City of waterloo neighbourhoods: strong and connected.

Get involved

Artists in Neighbourhoods

The Artists in Neighbourhoods program provides funding for cool art projects in neighbourhoods. This year, Uptown West, Westvale and Beechwood North partnered with artists.


Do you live in one of these neighbourhoods? Consider getting involved in the project by reaching out to your neighbourhood or home association.


Check back next year for another opportunity to partner with an artist in your neighbourhood!

Two pots of paint on a table, hand holding a paintbrush dipping into one of the pots

More ways to get involved



  • 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

Neighbourhood Kindness

Close up of someone working on the hood of a car with wires

A story of kindness from a neighbour:


"James exemplifies the very essence of community spirit and altruism. His daily routine is a testament to his dedication, as he is often seen assisting neighbours with various tasks, ranging from labour-intensive repairs to routine chores.

His selflessness shines particularly bright during snowstorms when he forgoes personal time and income to clear driveways and sidewalks for seniors in the neighbourhood — frequently tending to four or five homes in a single day.


Furthermore, James is the go-to person for automotive assistance, generously offering his expertise to anyone struggling with car or truck issues.

His commitment to his neighbours is unwavering, and there seems to be no limit to the lengths he will go to lend a helping hand.

Every community is better with people like James living there and we are lucky to have them."


Do you know a kind neighbour? Consider nominating them for the Neighbourhood Kindness program.


Nominated neighbours receive a handwritten thank you letter, and are entered to win a random draw for Uptown dollars.

Nominate a kind neighbour

Butterfly Rangers pollinator plants

With the help of a mini grant, Laurelwood's Butterfly Rangers purchased pollinator seeds to share with the neighbourhood at their annual garage sale.


Interested in a mini grant to support a neighbourhood event or initiative? Check out our mini grants webpage for more information.

Plants in a wagon

Have an like this to promote belonging in your neighbourhood?

Use a mini grant to make it happen! Mini grants can be used towards events, projects are activities that are open to everyone in your neighbourhood.


Ideas:

  • card making workshop
  • outdoor activities such as park events, sports, or nature exploration
  • scavenger hunt supplies
  • potluck, barbeque, or cultural food celebration


Learn more about mini grants webpage

Get in the know

Get Active this Summer

The ActiveWaterloo guide is now available on the City's website. Some programs happening this summer include:


  • a variety of child and youth art programs
  • CAN-BIKE cycling safety courses
  • kids fitness games
  • Yoga Littles (age 4 to 6 with caregiver)
  • adult restorative art
  • Returning! Sugar cookie decorating
  • 40+ summer fitness programs
  • sewing, mending and maker workshops
  • weekly or daily indoor and outdoor swim lessons

 

City program registration opens June 6 (active living) and June 20 (swim) for spring. CARL sport leagues are now registering.

Fee assistance is available. Apply online now.

ActiveWaterloo Guide cover, with a group of people riding bikes through a wooded trail

More things to know!

  • June 13: Waterloo Regional Police Service is hosting a community consultation on race and identity-based data collection. The session is from 5 to 7 p.m. and Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.


  • June 15: Join Open Streets on Willis Way! Explore the art market, see live performances, play giant games and more. 


  • June 16: Summer Start in Waterloo Park is a fun celebration of summer with live performers, lawn games and crafts happening on June 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. 



  • June 28: The Shade Structure Grant Program provides up to $7,500 for shade structures at schools, daycares, parks, and not-for-profit organizations. Applications for the Shade Structure Grant Program are due by June 28 at 11:59 p.m.


  • The City recently celebrated the reveal of a new rainbow crosswalk on Willis Way.


  • Discover books, movies, programs, educational resources, and community celebrations through the Waterloo Public Library for Indigenous History Month







  • 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.

June Diversity Calendar

June 1: Global Day of Parents 

June1: Intergenerational Day 

June 2 – 8: Canadian Environment Week

June 4: Treaty Day (New Brunswick) 

June 5: Clean Air Day 

June 9 - 15:  National Public Service Week 

June 10: Action Anxiety Day / World Anxiety Day 

June 11 (sundown) - 13: Shavu’ot 

June 12: Independence Day, Philippines / Araw ng Kasarinlán 

June 13: International Albinism Awareness Day 

June 14 (sundown) – 19:  Hajj 

June 16: Father’s Day 

June 16 (sundown) - 19:  Eid al-Adha 

June 18: International Day for Countering Hate Speech 

June 19: Juneteenth 

June 20: World Refugee Day 

June 20: Summer Solstice 

June 20: Litha / Midsummer / Summer Solstice 

June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day 

June 23: International Widows' Day 

June 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day 

June 24: June Day 

June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day 



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

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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.


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