The evolution of KW

[Viewfromthe42]

Waterloo Public Square; ca. 2006.

One of the most unfortunate characteristics of Waterloo is that for a long time Uptown was a parking lot. There was no central location where town residents could converge and participate in some shared event. All of this changed when Waterloo Public Square was built and then received the addition of a hockey rink. It has become a destination of sorts with numerous events held throughout the year.

What I find interesting about this, having lived in both cores, is how the geometry of Carl Zehr Square impedes using it to the fullest, as UpTown has been better able to do. The fountain/ice rink being in the center means it must be crossed or rounded in order to access the gathering space between it and City Hall's doors. It's always seemed less used than UpTown. Had the rink been placed against either where carbon computing was, or where Williams is, there would be no barrier between where you walk and where you gather, and Kitchener would see its square have more use.