EDITION 58
Welcome to the 58th edition of Neighbours helping Neighbours, a newsletter from the neighbourhoods team, with a focus on good news stories, important community updates and an ever growing list of support resources.

If you have ideas for resources to share or shareable stories of kindness, please send them to: neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca
Many volunteers shovel snow at an outdoor rink on a winter night
The first outdoor rink season at Clair Lake Park
Volunteers at Clair Lake Park have been busy during their first winter in the outdoor rink program. Building ice and clearing snow are some of the main tasks for these dedicated volunteers. Community members are grateful for their efforts and have enjoyed the opportunity to skate or play hockey in the neighbourhood.

Photo credit: Patrick, volunteer rink convenor
Neighbours spread kindness across Waterloo
Neighbours are an important source of day-to-day help and community connection, and their kindness continues to spread across Waterloo. “Caring and kind neighbours improve our quality of life and make Waterloo a great place to live,” says Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky. “It’s heartwarming to know so many people are making positive contributions to their neighbourhood, especially during these difficult times.”

The neighbourhoods team received over 120 nominations in 2021 for the newly launched neighbourhood kindness campaign. Nominations included stories of kind actions from neighbours like picking up groceries, helping in emergencies, organizing physically-distanced events, and welcoming new neighbours. These acts of kindness, big or small, demonstrate a true commitment to making Waterloo a community where everyone belongs. Sharing time, energy and resources through kindness has made a tremendous positive impact on neighbours and neighbourhoods.

Anyone can nominate a neighbour in the City of Waterloo for their acts of kindness, generosity and neighbourhood spirit. Every nominee receives a thank you package and nominated neighbours are entered into an annual draw for a surprise.

  • Submit a quick and easy nomination to describe your kind neighbour’s contributions
  • Help spread the word about this program
  • Be a caring and kind neighbour!
Spotted: Neighbourhood kindness in action
Chad has led volunteers of the neighbourhood ice rink to build one of the best rinks that park has seen in years! With the challenges of lockdown, restrictions, and lack of travel this rink gives the entire community an outlet, a place to have fun and to exercise! Countless times I've walk past and there are young kids out with parents skating for the first time or husband and wives out for a date night. Chad is at the rink many nights for hours, shoveling and prepping for the next days skaters. Thank you, Chad!!
Last call for round 1 of the Neighbourhood Matching Fund
Have a great idea for your neighbourhood? Apply for up to $7500 in funds to support your project. The first deadline of the year for the Neighbourhood Matching Fund is February 16 at 2 p.m. Any two or more neighbours can apply! Find out more at waterloo.ca/nmf or connect about your idea at neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca.

Future 2022 deadlines are June 1 and October 19.
Skate through the decades at Waterloo Public Square
Join Create Waterloo at the Waterloo Public Square ice rink from 7 - 9 p.m. every Thursday in February for a Skate Night Date Night through the decades! Skate along to the tunes of our on-site DJ. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab a warm beverage or tasty treat from the FunnelCloud food truck who will be beside the rink each night!

Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and in theme for a groovy, rad and overall awesome night!

Ice skating is free and participants must bring their own skates.
Waterloo Park Circuit survey
The City of Waterloo is working on the Waterloo Park Circuit project to design and build an interior walkway in the west side of the park. The Park Circuit will link the various activity areas of the park and create a strong connection to the surrounding communities and between the east and west sides of the Park. 

Complete this survey to provide input on key elements of the circuit including the path surface materials, the width of the path, and uses for the Bauer lot. Please watch the short video (2 minutes) for more information before completing the survey. The survey will take about 8 minutes and can be completed until February 11.
Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia, Racism or Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
Resources:
City of Waterloo Resources:
Multicultural Calendar:
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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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