Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · 14d

ASE is a user fee, not a tax. Whether funded by the Province or Region, all taxpayers would be on the hook for road safety improvements — not just those who defy speed limits.

Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · 14d

I continue to fully support ASE; however, the risks of continuing to hire new staff this fall could put jobs at risk and cause uncertainty.

We heard from our rural mayors today about how much speeding impacts in our rural areas — including 5 road fatalities in Wellesley in recent weeks.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · 14d

Today, I supported a motion to pause expansion of Automated Speed Enforcement pending further details from the Province later this fall. The pause will come into effect after 6 new, already installed cameras are turned on this week.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · 18d

Is that weekend GO Train service I see?

CTV News Kitchener @ctvnewskitchener.bsky.social · 18d

Kitchener GO train service changes during Oktoberfest

Commuting festival goers can expect to attend the K-W Oktoberfest with a bit more ease, as special GO train service on the Kitchener GO line will be added for Oct. 11.

bit.ly

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · 19d

October Committee Meetings get underway next Tuesday. Here’s a few highlights that will have an impact here in Kitchener and across the Region!

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · 26d

Today’s announcement regarding automated speed cameras — originally allowed by this government in 2019, is disappointing. While I can’t speak for all Ontario cities, our program is fair, results oriented, and successfully saw drivers slow down. More to come as we learn more in the weeks ahead.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Sep 12

Check out my Summer 2025 Community Update ☀️

🧵 In this edition, you’ll find updates on a couple Regional projects, just some of what I’ve been up to, and ways to get involved.

Soon, we’ll be into the 2026 Plan & Budget process. I welcome your input and feedback on your priorities 💡

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Sep 11

Agreed. I’ll pass this along!

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Sep 11

Opponents to speed cameras say we should “focus on actually making streets safer”. Well, this is one of those things — with construction still active, so let’s give it time for the improvements to be actually put to use.

CTV News Kitchener @ctvnewskitchener.bsky.social · Sep 11

‘Avoid the road or slow down’: Residents split on new speed humps at busy Kitchener roundabout

New safety measures at a busy Kitchener roundabout are drawing mixed reviews.

bit.ly

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Sep 11

Construction is still active. Paving just went it on Monday / Tuesday. I haven’t been by yet, but I assume the contractor is still onsite.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Sep 9

🪡

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Sep 9

September Committee Meetings get underway tomorrow morning. Here are a few highlights that will have an impact here in Kitchener and across the Region ⬇️

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Sep 8

Back from a couple weeks in Shanghai & Beijing — incredible cities, and otherworldly infrastructure.

Being in Beijing at the same time as the massive military parade won’t be an experience I’ll soon forget.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Aug 6

Important early construction is getting started for GO Expansion and Transit Hub projects, like gas main relocation starting this month. 🚉🪏

My motion to Committee next week is calling for proactive action to make sure you know what to expect, how you can participate, and receive updates.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jul 31

There are at least two Regional projects in Kitchener alone that are on hold because of Bill 212 and lack of clarity in how road right sizing can happen now

CTV News Kitchener @ctvnewskitchener.bsky.social · Jul 31

Waterloo’s mayor reacts to ruling striking down Ford’s plan to rip up bike lanes

Waterloo’s Mayor, Dorothy McCabe, says she is pleased to see Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice block a plan by the provincial government to rip up bike lanes in Toronto.

bit.ly

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jul 22

The best (gardening) week of the summer!

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jul 16

🚧 Construction on a stretch of Victoria St. is getting underway between Lawrence Ave. & Fischer-Hallman Rd.

🔎 Learn more about what you can expect and what to get excited about!

🔔 You can text “VCTA” to 57555 to get the latest information.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jul 8

Today I had a chance to tour all three of GRT’s bus garages — each built in different eras. It was a pleasure to chat with new driver trainees on their second day, mechanics, and operations controllers. As we plan to expand our bus network, it will be important that our garages keep pace.

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jun 30

The real secret to 75 years of marriage? Intercommunity rail.

She would catch the train from Harriston to Kitchener to visit him on her days off in the middle of the week. On weekends, Bill would take the train from Kitchener to Listowel, where Vi's grandparents lived, to visit her. (Imagine, all that public transit!)

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Reposted by Matt Rodrigues

Sergio Mourato @sergiomourato.bsky.social · Jun 22

🏙️ Waterloo Region is preparing for major growth under the Vision 1 Million plan—but is it ready? We speak with regional councillor Matt Rodrigues about housing, transit, and inclusion.
📺 Today at 5PM & 11PM on OMNI 1
#Vision1Million #WaterlooRegion #OMNINews #UrbanGrowth

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jun 19

New transit priority signals, approved by Council in May, already in action — one of 10 locations this year, allowing buses to jump the queue & save time for riders #TheHumbleBus

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jun 19

This project is between Lackner & Pebblecreek. I plan to follow-up with staff on the stretch over to Old Zeller -- especially with the new high school coming online

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jun 19

In 2023 I worked with parents advocating for this — concerned that kids were far too close to fast moving traffic on Fairway Road when crossing the creek. This new trail will provide a wider space to walk & bike to school — safely! And some minor intersection changes to remove a slip lane at Lackner

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jun 19

This summer, a new multi-use trail is being built along Fairway Road — providing a much needed & advocated for link to students at Chicopee Hills PS from the Old Zeller neighbourhood. The trail is planned to be open for September!

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Matt Rodrigues @mattjrodrigues.bsky.social · Jun 12

A great collaboration between local government, landlords, and non-profits to build “Meanwhile Spaces” for artists — and use of vacant buildings.

Local non-profit 'unlocking' empty office space for artists in Waterloo region | CBC News

A new collaboration that allows local artists to temporarily take over empty buildings in Waterloo region aims to "cut the red tape" normally associated with renting space. ArtsBuild Ontario is the no...

www.cbc.ca

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