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

September 30^th is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In previous years, this date has been recognized as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, a day to witness and honour the healing journey of residential school survivors and their families. Orange shirts commemorate the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor who was stripped of her shiny new orange shirt when she attended residential school as a six-year-old child. In Phyllis’ words, “The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing.”

The federal government formalized September 30^th as a national day to address the harm caused to Indigenous peoples by the residential school system and to advance reconciliation. As a municipality, the City of Waterloo is committed to creating meaningful discussion about the legacy of the residential school system, to affirm that survivors matter, and to further commit to reconciliation.

There are a number of ways you can participate in recognition of this day in the resources section below.

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?

Beth shares: "Monica became president of the Upper Beechwood 1 Homes Association - a big volunteer job in itself with over 200 members - the year before COVID hit. She has worked tirelessly attending community meetings, recruiting and supporting the board of directors, filling out grant applications, knocking on doors to welcome new neighbours, fielding neighbourhood emails etc., to ensure that her neighbourhood association is functioning in top shape for the benefit of all the neighbours who live in the neighbourhood and who use the association facilities. As a result the association is thriving and has provided community events throughout the pandemic that brought people, both young and old, together - albeit socially distanced. Her big heart and strong work ethic has been much appreciated by all her neighbours!"

Do you have a great idea to help connect neighbours? Apply for a Mini-Grant and receive up to $300 to support your idea. For more information reach out to neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca.

Through the City of Waterloo’s fall community planting program, the Vermont Park Neighbourhood Association hosted a small planting event in Vermont Park on Sept 18, 2021.

If you are interested in learning about how your neighbourhood can participate in a community planting and increase the shade in your neighbourhood park next fall, view the city’s Partners in Parks program.

The Neighbourhood Matching Fund is a great opportunity to fund neighbourhood projects that address social isolation, support community wellbeing and build neighbourly connections in safe ways. Some ideas include park features, community art, message boards, activity kits, virtual workshops, little libraries and more!

Throughout the pandemic, we've made some small changes to the application process. There is funding of up to $7500 per project up for grabs and while applicants are encouraged to show how the community will contribute to the project, they are not required to match the funds requested. We will work with applicants so projects that meet current public health and government guidelines are provided flexible support.

Have an idea or questions about the application? Contact us! We are happy to chat and guide you along to help make your project a success!

The City of Waterloo’s Pollinator Working Group have focused their efforts on creating pollinator patches of native wildflowers within an open meadow at Bechtel Park.

The City of Waterloo’s Pollinator Working Group gratefully acknowledges the financial support of a Community Conservation Grant from the Grand River Conservation Foundation.

To learn more and get involved, visit: Waterloo Bee City

The City of Waterloo Council invites interested persons to apply for positions on its boards and committees. Volunteering on a committee provides an opportunity to be engaged with matters affecting the community. The City is looking for members that can assist Council in strengthening Waterloo as a diverse and inclusive community.

For more information about the committees, eligibility, and to submit an application, please visit the City of Waterloo website.

If you would like a paper or PDF application form or if you wish to speak to our staff about applying to volunteer on a committee, contact Kevin Gerlach at 519-747-8704 or email committees@waterloo.ca

There are several great ways to Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!

From September 22 until October 21 individuals can show proof of vaccination via a paper or electronic copy of their vaccine record. To print or download your vaccination receipt, visit the provincial booking portal.

  

Beginning October 22, individuals can show proof of vaccine with their Government of Ontario-issued QR code. Individuals can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal.

If as a result of the required proof of vaccination, you and/or your family member no longer wish to participate in a program or activity that you have already paid for, a full refund will be given. Please email activewaterloo@waterloo.ca for further information.

Patrons are encouraged to “Check before they Rec” before arriving at a municipal recreation facility. Check the municipalities’ and facilities’ webpages you are visiting about entering, exiting, access to dressing rooms, etc. There are differences in each facilities’ protocols, as each facility varies slightly from one facility to another. Where possible, build in extra time to allow for necessary screening and vaccine verification when visiting municipal recreation facilities.

Information is subject to change based on federal, provincial, regional or municipal government policies and guidelines. Please refer to Ontario Regulation 645/21 for full details on vaccine certification screening.

Sign up for updates about arts and culture, recreation and active living, neighbourhood happenings, cycling, smart business, and other city news and stories.

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.