If you have ideas for resources to share or shareable stories of kindness, please send them to: neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca

The City of Waterloo wants to recognize people who do something great, big or small, in their neighbourhood. Nominations will be accepted year-round and every nominee will receive a thank you package.

How can you get involved?

Kimberly shares "I am nominating Todd for this recognition because he is the epitome of a neighbour. He is the first to offer his assistance, a good morning/afternoon, a hearty laugh, a joke and/or smile. Todd looks out for us all and is willing to step up when things need attention. I can't tell you how many times after a snowfall I have looked out the window only to see Todd snowblowing the block's sidewalks so we can all get out safely. I wish Todd could clone himself so that others could have the privilege of having Todd for their neighbour."

Here are some creative ways to get outside and celebrate Earth Day this April!

This project supports the vision of the recreation and leisure services master plan approved by city council in November 2008. This plan recognizes a demand for new facility space as the city’s population continues to grow and new trends in recreation activities emerge.

You can learn more about this project on our website.

2020 was a booming year for the Gypsy moth caterpillar - a non-native species that hatches from egg masses in the spring to feed on new leaves of trees.

Inspect the trees on your property for Gypsy moth egg masses from August to April. Watch a video on the City of Waterloo trees and yards webpage to learn how to carefully remove and properly dispose of the egg masses.

The Foxhunt Neighbourhood Group started with a simple Facebook Page, a few flyers and word of mouth on March 23, 2020. Today there are 306 members!

To celebrate their first anniversary, they invited the neighbours to post a picture from around the 'hood for a chance to win one of the donated or purchased gifts made available for this celebration.

They also invited neighbours to nominate a 'Neighbourhood Hero' who they have seen helping out around the neighbourhood. There certainly were many!

Pictured above: Luke, who won a gift basket, has helped out with snowblowing, the neighbourhood rink and sits on a committee to plan future events. Tucker is well loved around the neighbourhood just like his owner Micah who is always spotted blowing snow, picking up garbage, or being helpful.

Volunteer Canada suggestions to get involved in celebrating, recognizing and thanking volunteers: 

Volunteer recognition is an important way to say thank you for all the work that neighbours across Waterloo do! If you are a volunteer in the City of Waterloo through outdoor rinks, community vegetable gardens, block connector program, neighbourhood association, homes association, neighbourhood leaders team, neighbourhood events, or other forms of neighbourhood involvement, please fill out this short survey to provide feedback on recognition opportunities. Your response will help us evaluate forms of appreciation that fit volunteer interests and availability. 

Contact the neighbourhoods team with your ideas

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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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