SPECIAL EDITION 3
Waterloo still strong and still connected.
As we continue to adjust to these times of change, Waterloo neighbours continue to share their time, energy and resources throughout the community. This solidarity is a symbol of local pride.

If you have ideas for resources to share or shareable stories of kindness, please send them to: neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca
Sharing is caring in Upper Beechwood 2
A call was put out to members of Upper Beechwood II for items to help people experiencing homelessness. Gayle P. acknowledged that people's generosity donating blankets and pillows has been overwhelming. M any people also wrote letters of encouragement.
These outward demonstrations of caring is part of what makes Waterloo a great place to live.
Mary Allen Neighbourhood Association blog refresh
Mary Allen neighbours have revised, reformatted, relaunched the Mary Allen Stories blog! Mary Allen's neighbourhood history is on display through stories and historical collections. Current and past residents are being asked to share material that could be included regarding the neighbourhood's and now is a great time to dig into attics, basements and photo albums to find info worthy of including.

Share your physical distancing experiences
Times of great change, such as the current state of Emergency, will define several generations. Experiences may be life changing, community changing, and resilience building.

The City of Waterloo Museum encourages neighbours and neighbourhoods to submit or save stories, photographs, videos documenting their daily experiences and lived realities. This could include:

Visible encouragement:
  • signs on doors, windows, sidewalk chalk messages, porch portraits
  • sharing - baking, walking, street/driveway parties
  • neighbourhood recognition of front line workers - evening demonstrations of support or other efforts
  • stories of kindness, random acts, neighbours helping neighbours

Social media content:
  • concerts, singalongs
  • sharing sites - shopping, pick ups, organic self-organized volunteers
  • nutritional pop-ups for kids
  • food banks

Marking life moments:
  • drive by birthdays, face time parties
  • births
  • deaths

For more information or to submit stories please contact museum@waterloo.ca
Dinosaur sightings in Westvale!
Thanks to Bryan C. for sharing this photo of a unicorn being followed by two dinosaurs throughout the streets of Westvale.
More space closures announced
As of March 30, most outdoor spaces are closed by   order of the Province of Ontario . This includes all:
  • playgrounds
  • sports fields
  • basketball and tennis courts
  • off-leash dog parks
  • beaches
  • skateboard and BMX parks
  • picnic areas
  • outdoor community gardens
  • park shelters
  • outdoor exercise equipment
  • condo parks and gardens
  • other outdoor recreational amenities

Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed remain open for walk-through access only. Individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres from others.

Area municipalities extend closure of facilities, cancellation of programs and events
As of April 1, the Region of Waterloo and all area municipalities have extended the local public closure of municipal facilities until at least May 4. Previously-closed facilities will continue to remain closed to the public until May 4, including: all Regional offices; City Halls; municipal administrative offices; arenas; pools; community centres; public libraries; farmers’ markets; playgrounds and skateboard parks. This is all based on current information, and subject to change as information and circumstances change.

City of Waterloo financial package FAQs
The City of Waterloo has implemented a COVID-19 financial package to help those in need. Here are some FAQs about this package:

How do I access the interest free period?
  • The interest-free period is automatically applied, no forms or application is needed. The City of Waterloo will not be charging interest on property tax, water or on other amounts due to the city in the months of April and May 2020.

I am on a pre-authorized Payment Plan (PAP) how do I cancel my payments?

I have provided post-dated cheques, will they still be cashed?
  • If you provided post-dated cheques and wish to defer payment to June 1, please email revenue@waterloo.ca or call 519-747-8718 to request this deferral at least three business days before the date on the cheque

I pay my taxes through a mortgage company, how do I access this relief?
  • Customers who pay their taxes through their mortgage should contact their mortgage company/financial institution to understand how this grace period will affect their mortgage amount and/or pay schedule

I have paid by a cheque that does not clear, how will this impact my account?
  • If your cheque is returned as NSF (non-sufficient funds), the city will reverse payment on your account and not charge a NSF fee or penalties during April and May 2020

Are landlords required to pass on savings to their tenants?
  • The city is providing this relief from all payments due to the city in April and May. We are encouraging landlords to pass on that relief to their tenants.

I have received a collection letter this year what will happen over the next 60 days?
  • The city will suspend all collection efforts on accounts in arrears during April and May 2020 and will also not apply penalty or interest for the same months

Will I still receive bills during the next 60 days?
  • Water utility and other miscellaneous billing will continue to be mailed out during the next 60 days.
  • The water utility bills will indicate due dates and late payment consequences however, the comment box will state no interest or penalty for late payment of amounts due in April and May 2020. You may choose to defer payment until June 1 without penalty or interest

When are my bills due then?
  • Bills remain due on the date indicated on your bill/invoice. You may choose to defer payment until June 1 without penalty or interest.

If you have additional questions please email revenue@waterloo.ca or call 519-747-8718.
Resources from Google for Nonprofits
Google has a program called Google for Nonprofits that offers qualified nonprofits access to free versions of paid Google products including Hangouts Meet (video conferencing), Docs (collaborative document editing), and more. They also have volunteers interested in working with local nonprofits directly to help them get set up and trained to use those products with 1:1 help and lots of supporting resources . If you're interested in learning more or getting connected to a local Google volunteer, email kw-nonprofit-help@google.com .
Resources:
 Stay tuned for the next edition of Waterloo Neighbourhoods.
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