KW in brief: June 24, 2009

Telegdi selected as Liberal candidate
Andrew Telegdi has been chosen as the Kitchener-Waterloo candidate for the Liberal party in the next federal election.

The announcement was made on June 14 at the nomination meeting. Telegdi was the MP for Kitchener-Waterloo from 1993 to 2008.

In the last election that brought a voter turnout of only 6,000 within the riding, Telegdi lost to conservative Peter Braid by 17 votes.
– Compiled by Linda Givetash

Retail development approved
On June 22, city council approved of a commercial development at University Ave. W. and Ira Needles Boulevard, just over 500 metres away from the city’s landfill.

The development will hold large retail stores, office space and parking stretching approximately a kilometer along Ira Needles.
– Compiled by Linda Givetash

City to monitor skateboarding
On June 22, city council approved a pilot project to designate a small portion of the new public square to skateboarders.

This is in response to the growing concern of skateboarders using the facility in an unsafe manner.

A temporary skateboard mentor program has also approved for peak hours to further ensure safety.
-Compiled by Linda Givetash

Transit proposal approved by city
The City of Waterloo has approved of the proposed spur line for implementing lightrail rapid transit. The line will connect Conestoga Mall to the University of Waterloo by the existing rail tracks.

A rapid bus system will also be implemented on University Avenue to connect WLU to the train line.

The Region of Waterloo will vote on this initiative on June 24. If approved, the system could be ready as early as 2014.
– Compiled by Linda Givetash

Girl from Guelph dies in accident
Isabel Warren, a grade nine student and Olympic-bound diver, was pronounced dead on June 16 after she had been crushed by a falling concrete wall in a restroom at Larry Pearson Park.

She was rushed to a local hospital, but succumbed to severe head and chest injuries.

The cause for the wall’s collapse is still under investigation.
– Compiled by Linda Givetash

UW opens new optometry wing
On June 5, the University of Waterloo (UW) unveiled the new wing of their School of Optometry, located at the north campus.

The project reflects the $8 million raised to expand the facility to accommodate the increasing enrollment in the school.

The expansion of the school was imperative to support the growing field. An additional $4 million will be needed to support the last phase of the project.
-Compiled by Linda Givetash

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