Welcome to the 51st edition of Neighbours helping Neighbours, a bi-weekly newsletter from the neighbourhoods team, with a focus on good news stories, important community updates and an ever growing list of support resources.
PS ~ We encourage you to subscribe to this enewsletter if you haven't already and/or share this invitation with your friends in case they might be interested as well. Anyone who subscribes between now and Dec. 31 will be entered into a draw to win one of four (1 of 4) $25 Mastercard gift cards.
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Is there someone doing awesome near you?
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?
- Submit a quick and easy nomination to describe your kind neighbour’s contributions
- Help spread the word about this new program
- Be a caring and kind neighbour!
Spotted: Neighbourhood Kindness!
Brook shares "Meaghan is the vice chair of the Neighbourhood Association. She is always working towards making our neighbourhood and our local school the best it can be. She has so many great ideas for new initiatives and events and regularly holds fundraisers for local charities. Not only does Meaghan have so many great ideas but she also has the time and energy to make them very successful and well organized. She deserves some recognition."
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Accessible Trick or Treat event in Mary Allen |
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Shout out to Mary Allen neighbour Catherine for organizing an accessible trick-or-treat event in the neighborhood. From 3-5pm, houses on the map handed out treats to all who appreciate a more accessible and less spooky experience compared to night time trick or treating.
Great work demonstrating inclusivity, neighbours!
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Register for the 3rd annual Neighbourhood Summit!
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The 3rd annual Neighbourhood Summit will take place virtually until December 1, 2021. The informative and inclusive event will bring neighbours together from across the city to learn, share information and network.
There is a variety of workshops to choose from, and residents are encouraged to register for as many as they like. Remaining workshops include:
Getting to know your neighbours: Ideas for addressing conflict
- Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 7 – 8:15 p.m.
- Attendees will gain an understanding of options for resolving conflict between neighbours.
Understanding planning in Waterloo
- Thursday, Nov. 25, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
- This workshop will share high-level information about urban planning in Waterloo and provide details on how neighbours can get involved and stay informed.
Neighbourhood networking with the Volunteer Action Centre
- Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- At this session, attendees will be able to ask questions, share their knowledge, and build connections with other neighbours. Neighbours will discuss interests, questions, ideas, or other topics about connecting in their community.
The Neighbourhood Summit workshops are free. Please register online to reserve your spot.
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Community cash grants available |
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The cash grants program is available to organizations that encourage recreation, sports, arts, culture, festivals and neighbourhood participation.
Eligibility requirements
- applications are due on Wednesday, December 1 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
- the organization must benefit the community through recreation and sports, arts and culture, festivals and events or neighbourhoods
- be organized for a minimum of 1 year and be in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and bylaws for all levels of government
- must submit a complete application form providing all documents by required deadline
The maximum amount of funding a group can receive for either an operating or a project grant is $5000 for this grant cycle. Requests in excess of $5000 for either an operating or a project grant will not be considered. It is possible to apply for both an operating and a project grant. The total maximum amount any one organization can request is $10,000.
Due to COVID-19 we are providing more flexibility in the use of grants and organizations are welcome to apply for funds supporting one or more of the following:
- purchasing PPE equipment for staff or volunteers
- shifting operations to be in compliance with public health and provincial guidelines
- transitioning programs and events that follow public health and provincial guidelines
- other innovative projects to help recover and/or adapt to the current environment
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Eastbridge pop up ice cream social |
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Janice, a neighbour in Eastbridge, recently led an ice cream social event to connect neighbours. Along with treats, the event supported pop-up COVID-19 rapid antigen screening to encourage neighbours to be safe during the pandemic. Ice cream and popsicles at the park funded by a mini grant were enjoyed by many! |
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Improving the Laurel Greenway experience |
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The greenway is a linear park space and trail that weaves through uptown Waterloo, running from Waterloo Park in the west to Weber Street in the east.
It's time to share some design concepts based on what was heard from feedback earlier this year. We encourage you to visit Engage Waterloo to watch the videos, and then share your thoughts and ideas using the survey, ideas board and/or mapping tool. There are long-term and short-term projects to consider, and a map to plot out different elements you’d like to see along the greenway, like seating, gathering spaces, public art and lighting.
Feedback is welcome until November 30, 2021.
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Growing together on William Street |
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Gardening has brought residents on William St. E. a new sense of community. Neighbour volunteers now work together on a new garden bed at the building and many others enjoy the beautification that has taken place. Carol Ann, the mini grant leader, says it has also been wonderful to see people from the general neighbourhood area stopping to take pictures of the blooming beds and to chat with the folks working in them. The garden box has truly been a community building project. |
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The City of Waterloo supports safe rental housing through licensing, inspections and enforcement of applicable bylaws. Problems with heating, electrical and plumbing, certain appliances, mold, and broken doors and windows are covered by these bylaws. If you suspect your rental unit is below minimum standards, please talk to your landlord or property manager first. If they are unwilling to fix the problem, you can request an inspection. Please contact us so we can help. Visit waterloo.ca/rentalsupport to learn more about:
- Checking the status of a rental licence
- Reporting unlicensed rental housing
- Minimum property standards
- Requesting an inspection of your rental unit
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The importance of dog licensing |
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Dogs love going out for walks in our parks, and along our trails. You know it’s the bylaw to keep your dog on a leash, and to pick up their poop. But did you know that all dogs older than 12 weeks must be licensed?
Why is a dog licence important? Imagine you lost your dog. Pretty awful, right? It happens, but if you licence your dog, the dog tag can help us reunite you with your beloved pooch. When you purchase a new licence, or renew the licence, using our quick and easy online system, you will receive a $20 voucher from Ren's Pets. This is a great deal! If you need access to a computer, you can visit a branch of the Waterloo Public Library to use their computers for free. Also, great news! Dog licences do expire and must be renewed each year by Dec. 31. We encourage you to take advantage of early bird pricing before Dec. 31, 2021. You can learn more at waterloo.ca/doglicence
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Five ball diamonds in Waterloo getting upgrades |
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The City of Waterloo is upgrading five ball diamonds within Waterloo by 2023.
This project is part of the ongoing implementation of the Outdoor Sportsfield Strategy that was completed in 2012. Our goal is to maximize the capacity of the existing diamonds and better meet the needs of the people visiting and using these diamonds.
We encourage residents who have questions or comments, to use the feedback tools on each of the project pages. The feedback period is open until November 26, 2021. At that time, we will review the feedback and move forward with final drawings.
Thank you in advance for sharing your questions and comments!
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November 15 – December 24 ~ Nativity Fast. A period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches, in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus (December 25). (Christian)
- November 20 ~ Transgender Day of Remembrance. A day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community.
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November 25 ~ Day of the Covenant commemorating Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the One to whom His followers should turn after His passing. (Bahá’í)
- November 25 ~ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Designated by the UN, this is a day to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence.(International)
Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion
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Sign up for updates about arts and culture, recreation and active living, neighbourhood happenings, cycling, smart business, and other city news and stories.
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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.
The City of Waterloo is committed to providing accessible formats and communications support for persons with disabilities. If another format would work better for you, please let us know by calling 519-747-8515 or by emailing us at communications@waterloo.ca.
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