City of waterloo neighbourhoods: strong and connected.

Countdown to outdoor events!

With warmer weather around the corner, it's time to start thinking about neighbourhood events you can plan this summer! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Community picnic - gather at your neighbourhood park, bring your blankets and sandwiches to enjoy with your neighbours.
Outdoor movie night - get a group of neighbours to organize a movie in your park! Get started by reading our how-to guide on planning a outdoor movie night.
Popsicles in the park - enjoy a sweet treat while meeting new neighbours.
Outdoor games night - encourage neighbours to bring games that everyone can play at a nearby park.

Email our Neighbourhoods team if you would like to run an activity in your neighbourhood this year!

Lots of people standing with different activities outside on grass in a park lots of games going on.

Get involved

Thank you outdoor rink volunteers

What a great outdoor rink season! A big thank you to all the wonderful outdoor rink volunteers who braved the cold this season to keep the rinks up and running.

Share with us your favourite outdoor rink memory from this season!

Don't forget to explore the City of Waterloo volunteer page to see what spring and summer volunteer opportunities are available.

Two people outside on an outdoor rink skating.

More ways to get involved

Earth Day community clean up registration is now open. Encourage neighbours to organize a park cleanup for Earth Day.
Do you know a caring neighbour who is over 65 years old and makes a difference in your neighbourhood? Nominate them for the Senior of the Year Award! Applications are open until March 31.

A cat looking out the window with snow in the background.

🙂 Smile corner 🙂

A neighbour shared that their cat, Portia, loves to look out the windows and watch all the neighbourhood birds and squirrels.

Share with us what makes you smile! Submit a photo and a caption by replying to this email, and we may feature it in the Smile Corner of our next newsletter!

Get inspired

Cairncroft block party

Cairncroft hosted their annual block party last summer! They welcomed new neighbours, while enjoying tasty treats.

All were welcomed at the event and even the neighbourhood dogs came out to say hello.

Discover all the neighbourhood funding opportunities that can help support your idea!

Food on a table outside with pretzels and pinwheel chicken sandwiches.

More ways to get inspired

Learn more about the Waterloo Region Community Foundation's Community Grant and see if your organization or idea is eligible for funding. Applications are open until March 30.
Do you have a community project idea that promotes and enhances our natural environment? Explore the Region of Waterloo's Community Environmental Fund, to see if your project is eligible. The deadline to apply is March 13.

Get in the know

State of the City address

Image of waterloo and the text says waterloo state of the city April 16

This year’s State of the City address is happening on Thursday, April 16 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the University of Waterloo Field House. Ticket prices are $70 and include breakfast.

Proceeds from the event support Waterloo Wayside.

More things to know

The flowerbeds program is open for Parkview and Mount Hope cemeteries. Learn about the flowerbed packages and find out how to order one for a loved one's monument. The deadline is April 15.
Explore the ActiveWaterloo spring guide and register for something new with a friend!
Explore the upcoming programs and events held by Waterloo Public Library. From reading clubs to craft workshops, there are programs for all neighbours to enjoy.
The Grade 5 Council for a Day contest is open! Winning students get to serve as a councillor for a day. The contest closes April 1.
Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia, Racism, Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

March Diversity Calendar

Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion's Diversity Ink Newsletter

Women’s History Month (International)

Irish Heritage Month (Canada)

Bangladeshi Heritage Month (Ontario)

Multiculturalism Month (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Epilepsy Awareness Month (Canada)

Endometriosis Awareness Month (Nova Scotia & Ontario)

March 2 - March 9: Black Mental Health Week

March 2 - March 20: Nineteen Day Fast

March 4 - March 6: Hola Mohalla

March 9 - March 19: Laylat al-Qadr

March 16 - March 22: Neurodiversity Celebration Week

29 March - April 4: Holy Week (Western)

March 1: Zero Discrimination Day

March 1: Self-harm Awareness Day

March 1: Disability Day of Mourning

March 2: Black Mental Health Day

March 2 (sundown) - March 3: Purim

March 3: Māgha Pūjā

March 3: Lantern Festival

March 3: Chötrul Düchen

March 4: Holi

March 4: Employee Appreciation Day

March 8: International Women’s Day

March 15: International Day to Combat Islamophobia

March 17: Saint Patrick’s Day

March 17: Chaharshanbe Suri

March 19: Navratri / Navaratri

March 19: Ugadi / Yugadi

March 19 (sundown) - March 20: Nowruz / Norouz

March 19 (sundown) - March 20: Eid Al-Fitr

March 20: Ostara / Spring Equinox

March 20: International Francophonie Day

March 20: International Day of Happiness

March 20: Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21: World Down Syndrome Day

March 22: World Water Day

March 24: International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

March 26: Khordad Sal

March 26: Purple Day

March 26: Ram Navami

March 27: Muslim Women's Day

March 29: Palm Sunday (Western)

March 31: Mahavir Jayanti / Mahavir Janma Kalyanak

March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility

Waterloo Neighbourhoods is published throughout the year to keep residents informed about the good things happening in neighbourhoods across Waterloo. If you’re reading Waterloo Neighbourhoods as a non-subscriber, visit our subscription page to sign up for future editions.

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