Welcome to the 63rd edition of Neighbours helping Neighbours, a newsletter from the neighbourhoods team, with a focus on good news stories, important community updates, and local resources.
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Celebrating Waterloo's neighbourhood volunteers |
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Neighbourhood associations, outdoor rinks, block connectors, homes associations, and community gardens are just some of the ways neighbours volunteer throughout Waterloo. During National Volunteer Week, it's a great time to say thanks to these fantastic community members for all they do to make strong and connected neighbourhoods. Thank you volunteers! |
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Spring is here in Foxhunt neighbourhood |
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The Foxhunt "Spring is Here" Committee started planning in January to bring an awesome Easter event to the Neighbourhood. Activities were online as well as around the neighbourhood.
With the help of a mini grant, donations made by neighbours who volunteered, Waterloo Regional Police Services, Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo Public Library, and Ashraf Dentistry Waterloo, we were able to give the children a great experience.
It was a chilly day but the community spirit sure warmed things up!
Photo credit: Donna
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Spread chalk cheer in your neighbourhood |
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The neighbourhood Chalk Challenge is happening soon! From May 9-15, use chalk to create artwork and kind messages that brighten your neighbourhood and spread cheer.
Participate for a chance to win a $50 local business gift card. Share your chalk creations on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram and tag #ChalkChallenge2022 or email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca. One entry per creation. The winner of the giveaway will be selected through a random draw.
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Apply now! Community planting of large trees in parks |
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Neighbourhood Associations or neighbourhood groups can coordinate a park project involving the planting and maintenance of up to 15 trees in your neighbourhood park this fall. Help enhance the urban forest and provide shade around playgrounds, seating areas, trails or park perimeter.
2. Select a park that meets the criteria.
3. Coordinate with your neighbourhood to generate interest.
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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?
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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!
George brought in some packages off our porch while we were away. He noticed the water in our fish tank was low and too cold so he fixed it so our fish were more comfortable!
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Reminder: Apply by May 1st for the Neighbourhood Picnic Table program
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The Neighbourhood Picnic Table program could be coming to your local park this summer! The program celebrates community spaces, brings creative works to parks, and creates spaces for neighbourhood connections.
Submit an application to be considered for one of three neighbourhood parks selected for 2022. The application form includes questions about your neighbourhood, how this would benefit neighbours, and details on involvement in the art selection process. Apply online by May 1 or connect with neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca for questions.
This year's program will feature the work of up to nine artists. The picnic tables will be issued through an open call to artists in our community at a later date. The art will function as temporary public art in the neighbourhood.
Pictured: "Bee-Dazzled" by Tara Nix in Heasley Park
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Puppy poop power challenge |
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Pick up your puppy’s poop in Waterloo and you could win a puppy prize pack!
From April 22 to May 27, scan the QR code on one of our green poop posts, fill out the entry form and you and your pup will be entered to win a special prize pack.
For a bonus entry, post a pic of you and/or your dog responsibly enjoying our parks and trails on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #PuppyPoopPower, and tag us @citywaterloo.
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Healing Through Art Paint Night |
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University area neighbours recently connected for a community paint night. In this workshop, participants had an opportunity to experience "healing through art" by exploring the topic of mental health through an artistic and creative lens. Everyone had an amazing time and learned a little bit about each other’s stories. Check out a TikTok video of the event.
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City of Waterloo resources: |
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Don't forget! The New Eastside Branch Library will open its doors to the public on Saturday, May 7 from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Opening day celebrations will include a ribbon cutting, giveaways and special programs for all ages. For more information, visit the Waterloo Public Library website.
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Community Coalition On Refugee and Immigrant Concerns encourages nominations for World Refugee Day Awards of Distinction. These annual awards recognize outstanding members of the local community with lived refugee experience who have made positive contributions to Waterloo Region through their skills, dedication, and vision.
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Immigration Waterloo Region shares information on community support in solidarity with Ukraine and supporting Afghan resettlement in Waterloo Region.
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The Community Edition shares In Anticipation of the 2022 Municipal Elections, Local Activists and Organizers Help First-time Candidates.
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Bike Tips and Rules of the Road are presented by the Region of Waterloo in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian.
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Get a free Tastes from Home: Recipes from the Refugee Community cookbook to mark the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' 70th anniversary.
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So you want to run for council? is a free online workshop open to individuals in Waterloo Region. Register for the May 4 session from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Diversity Month
Multicultural Communications Month
Sikh Heritage Month
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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