Get involved

Apply for the Neighbourhood Matching Fund

The next deadline to apply for the Neighbourhood Matching Fund is February 16 at 2 p.m. Groups of two or more neighbours can apply for up to $7,500 to support projects that promote neighbourhood connections and placemaking.

Reach out today to neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca to chat about your idea!

Recreation facilities survey closes soon

More ways to get involved

• Learn more about the Region of Waterloo's Inclusionary Zoning project and complete an online survey by January 31 to provide your feedback.

• Check out Volunteer Waterloo Region for details on available volunteer positions.

• Applications are open for the Community Services Recovery Fund. This fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. They also have a How to Apply webinar on Jan 12.

• SPECTRUM has launched an online Rainbow Pages Directory. If you know a queer-owned, or queer-friendly business or organization that should be listed in the Rainbow Pages, please consider sharing the link.

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.

Connecting through clay

As part of the Neighbourhood Summit in November, Waterloo residents participated in the Sharing Experiences exhibit at the Clay and Glass Gallery. Participants created tealight holders that reflect special places in their neighbourhoods.

Check out the unique creations!

The tealight featured in the photo was created by Anne-Marie.

The Westvale Community Association planned a neighbourhood skate to connect and have fun this past November. After skating, neighbours gathered and warmed up with hot chocolate, apple cider, snacks, crafts, and games.

Looking for a simple way to bring neighbours together this winter? Consider a skating activity like this or other winter activities at local parks! 

A neighbour shares:

"Bill has been our neighbour for 44 years. He takes care of our house when we go on vacation. He snow blows our driveway when we need help. He makes us Christmas cookies. With Bill's help from time to time, it keeps us living in our home. He is one in a million."

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.

Get in the know

New year, new opportunities to learn

The City is offering a tech class for people aged 55+ on Fridays beginning January 13. Participants will learn the physical parts of the iPad, an introduction to the internet, email, Zoom video conferencing, safety practices and how to avoid common scams. iPads are provided. 

Sign up on Active Waterloo.

Summer job opportunities

The City of Waterloo is recruiting for summer positions including Camp Leader, Camp Coordinator and Outdoor Maintenance Student. Deadlines are January 13 (camp) and January 20 (outdoor maintenance).

Apply now.

Outdoor rinks

Outdoor rink volunteers across Waterloo are ready for winter! All outdoor rink locations are weather-dependent and volunteer-run, so please check conditions at your local park before planning a skate. Stay off rinks that are closed. Volunteers will be working hard to get them up and running once the weather allows. Find rink locations, schedules and rules on the outdoor rink webpage.

Photo credit: Luke S. Bluestream Park outdoor rink

More things to know!

• Learn about snow removal in Waterloo.

• Use the Rainbow Community Calendar for details on SPECTRUM’s groups and events.

• Explore the neighbourhoods website for how-to guides, the gathering spaces asset map, details on available grants, programs and more!

• Winterloo is back in uptown Waterloo on January 28 from 12 to 5 p.m.

• On January 17, REEP Green Solutions is hosting an informational webinar incentives for home energy conservation upgrades.



• Celebrate Lunar New Year with Waterloo Public Library and the Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association on January 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Eastside branch. 

• The Feminist Shift Network of Neighbours offers free training focused on reducing gender-based violence. There are upcoming sessions on January 13 and 17.

• The AccessNow App is a digital tool that provides accessibility information on buildings worldwide. Check it out and provide accessibility feedback on places you visit throughout Waterloo.

• Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia, Racism or 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.

January Multicultural Calendar

January 1: Kwanzaa Ends

January 1: New Year's Day

January 4: World Braille Day

January 5: Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh

January 6: Epiphany

January 7: Orthodox Christmas / Feast of the Nativity

January 13: Lohri

January 14: Maghi

January 14: Orthodox New Year

January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 22: Lunar New Year

January 24: International Day of Education

January 26: Vasant Panchami

January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion