Early in 2008,  it came to our attention that the City of Waterloo did not consider private music teaching out of homes to be an acceptable and legal home occupation under the current by-laws.  On September 22, 2008, we had 10 minutes to speak to City Council, supported by a power-point presentation about our concerns.   We requested that the by-law be amended to include private music education out of residential homes. 

Moved by Councillor Freeman and seconded by Councillor Whaley:  "That Council approve a temporary exemption to the home occupation provisions of the City's zoning by-laws to allow private music teaching as a home occupation until such time that a comprehensive review of the by-law is completed." This motion was carried unanimously.  The KW ORMTA Branch was effective in changing the by-law to protect our members, and other teachers in the community.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Branch of ORMTA sincerely thanks Carolyn Pratt for her leadership in the research and presentation for this very crucial turning point for all private music teachers in our community.