Written by: Fiona MacBride Smith
Simply by walking around outside of KCI, it is evident of the many neighbours the school has. Knowing a little bit more about these significant places around the school we come to every day is a great way to be active in the community. The Edge conducted interviews with KCI staff and students, as well as research on Indwell's St Mark's Place next door, to learn additional information about KCI’s neighbours.
Ms Galian, the Green Industries teacher at KCI, shared information about the KW Midtown Food Forest. Formally known as the KCI community garden, it is a location of collaboration between different staff and students, and a way of giving back to the community. Ms Galian stressed the importance of working together as a community: “As a community, we must get to a place where neighbourhoods can make their own food, and no longer rely on large food chains.” This sentiment is demonstrated in and around KCI with the use of eggs from KCI's chickens, students and staff cultivating crops in the garden, and donations of planter pots from neighbours in the community.
On the other side of KCI is a supportive housing location called St. Mark's Place, operated by Indwell. Indwell is a non-profit organization that provides “supportive affordable homes” for those who have experienced homelessness. St. Mark's Place opened in 2023, created 43 homes for individuals in the community, and is equipped with staff to support tenants 24 hours a day. The building features one-bedroom suites, common areas, locations for personal storage, and offices for support staff. St. Mark's Place aims to aid in recovery and readjustment for people who have suffered from chronic homelessness, substance abuse, and limited healthcare access through a nurse available 24/7, as well as counselling services.
Around KCI are many businesses, restaurants, and coffee shops to choose from at lunch time, which are all very popular amongst the KCI student body. A KCI student shared their opinions on the available selection. When asked about Central Fresh Market across the street, this student stated that they “really like the wedges. They grow our school community.” The student spoke of how potato wedges have become a symbol of the school, and that it's a way of raising morale during long study sessions or a snack at lunch. The student also shared their opinions on locations to purchase drinks, stating that the King Street Tim Hortons can have long lines, but the beverage choices available make up for that.
Knowing more about KCI's neighbours is a wonderful way for students to learn about the community surrounding the school and appreciate all of the local establishments nearby.
Works Cited
Region of Waterloo. “Tenants welcomed into new affordable housing at St. Mark’s Place.” Youtube, Uploaded by: Region of Waterloo, February 2, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqiN75z7jSE&t=1s