City of waterloo neighbourhoods: strong and connected.

Get involved

Being neighbourly this winter

As we approach the winter season, there are many ways to get involved and promote neighbourliness in your community. Consider:

Helping neighbours clear snow and ice if you are able.
Spreading kind words with cards or letters.
Volunteering to help with winter events and projects that bring neighbours together.
Baking or making treats for neighbours to enjoy.

Find more tips in the Being Neighbourly how-to guide.

Thank you for attending the Neighbourhood Summit

Thank you to all the neighbours and local organizations that attended the Neighbourhood Summit on November 9. Together, neighbours engaged in conversations about supporting inclusive communities, spent time connecting and enjoyed snacks and crafting.

Stay tuned for future events!

Group of people in room looking at presentation that says Neighbourhood Summit

More ways to get involved

The ActiveWaterloo Winter Guide is now available. Review active living, leisure, and sporting opportunities in the City of Waterloo.

The second round of engagement is open for the Waterloo Region Economic Development Strategy (WREDS) and Talent Plan. Complete the survey before November 30 to have your say.

The Region is hosting public input sessions to review the Region's service standards. Service standards are commitments and guidelines that are used to make sure the Region is consistently providing great service to the people in our community.

Grand River Transit is looking for feedback on proposed GRT service changes for 2024. Complete the survey before December 1.

Check out the Responding to Hate Motivated Incidents Guide to explore ways to support your neighbours during challenging times.

The Region of Waterloo has published their 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Eligible organizations are invited to check out the City's new Sports and Recreation Grant. This grant provides operating and project funding for organizations that benefit the community through sports and recreation.

WR Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis is a volunteer-led group focused on helping displaced Ukrainians fleeing war and arriving in Waterloo Region.

Get inspired

See what's happening across Waterloo and find inspiration to make your neighbourhood a little more awesome. We can support your idea with things like grants and equipment. Interested? Just hit reply to this email.

Playing and connecting

Neighbours on Cairncroft came together to apply for a mini grant to host a block party. Fun activities, including frisbee, ladder ball and bubbles were popular for neighbours of all ages.

Interested in planning a spring/summer event? It's never too early to start planning.

Use our how-to guides for tips and tricks.
Reach out to neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca for support.

Group of people standing outside talking at an event

Season of Annual General Meetings

Every year, neighbourhood associations host Annual General Meetings. These meetings are great opportunities to learn about associations, their members and ways to get involved! If you have a neighbourhood association in your area, consider attending an AGM.

The photo is from the Westvale Community Association's 2023 AGM. Neighbours from across the neighbourhood attended to learn, socialize, and plan for the year ahead.

Great stories of neighbourhood kindness

Person using snow blower in snow with text on top reading spotted neighbourhood kindness

A neighbour shares:

"Kevin helps everybody. Always snow blowing my driveway. I'm elderly and he is very helpful to me. Keeps an eye on my place all the time. Just an all around great neighbour."

Is there someone doing awesome near you?

We want to recognize people who do great things, big or small, in their neighbourhood. Nominations will be accepted year-round, and every nominee will receive a thank you package and be entered into a random draw to win a $25 gift card. The next draw is happening in the winter.

Recognize a neighbour today!

Get in the know

Explore the Wonders of Winter

From November 25 to January 4 enjoy the Wonders of Winter at Waterloo Park. The 120 light displays are turned on from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

Get together with a group of neighbours and come out to enjoy this free event!

Learn more about the Wonders of Winter

Subscribe for important updates

Are you interested in staying informed about things like zone change applications, road closures and other things happening across the City? Use the links below to subscribe to things that matter to you:

Subscribe for notice on road closures and other service alerts
Receive notice for new zone change applications
Subscribe for updates on City and Regional projects on Engage Waterloo and Engage Waterloo Region

More things to know!

The City of Waterloo and Waterloo Public Library are hosting two events for International Day of Persons with Disabilities on November 30 and December 1.

The City of Waterloo now offers interpretation services in over 240 languages

Watch this webinar about the power of placemaking that was hosted by Happy Cities.

The Waterloo Region Immigration Film Festival is happening from December 1 to 18.

Check out the Rainbow Community Calendar to find details on SPECTRUM's groups and events.

Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia , Racism, Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

Immigration Waterloo Region shares information on community support in solidarity with Ukraine and supporting Afghan resettlement in Waterloo Region.

December Diversity Calendar

December 1: World AIDS Day

December 2: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (United Nations)

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations)

December 3: First Sunday of Advent (Christianity)

December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Canada)

December 7-15: Hanukkah (Judaism)

December 8: Bodhi Day (Buddhism)

December 10: Human Rights Day (United Nations)

December 18: International Migrants Day (United Nations)

December 24: Christmas Eve (Christianity)

December 25: Christmas Day (Christianity)

December 26 to January 1: Kwanzaa (until Jan 1)

December 26: Boxing Day (Canada)

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

Thank you for reading thisedition of Neighbours helping Neighbours, a newsletter from the neighbourhoods team, with a focus on good news stories, important community updates, and local resources.

If you have ideas for resources to share or shareable stories of kindness, please send them to: neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca

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Waterloo Neighbourhoods is published throughout the year to keep residents informed about the good things happening in neighbourhoods across Waterloo. If you have any questions or comments, please call 519-747-8515 or email communications@waterloo.ca. If you’re reading Waterloo Neighbourhoods as a non-subscriber, visit our subscription page to sign up for future editions.

The City of Waterloo is committed to providing accessible formats and communications support for persons with disabilities. If another format would work better for you, please let us know by calling 519-747-8515 or by emailing us at communications@waterloo.ca.