Why doesn’t Waterloo have a safe crossing over the Conestoga Parkway like the two in Kitchener (especially since traffic at the Kitchener interchanges – including Wellington, Victoria/Frederick, Ottawa, Courtland, Fischer-Hallman, and Trussler – is mostly controlled by stop lights)?

In Kitchener, that safety problem has been partially solved by the two pedestrian and cycling bridges that traverse the Conestoga Parkway in the Rockway area (there for decades) and at Strasburg Road (finally opened in 2025).

Besides Lexington Road (which has no on or off ramps – and is actually the boundary between Ward 4 and Ward 5), there is really no safe way to cross the highway in Waterloo if you’re not in a car.

Take a look at a map of Ward 5. See that long sweeping line right down the middle of it? That’s the Conestoga Parkway and it divides not only the map but also the people living on either side of it.

🧵 Campaigns should be about ideas. Here is one idea that I am putting forward for Ward 5.

While I'd like to talk to everyone in Ward 5 face-to-face, that obviously won't be possible. So, I recorded a video to speak to those who I haven't yet reached. I hope you'll appreciate all of the bonus backyard wildlife.

If you've ever wondered what campaigning door to door is like, it's a bit like this. #Ward5 Cartoon by @ellisjrosen.bsky.social

From 2009.

Oh, so we're going there?

🧵As a longtime affordable housing advocate, I have a lot of thoughts on 250 Lincoln Road – the property at Lincoln and Mayfield that was home to St. Columba Church. Those who see this development as a defining election issue have a right to know where candidates stand and why. #WaterlooWard5

The perfect album from the 90s thread really needs some Canadian Content.

Do you want to know if you're on the Municipal Voters' List? Do you want to add yourself or update your information? Until August 12, you can do that through Elections Ontario at www.registertovoteon.ca After that date, eligible voters can still be added, but directly through their municipality.

We've reached peak Far Side.

Had a little fun with the meme generator tonight. If you order one of my signs, I promise that I won't break any laws to put it up. www.scottpiatkowski.ca/request-a-sign

No one thought that this outfit would ever be topped in its absurdity.

Dean Allison too. Famous for having his picture taken with foreign Nazis.

Happy to be attending the fourth and final webinar in the Association of Municipalities' Healthy Democracy Leadership Series tonight. Kudos to the leadership of AMO (already elected people) for offering this series for people who may well be running against them.

Are we sure he didn't say "dry heave"?

Self-awareness has never been his strong suit.

From my garage to your lawn. Let's make it happen, Waterloo Ward 5! Go to www.scottpiatkowski.ca/request-a-sign and order yours now (for delivery later in the campaign). Don't have a lawn? Not allowed to put up signs due to condo rules? Prefer to wear your political choices? I also have buttons!

Vandals.

I'm a regular blood donor (157 donations and counting). I also donated a kidney to an anonymous recipient in 2023. Canadian Blood Services asked if I would shoot a video for their Donor Stories series. Of course I said yes. This is the result.

Tonight, I was excited to see the approved design for Margaret Avenue Park -- soon to be Ward 5's newest neighbourhood gathering place (projected to be ready to use in late summer 2027).

Isn't it pretty? My sign supplier did a test run before running my full order and let me take one home. I thought it might be fun to put it on my lawn. Now, I know that many of you are thinking, "If I live in Ward 5 in Waterloo, how can I get one of those beauties for my lawn, balcony or window?"

Related.

I think I see the problem here.

My WRDSB Business Services Standing Committee meeting ended early tonight (thanks in part to my chairing skills 😉), so I got to knock on some doors with these hot off the press door hangers.

Pleased to have nominated John Cooper, founder and President of KidSport KW, for Waterloo Senior of the Year. Congratulations to well-deserved winner Colleen Cooper and all other nominees.