Welcome to the 37th 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.
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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!
Linda shares: Sara is one of those community minded people that although busy with a young family and a full time job, she still finds time to build community. She single handedly created a contact list for "Women in the Hood" connecting new and older residents. This past Valentine's Day she created a neighbourhood event that allowed 50 Valentine gifts to be distributed to people who are socially isolated or in need of connection. Sara's warmth and enthusiasm has also been instrumental in developing the new Facebook Neighbourhood Association (WOANA), where we are up to over 200 members since November. We are so grateful that Sara finds time to connect with others, our neighbourhood is a better place because of her.
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Neighbourhood projects wanted |
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Do you have an idea for your neighbourhood that would benefit from support money, consider applying for a mini grant?
The City of Waterloo mini grants for neighbours program is open year-round from January 1 to December 31. Eligible applicants are Waterloo residents working independently or collaboratively on a project that benefits neighbourhood cohesion.
Applicants may receive funds twice in a 12-month period, the maximum funding per project is $300 cash and/or in-kind support for eligible expenses.
In the past few months, neighbours have used mini-grants to spread cheer and enhance neighbourhood connections. Community scavenger hunts, neighbourhood cards, fun crafts, or virtual workshops are some great ideas that have happened. For inspiration check out our Instagram @CityWaterloo!
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The At-Home Garden program is back! |
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First offered in spring of 2020, the program is returning for 2021 to help support resident health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kits will contain soil, containers, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and petunias along with pollinator and planting resources. The kits are great for folks new to gardening to explore planting fresh items and to learn more about gardening at home.
A limited number of kits are available and registration starts Thursday, April 29 at 8:30 a.m. Eligible applicants will be contacted for curbside pick-up in May.
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Recreational opportunities during temporary facility closures |
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There will be temporary closures in two City of Waterloo recreational facilities over the coming months to accommodate summer campers as well as expansion construction activity.
The Swimplex at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (WMRC) is closed until approximately October 4, 2021. The City of Waterloo is currently expanding this facility to include a new civic front that will include an activity court/gymnasium, additional lobby space, two exercise studios and a secondary indoor walking concourse. As part of the expansion, the Swimplex must close to allow workers to refurbish hydraulics and complete mechanical work on the moveable floor. The aquatic change rooms will also undergo renovations.
During the closure, we encourage swimmers to visit the outdoor pool at Moses Springer Community Centre. Swim lessons, lane swims, waterfit, public swims and leadership courses will be available throughout the summer at Moses Springer outdoor pool. Registration for swim lessons begins June 2, 2021.
The indoor track at WMRC and the walking loop at RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex and Healthy Living Centre will close June 25, 2021 for the summer. In keeping with public health guidelines and provincial legislation, these closures are necessary to free up capacity for our summer campers. During the closure, and throughout the year, we encourage track and loop users to consider visiting our local trails. There are several to choose from including:
- Walter Bean Trail
- Trails around RIM Park
- Forwell Trail
- Uptown Loop
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There is a full list of trails on our website.
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Sharing love among Wissler Old Abbey neighbours |
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Wissler Old Abbey neighbours found ways to safely show care and connection this Valentine's Day thanks to an idea from Sara. Boxes and cards were purchased with the help of a mini grant, and folks volunteered to create care packages for their neighbours. This creative idea meant 80 households received treats and activities to spread some joy in February. |
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#ChalkChallenge in Waterloo neighbourhoods |
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From April 19-26, neighbours across Waterloo were encouraged to decorate nearby spaces with chalk.
Neighbours definitely accepted the challenge and delivered some beautiful, fun, and uplifting creations. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped spread cheer across the city. A special thanks to Foxhunt neighbours for initiating this chalk challenge!
Photo credit: Marian, Ward 5
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COVID reflections in Lakeshore North |
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Nancy, a Block Connector in Lakeshore North, organized a project this March for neighbours to remember and reflect on the anniversary of COVID-19. Neighbours were encouraged to light a candle to commemorate all the pandemic has meant for them, their family, and the community. Messages of hope, strength, and welcome were also encouraged to be sent to The Community Happiness Project.
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- 2021 Grand River Film Festival, Happening May 3rd to 8th
- Azure shares Public Safety at the City’s Core: Placemaker Jay Pitter grapples with the personal and professional dimensions of safe(r) space.
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The Region of Waterloo shares Safe Voluntary Isolation Site
- The Community Edition shares We Are All In This Together
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Carizon shares group flyers, program information, and referral forms for the Newcomer Mental Health Program – A Promise of Partnership. There are spaces available for:
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Empowering Youth on Anti-Racism: Newcomer youth (ages 15-20) will discuss the impacts of racism, manifestations of racism, examine assumptions and beliefs about racism and receive support and encouragement to begin healing.
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Standing Strong: Newcomers who identify as female, ages 13-17 are welcomed to join these sessions designed to empower participants to seek and create opportunities to get involved in their communities. The goal is to inspire and promote self-love, and self-care; to support meaningful connections with other youth; and develop life skills to be well and thrive.
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Talk it Through: Newcomer parents who fall under the categories of GAR, PSR, or Protected Persons status are invited to connect, learn and share strategies with other community members around parenting and connecting with their children in a new culture.
- Forbes shares The Ugly Truth: Everyone Wants An Anti-Racist Workplace, But No One Wants To Speak Up
- The Community Edition shares Local Media Members Create Initiative To Boost Bipoc Voices In Waterloo Region
- Reep Green Solutions offers a virtual Planning a Sustainable Yard: What Works Where? workshop on May 11th from 7–8pm
- Reep Green Solutions offers a virtual Designing Your Rain Garden workshop on May 18th from 7-8pm
- Woolwich Township and Bring on the Sunshine host Telling Stories Celebrating Diversity in Local Community, April 29th at 6:30pm
- Reep Green Solutions shares 10 Things Your Family Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While At Home
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- May 1 ~ Twelfth Day of Ridván the day on which Bahá’u’lláh and His family left the garden to travel to Constantinople. (Bahá’í)
- May 2 ~ Easter (Orthodox / Eastern). Also called ‘Pascha’, this is one of the holiest days in the Christian (Western) calendar. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from death, three days after his crucifixion. (Christian)
- May 3 ~ World Press Freedom Day. A designated day to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to freedom of the press and a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
- May 9 ~ Mother’s Day. This day is dedicated to honouring mothers and appreciating their role in families and community. (International)
- May 12-13 ~ Eid Al-Fitr. A Muslim celebration to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of dawn to sunset fasting. This day is celebrated with feasts, gifts, and prayers in honour of God. (Islam)
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Stay tuned for the next edition of Waterloo Neighbourhoods.
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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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