Cuenca leads nation in construction recovery; Noboa extends bus subsidies; Farmers share agroecology knowledge; Summer camp sign-ups; Sketchers opens

Bored? –
(De El Mercurio del sábado, 20/6) Skechers abre en Mall del Alto su tienda número 23 (Skechers opens store #23 in the Mall del Alto) – <I’m treating shopping as a recreational activity for those of you who are bored with your clothes.> The chain has stores in other cities in Ecuador and is the #3 brand in the world for shoes, clothing and accessories. <So happy shopping.>

(De El Mercurio del sábado, 20/6) Encuentro de agroproductores (Agricultural Producers’ Meeting) – El Encuentro Nacional de Agroecología, Saberes Ancestrales y Gastronomía Andina “Tierras Vivas 2026, edición Inti Raymi” (The National Conference on Agroecology, Ancestral Knowledge, and Andean Gastronomy: “Tierras Vivas 2026, Inti Raymi Edition”) will be on the 26 & 27/6 in the Portal Artesanal de la EDEC EP in San Blas. The event will bring together agro-ecological organizations and indigenous peoples and nationalities to promote fair trade, exchange of knowledge, conservation of seeds, and promotion of healthy eating.

The Cuenca Environmental Management Commission says more than 50 people have been fined for animal abuse and “irresponsible pet ownership.” The commission estimates 280,000 dogs and cats live in Cuenca. (El Mercurio)

The fair will include products and experiences as well as cultural presentations of music and dance. The event will start at 9:00 on both days, and EDEC EP is urging citizens to bring reusable articles as part of the focus on sustainability. <As per Charlie Larga’s article in CHL yesterday, all of you gringo agricultural experts (including those who successfully grew 3 radishes in kindergarten) can share your superior knowledge about small scale farming in Ecuador.>

(De El Mercurio del sábado, 20/6) La Casa de la Cultura abre sus colonias vacacionales gratuitas (The Casa de la Cultura opens its free summer camps) – The Casa de la Cultura opens registrations for its free summer camps, “Vacaciones Creativas,” from el 23/6 to el 3/7 from 8:00-13:00 and from 14:30 to 17:00. The artistic, recreational and cultural development activities are for children from 7-16 years old, and the camps will be from el 6/7 to el 6/8 at the CCE. Register in person at the Unidad de Fomento Cultural on calle Pres. Córdova 7-89, 2nd floor. Both the responsible adult and child need to register and present cédulas and fill out a form. The activities include workshops in ballet, painting, singing, urban rhythms, theater and traditional dance.

(De El Mercurio del domingo, 21/6) Ad for Ecuagenera Gualaceo (Sector Llampasay, KM 2 vía Cuenca, Gualaceo) – Open house from el 18-28/6, 9 am to 6 pm. Gran Bingo on el 22, 23, & 24/6. Bingo cards from $1. Raffles and surprises, big orchid exhibit, big discounts (30%).

Curious? –
(De El Mercurio del domingo, 21/6) Recuperación del sector inmobiliario según INEC (Recovery of the real estate sector, according to INEC) – Cuenca has established itself as one of the main engines of construction in Ecuador. The city registered 942 building permits in 2025, ahead of the 868 issued in 2024. This is a growth of about 8.5%. The city also was highlighted for the number of planned projects. During the year, 1,287 buildings and 2,772 new residential units were planned. Larger homes predominate with 56.7% over 121 sq. meters. Barely 13.9% had less than 80 sq. m. which showed a clear preference for larger homes. <And an ability to pay for them?>

On a provincial level, Azuay counted 1,428 permits in 2025 compared to 1,403 in 2024. Nationally, INEC reported that 23,334 construction permits were issued in 2025, compared with 21,718 in 2024. However, planned buildings decreased while housing units increased, reflecting higher densities per project. Most projects were for new construction with 84.4%. 12.6% of the projects were for enlargements, and barely 3% for reconstruction. Of all projects expected in 2025, 85.2 were residential with 76% of those single family. Financing data estimated that the amount for all projects nationally reached $3.243 billion. 50.1% of the source of funds was the developer’s own <Is this where the alleged drug laundering money comes in?>, 27.8% were mixed schemes, and 22.1 were financed through loans.

(De El Mercurio del domingo, 21/6) Subsidio al transporte: Noboa amplía compensación para buses (Transportation subsidy: Noboa expands compensation for buses) – The Government officialized a subsidy increase for inter- and intra-provincial buses in the country from 8 to 9 months with Executive Decree 428. The measure seeks to amortiguar (to cushion – your word for the day <and in case you’re interested, shock absorbers are amortiguadores>) the financial impact to the public transportation sector. Union leaders will stay vigilant about compliance with the disbursements to avoid paralyzing or affecting service to passengers. Cities and local transit agencies in the country are revising the guidelines of the decree to coordinate the application of the measure in their jurisdictions. Riders are hoping that the extension will guarantee continuity of service and contribute to the long range maintenance of fares.

(De El Mercurio del lunes, 22/6) Se registran 90 denuncias al mes por maltrato animal (90 reports of animal abuse per month) – The city’s Patrulla Canina (“Paw Patrol”) receives 80 to 90 reports of animal abuse or irresponsible ownership per month. Carlos Orellana, director of the Comisión de Gestión Ambiental (Environmental Management Commission), said that in the last few years, over 50 people have been sanctioned. The fines start at 50% of the basic salary according to the seriousness of the case. The reports include mistreatment, animals in the public streets and effects from their presence including damage to garbage and unsanitary conditions. According to the last census, about 280,000 dogs and cats live in the canton of Cuenca. Authorities warned that without adequate management, the growth of the animal population can lead to public health problems.

(De El Mercurio del lunes, 22/6) Policía arresta a seis en El Cebollar que planeaban cometer asesinato (Police arrest six in El Cebollar who planned to commit murder) – A police chase Saturday night in the San Pedro del Cebollar sector of Cuenca ended in six arrests and one gunshot injury to a suspect. Several shots were fired during the pursuit of a white truck after the driver refused orders to stop.

Police found firearms, ammunition and drugs after the vehicle was detained. Three of the four detainees are from Los Ríos Province, while the other two are from Azuay and Esmeraldas. The injured suspect was taken to the hospital. Police believe the suspects intended to carry out a gang-related murder before they were caught.
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Information in this column, including dates, times and locations, is courtesy of the El Mercurio newspaper. Comments between the carrots, or guillemets (< … >), are the personal opinions of the author and not part of the news translation.