Get involved

Become a Block Connector and be the spark that brings your community together! Block connectors help build a stronger sense of community through initiatives like:

• hosting neighbourhood events
• sharing important information
• welcoming new neighbours
• scheduling fun activities

Get inspired

Plan an event this winter

Don’t let the cold keep you apart! Here are ideas for connecting with neighbours this season:

• Hot chocolate social: Warm up with delicious drinks and great conversations!
• Board games night: Challenge each other in a friendly competition.
• Trivia night: Test your knowledge and bond over fun, brain-busting questions.
• Craft workshop: Get creative with hands-on activities.

For some extra help, check out our Planning a Neighborhood Event How-To Guide.

Garden workshop

Recently, neighbours came together to celebrate the season's end at the Keats Way Garden, enjoying a day filled with delicious food and fun activities.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect on the garden’s successes and look forward to future community projects.

This event was funded by the mini grant. Consider planning something similar in your neighbourhood!

Spreading kindness

To celebrate World Kindness Day on November 13, we randomly selected a winner from the nominees of the Neighbourhood Kindness Program.

The winner is Marie, who was nominated for her exceptional kindness and welcoming spirit.

Know someone who stands out in your neighbourhood with their acts of kindness? Nominate them today and help us spread the kindness!

Get in the know

The Winter ActiveWaterloo guide is now available.

There are many programs available for all age groups and interests. Registration opens December 5 and swimming registration opens December 19.

Subscribe now to the seasonal notice and get a copy emailed to you so you can plan for upcoming classes, workshops and sports this winter.

More things to know!

• The live animal display at Eby Farmstead in Waterloo Park has concluded. The space will be reimagined as part of the Waterloo Park Plan update in 2025.
• Big changes to transit are outlined in the GRT business plan - learn more and share your feedback.
• More housing options might be coming to your neighbourhood! Changes to a zoning bylaw will soon allow for four units, four storey homes in Waterloo.
• Check out the KW library of things, where you can borrow equipment, tools, camping gear and much more! Become a member for only $50 a year.
• Help local seniors with snow removal! Consider being a Brokered Worker or a Volunteer.
• Looking for a place to host your event? Check out our gathering space map to find the best location for you.
• Check out the Waterloo Public Library's website for details on upcoming programs, activities and events.
• Spectrum Waterloo Region's Rainbow Community space offers a variety of programs and services, check out their website for more information.
• Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia, Racism, Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
• Waterloo Region has a long history of welcoming refugees and refugee claimants. Immigration Waterloo Region shares information on community support for refugees living in our region.

December Diversity Calendar

December 01 – 24: Advent

December 01: World AIDS Day

December 02: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

December 03: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 05: International Volunteer Day

December 06: The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

December 06: St. Nicholas Day / Feast of Saint Nicholas

December 08: Pansexual Pride Day

December 08: Bodhi Day

December10: Human Rights Day

December 13: Aga Khan's Birthday

December 16: Day of Reconciliation

December 18: International Migrants Day

December 20: International Human Solidarity Day

December 21: Winter Solstice

December 24: Christmas Eve

December 25: Christmas Day

December 25 – January 2: Chanukah / Hanukkah

December 26: Boxing Day

December 26: Zartosht No-Diso / Death of Prophet Zarathustra

December 26 - January 1: Kwanzaa  

Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion's Diversity Calendar

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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