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Sunday Kidspark event cancelled

Face painting at the Drayton Entertainment stand during the 30th celebration of the kids park at Victoria Park in 2018.

KITCHENER — The Kidspark event planned for Sunday has been cancelled due to weather concerns.

In a press release organizers said the event, which was to run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Victoria Park, was cancelled due to anticipated heavy rains and thunderstorm risk on Sunday.

“The City of Kitchener and event partner, the Kitchener Public Library want to thank performers, entertainers, vendors, sponsors and volunteers and all of those involved for their hard work and dedication to the annual event and look forward to bringing back a bigger and brighter Kidspark in 2023,” the release said.

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Emancipation Day events returning to Lakeside Park

Emancipation Day events returning to Lakeside Park

Niagara’s annual Emancipation Day celebrations will return to live events this month.

Organized by Matter of Black (MOB) and BlackOwned905 in partnership with FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, the four-day event will feature workshops, live performances and a vendor market at Lakeside Park and downtown St. Catharines.

The event marking pride and solidarity among the Black Canadian community is returning from two years of virtual and hybrid celebrations.

Performing arts centre programming director Sara Palmieri said the event is meant to “remember, honour and respect the struggles of freedom that Black Canadians experience, while continuing to learn and celebrate.”

In years past, the Emancipation Day Picnic at Lakeside Park would attract upwards of 8,000 people from Toronto to Owen Sound, with some attending from Virginia and Tennessee.

The Emancipation Day Picnic has been held in St. Catharines since 1924.

The raising of the Pan-African flag at city hall will kick off the festivities Friday at 2 p.m.

Events on Saturday will include the Black Owned 905 Market with DJ Rennie from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. along with a performance by SHAD at 5:45 p.m., in front of the performing arts centre at 250 St. Paul St.

Sunday will offer an open house and tour talk at Salem Chapel BME Church on Geneva Street from noon to 4 p.m.

Emancipation Day at Lakeside Park on Monday will feature music and activities all day, including a drumming performance by Alpha Rhythm Roots at 2 p.m., a spoken word performance by poet Dwayne Morgan at 6:30 p.m. and a concert by local legends LMT Connection at 7 p.m.

All events are free.

For a full list of Emancipation Day activities visit www.firstniagarapac.ca.

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Seven events to check out in Waterloo Region this summer

Seven events to check out in Waterloo Region this summer

WATERLOO REGION — Summer is in full swing with local events happening all season. Here are seven events to check out.

1. Great Ontario Beer Festival

The annual festival brings together 38 breweries, three distilleries and four cideries from across the province. Attendees also have the chance to try different foods, listen to live music and play giant Jenga or beer pong.

Location: Bingemans — 425 Bingemans Centre Dr. Kitchener

Date and time: June 24-25

2. 55th annual KW Multicultural Festival

Hosted by the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, the festival offers live music, artisans and an array of food and craft booths. The annual event is family-friendly and draws upwards of 40,000 attendees each year.

Location: Victoria Park — 80 Schneider Ave. Kitchener

Date and time: June 25-26 from 12-6 p.m. each day

3. Canada Day in Downtown Kitchener

Canada Day events are returning to Downtown Kitchener this year with lots of family-friendly fun, an evening concert featuring singer Alyssa Reid and a fireworks display to end the night.

Location: Carl Zehr Square at Kitchener City Hall

Date: July 1 from 6 to 10:30 p.m.

4. Kultron World Music Festival

The festival features dance performances and activities from several countries as well as an art exhibit and a local artisan market.

Location: St. Jacobs Baseball Diamond Outfield — 3 Water St. St. Jacobs

Date: July 7-10

5. Downtown Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show

The annual event features barbecued ribs and chicken, Ontario craft-brewed beer, live entertainment and a kids zone.

Location: Victoria Park — 80 Schneider Ave. Kitchener

Date: July 15-17

6. Cambridge Scottish Festival

Founded in 1975, the family-friendly festival features various Scottish performances including Highland dancers, massed bands, heavy events and bagpipes and drums.

Location: Churchill Park — 200 Christopher Dr. Cambridge

Date: July 15-16

7. Blues Fest

The largest “true blue” festival in Canada will have more than 50 acts throughout the four-day event. Admission is free for the 20th annual Kitchener Blues Fest.

Location: Victoria Park — 80 Schneider Ave., Kitchener

Date and time: Aug. 4-7

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Niagara Regional Exhibition not ‘picking sides’ by hosting Freedom Tour event

The Niagara Regional Exhibition grounds will be site of a two-day rFeedom Tour event this weekend.

Niagara Regional Exhibition isn’t taking a political stance by allowing a two-day Freedom Tour event to set up at its Welland fairgrounds site this weekend.

That’s according to Mike Gill, president of Niagara Regional Agricultural Society, the organization that operates the site on Niagara Street.

“No one formally opposed it,” he said about event needing approval from the society board.

The event, a “Unity Truck Show,” will run Friday night and Saturday, featuring a number of guest speakers who will discuss “issues they believe in,” said Gill.

“We’re not about to get political in any way. That’s not our place,” said Gill, adding the society is not “picking sides” in the COVID-19 debate.

Events have mostly been non-existent at the fairgrounds since the pandemic started and the society needs the money the event will generate.

“We’re just looking for some rental income,” said Gill.

In 2020, there were “no rentals at all,” which equated to a loss of about $24,000.

In a normal year, the society’s annual budget is about $100,000, with three quarters of that amount coming from one building being rented full time, as well as storage fees for people who keep things such as boats and cars there during the winter.

In 2021, there were four or five events that brought in no more than $9,000 in rental fees, said Gill.

On top of the annual exhibition on the first weekend of June, several other events are on the roster for a full schedule this year, he said.

Asked if the society’s board is concerned about backlash from people who disagree with the messages expected to be shared on the weekend, Gill didn’t seem worried.

“It doesn’t matter what we do. Someone is always unhappy. That’s just the world we live in,” he said.

According to promotional material on social media, the event will include bouncy castles, face-painting and games, part of a “kids fest.”

According to the Freedom Tour website, a “group of like-minded individuals dedicated to spreading the truth of what is happening in our country” will be attending.

A section of the website says the group is “still carrying on about freedom,” due to rules regarding unvaccinated Canadians crossing borders.

People losing jobs due to vaccine mandates is another concern the group shares on its website.

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Events and things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend

Events and things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend

If you’re hoping May Day weekend will bring sunshine and flowers, you’re in luck, but take a rain coat Sunday.

Environment Canada is calling for weekend daily highs around 14 degrees, but rain is expected to move into the Hamilton area Sunday.

Here are a handful of ways to keep busy this spring weekend in Hamilton.

Ghost walk

Ghost walks are back in downtown Hamilton. Friday night, meet at the Royal Connaught courtyard (King and John streets) for 80 minutes of mystery, history and ghost stories. Buy tickets online, $14.16 for adults, $12.39 for kids. ghostwalks.com/downtown-hamilton/

Art sale

Art Gallery of Hamilton is kicking off its art sale with an opening reception Thursday night, which runs through to Sunday afternoon. Admission is free with virtual access available for those attending remotely. New artwork by regional artists will be presented. Sale hours are: Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. aghartsales.com

Spring pottery sale

Back to tradition with the 2022 Pottery Guild spring sale on Friday to Sunday at the Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market St. S., Dundas. Sale hours are Friday, 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feature artist is Monique Mulder-Wallace. hamiltonpotters.ca

Live theatre

If you’re hankering for an emotional stage journey check out “Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers,” which runs until May 7. Makambe K. Simamba’s one-person play tells the story of Trayvon Martin, which Spectator columnist Gary Smith called “a powerful experience. It is without doubt theatre designed to disturb.”

“The Hours That Remain,” written by Métis playwright Keith Barker, is on until May 7. Haunting visions, a five-year missing person cold case and unfaltering hope.

Proof of vaccination is required for Theatre Aquarius shows, as well as mask-wearing throughout the performance.

Live music

Bridgeworks

Featured this weekend at Bridgeworks, 200 Caroline St. N., is Plants and Animals on Friday at 7 p.m., and Shad on Saturday, 7 p.m. Tickets are available at bridgeworks.ca.

Kevin Lau piano trio

Under a Veil of Stars” premiere is Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, 170 Dundurn St. S., under the aegis of Mercer’s 5 at the First Chamber Music Series with cellist Rachel Mercer, pianist Angela Park and violinist Scott St. John in an all-Kevin Lau program appropriately titled, “Music of Kevin Lau.” Tickets start at $21.59. universe.com/musicofkevinlau

Postcards from Buenos Aires

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s long-delayed “Postcards from Buenos Aires” concert is Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in FirstOntario Concert Hall. Guest conductor Daniel Black, resident conductor of The Florida Orchestra, returns to lead the HPO. Tickets start at $20. Call 905-526-7756 or visit hpo.org. Masking is required.

RBG seeds

Borrow, grow, and return seeds with the Royal Botanical Gardens’ seed library. This program offers a unique connection of people to plants. Seeds are generally available only in the spring. Selection will dwindle as the seeds are lent out. Get your requests in by visiting rbg.ca/plants-conservation/science/library-archives/seed-library.

Freeman train station

“Freeman Station” in Burlington reopens on Saturday. The station at 1285 Fairview St., Burlington, is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Donations accepted. freemanstation.ca

Celebrate Dos De Mayo

Ancaster’s Pub Fiction is hosting a tequila tasting event to celebrate Dos De Mayo on Monday. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will feature five food pairings with a variety of cocktails. Doors open at 6 p.m., $75 per person at 1242 Garner Rd. W.

Game day

Hamilton Kilty B’s press on with playoff Game 7 with Fort Erie on Friday at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena. Puck drop is 7 p.m.

Hamilton Bulldogs Game 5 with Peterborough is Saturday, 7 p.m., at FirstOntario Centre.

Rock lacrosse is in Buffalo Saturday to wrap up the regular season. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the KeyBank Centre in Buffalo. You can watch on TSN. torontorock.com

Hamilton Bengals Jr. B lacrosse is back at The Dave (Mountain Arena) on Thursday, May 3, 8 p.m.

Looking ahead

Hamilton cemetery tours start again next weekend but you have to be preregistered to join the 90-minute walk. Registration deadline is noon the Friday of the tour so send your registration email now to cemeteries@hamilton.ca and include the tour date and names of people attending. Tours are limited to 25 people. Your host Robin McKee starts the season May 7 and 8, 11 a.m., with Stories in the Stones: The Hamilton Women’s Tour. Women have played an important part in the history of Hamilton.

Doors Open Hamilton starts May 7. doorsopenontario.on.ca/hamilton

Food collection bags will be distributed to Kirkendall residences from April 29 to May 4 for the annual Fill a Bus, Feed a Family food drive. Collection day is May 7.

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Niagara schools taking nuanced approach to teaching current events

Niagara schools taking nuanced approach to teaching current events

The war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Black racism, the impact of residential schools — there has been no shortage of concerns or topics of reflection in classrooms the past few years.

In response, Niagara school boards said they have taken a nuanced and thorough approach in bringing discussions about current events into the classroom.

That means relying on the relationships between faculty and students, and giving teachers tools and space to determine the best option to create a safe learning environment, said Michael St. John, superintendent of special education and mental health and well-being for District School Board of Niagara.

“The teachers in our system really pride themselves on, and take care in, knowing each of their students … knowing their learning, knowing their background, knowing their culture, knowing a great deal about their family,” said St. John.

“We don’t go in to teach about Ukraine, we respond to the needs of the students and the questions they may have, some of their natural curiosity and some of their musings and thinking.”

DSBN said its system works to create a foundation and a balance when it comes to world events such as Ukraine or Black Lives Matter, using resources from mental health and well-being teams in combination with resources that come from its curriculum department.

But it’s about more than academics, with teachers learning to how to identify struggling students, and how to appropriately respond.

It may involve a phone call home, or bringing in a counsellor, either for an individual student or for the entire classroom, to work on resiliency and social emotional learning, “which is a big part of our curriculum for kids and their mental health and well-being,” said St. John.

“It really is going to be a mixture and a balance and it’s pretty fluid with regards to what can, and is, being presented to acknowledge and honour all of the kids in the class.”

Jennifer Pellegrini, communications officer for Niagara Catholic District School Board, said students are encouraged to come forward about Ukraine or other global events, with conversations from a faith-based perspective, “focusing on the need for humanitarian aid, justice, compassion and empathy.”

“Questions and conversations may focus on the politics behind the war, and the history of the region. They may also focus on the importance of critical thinking about the information students are consuming online,” she said.

Conseil scolaire Viamonde, the public French school board, said in an email when it comes to the response to current world events, it relies solely on curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education.

DSBN student trustee Salony Sharma said the past few years have brought about “so much discussion and uncertainty” but has created a unique environment to learn and grow, especially as a high school student.

“It’s not like you’re reflecting on history, you’re reflecting on current events and news happening in the context of our own lives,” she said. “You’re starting to form your own perspectives and viewpoints on these things and be experiencing them in real time.”

Sharma, who is in her final year at Westlane Secondary in Niagara Falls, said those discussions have allowed students to use the classroom as “a hub of different perspectives.”

She credited teachers for that freedom, and for encouraging student-led conversations.

“That lets us have a very open conversation without the pressure of the teacher’s opinion or how that might be perceived as a student in their class,” she said.

“To have those conversations helped solidify my own voice … and make me think outside my own privilege or my own bubble.”

Jennifer McArthur, Niagara president of Elementary Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, said teachers use their professional judgment and knowledge of their students to determine how and when to respond to current events.

Some engage students through visual arts by creating a lesson of painting sunflowers, while another may include the Ukraine war as a choice for a topic on written reflection.

But it goes beyond the age or grade of the student and their development, with teachers considering students’ social-emotional needs to make sure they “feel safe.” They also take into consideration the amount of understanding or exposure to current events students may have.

“A teacher with students who are refugees would consider previous and potential trauma that may affect how students react to the topic of Ukraine,” she said.

“If a child has friends or relatives directly affected, their understanding will be vastly different from a student living in a house where it is not being discussed.”

Ontario Secondary Schools Teachers’ Federation District 22 president Shannon Smith said teachers throughout the province engage students in ongoing conversations about current events as an opportunity to teach critical thinking.

“They engage students in ways that are pertinent to their subject area. Whether it’s learning traditional folk music from different countries or incorporating more inclusive novels in their English class, teachers present students with opportunities to expand their understanding of history and social justice,” said Smith.

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Easter events and activity hidden around Hamilton

Easter events and activity hidden around Hamilton

Easter events and activity hidden around Hamilton | TheSpec.com

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  • Mountain Kidz Klub’s annual egg hunt is at Mountain Drive Park at Upper Gage and Concession streets. Registration is required for hunts at 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. $2 donation is requested. Preregister a time and how many children by calling 905-574-4190 or visit Mountain Kidz Klub Facebook page. An accompanying adult is required and dress for rain or shine.

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  • Stoney Creek Lions Club’s 10th annual Easter Egg Hunt starts at 10 a.m. Activities run until 11:30 a.m. at the Lions Clubhouse, 14 Sherwood Park Rd., next to Saltfleet Arena. The event is open to children newborn to age 12. Donations will be collected for cancer research. Pre-registration is not required. Coffee, tea and pizza will be available.

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  • Bunny Hop Shop colouring contest at the Concession Street BIA from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get a contest entry on the website ahead of time. concessionstreet.ca

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  • You and I Paint is hosting an Easter family painting party, 11:30 a.m., at Westinghouse HQ, 286 Sanford Ave. N. Tickets start around $160 for a parent and child. Preorder a brunch box or child’s candy box. eventbrite.ca

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  • Easter Hop & Shop Market, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Free registration at eventbrite.ca

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  • Toys R Us locations in the area are hosting a Disney Princess-themed egg hunt and Easter-themed arts activity for kids with events at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. toysrus.ca

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  • Celebrate Easter with a free cooked meal and a care package courtesy of Restoration House Hamilton’s Food Bank. Register here to receive a meal and a care package. RHH We Care: An Easter Meal & Care Package, offered from 2 to 6 p.m. restorationhouse.ca/easter-outreach

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  • It’s an Easter Eggstravaganza down at Brantwood Farms, 251 Powerline Rd., Brantford on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Timed entries are at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Stay as long as you like featuring wagon rides, egg hunt, bonfire, live bunnies, and more. Cost is $9 for those two-years and up.

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  • Search for the wooden Easter eggs hidden in the forest when you come to Treewalk Village this weekend. Included in admission at Treetop Trekking in Binbrook Conservation Area, 5050 Harrison Rd. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. treetoptrekking.com/park/hamilton

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Thumper, a pet therapy rabbit from the SPCA of Hamilton/Burlington settles in as the Easter Bunny. Easter events and activities are hopping around Hamilton this weekend.

Hoppy Easter!

Hopping for a bright Easter?

Here’s a list of events and activities hidden around Hamilton.

Friday

  • Dundas Lions Easter Egg Hunt starts at 8 a.m. sharp in Dundas Driving Park. Admission is $1 per child or $5 per family, plus a non-perishable food bank donation item. After the hunt, visit the Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market St. S., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Lions annual craft and used book sale, with up to 40 vendors, enjoy lunch at Lion’s Café. Show admission is $2, with children under 12 admitted for free.
  • Waterdown Lions Club’s mask friendly egg hunt is in Waterdown Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Separate egg hunt times for children. Two-year-olds start at 10:15 a.m. sharp, ages three to six follow, with ages seven to 12 after that.
  • Binbrook Easter Egg Hunt is at the Binbrook Agricultural Society Fairgrounds. Staggered hunts run as followed: Preschool (0-3) at 10 a.m., JK/SK at 10:30 a.m., Grade 1/2 at 11 a.m., grades 3/4 at 11:30 a.m., grades 5/6 at 12 p.m., and grades 7 and older 12:30 p.m. Parking is very limited. binbrookegghunt.com

  • Mountain Kidz Klub’s annual egg hunt is at Mountain Drive Park at Upper Gage and Concession streets. Registration is required for hunts at 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. $2 donation is requested. Preregister a time and how many children by calling 905-574-4190 or visit Mountain Kidz Klub Facebook page. An accompanying adult is required and dress for rain or shine.

Saturday

  • Stoney Creek Lions Club’s 10th annual Easter Egg Hunt starts at 10 a.m. Activities run until 11:30 a.m. at the Lions Clubhouse, 14 Sherwood Park Rd., next to Saltfleet Arena. The event is open to children newborn to age 12. Donations will be collected for cancer research. Pre-registration is not required. Coffee, tea and pizza will be available.
  • Bunny Hop Shop colouring contest at the Concession Street BIA from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get a contest entry on the website ahead of time. concessionstreet.ca
  • You and I Paint is hosting an Easter family painting party, 11:30 a.m., at Westinghouse HQ, 286 Sanford Ave. N. Tickets start around $160 for a parent and child. Preorder a brunch box or child’s candy box. eventbrite.ca
  • Easter Hop & Shop Market, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Free registration at eventbrite.ca
  • Toys R Us locations in the area are hosting a Disney Princess-themed egg hunt and Easter-themed arts activity for kids with events at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. toysrus.ca
  • Celebrate Easter with a free cooked meal and a care package courtesy of Restoration House Hamilton’s Food Bank. Register here to receive a meal and a care package. RHH We Care: An Easter Meal & Care Package, offered from 2 to 6 p.m. restorationhouse.ca/easter-outreach

Weekend

  • It’s an Easter Eggstravaganza down at Brantwood Farms, 251 Powerline Rd., Brantford on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Timed entries are at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Stay as long as you like featuring wagon rides, egg hunt, bonfire, live bunnies, and more. Cost is $9 for those two-years and up.

  • Search for the wooden Easter eggs hidden in the forest when you come to Treewalk Village this weekend. Included in admission at Treetop Trekking in Binbrook Conservation Area, 5050 Harrison Rd. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. treetoptrekking.com/park/hamilton

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Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival returns with in-person event on June 11

Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival returns with in-person event on June 11

The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival will return to Little Lake and Del Crary Park on June 11 after not being held in-person for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registration will open at 12:01 a.m. on Friday at ptbodragonboat.ca.

It’s the 21st edition of the event, which raises funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation in support of cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

It was cancelled in 2020 and held virtually last year, raising more than $95,000. COVID-19 protocols based on local and provincial guidelines will be in place.

“We are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees and we have been working hard to update our safety protocols,” festival chair Michelle Thornton stated in a release.

A “fundracing” division will be set up for teams or people who are unable to participate in person.

“Proceeds of the 2022 Festival will allow Peterborough Regional Health Centre to invest in new state-of-the-art equipment and technology to serve more cancer patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and provide safer, more effective treatments,” said PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway.

Planned amenities for race day include the One Stop Dragon Boat Shop, a Family Fun Zone, the Dragon’s Lair, Loft and Nest luxurious tent experience for the top three fundraising teams, the Vendor Village Market with more than 40 vendors, the Thirsty Dragon beer garden and the flower ceremony open to the community at large to honour their loved ones.

The first three teams to register will win a free extra practice in a dragon boat on Little Lake.

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E-sports charity event is just the beginning

E-sports charity event is just the beginning

WATERLOO REGION — Three local e-sports enthusiasts can win a combined total of $750 worth of prizes at an upcoming charity tournament.

The Waterloo E-Sports Commission (WREC) is hosting the event starting at 10 a.m. on April 10, where players will battle it out in four rounds of Rocket League.

Each round will last about an hour and prizes include gift cards, tickets and passes to local events.

“This is one small step toward a bigger goal of ultimately hosting these larger tournaments and competitions, but also growing the (e-sports gaming) sector as a whole,” said Jeremy Dueck, the commission’s chair.

This includes through collegiate programs, and building regular events and leagues.

Rocket League is a game where players use cars to play soccer in a virtual arena.

The final two championship rounds will be livestreamed at 2 p.m. so that viewers can interact with each other.

Registration opened in early March at $10 per person, allowing those of all ages, both local and those from out of the region.

“There’s this phenomenal grassroots level of e-sports locally,” said Dueck.

“Finding out who enjoys playing e-sports, who enjoys building games and getting those people involved — I think it’s really about participation and community engagement.”

Participants will play from their homes, with use of video cameras encouraged.

The local e-sports commission’s vice chair, Allister Scorgie, hopes this event, as the commission’s first tournament, will be one of many. He looks forward to possibly doing in-person events in the future.

“One of the things we’re trying to do is create community using e-sports.”

“It’s gone from an activity that a lot of people did on their own and played from home, to something where there is a social component to it,” said Scorgie.

The group hopes to reach 120 players who would sign up to join the event. The commission partnered with the City of Kitchener to host it.

All of the tournament’s proceeds will go to the Every Kid Counts Program, which gives children with disabilities access to City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo summer camps. Dueck said a $400 donation would put a child in summer camp for a week.

To sign up for the tournament, go to www.challenge.wrec.gg.

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Bingemans booking weddings at former Hacienda Sarria event space

Bingemans booking weddings at former Hacienda Sarria event space

KITCHENER — The event space formerly known as Hacienda Sarria is once again being used as a venue for weddings and other celebrations.

Bingemans is now booking events at the 1254 Union St. site in Kitchener. The venue, once a former steel factory that was transformed by the late Ron Doyle to resemble a centuries-old Spanish villa, is now being called the Union Event Centre.

But even under a different name and with a different company co-ordinating events, the venue hasn’t been able to shake its connection to the bankruptcy of Hacienda Sarria in 2020.

In response to Bingemans’ advertisements on Facebook, people have recognized the venue and pointed to the Hacienda event company’s bankruptcy that led to more than 100 couples and organizations losing their deposits.

According to documents from BDO Canada, the licensed insolvency trustee handling the bankruptcy case, creditors are owed more than $1 million from wedding deposits, prom bookings, and other events. Documents show the company had been losing money for years.

Mitch Taylor and his partner were among the couples who put down thousands to have their wedding there. He said the timing of Bingemans hosting events in the space is “extremely disappointing” to see.

“We wouldn’t really feel so bad and disappointed about weddings being hosted there if there was resolution to the situation at hand,” he said. The bankruptcy case is still ongoing.

Taylor said at this point, he and other creditors aren’t expecting to see their deposits returned — at least not willingly.

If the bankruptcy case closes and no money is recuperated, the group looking at filing a commercial lawsuit against the bankrupt 1836816 Ontario Inc., also known as Hacienda. Taylor said it would be great if couples could get their deposits back but it’s more important that the responsible parties are held accountable.

“Bringing justice to light is really a hot motivation right now, and obviously recuperating money would be a cherry on top.”

The director of Hacienda was Nadine Doyle. The property at 1254 Union St. was owned by her father, Ron Doyle, but following his death last year, the property is now owned by Suzanne Doyle and Nadine Doyle.

Multiple attempts to reach Suzanne and Nadine were not successful.

Taylor said when he heard Bingemans would be holding events at the Union Street venue, it raised a number of questions for him and others, including: what happens to the money Bingemans is paying to use the venue?

“Is that money going to the owner of that venue who ultimately is linked to the bankrupt corporation?”

Taylor said those responsible need to be held to account, if not just for this situation to serve as a “wake up call” to any other corporations potentially considering bankruptcy “and doing this to other people.”

If people see what happened with Hacienda and become hesitant about leaving deposits with other event co-ordinators, “what is that stigma going to do to the event industry?”

Bingemans’ president, Mark Bingeman said his company made arrangements with the landlord of the Union Street property earlier this year to utilize the space for events. When asked by The Record, Bingeman would not share the name of the landlord, or identify the numbered company.

He said he wasn’t able to comment on the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings because his company had no involvement with Hacienda Sarria or the bookings that were terminated in 2020.

Future of the property unknown

In the fall of 2020, the Union Street property was put up for sale for nearly $8 million. It’s unclear if efforts are still being made to sell the property.

Bingeman said he didn’t know about the long-term use of the space as an event venue. His sales team is focused on booking events for this year only and isn’t looking beyond 2022.

Bingemans will be treating this location like all the other venues offered to clients, he said. All deposits and payments will be made to Bingemans only.

“All we know is, any clients booking with us can be rest assured that their events will be executed as they expect.”

He said the venue still has plenty of dates available for spring and summer weddings. The Union Street site isn’t included in the list of venues on Bingemans website, but has been shared on their social media accounts.