Immigrant & International Student Survey Results

Are you assisting the Ukrainian community in Waterloo Region?

This CUAET support resources provides key updates on status, permits, and service eligibility for CUAET visa holders as changes take effect on March 31, 2025.

Oct. 20 & 27, Nov. 10 & 24, Dec. 8, Jan. 19, Feb. 23 & Mar. 23, 10AM - 12PM, 85 Queen St. N, Kitchener | Free

Elder's Circle

Indigenous and newcomer Elders aged 60+ are invited to join a welcoming Circle to share stories, cultural traditions and life experiences while building meaningful connections. Guided by a Haudenosaunee Elder and an Elder immigrant from Latin America, participants will have opportunities to learn from one another through storytelling, creative activities, conversations and shared meals.

Learn more

Monday, Oct. 26, 10AM - 12PM, 30 Fairway Rd. S, Kitchener

Free workshop: Social Value and Social Return on Investment (SROI)

The Workplace and Immigrant Network, in partnership with the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin (WPBWWD), is hosting a free workshop to explore how nonprofits can measure and communicate their impact through Social Return on Investment (SROI). Participants will learn how SROI can help strengthen funding applications, support strategic planning, demonstrate program impact and inform advocacy efforts.

The workshop is designed for Executive Directors, senior managers, board members and others involved in organizational planning and impact measurement.

Registration is required, and spaces are limited.

Register here!

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5:30PM - 8:30PM, Online | Free

Free Virtual Grant Writing Workshop

The Government of Ontario is hosting a free virtual grant writing workshop for beginners, new nonprofits, volunteer-led groups and grassroots organizations in Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, Wilmot and Wellesley.

Participants will learn about grant writing with guidance from Regional Development Advisors Julie Jardel and Andrea Hopkins.

Register here

Immigrants Wanted for Research Study

Immigrants aged 18 and older living in Canada are invited to participate in a research study exploring how genetics, diversity and life experiences affect the health of people with and without multiple sclerosis (MS).

The study involves four phone interviews over three years and providing a saliva sample by mail. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Interested in participating?

Email msepidemiology@nshealth.ca for more information or read the Participant Information and Consent Form to learn more about the study.

Free fall programs at the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities

The Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities at Wilfrid Laurier University is offering free 8 week programs starting the week of October 19.



Programs include:

• Active Integration for newcomer women ages 18+ with free childcare available.
• Sports Galore, for children ages 9 to 12.
• Movin’ & Groovin’, for children ages 8 to 14 with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• Thriving Together, for parents and caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Explore fall programs

Help shape the Region’s 2027 budget

The Region of Waterloo wants to hear from you! Share what matters most to you and help make the 2027 budget process clearer, more open and responsive to our community.

Complete the survey for a chance to win a $25 gift card.

Complete the survey and learn more about the 2027 Plan and Budget: Region of Waterloo: 2027 Plan and Budget | EngageWR

Introducing The Village Parenting Centre



After 40 years of serving the community, The Pregnancy Centre has officially become The Village Parenting Centre. The new name better reflects the full scope of the organization’s work supporting Waterloo Region families navigating pregnancy and the early years of raising children from 0 – 4 years old. The Village believes strong communities grow when families have access to compassionate care. By collaborating with community partners, the organization helps parents access the practical resources and emotional support they need to thrive.

To advance this mission, The Village is inviting the community to join Waterloo Region’s largest diaper drive. From October 1st to 31st, the Diaper Our City campaign aims to collect 500 boxes of diapers and raise $30,000 for families with limited resources. Every contribution will help provide children with the diapers they need to stay clean, dry, and healthy.

BuildHER Future Program: Newcomer Women in Construction

BuildHER Future is a free skills and career development program helping internationally educated newcomer women advance their careers in Ontario’s construction sector.

The program is designed for women with backgrounds in engineering, architecture, construction, IT, finance, project management and other technical fields.

Participants can access industry-specific training, leadership development, employment support and hands-on learning opportunities to strengthen their skills, gain Canadian work experience and connect with potential employers.

Applications are open

Promotion of Bilingual Services

The Promotion of Bilingual Services subcomponent encourages non-governmental organizations to provide services in English and French, and to share their best practices through innovative projects or initiatives.

Priority is given to projects and initiatives that develop delivery models for bilingual services (action plan, policy development, pilot projects in organizations and businesses, feeder projects, mechanisms that can be exported to other organizations, etc.).



Submit your nominations by November 15, 2026 

Learn more at Promotion of Bilingual Services – Promotion of Linguistic Duality - Canada.ca

Recognize the volunteers who make a lasting impact in your community by nominating them for the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards!

This award honors individuals for their ongoing commitment to an organization. Adults are recognized for five to 65 years of continuous service with a single organization, while youth (24 and under) are recognized for two or more years of continuous service.

Submit your nominations by November 15, 2026 

Learn more at Honours and awards: volunteering | ontario.ca

Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is now accepting applications

The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is a $500 million program that provides funding to municipalities, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations and (for new builds only) for-profit organizations through two program streams for projects that:

• repair or upgrade existing sport and recreation facilities (Stream 1)
• build new and transformative sport and recreation facilities (Stream 2)

Submit your application by December 22, 2026 

Learn more at Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund

Want to learn more?
Join the online information session on August 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. to learn about the fund and application process. A recording of the webinar will be available later.

City of Waterloo's 2026/2027 Ageing Well Directory for older adults

The 2026-2027 Ageing Well Directory is a ‘one-stop-shop’ resource that contains a comprehensive list of programs and services in Waterloo for older adults. Included in the Directory is a listing of agencies, institutions, support networks, cultural groups, health, recreation, transportation, housing, and other useful information for older adults living in Waterloo. 

Samedi 31 octobre de 12 h 30 à 15 h 30, The Aud, 400 East Ave, Kitchener

AFKW Halloween

L'AFKW et ses partenaires vous invitent à un après-midi festif pour petits et grands, entre les deux patinoires du mémorial The Aud. Au programme :

• maquillage sur place ;
• décoration de biscuits, coloriage, modelage et bricolages créatifs ;
• concours de sculpture de citrouilles ;
• concours de défilé de costumes : n'oubliez pas votre déguisement !



⚠️ Les citrouilles sont disponibles en quantité limitée. Réservez la vôtre dès votre inscription !

Inscription

Guide d'établissement pour les communautés francophones de l'Ontario

Ce guide se veut une source d'information pour le personnel de première ligne des prestataires de services de langue anglaise afin qu'il puisse plus facilement orienter les clients francophones vers les services de langue française dans leur zone géographique. 

Plus d'informations : Settling-in-French-in-Ontario - Settlement-Guide.pdf

Have Your Say: 2026 Workforce Survey

The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin is inviting residents to share their employment experiences and perspectives through the 2026 Workforce Survey, open from October 5 to 31, 2026.

Whether you’re employed, looking for work, preparing to enter the workforce or not currently seeking employment, your input can help identify workforce needs and inform future programs and services across Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Guelph and Dufferin County.

The survey takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential, and participants can choose to enter a prize draw.

Complete the 2026 Workforce Survey

Oct. 28, 411 Elgin Street, Brantford | Ticketed

The Growing your Workforce Conference is coming to Brantford!

This annual conference focuses on addressing workforce development challenges and opportunities across Southwestern Ontario and is a vital platform for bringing together partners, including employers, service providers, institutions, and decision makers. It is an event where ideas are exchanged, best practices are shared, and solutions are crafted to address the pressing issues facing our workforce, talent pipelines, and local labour markets.

Get your tickets today!