Welcome to the 54th 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.
As 2021 comes to an end, it's a great time to reflect on all of the amazing things happening in Waterloo neighbourhoods and look ahead to exciting things in the future. As we approach the winter season, we encourage you to check-in on nearby neigbours and continue building connections with eachother. Here's to a terrific 2022!
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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!
Tanja shares: "Wayne is a wonderful neighbour, he ensures that our cul de sac is mowed and kept tidy, as well as helping neighbours with snow when there's a good dumping!"
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Recognizing 2021 Neighborhood Kindness Nominees |
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To further recognize the efforts of Neighbourhood Kindness Nominees in 2021, we've randomly drawn four $25 gift card recipients. Congratulations:
- Kae E.
- The Barnes Family
- Terri K.
- Meaghan G.
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Do you have a great idea to help connect neighbours? |
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Apply for a Mini-Grant for Neighbours and receive up to $300 to support your idea. Follow steps 1-3 to easily apply today!
In the past few months, neighbours have used mini-grants to spread cheer and enhance neighbourhood connections. Community scavenger hunts, neighbourhood cards, fun crafts, distanced ice cream socials, or virtual workshops are some great ideas that have happened. For inspiration check out our Instagram @CityWaterloo!
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Official Plan notes for neighbours |
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The Official Plan is an important document that guides how land will be used across the City of Waterloo as it outlines council’s vision for growth and change, and it is guided heavily by public interest and provincial legislation. The principles, policies, and objectives included help to answer questions like, where the City will grow within its urban boundaries, how neighbourhoods will evolve, and how cultural heritage will be preserved.
The Official Plan was adopted in 2012 to guide the City until 2031. Every 10 years, the plan is reviewed to ensure it aligns with provincial requirements, supports local priorities, and meets the changing needs of the community. Staff are currently a review and updating process.
Why is it important to neighbours?
The Official Plan impacts how Waterloo residents live, work, shop, travel, and play. The current review process is focused on reviewing and updating the following eight areas that affect life in neighbourhoods:
- City Growth Structure and Form
- Economic Development
- Environment and Climate Change
- Housing Affordability and Equity
- Neighbourhoods, Communities and Culture
- Planning Processes and Public Consultation
- Transportation and Mobility
- Vision and Strategic Plan
The City of Waterloo is hosting an Official Plan Conversation with Neighbourhoods on February 2 from 7-8:30PM. Stay tuned for details on how to sign-up for this informational session.
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Help us reach more neighbours! |
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This bi-weekly neighbourhoods newsletter has inspired many residents to connect with their neighbours, building great friendships and connections. We encourage you to share this invitation to subscribe with your neighbours and friends across Waterloo 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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The outdoor rink program is getting ready for cold winter nights and outdoor skating and hockey fun! Additional rink locations from last year's list include Blue Beech Park, Clair Lake Park, Grey Silo Park, Laurelwood Park, and Regency Park. Thanks to all the new and ongoing volunteers for their hard work to make these activities possible in Waterloo neighbourhoods. You can review outdoor rink rules, locations, schedules, and more on the outdoor rink webpage.
Bollingbrook Rink photo credit: Chris
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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.
- Checking the status of a rental license
- Reporting unlicensed rental housing
- Minimum property standards
- Requesting an inspection of your rental unit
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December 24 ~ Christmas Eve is the evening before Christmas and which is often observed a long meal, usually with family, sometimes accompanied by other celebrations such as midnight mass. (Christian)
- December 25 ~ Christmas Day is a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is recognized as a public holiday in many nations around the world and is also celebrated secularly by many non-Christians.
- December 26 ~ Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day was traditionally celebrated as the day tradesmen and servants would receive gifts from their employers.
- December 26 – January 1 ~ Kwanzaa. A celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the African diaspora in the Americas and lasts a week. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.
- January 1 ~ New Year’s Day. The first day of the year of the modern Gregorian calendar. (International)
- January 4 ~ World Braille Day. Observed to raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people. Celebrated on Louis Braille’s birthday, the inventor of braille.
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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