Tucked along the Grand River, Breslau is a charming community where riverside beauty and small-town warmth meet modern living. With its scenic trails, lush parks, and a peaceful atmosphere, it offers residents a perfect balance of nature and convenience. Just a short drive from the vibrant cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Breslau provides easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment while maintaining its close-knit, inviting spirit. As the community grows, it remains a haven for families, professionals, and retirees alike, offering a serene lifestyle with all the benefits of urban proximity.

Imagine for a moment a beautiful landscape filled with towering trees and lush grass, and the soothing sounds of birds chirping and water gently flowing along a creek. Now imagine that you could find all of that in your own backyard. Ravine lots are coveted because of the beautiful scenery and oasis-like tranquility they add to a property, and they are made even more desirable by the fact that only a handful of properties are graced with these attributes. And while no one can dispute the merits of having a resort-like backyard, the advantages of owning a ravine lot don’t stop there. If you’re considering a ravine lot for your next home purchase, read on to discover all the benefits of owning this sought-after property.

They Offer Beautiful Views & Increased Privacy

Two of the greatest advantages to owning a ravine lot are the picturesque nature views and increased privacy that it offers homeowners, as homes on these lots have no backyard neighbours. In our Canals community, our ravine lots back onto a scenic nature pond for all homeowners to enjoy. For people that have a green thumb or have always wanted to design the backyard oasis of their dreams, a single-story home is a great choice too.

They May Come with a Walkout Basement or Deck

Ravine properties are typically set on higher elevations, meaning that these homes may feature walkout basements or walkout decks. Building a walkout deck would extend the footprint of your home outdoors, adding value to the property, while a home with a walkout basement comes with a plethora of advantages that includes increased natural light throughout the home and more usable living space to enjoy.

They’re Set on Safer Streets

Perfect for new and growing families, ravine lots are set on streets with lower speed limits to maintain the quietude of the area. Parents can let their children play on the lawn or learn how to ride a bike knowing that they’re situated on one of the community’s safest streets.

Ready to find your next place to call home? Browse our list of communities across Ontario to find the perfect fit for you and your family.

It’s been a busy first quarter of the year for our teams at our Riverland community in Breslau as construction continues. Here’s how our community looks like from up above from our latest visit earlier this spring.

Schools play a major role in the growth of your family, and are often one of the most important considerations when buying a new home. To help Riverland homeowners in the Kitchener area navigate their way through their new school options, we’ve put together this guide on all things education. If you’re planning on visiting each school, which we highly recommend, use our handy map to plan your research.

School Districts

Our Riverland community in Kitchener falls under the Waterloo Region District School Board. Here’s everything you need to know about the school options, including size, extra-curricular activities and sports.

Elementary Schools

Breslau Public School

• Address: 58 Joseph St, Breslau, ON N0B 1M0
• Phone: 519-648-2242
• Size: 615 students
• Grade Range: Kindergarten – Grade 8
• Distance from Riverland: 2-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars & Sports: Reading club, Basketball, Volleyball
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

Mackenzie King Public School

• Address: 51 Natchez Rd, Kitchener, ON N2B 3A7
• Phone: 519 – 745 – 8694
• Size: 240 students
• Grade Range: Kindergarten – Grade 6
• Distance from Riverland: 7-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars & Sports: Glee club, Running Club, Track and Field
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

Lackner Woods Public School

• Address: 151 Zeller Dr, Kitchener, ON N2A 4B1
• Phone: 519-894-1150
• Principal: Maria Lotimer
• Size: 450 students
• Grade Range: Kindergarten – Grade 6
• Distance from Riverland: 9-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars & Sports: Reading club
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

Crestview Public School

• Address: 153 Montcalm Dr, Kitchener, ON N2B 2R6
• Phone: 519-893-1140
• Size: 400 students
• Grade Range: Kindergarten – Grade 6
• Distance from Riverland: 11-minute drive
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

Middle Schools

Stanley Park Public School

• Address: 191 Hickson Dr, Kitchener, ON N2B 2H8
• Phone: (519) 578-3750
• Size: 450 students
• Grade Range: Grade 7 – 8
• Distance from Riverland: 10-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Winter Carnival, Arts’ Night, Talent Show, Student Council, French Immersion Program
• Sports: Track and Field

Sunnyside Public School

• Address: 1042 Weber St E, Kitchener, ON N2A 1B6
• Phone: (519) 896-1130
• Size: 480 students
• Grade Range: Grade 7 – 8
• Distance from Riverland: 13-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Band, Student Council, GSA, Improv, Dance Club, Art Club, Green Team, Homework club
• Sports: Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Track and Field

Secondary Schools

Grand River Collegiate Institute

• Address: 175 Indian Road, Kitchener, ON N2B 2S7
• Phone: 519-576-5100
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance from Riverland: 14-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Alpha Kai, Anime Club, Book Club, DECA, ECO club, FED Prov, Game Developers, Games Club, Grad Committee, GSA, Improv Club, Me to We, Photography Club, SAC pac, Ukulele Club, WAYVE
• Sports: Girls’ Basketball, Cross Country, Girls’ Field Hockey, Sr. Varsity Football, Tennis, Boys’ Volleyball, Alpine Skiing, Jr. Boys Basketball, Sr. Boys Basketball, Curling, Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Swimming, Girls, Volleyball, Wrestling, Badminton, Rugby, Sr. Boys Soccer, Varsity Girls Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field

Eastwood Collegiate Institute

• Address: 760 Weber St. E., Kitchener, ON N2H 1H6
• Phone: 519-743-8265
• Size: 1300 students
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance from Riverland: 14-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Cabinet, Cheerleading, IMPACT, Multicultural Club, Radio Club, Robotics, Rebel Rousers, Tech Crew, Band, Improv, Dance
• Sports: Football, Soccer, Basketball, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Skiing, Wrestling, Slo-pitch, Rugby, Track and Field, Badminton

Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute

• Address: 301 Charles St. E., Kitchener, ON N2G 2P8
• Phone: 519-578-8330
• Size: 1800 students
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance from Riverland: 15-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Art Council, Athletic Council, Chess Club, Creative Writing Club, Dance Team, Debating Team, DECA, EcoSchool Team, French club, Gaming club, Improv Club, Programming Club, Science Club, Table Tennis Club, Triathlon Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Video Game Club
• Sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Soccer, Field Hockey, Hockey, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Wrestling, Curling, Rugby, Track and Field, Slo-pitch

Catholic Schools

Woodland Christian High School

Address: 1058 Spitzig Rd, Breslau, ON N0B 1M0

• Phone: (519) 648-2114
• Size: 330 students
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance from Riverland: 4-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Choir, Band, DECA, Math Contests, Drama
• Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country, Badminton, Soccer, Track and Field, Ultimate

St. Mary’s High School, Pertaining to the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB)

• Address: 1500 Block Line Rd, Kitchener, ON N2C 2S2
• Phone: (519) 745-6891
• Size: 2200 students
• Grade Range: Grade 9 – 12
• Distance from Riverland: 15-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Art club, Chess Club, Band, DANCE Team, DECA, Fitness Club, Link Crew, Math Team, App Development Club, Ping Pong Club, PRISM, Science Olympic Club, Tech Crew, Welding, Student Activities Council, SMH Investing
• Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Hockey, Curling, Swimming, Wrestling, Badminton, Rugby, Track and Field, Softball

Out of Boundary Education

Normally a student attends the school located within the boundary where they reside. It is important that boundaries are adhered to whenever possible and that there is consistency across the system, however principals have the ability to take into account special considerations that would allow students to cross boundaries. To request out of boundary education, use the attached forms for Elementary Schools or Secondary Schools. Please note that approval is at the discretion of the Principal.

In our experience, nothing compares to an actual visit. Sometimes reports and stats don’t take into account the amazing teachers and staff or overall atmosphere of a school. At the end of the day different kids connect with different environments and what works for one family might be different for the next. We highly recommend visiting each school to determine what’s best for your kids.

A perfectly coordinated home looks great, but it’s the addition of personal touches that really makes your place a true representation of you and your family. The easiest way to do this is to use your obsessions and collections as accents and art. Here are some fun ways to get the magazine-ready look at home using things you already own and love.

Andrew Pike’s signature design statement is antlers. Found in many of the homes he designs, Andrew makes sure to fuse his obsession with the decor to add interest and enhance the space without taking away from the beauty of the room.

Want more decor inspiration and advice for your next decor project? Check out our 4-part Love Design, Live Empire video series with designer Dominic De Freitas and subscribe to receive the episodes directly to your inbox along with exclusive bonus content including our curated style guides and expert tips and inspiration.

Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4

Photos courtesy of: The Every Girl (Kelli Lamb); Pinterest (Dianne Von Furstenburg’s Home, Lauren Conrad’s Home).

Some of the most beautiful space are the ones that blend design styles. A firm believer that matching sets are passé, Andrew Pike demonstrates how to mix different furnishings and accents in episode four. From contrasting neutrals to mixing antique and industrial pieces, Andrew shows us we don’t have to be afraid to mix things up when it comes to home decor.

The start of a new season invariably brings an urge for change. With so many of us wired 24/7/365 to technology, and stress and insomnia becoming the universal North American plague, approaching our precious sleeping space as a sacred, low-tech zone can create a fundamental shift in our daily well-being.

Decorate to Encourage Rest

Banish tech in the bedroom and make soft and relaxing decor the focus. Look for pieces and colour schemes that make you feel calm (for a lot of us that’s greys, whites and bleached woods) and that blend together to create a holistic, tranquil effect. Visually soothing pieces like geometric patterned artwork or greenery can go a long way to help the mind prepare for rest and relaxation the minute you enter your bedroom. Try: Ada II White Table Lamp; $100, CB2.

Keep Life Simple

Set a daily intention to live a more simplistic life, and have that reflect everything from your bedroom decor to your skincare routine. Take a page from the Scandi ‘lagom’ concept, meaning ‘just the right amount.’ A perfect follow-up to last year’s ever-popular Danish concept of ‘hygge,’ which focused on comfort, lagom is the antidote to a hectic life of excess by instilling a more fulfilled and simplistic approach to living that is quickly becoming a movement. Try: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer; $28, Indigo.

Calm a Wired Mind

Journaling helps clear daily stress. Each night, write down three challenges or successes to bring some perspective to your day and take the burden off your overworked brain. For particularly restless minds, try yogic breathing, a technique popular with power players like Hillary Clinton. Take a deep breath and hold down your right nostril while exhaling fully through your left. Alternate breathing through both nostrils singularly for 30 seconds or longer. Try: The Five-Minute Journal; $32, Indigo.

Adjust Your Energy

Scents can trigger a relaxed state of mind, and no scent encourages sleep quite like lavender. Try an essential oil room spray, diffuser or dried lavender in your bedroom. To go beyond the scent and recalibrate your bedroom energy, try a crystal or salt lamp. These beautiful little lamps give off a warm relaxing glow and are said to have all kinds of calming benefits over time. Try: Lumiere de Sel Himalayan Salt Lamp; $26, Well.ca.

Add a Little Moisture

When we’re hit with winters like the one we just experienced, it can take a while for our skin and sinuses to get back to normal, especially after a prolonged flu and allergy season. A humidifier can ensure your breathing is deep and regulated throughout your sleep, which means a more clear, crisp mind when you wake up. Keep your bedroom at 60-64 degrees Fahrenheit and use a cool or warm air humidifier depending on preference. Try: Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier; $50, Canadian Tire.

Get Back to Nature

It would be great if we could all rise and fall with nature, but our schedules won’t always allow that. Invest in blackout blinds that shut out the artificial light around you to get uninterrupted shut eye. To wake up before the sun does, employ the help of a sunrise alarm clock that gradually wakes you up by mimicking the sun’s natural rays. Try: Wake-Up Light; $60, Amazon.

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Live Beautifully is a decor and lifestyle magazine created by Empire communities that will hit the shelves in LCBO’s Food and Drink Magazine all throughout the West GTA this May. Empire invites you to view our debut decor magazine before anyone else.

We all love the look and feel of a perfectly finished space, but might need a little help creating a curated look in our home. Without a set vision, your accessories can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. In episode seven, Andrew shows us how to achieve that magazine-ready look by adding accessories to compliment and enhance your decor.

What do you get when you combine the appetite of university students, the artisan desires of young tech-professionals and the bounty of local farmers all in one place? A booming, diverse foodie scene that is as local as it is eclectic. This is the food spectrum of Kitchener Waterloo. Although the two cities are often lumped together, their restaurants are quiet diverse, with Waterloo catering to students, while Kitchener meets the cravings of its tech hub residents.

Looking for more restaurants to try in Ontario? Explore the best local GTA eats and what’s new on King Street West. 

The 18-hour city falls between the larger, 24-hour cities (where you could order Chinese food at 3 in the morning) and smaller cities that operate on the more traditional 9-5 schedule. 18-hour cities essentially combine the best of both worlds, and are emerging all over the GTHA as prices continue to drive young professionals out of the big city in search of greener pastures and affordable prices. The 18-hour city can provide good business and employment opportunities, a comfortable living environment, and attractive recreational and cultural amenities. We’ve seen these communities emerge to the north, west and east of Toronto over the last decade. A big one on the radar? Kitchener-Waterloo (KW).

Photo courtesy of: GTA-Homes (Downtown Kitchener-Waterloo)