Welcome to the 56th 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'd like to grow the audience for this newsletter! Our request: Will you forward this issue to at least one other person who shares our love of all things neighbourhoods, then suggest that they subscribe through the link at the bottom or waterloo.ca/subscribe?
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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!
Gwen shares "We used to live right next door to Craig. He has always been a great neighbor and friend. He shared his BBQ with us and helped entertain our kids, who love his company. He took a day off to help us move to our new house. Craig, we miss you as our neighbour!"
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Join us for a conversation about the Official Plan! |
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The Official Plan is an important document that guides how land will be used across the City of Waterloo, it is guided heavily by council's vision, public interest and provincial legislation. 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 reviewing and updating the plan. To learn more about the items that impact neighbourhood life and wellbeing, such as where the City will grow within its urban boundaries, how neighbourhoods will evolve, and how cultural heritage will be preserved.
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Great neighbourhoods start with you and some money from us! |
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Fun park features, murals, community gardens, message boards, little libraries – ideas that address social isolation, support community wellbeing and build neighbourly connections in safe ways. Tell us about your idea so we can help.
Questions about neighbourhood funding opportunities? Send us an email at neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca.
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New subscriber prize draw |
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Welcome new subscribers to this bi-weekly neighbourhoods newsletter. Over the past 2 years this enews has inspired many residents to connect with their neighbours, build great friendships and connections. We hope it will inspire you too!
Any Waterloo resident who subscribed between October to December 31 was entered into a draw to win one of four (1 of 4) $25 Mastercard gift cards. Congratulations:
- Hannah L.
- Marilou M.
- Victoria D.
- Darlene D.
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Affordable Housing - Kingscourt Drive, Waterloo |
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Dozens of families and individuals in need of affordable housing will soon call 416 Kingscourt home as the Region of Waterloo prepares to revitalize the property in Waterloo. A new apartment building currently in design will have at least 70 units ranging between one and five bedrooms. It will help reduce the wait list for housing in this neighbourhood and provide an opportunity to expand services onsite for tenants. Kingscourt was chosen as one of five Waterloo Region Housing (WRH) properties to be revitalized as it is located near a light rail transit station, many amenities, and can accommodate more homes on the property. The revitalization is part of the Region’s commitment to accelerate the development of affordable housing in the community.
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Outdoor rink season is here! |
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Many rink locations have opened for the winter. All neighbours are asked to follow the signage posted at your local rink including COVID-19 regulations of physical distancing, masking, and staying home if unwell. Outdoor rink volunteers work hard to keep the ice in good condition, so please respect this effort by staying off the ice during warm periods when the ice is wet or thin. Rinks will close from time to time as weather changes or as maintenance is needed. Enjoy the skating and hockey time!
Photo Credit: Sundew Park outdoor rink, Jake
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Cornhole bringing neighbours together! |
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Lesley shares "With the help of a mini grant, Beechwood Bridlegate neighbours purchased cornhole boards. In 2021, a closing summer BBQ was held with a cornhole family challenge activity - many families participated and loved this new game!
The boards can be used at the community pool, or through community sign out - neighbours are able to sign the board out and take it home to use at their own leisure.
We can't wait to get a proper tournament next summer and bring everyone together!"
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Provincial funding for House of Friendship ShelterCare Centre in Waterloo |
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John Neufeld from House of Friendship shares:
With nearly 1,100 individuals experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region, creative solutions like ShelterCare play a critical role in the range of supports needed to address this community crisis. At this location, temporary accommodation for 100 men with 24/7 care and staffing, and wrap-around housing and medical supports onsite will be provided.
Through this ShelterCare model, House of Friendship will provide temporary accommodation to men who are homeless including:
- a safe and warm place to stay 24/7;
- onsite health care to address their physical, addiction and mental health needs;
- supports to address the factors that resulted in homelessness (like childhood trauma);
- tools and resources they need to find and maintain permanent housing;
- 24 hour on-site staff supports.
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- Post a message on your social media on January 29, commemorating the lives lost, and declaring your commitment to fight Islamophobia. Amplify this solidarity by using these hashtags: #quebecmosqueshooting #CMWagainstIslamophobia #WRagainstIslamophobia #WeRememberJan29 #islamophobia #stopIslamophobia #nationaldayofremembrance #ally
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Follow the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW (CMW) on social media and/or Tag CMW in your social media posts: Twitter: @cmw_kw2010 /Instagram: @cmw.kw /Facebook: CoalitionOfMuslimWomen.KW /LinkedIn: @cmw-kw
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Join the nationwide Green Square campaign to show solidarity with the victims.
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Take a moment to learn about Islamophobia in Canada.
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Join the action against Bill 21 (Laicité Law) that promotes state sanctioned discrimination and exclusion of Muslims and other visible minorities.
- Each of us has a circle of influence. Use it to spread awareness.
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Support organizations like CMW that are working against hate. Donations help us support victims of racism, Islamophobia, and Xenophobia.
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January 24 ~ International Day of Education. United Nations designated day to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4, to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- January 27 ~ International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Designated by the United Nations (UN), this day commemorates the genocide that resulted in the death of millions of people at the hands of the Nazi regime and its collaborators. (International)
- January 27 ~ Tu BiShvat. Commonly known as the ‘New Year of the Trees’, Tu Bishvat is marked on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat. (Jewish)
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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