Get involved

Become a Block Connector

Looking to take a leadership role in your neighbourhood? Apply to become a Block Connector today!

Block connectors build relationships with neighbours by:

• sharing information
• planning connection opportunities
• supporting one another
• building a sense of community

Learn more about the Block Connector program.

Share your thoughts with Grand River Transit (GRT)

Grand River Transit is developing a business plan for MobilityPLUS services over the next five years.

Please share your experience with specialized transit by completing their survey by July 31.

Take the GRT MobilityPLUS survey

You can also attend the in-person information sessions in Waterloo on:

• July 31 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Boardwalk
• August 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Waterloo Public Square

Waterloo Noise Bylaw

The City of Waterloo is updating the noise bylaw. Share your input to help inform new noise regulations, exemption processes and bylaw updates.

Share your feedback about noise in Waterloo.

More ways to get involved

• Have an exceptionally kind neighbour? Nominate them for the Neighbourhood Kindness Award.

• Take a look at our how-to guide for some tips on ways to welcome new neighbours.



• Did you know that you can borrow event equipment for neighbourhood events? We have things like lawn games, tents, tables, outdoor movie equipment and more! Interested? Reply to this email to start the process.

Get inspired

Volunteer recognition

Congratulations to Barry Taylor, for receiving the Ontario Volunteer Service Award.

Barry has contributed over 40 years to the outdoor rink program.

Thank you for all that you do, Barry!

Out on location

City staff attended the Erb West Youth Community event, interacting with youth who wanted to learn more about city services!

Interested in connecting with the neighbourhoods team to share information with your neighbours and community? Reply to this email to explore.

Get in the know

How to reduce gardening waste  

Reducing, reusing and recycling come into play, even when gardening!

Did you know you can use your grass clippings and leaves to help your garden grow?

Find more tips from Reep Green on reducing garden waste.

Summer Wellbeing Passport

Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council has come out with a summer wellbeing passport! This can be a wonderful tool to help connect folks in their community and support community wellbeing.  Filled with engaging activities, this digital activity book aims to help children develop and practice five essential skills for wellbeing.

Learn more about the Summer Wellbeing Passport

National Drowning Prevention Week

This year, for National Drowning Prevention Week the Ontario Lifesaving Society Branch is focusing on educating families about non-fatal drowning.

Find water safety and drowning prevention tips.

More things to know!

• Check out the Active Waterloo guide for summer programming opportunities!

• The City is testing for lead in drinking water in older homes. Sign-up for a free in-home water test.

• Stay up to date on projects happening across the City of Waterloo by signing up and subscribing to Engage Waterloo.

• Check out the Waterloo Public Library's website for details on upcoming programs, activities and events. Browse the event calendar or join the summer reading club.

• The Clay and Glass Gallery offers different events and programs for the community to participate in.

• 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.

July Diversity Calendar

July 1: Canada Day

July 1: Beaumont-Hamel Memorial Day

July 3: Asala (Dharma Day)

July 9: Nunavut Day

July 9: Martydom of the Bab

July 11: World Population Day

July 11: Imamat Day

July 12: Orangemen’s Day

July 14: International Non-Binary People’s Day

July 15: World Youth Skills Day

July 18: Nelson Mandela Day

July 19 – August 17: Muharram

July 21: Chökhor Düchen

July 24: International Self-Care Day

July 27: Tisha B’Av

July 27: Ashura

July 28: World Hepatitis Day

July 28: Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval

July 30: International Day of Friendship

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

Sign up for updates about arts and culture, recreation and active living, neighbourhood happenings, cycling, smart business, and other city news and stories.

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.

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