Get involved

Immigrant survey is now open!

The 2023 Immigrant Survey is open until June 19. This multilingual survey is for immigrants, refugees, claimants, international students, temporary workers and their families to share their experiences of living, working and studying in Waterloo Region.

Take the survey online.

Block connectors are neighbours that help bring the community together. With support from the City, these volunteers build neighbourly connections by sharing information and planning connection opportunities.

Become a block connector.

Have questions about this opportunity? Hit reply to this email.

Arts and Culture Engagement Hub

The Region of Waterloo and cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo have developed an online engagement forum to collect perspectives on arts and culture in the community. Provide your input by posting your ideas and joining an online discussion.

Visit the Arts and Culture Engagement Hub.

More ways to get involved

• June 19: Immigration Partnership conversation about the implementation of growth strategies with a particular focus on immigration attraction and talent retention.

• Share your feedback about the Grand River Transit service adjustments and changes affecting bus routes 2 and 73.

• Check out the grant opportunities from The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) for community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways and addressing issues faced by our communities.



• 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.

Picnic with neighbours

Neighbours from the MacGregor Albert Community Association (MACA) hosted their annual general meeting outside at Waterloo Park. Everyone was encouraged to bring their own picnic and enjoy some of the neighbourhood's new coffee blend. It was a great afternoon of connecting and planning for the year ahead.

Celebrating Eid in Sunnydale

With the help of a mini grant, neighbours in Sunnydale hosted an outdoor Eid event to celebrate with neighbours. Neighbours connected, danced and enjoyed food together.

Apply for a mini grant to support a neighbourhood connection opportunity.

At the Service Centre Open House on June 10, neighbours across Waterloo shared stories of neighbourhood kindness.

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.

All nominees will also be entered into a random draw to win prizes throughout the year! The next draw will happen in September.

Get in the know

List of event equipment rental businesses

The neighbourhoods team is creating a list of local businesses that offer event equipment for rent. This list will help make it easier for neighbours to plan events.

To be included on the list, businesses can submit their information using this online form. Staff will review submissions and create the list. Interested in learning more? Find more details online or connect with neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca. 

Movies in the Park

Get your blanket ready! Movies in the Park are back this summer at Waterloo Park. Plan a day to come with neighbours to catch a flick under the stars!

Find more details on the City of Waterloo website or by following @CreateWaterloo on Instagram.

Being neighbourly just got easier!

Did you know that the neighbourhoods team has a how-to guide with ideas on how to be neighbourly? This guide will inspire you to be kind and it includes details on welcoming new neighbours, hosting connection opportunities, and more!

View the Being Neighbourly guide

More things to know!

• Check out the Waterloo Public Library resources and events for Indigenous History Month.

• Check out the 2023 Pride Month events by Spectrum events to support learning and celebration during Pride month.

• June 17: Grab your bikes and scooters and head to the opening celebration of the RIM Park Bike Park

• June 18: Eby Farm Fest in Waterloo Park. Welcome the return of the Eby farm animals and join in on an afternoon of live music, crafts and lawn games.

• June 28: Spectrum is offering a free virtual Rainbow Diversity Training workshop.

• Stay up to date with what is happening at Waterloo City Council. Follow the City on social media for regular updates, or consider watching council videos (live or recorded) on Youtube.

• Summer events are in full swing across the City of Waterloo! Find city events and festivals

• 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.

June Diversity Calendar

June - Indigenous History Month

June - Pride Month

June - 5 World Environment Day (United Nations)

June - 18 Father's Day (Canada)

June - 19 Juneteenth (USA)

June - 20 World Refugee Day (United Nations)

June - 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada)

June - 24 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Québec)

June - 29 Eid al-Adha (Islam)



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

Thank you for reading this edition 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