February 24, 8:30 AM, DoubleTree by Hilton, Kitchener | Ticketed

Cultivating a Thriving Community

Join us for an insightful morning to explore the future of immigration and its economical impact in Canada. Don't miss out on the fireside chat with special guest Daniel Tisch, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, to discuss significant topics including:

Importance and impact of immigration

- Increased needs for healthcare, housing, and social services

- Labour market needs/shortages

- Economic development

Plus, Charlene Hofbauer of Workforce Planning Board will emphasize how those provincial trends and policies affect us here in Waterloo Region. In collaboration with the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

Get your tickets now!

February 25, 5 - 8 PM, 67 Erb Street West, Waterloo | Free

Join us at the Changemakers Demo Day: AI For a Better World

Over the past few months, with support from the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and local philanthropist Mike Janzen, we’ve been working with a group of Changemakers to build real AI tools tackling urgent social challenges.

Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of their groundbreaking innovations:

• Sustainable Waterloo Region: Enabling organizations to plan and execute sustainability initiatives with AI.
• The Successful Newcomer (in partnership with Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership): Building a resume toolkit for newcomers to Canada.
• Waterloo Region Community Foundation: Bridging gaps in community connection by connecting residents to gathering spaces across the region.

This is a global first, and it’s happening right here in Waterloo Region. We’re redefining what AI for Good looks like, and we want you to see it for yourself.

Tickets are limited - Register now

February 27 is election day in Ontario!

You can vote by mail, at an advance voting location, or on election day.

Access the Ontario voting guide in 15 different languages.

National Newcomer Navigation Network upcoming webinars

February 12, 1 PM, Online | Free

Co-Designing Integrated and Equitable Supports for Newcomers & Refugees: Lessons Learned on Intersectionality in Action Through Multistakeholder Dialogues

Register now

March 13 - 15, The Westin Harbor Castle | Ticketed

The 27th Edition of Metropolis Canada

Canada's immigration ecosystem is undergoing significant changes, shaped by evolving public discourse, ongoing economic challenges, and social realities. As the nation's immigration planning now combines permanent residents and temporary workers, it is critical to revisit policies and practices that align with economic, social, and humanitarian goals.

This conference will provide a platform for exploring critical questions about the future of immigration in Canada, with a focus on best practices, research, and collaborative strategies for shaping a sustainable and inclusive immigration system. This conference invites proposals that offer recommendations, innovative insights and actionable solutions on several pressing issues.

Register now

Apply for the City of Waterloo's Neighbourhood Fund

Do you have an idea for bonding with your neighbours? Apply for the City of Waterloo's Neighbourhood Fund and get up to $7,500 for an idea that brings your neighbourhood together. 

The 2025 deadlines are:

• Round 1: February 12
• Round 2: May 14
• Round 3: October 22

Learn more: Neighbourhood Fund Application - City of Waterloo

City of Waterloo's Art Grant Program is now open!

The Arts Grant Program supports arts organizations with funding for operations, specific projects and capital. Learn how to apply, who is eligible, what you need, and when to submit your application.

Apply by February 20, 2025: Arts Grant - City of Waterloo

United Way Waterloo Region Communities is now accepting applications for the Affordable Housing and Homelessness funding

The Community Impact Fund (formerly the General Community Fund) is dedicated to addressing urgent community needs with local solutions. This quarter’s funding call applies to Q1 (April – June 2025) and is open to registered charities and qualified donees in Waterloo Region that align with this quarter’s Issue Area: Affordable Housing and Homelessness. Organizations with a charitable number or those recognized as qualified donees are eligible.

Two streams of funding:

General Operating Support Grants – Flexible funding to strengthen your organization’s internal systems and advance its mission.

Program/Project Grants – Funding for specific programs or projects, whether new or existing.

Apply by February 21, 2025 - United Way WRC Community Hub

The Ontario trillium Foundation is now accepting applications for Capital Grants!

Through Capital grants, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) helps non-profits undertake essential projects that directly benefit Ontarians by improving community facilities and spaces.

📅 Apply by March 5, 2025: Capital Grant | Ontario Trillium Foundation

Waterloo 2025 Senior of the Year nominations are now open

Each year, the Age-Friendly Waterloo Advisory Committee honours a local senior (65+) for their outstanding contributions to the community. Seniors who qualify for this award may have contributed to: the arts; literature; community service; education; environment; fitness; or volunteering and humanitarian activities. The Senior of the Year will be recognized during Senior’s Month in June.

Online nomination forms and details are available at waterloo.ca/civic-awards.

The nomination deadline is March 31, 2025. 

Free tax clinics

You may be eligible for help at a free tax clinic if are a current client of the Region of Waterloo Community Services Department, you have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

Find a tax clinic in your area

New to Canada? Learn about the benefits of doing your taxes

Tax season is fast approaching—get prepared with this interactive webinar hosted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Discover how Canada’s tax system works, explore ways to file your taxes, learn about free tax help, and get an overview of other CRA services.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers during the event.

March 12, 2025 - Benefits and credits for newcomers to Canada

Nominations open for Kitchener youth awards

Every year, the Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) celebrates the talents and contributions of young people in our community. Nominate today and help generate awareness of the valuable contributions youth make in our community.

Nomination forms and details are available at KYAC Youth Awards

Nomination are open until April 4, 2025. 

What does it mean to be a host

WR Grassroots Response is always looking for people in Waterloo Region willing to open up their homes to Ukrainian fleeing the war. The number of Ukrainians seeking shelter is not slowing and there are new requests for help every day.

If you are interested in becoming a host, there are several ways you can help.



Learn more about how you can become a host and support the Ukrainian community: Provide Housing | WRGR (wrgrassrootsresponse.ca)

Insights on Canadian Society

International student graduates’ labour market early outcomes: Results from the National Graduates Survey

Le 11 février, Midi à 13 h 30, Virtuel | Gratuit

Outiller les établissements pour soutenir les infirmiers formés à l’étrange

Vous travaillez avec des infirmiers formés à l’étranger ou vous accompagnez leur intégration ? Le Réseau franco-santé du Sud de l'Ontario organise un webinaire essentiel dédié à la reconnaissance des diplômes en Ontario et aux ressources disponibles pour soutenir leur parcours. 

Réservez votre place

Le 25 et 26 février, Four Points by Sheraton Point Edward Sarnia | Gratuit

Forum régional 2025 du RIFCSO

Le Forum régional du RIFCSO propose un cadre exceptionnel de discussion et réflexion aux partenaires, représentants d’organismes communautaires, et personnes clés impliqués dans l’accueil, l’établissement, l'intégration et la rétention des nouveaux arrivants d'expression française de la région.

Ne manquez pas l'occasion de rencontrer vos pairs de la région pour actualiser vos connaissances du dossier, échanger des idées et des expériences afin d'améliorer l'attraction et la rétention des immigrants francophones.

Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant pour participer à des discussions enrichissantes et partager vos idées et apprentissages.

Réservez votre place

Le 12 mars 2025, virtuel | Gratuit

Vous venez d’arriver au Canada? Apprenez-en plus sur les avantages de faire vos impôts

L’Agence du revenu du Canada (ARC) organise un webinaire interactif qui portera sur :

• le régime fiscal canadien;
• l’allocation canadienne pour enfants;
• le crédit pour la taxe sur les produits et services/taxe de vente harmonisée;
• les différentes façons de faire ses impôts, l'aide fiscale gratuite et les autres services de l’ARC.

Vous pourrez poser vos questions et recevoir des réponses tout au long du webinaire. Nous avons hâte de discuter avec vous!

Inscrivez-vous

Guide d'établissement pour les communautés francophones de l'Ontario

Ce guide se veut une source d'information pour le personnel de première ligne des prestataires de services de langue anglaise afin qu'il puisse plus facilement orienter les clients francophones vers les services de langue française dans leur zone géographique. 

Plus d'informations : Settling-in-French-in-Ontario - Settlement-Guide.pdf

February 22, 10 AM, online | Free

Creating Meaningful Employment Relationships

Does your sponsor group struggle with how to create an employment strategy to meet the needs of those you sponsor? Do you know how to identify appropriate, relevant employment opportunities and create meaningful employment relationships?

This workshop will give you some new tools as you work toward best practice in helping newcomers land their dream job.

Register now

February 26, 3:30 PM, 200 Christopher Drive, Cambridge | Free

Building Career Confidence: Employment Resource Fair

Build your confidence speaking with employers in a low-pressure setting. Learn essential job search skills, connect with HR and career development professionals for advice, ask questions, and practice your introductions.

Hosted by Kinbridge Community Association

 Register now!

WR Connectors

For many newcomers, the idea of building a network can feel overwhelming. WR Connectors is here to help! You’ll receive coaching on networking skills, guidance on developing an action plan, and a match with a Connector.

A Connector is a community volunteer from a similar industry or profession who will meet with you to share their knowledge and expertise, answer your questions, offer advice, and introduce you to people in their network.

Learn more at www.wrconnectors.com

Behind the Business podcast - Season 2

The Behind the Business Podcast is a weekly podcast created by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that highlights the important people and issues in Waterloo region and in our community. Business and community leaders share their thoughts on the issues that affect the region and business community.

Checkout this special where Ian will be answering questions on the tariff threats by the United States, and how it could affect local businesses. He's gathered the most commonly asked questions that the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has received so far, and is ready to answer them all!: Behind the Business Podcast