President Keith started the meeting at 12:30 with the Land Acknowledgement
Invocation delivered by Paul McM and 4 Way Test by Kristen Wolf
Tracy our SAO let us know there were 23 of the Best Rotarians present and a very special guest - Braden Hooper
Prez Keith announced some of the Anniversaries - there was quite a list but the most notables were Murray Pearson and Dr. Tom S - according to Clubrunner, both had 126 years in Rotary - they must have some good ointments and potions to look so preserved. Perhaps clubrunner listed those in Dog years.....or Clubrunner got them confused as one of RI's founding members???
In all seriousness, Murray's tenure in Rotary must be a close to 40 years or perhaps a bit more- and there was a lot of members with 20 and 30 years as members.
An ongoing testament to the great work that rotary does in our community and Internationally.
Paul T increased his odds again this, having picked twice at the December 18th meeting, he and George S. were the losers and the pot grows to more than $350
Tracy announced /Thanked Keith and Sherry for hosting the President's Levee. A wonderful time for all who attended
Mike H: Marks your calendars for euchre night on January 22nd.
Paul McM on behalf of Andrew L regarding the Veterans Golf Tournament - The funds raised for the tournament will work with the Bridges and Wayne to collaborate increased community housing.
It is a cause that no one else really raises funds for in our community and we have the opportunity to make a significant difference - please reach out to Andrew to Participate in organizing.
Todd and Brian W two excellent people to look at technical measures for the Duck Race. The speed /currant of the River is the concern - the Duck retrieval may be a bit more hazardous then initially expected. Not sure if you can have fishing wire to hold your ducks or magnets to collect them - that kind of math is out of my league. Brian and Todd will report back with their findings
Good News:
Murray had great news - his Mom is turning 100 and enjoying life, still tracks her pennies and is on top of current events, very spry- being in Rotary for 126 years- Clubrunner is defnitely incorrect. For those that have been in the club a while may want to confirm their tenure on clubrunner or confirm with Prez or Secretary Anne Marie.
Steven W. announced his daughter is engaged
Erik - survived the holidays, 3 family birthdays, and the Bill's Playoffs
Dalia- wanted to give a shout out to one of the nicest persons in our club - Suhki, who came to the rescue for immediate IT help. Resolved in very short order - despite holidays etc. Definitely so great to hear how our members come to the rescue. Anyone who needs IT help - Dalia could not have been more thankful.
Milja - all kids were home and very happy that the home is still standing. The youngest - whom we all had the pleasure to hear speak at our club a few times - great news - had a perfect GPA - what is the saying the Apple doesn't fall far from the Tree.
Mike - survived first plane trip out west with all the little ones
We are always looking for creative Bulletin Editors, if you run across great speakers get a hold of Larry B, if you want to know more about our club Foundation ask Matt M or myself,
if you want to get involved in community or have a great idea talk to Tracy, Fundraising idea's Randy or Golf tournament, Boots and bands - Rena, Tracy or Todd as well as 100th year anniversary- so many opportunities!
Speaker Intro was not necessary as we had Paul T talk about what the forecasts for the Real Estate market and interest rate direction/impact for the year ahead and Russ H. talked about what overall sentiment was for the markets, given our neighbours, heightened Geopolitical tensions - Russia, China, Venezuela, Debt issues, and the exciting transition with AI and labour markets.
Paul mentioned some of his figures were taken from the RBC forecast (which made the bulletin editor happy) due to the overall uncertainty we will likely see a gradual recovery for 2026 as lower mortgage rates and price adjustments may attract some buyers. Interest rates have stabilized and we do not anticipate many more rate cuts in 2026. We do very much need to keep one eye on our neighbour down south- as that Trump card is the biggest unknown.
From a Regional perspective, condo market is the first to decrease in down markets and first to appreciate when we see a slight turnaround. Although for our region and Ontario, we are dominated by automotive and Mfg - which is negative when we consider tariff's and employment numbers. Paul mentioned within Waterloo we see flat to slightly downward price trend with an improvement in affordability. We are very lucky in our region to also have a higher exposure to Tech sector - Tech capital of Canada which is definitely a positive to our region! Not with standing our ground water sustainability issue - which could be a great topic to have someone speak about at our club!
Paul/Russ asked Brayden Hooper to weigh in whether he would leave a mortgage open, locked or variable - variable was the answer. Russ carried on with the State of the overall economy as well as where we see some out or under performance given the overall sectors that make up the equity markets. Basically Financial Industrial and Commodities. For specifics if you would like to see his presentation please send Russ an email. Russ also gave us some stat's regarding Retirement savings - most Canadians do not have a plan - and the average RRSP for 65 year old Cdn is between $140-$160k . Bottom line there will always be uncertainty in the market - no matter what year be sure to diversify and always remember successful investing isn't about timing the market - its about time in the market !
President Keith Thanked both Paul and Russ for providing a great direction for 2026.
