City of waterloo neighbourhoods: strong and connected.

Have you heard about the 30x30 challenge?

This is a fun challenge by Ontario Parks. The idea is simple: Spend 30 minutes outside for 30 days.

Here are some 30-minute activities you can try with your neighbours:

Organize a neighbourhood park scavenger hunt. Make a list of items for neighbours to find, like a bird, wildflower, squirrel, or cloud shape.
Neighbour step challenge. Keep track of all the steps you take in August and compare them with your neighbours. You can also plan a neighbourhood walk, roll or stroll together!
Park explorer challenge. Visit your neighbourhood park and complete mini tasks each day, like spotting five different trees or listening for three bird calls.

Image of people outside sitting under trees and tents in a park on a sunny day.

Get involved

Spread kindness in your neighbourhood

Person trimming tree. Text reads: Spotted neighbourhood kindness

Someone nominated a kind neighbour with a thoughtful comment to share about them:

"Doug is a kind and caring neighbour who always has time to listen to the stories of elderly or house-bound neighbours. He quietly helps others with lawn care, trimming, tree pruning, etc. And he regularly takes lonely neighbours out for lunch, or gives them rides to the doctor or appointments. He is a cheerful and appreciated member of our neighbourhood!"

Nominate a kind neighbour in your neighbourhood for the Neighbourhood Kindness Award, and we'll send them a thank-you package.

More ways to get involved

What's important to you when it comes to trees in the neighbourhood? Let us know by sharing your feedback on the draft Urban Forest Management Strategy
Nov 4, 2026: Save the date for this year's Neighbourhood Summit, an annual event to meet neighbours and discuss important neighbourhood topics.
Help us welcome new students to the neighbourhood! We are looking for event helpers at Waterloofest.

Smile Corner

A neighbour shared that they love to see dogs sniff and roll in the grass when out for a walk.

Submit a photo and a caption by replying to this email, and we may feature it in the Smile Corner of our next newsletter!

Get inspired

Twin Oaks neighbours hosted their annual Canada Day Garden Party, bringing the community together for delicious food and great conversation. This special tradition is something neighbours look forward to every year.

People sitting under tents on a driveway in red shirts for Canada day.

People outside sitting and standing and talking and enjoying food.

Beechwood North neighbours came together to celebrate Canada Day with crafts, an inflatable obstacle course, outdoor lawn games and refreshing snow cones. The day was filled with laughter, new connections and memories for neighbours of all ages.

Ready to plan an event in your neighbourhood? Discover what kind of funding is available to you for your idea.

Get in the know

What's next for the William Street Pump Station?

Have you noticed the brick building in uptown, on William Street? It's a historic pumping station that provided drinking water to the community for more than 125 years.

Now that it's no longer needed for its original purpose, it's time to imagine its next chapter.

What could this neighbourhood landmark become? How can it be a place where neighbours can connect, gather and enjoy for years to come?

Share your thoughts

Image of a building with the words William street pumping station and a yellow speech bubble that says tell us what you think.

More things to know

August 13: Learn practical skills to make your neighbourhood safer at the Introduction to Bystander Intervention Workshop.
August 18 and 25: Bring a neighbour to try the free Dance It Off Tuesdays in the Waterloo Public Square.
Cool off with your neighbours at a public swim time at the Moses Springer outdoor pool.
Spectrum Waterloo Region's Rainbow Community Space offers a variety of programs and services.

August diversity calendar

Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion's Diversity Ink Newsletter

August 1 - August 7: World Breastfeeding Week

August 13 - August 15: Obon

August 17 - August 21: Public Service Pride Week

August 1: Emancipation Day

August 1: Lammas / Lughnasadh / Lugnasad

August 3: Civic Holiday

August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

August 12: International Youth Day

August 15: National Acadian Day

August 17: Discovery Day

August 19: World Humanitarian Day

August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

August 25: Mawlid al-Nabī / Eid-Maulad-un-Nabi

August 26: Onam

August 28: Raksha Bandhan

August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day

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