw his arms wide.

"Customers!" he cried. "Welcome to my store!"

Aurora stopped in her tracks. Nobody greeted customers this way unless they were desperate for business. And nobody was this desperate for business unless they hadn't had any for weeks if not years.

The store building looked sturdy but old. The paint had faded, and sun-bleached boxes and other bric-a-brac were stacked along the foundation. In the nearby fields, two dusty plastic bags rose and twisted over the barley, caught in an updraft.

Polk nodded at the store owner. "We're looking for gas and breakfast. Got either?"

"Both!" chimed the owner. "Come in! Fill up man and machine, why don't you?" He waved grandly at the front door.

Polk stepped forward, but Aurora caught his arm. "Is this guy for real?" she whispered.

"He doesn't have to be for real," Polk murmured. "He just has to know how to cook some steak and eggs. I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry."

"I'll pump. You order."

She nodded, then turned back to the store owner. "Thanks... uh..."

"Call me Salvadore." He beckoned from the threshold. "Come, let us not dally." A battered screen door slammed behind him.

Aurora followed him up the front steps. As she reached for the door, a noise made her freeze. It sounded like a baby rattle. She shrugged, yanked open the gap-riddled screen door, and entered.

The shop bell jangled. Aurora gagged, caught off guard by a sudden musty smell that washed over her. But when she looked around, the smell faded. The interior of the store shone clean and bright.

There were five aisles, numbered with signs that hung down from the ceiling. The shelves were loaded with gleaming cans and shiny plastic-wrapped packages. A display of red licorice glistened beside the cash register. Along one wall, near the entrance to the washrooms, was an ice cream stand and a soda jerk. There was a grill nearby, warm and freshly oiled, and Aurora was hit with a memory of Matron's diner. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

Sniffing the air again, all she could smell was fresh produce--apples, lettuce--and cleaning fluid. Lots of it.

"So, what shall I get you?" Salvadore tied a spotless white apron around his waist and stood behind the counter.

"Steak and eggs for Polk," said Aurora. "Sausage and eggs for me, please."

"How do you like your eggs?"

"Scrambled for Polk, mine, over easy. We'll have toast, too."

Salvadore got two sausage rounds and a small steak from the refrigerator and set them on the grill to sizzle. Then he grabbed four eggs, tossing each in the air before catching them and cracking them on the side of the grill.

Showy. Aurora rolled her eyes. Matron never showed off with the customers' meals. And he's put on the eggs too quickly. They'd be done and cooling well before the steak was ready. No wonder he's starved for customers.

As the food cooked, Salvadore turned to her. "And how about a drink? An ice cream soda, perhaps?"

Aurora had been about to order coffee, but a soda sounded good. "Yeah, sure."

"One for you and one for your boyfriend?"

"He's not my boyfriend."

"So, one soda or two?"

"One. Polk can order whatever he wants."

"One soda. Two straws?" Salvadore grinned at her and cast an eye out the front door where they'd left Polk with the gas.

She glanced out the screen door and saw Polk by the car. He had the pump handle in the car's gas tank and was puzzling over the unfamiliar levers.

She turned back to Salvadore. "Whatever," she said, deliberately.

Salvadore grabbed a frosted glass from the refrigerator. He began scooping out ice cream and added a dollop of syrup. "So, what brings you out here?"

Aurora looked at him without expression, but he kept smiling as he worked away. "Driving," she said at last.

"Where to?"

None of your business. "South."

He grinned at her. "Forgive me. I don't get many customers, these days, and it does a number on the art of conversation."

"So, where have all the customers gone?"

He jerked his shoulders in a shrug. "You know how it is."

"Not really."

"It's Saskatchewan, love! Not much reason to stay, unless you like the scenery."

"So, why do you stay?"

"I like the scenery. Besides, there's still business. You two turned up, after all."

She hadn't met a single car or truck since running away from Matron's diner.

He handed over a frosty glass. "There you go! One ice cream soda, two straws." He grinned that irritating grin again. He was worse than Polk.

Aurora took the ice cream soda. "Thanks." She put both straws in her mouth and sipped.

The flavour grabbed her right away. I must have been thirstier than I thought. She grunted appreciatively and sucked hard on the straws.

"I'm glad you like it," said Salvadore. "Soda making is a lost art. I figure somebody has to keep it up. So, where are you and your not-boyfriend from?"

Her straws gurgled as she finished the ice cream soda. She set the glass down and glared at his grin. "I have to go to the bathroom." She turned her back on him.

The bathroom was all shining tile. It smelt strongly of cleaning fluid. You'd think somebody was desperate to hide all evidence of what had happened here. She sniffed the air suspiciously before stepping into the bathroom stall.

A few minutes later, as Aurora grabbed some paper towels beside the sink to dry her hands, her eyes tracked up to a corkboard display of flyers advertising local dances and on-the-side home businesses. There was even a missing child poster, with a family photograph from happier times imploring the onlooker for information--

Aurora peered closer at the photograph. The wad of towels dropped to the floor. "Mom?!"

It was her mother, standing on the diving pier stretching out into Lake Winnipeg, wearing a swimsuit and holding a beach ball, grinning. Aurora remembered that grin. She remembered taking the photograph. What was it doing here?

Aurora's hand went to her mouth. "Mom!" She choked against the sudden rise of tears. When she looked at the photograph again, the picture showed a young girl beaming at the camera, holding a doll. She looked a bit like Britney.

Aurora rubbed her eyes and looked again, but the picture didn't change.

"This is just nuts," she muttered and turned to the mirror.

Her mother stood where her reflection should be.

Aurora stifled a shriek. Keeping her eyes on the mirror, she reached out behind her, but her hand met open air. She chanced a quick look over her shoulder, but she was alone in the bathroom. She looked back at the mirror, and her mother was still there, gripping the edge of the bathroom sink, staring at her, mouth agape.

Then Aurora realized she couldn't see her own reflection in the mirror. The bathroom her mother stood in had different tiles, and there was a shower.

And she was speaking to her. Shouting at her, but making no sound. Aurora could only read her mother's lips.

Aurora?

"Mom?"

What are you doing there? How did you--

She was talking faster, now. Aurora couldn't keep up.

"Mom, I can't hear you!" Aurora put her hands to her ears and then held them out, palms up.

Her mom kept shouting, but she shortened her sentences--Aurora could tell by the way her mouth put weight on every word. Aurora peered into the mirror.

Look. Out. In. Danger.

Aurora leaned back from the mirror. She turned to look at the bathroom door. When she turned back, her mother was gone.

She bit her lip and briefly touched the mirror. Then she turned and left the bathroom, stepping carefully back into the store.

She heard the sizzle of breakfast and Salvadore scraping the grill. Focusing on the front door, she strode quickly but quietly down an aisle of shelves filled with canned vegetables.

Salvadore suddenly stood in her way. "Where are you going?"

She backed up and started down a different grocery aisle, only to have Salvadore block her path again. Her mouth went dry. How is he doing that?

"I'm just going to see how Polk's doing," she said. Then she thought: that's a good question. Where is Polk? She looked out the screen door. The car was there, attached to the gas pump with a nozzle, but Polk was nowhere to be seen. "Polk?" she shouted.

"I'm sure he'll be in presently," said Salvadore. "Have a seat; breakfast is almost ready."

"I want to stretch my legs."

Aurora tried to sidle to the left, only to have Salvadore mimic her. Her heart thumped. She had been stupid. Lulled into a false sense of security. Something had been telling her that something was wrong, but she had never realized what...

Then she realized. The sausages and eggs were sizzling on the grill, but she couldn't smell them. She could only smell cleaning fluid, and under that a hint of mildew.

Salvadore caught her frown and sniffed the air. "Hmm..."

Something rustled in his hair. Something crawled up the back of his shirt. Two spiders emerged, big as the palm of her hand. They stood on Salvadore's head and shoulder, looking at her.

A slow smile spread across his face. "Oops."

Aurora scrambled backwards and looked around wildly for a way to escape. He was between her and the door, but if she could run to one of the other aisles...

But as she turned, the world tilted beneath her feet. She grabbed one of the shelves, sending cans clattering across the floor. Her stomach lurched, and spots glittered before her eyes. She tried to haul herself upright, but nausea pushed down on her like an open hand. She turned towards the back but tripped over her own feet and fell. Salvadore caught her under the armpits.

"Most kidnappers don't think to do this." He nodded at the soda glass on the counter. "Always drug your target early. That way, they don't have time to become suspicious."

Aurora opened her mouth to say something furious, but all that came out was a gurgle. She shoved herself away, staggered, and fell into a display case. Cans rolled everywhere.

Salvadore kicked the cans aside. Gripping her shoulders, he pulled her into a sitting position and checked her over. She couldn't even hold up her head.

His goatee and smile filled her vision. "You'll live. Just take a rest; that's a good girl. Someone very important wants to talk to you."

Her vision went black.

Python 1.8k Updated Jan 16

TL;DR: Ecosystems thrive where builders feel free to experiment, not where polished events or VC-focused narratives dominate. Peter Thiel’s comment that “the next Zuckerberg wouldn’t attend an event like this” and Harry Stebbings’ advice not to build for VCs highlight this truth: real innovation starts in basements, dorms, and grassroots spaces where passion drives creation.

To support the next wave of innovators, we need to focus on trust, small-scale connections, and environments that prioritize creativity over appearances. The goal is not to find the next big builder — it’s to create conditions where they naturally emerge by doing what they love: building.

Ecosystems aren’t built in boardrooms, and the best builders don’t start their journey at big-name networking events. Shared on X, during a fireside chat at a Peter Thiel event, someone asked if the next Zuckerberg might be in the room. Thiel’s response? “He would never show up to an event like this.” His words highlight the gap between where ecosystems are nurtured with events and where true innovation starts.

Where does it start? No one believes that someone goes to an event, meets the co-founder or investor of their dreams, and builds a world changing company. Do they? The events are meant to encourage and highlight. But when VCs and companies sponsor, they get the mic and that changes the tone.

Harry Stebbings points out: “You shouldn’t build your company for VCs.” It’s a sentiment that pairs well with the question of single founders — which was a topic he was tackling on LinkedIn — and it has true since the beginning of time. Not every great company starts as a team, and not every founder (in fact, few founders) fits the archetype investors think they’re looking for. Not every product idea makes sense.

The builders already know this. That is why they avoid events. Innovation doesn’t follow a playbook. The good investors also know this. So why do we keep trying to build ecosystems with big polished spaces and events?

True ecosystems are built on ambition, talent, and curiosity. They’re not confined to co-working spaces or the latest accelerator. Instead, they thrive in basements, dorm rooms, and late-night meetups where the only agenda is to build. The people who drive these ecosystems don’t necessarily set out to create companies — they start with a passion for solving problems or building something for the sheer joy of it.

They do the thing.

In that same spirit, some of the best companies don’t start with a VC-friendly blueprint. Many founders are tinkerers, testing ideas solo before they ever consider assembling a team. The point isn’t whether they meet an investor’s ideal profile; it’s whether they’re solving a problem worth solving.

They make something people want. I would go a little further and say that they make something people love.

The best talent doesn’t always self-identify as “entrepreneurial” or actively seek out the spotlight. Instead, they’re working quietly on side projects, solving problems in niche industries, or experimenting with something they find interesting. You won’t find them attending headline-grabbing conferences; you’ll find them tinkering with their next big thing in spaces where creativity and exploration are the norms, not the exceptions.

Consider how communities like Buildspace or South Park Commons thrived. They’ve fostered connections through online-first collaboration, enabling builders to find one another without needing to attend an event or secure a stage. Similarly, early Silicon Valley meetups were informal gatherings of like-minded people. There were no microphones or polished presentations — just ambition and curiosity.

This is where Stebbings’ advice hits home again: Don’t build for the gatekeepers. The most interesting builders are chasing ideas that excite them, not building for a pitch deck or fitting into someone else’s framework. Whether it’s a single founder or a small scrappy team, what matters is the obsession with solving a problem — not how the work looks to outsiders.

The most successful ecosystems don’t try to push talent into a mold. Instead, they create a space where builders can naturally gravitate, collaborate, and grow. These spaces are built on trust and a shared sense of curiosity — like Thiel’s own PayPal Mafia, which evolved from shared ambitions and relentless experimentation rather than formal mentorship.

And that trust starts with respecting the way people build. Single founders? Great. Tiny, scrappy teams? Even better. It’s not about starting from the “right” place — it’s about giving builders the freedom to create on their own terms.

What gets forgotten over time is just how scrappy some places have been or can be. Consider how early startups operated: messy desks, late-night hackathons, and no-frills workspaces. Over time, a layer of polish gets applied with global conferences, well-fitted office spaces, and pitches delivered with precision at events. When this becomes the norm, something is lost — the energy of unfiltered experimentation.

Thiel’s statement should be part of a wake-up call for how we think about fostering ecosystems. If you want to support builders, look where no one else is looking. Think small, think local, and focus on creating an environment that nurtures experimentation. It’s not about finding the next Zuckerberg — it’s about creating the conditions where they’ll emerge on their own terms.

As Stebbings reminds us, the goal isn’t to impress VCs. It’s to build something real. That’s the kind of mindset that creates lasting ecosystems.

When emphasis is placed on raising money or what investors think, events are polished and well organized, and people with job titles are the majority of attendees… something is lost. The builders do not show up.

The next great (or just the average) innovator isn’t waiting for a spotlight or an invitation to an event. They’re busy building, learning, and growing in the quiet corners of your community. Our job is to create spaces and support systems that meet them where they are and give them the tools to thrive. If we do that, the next wave of innovators will come — not because we found them, but because we built something worth being part of.

Building something? Connect with Builders Club.

Where Ecosystems Begin: Finding the Next Builders Where They Least Expect It was originally published in whoyoucallingajesse on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The timing for building affordable housing is impeccable. Just in today's K-W Record (front page) we are advised that housing starts continue to sputter. Imagine that, prices are between ridiculous and asinine and it is actually slowing down sales.  Today's Woolwich Observer has the following front page story titled "Orchard razed at site of future Union Street development ".  

The Observer article does point out that Woolwich Township past councils did have concerns over a residential, family building being situated so close to both Lanxess Canada and the CCC (Sulco) as well they should. I would suggest that CCC overall has an excellent reputation for both safety and community engagement whereas Lanxess has an excellent reputation for bull*&%# and pretend community engagement.  There is also the potential odour issue of the nearby Elmira Sewage Treatment Plant. 

The Observer article has two main directions as it interviewed local residents regarding the removal of the apple orchard on the site. Many locals decried the loss of trees which is a legitimate concern and others reminisced about past decades either playing in the orchard or helping to pick the apples. Personally I still feel that that location is beyond the pale for families with young children to be living beside chemical companies, especially Lanxess.  

Join us February 1st, 2025 at the KW Granite Club for an opportunity to play 2 exciting games with other novice curlers, have a delicious dinner and finish up with some dessert and prizes.

The Rocks on the Grand Novice Funspiel is ideal for novice curlers with some basic experience who want to have fun and sharpen their skills, as well as social curlers looking to enjoy a couple of low-stakes games and give a welcoming experience to those newer to the sport.

Details and Registration