KW in brief: Oct. 28, 2009

Waterloo museum opens

The city of Waterloo has teamed up with Conestoga Mall and the federal government’s department of Canadian heritage to open a new museum in the mall between the Bay and Galaxy Cinemas. The City of Waterloo Museum officially opened to the public on Friday, following a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Peter Braid, MP for Kitchener-Waterloo, Elizabeth Witmer, MPP for Kitchener-Waterloo, and Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran.

The mall donated 4,000 square feet of space after the department of Canadian heritage received grant money to help set up the museum.

The first exhibit, titled “The Best of Waterloo: Selections from the Heritage Collection,” samples new artifacts such as vintage glassware for wine and spirits and stories of Seagram’s Crown Royal and VO brands.

–Compiled by Idil Herzi

PI hosts science initiative

On Oct. 25, it was announced that the Perimeter Institute (PI) for Theoretical Physics will be hosting the Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI) conference in the Waterloo region in 2011.

The conference will focus on the role science and technology play in addressing social, environmental and economical challenges.

The WGSI will involve international researchers, business leaders and public policy decision-makers who will help recognize opportunities in these fields that must be taken in the years to come.

–Compiled by Idil Henzi

Microsoft presents at UW

Stephen Elop, president of Microsoft’s business division, welcomed students to his technology presentation on Oct. 22 at the University of Waterloo’s (UW) Humanities Theatre.

Elop addressed four aspects that drive change in the technology world: shifting demographics, new technology architecture, changing competitive landscape and an evolving economy.

“We try and generate ideas, and also we try and generate failures as well,” said Elop of Microsoft.

–Jacqueline Hovius