Welcome to the 24th 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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Neighbours in Lincoln Heights were spotting a number of new visitors to the area but of an unusual variety- wild turkeys! The sightings led to the idea for a neighbourhood photo contest. The entries included submissions for adult, child, and meme categories.
The winners received a prize for their participation and neighbours got to see the turkey in action throughout Lincoln Heights.
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Pandemic focused mini grant |
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The pandemic focused mini grant funds will provide support to initiatives in neighbourhoods that:
- respond to emergent needs and opportunities at the neighbourhood level;
- contribute to community building;
- encourage neighbourhood interactions;
- empower neighbours to lead; and
- are in compliance with all COVID-19 public health directives
Community members, working independently or collaboratively, who are Waterloo residents may request funds between November 1-30, 2020 for project use by March 31, 2021. Applicants:
- are encouraged to contact staff to discuss ideas for their initiatives
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can receive funding from this program even if a regular mini grant has been received in the past 12-month period. Mini grants underway may need to be completed before additional funds are rewarded.
- can request up to $500 cash and/or in-kind to support eligible expenses for initiatives in neighbourhoods in the City of Waterloo.
This temporary fund supports emergent and one-time activities that:
- are new initiatives that have not received support through another funding program, including service agreements, cash grants or the Neighbourhood Matching Fund;
- demonstrate how the initiative will be welcoming to all populations;
- provide clear goals and objectives on how the funds will be used;
- occur within four months of the application for funds being approved (funds cannot be used to support activities that take place prior to the request) and;
- comply with all Public Health directives.
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I scream, you scream, Upper Beechwood 1 screams for ice cream |
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Upper Beechwood 1 Homes Association had big plans for an adult social in the neighbourhood this year. When COVID-19 caused that to change, board members pivoted to make a new event possible with Neighbourhood Matching Fund dollars.
In order to ensure physical distancing, they took the party to the community via a travelling ice cream truck to each street in the neighbourhood. Monica, the association president, shared that many neighbours made plans to safely connect or spontaneously were able to do so because of the event.
Photo credit: Monica
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Waterloo's Virtual Neighbourhood Summit is underway! If you haven't registered there's still time!
The summit is a series of workshops that offer a variety of topics to engage neighbours. The workshops are free and include:
Asset map for community spaces - November 10 at 7pm
Help us build an asset map for community spaces. We will be asking participants to share their favourite places to gather in their neighbourhoods and what they want to know about other available spaces nearby.
Virtual Trivia Night social - November 13 at 7:30pm
Connect with others for some friendly competition at our virtual movie-themed trivia night with Trivial Soup. Brush up on your 90's & 2000's blockbuster trivia!
Understanding neighbour conflict ~ November 17 at 7pm
Community Justice Initiatives will discuss neighbour conflict, how to notice, what to do when it arises, and other helpful information for conflict situations.
Block connector meet up ~ November 21 at 10:30am
The first ever City of Waterloo block connectors will meet up to discuss how things are going, what they have learned from their experiences, and how they will continue to connect with neighbours.
Neighbourhood round up: Connections during COVID-19 - November 24 at 7pm
Hear from neighbourhood leaders about how they are using creative ideas to keep their community strong and connected during the pandemic. Speakers will share their story and also be available for questions.
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At-home garden program a success |
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As harvest season comes to an end for most gardeners, we asked those who participated in the city's at-home garden program to share feedback about their experience. The program was implemented to provide a new community opportunity and support during COVID-19. Many people shared that they loved watching their plants grow, teaching their children about gardening, having a routine to get outside, and enjoying the fresh produce. Check out some photos above from gardeners! |
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Finding Hope Movement in Waterloo Region |
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Hope is that feeling we experience when we see—in the mind’s eye—the possibility of a better future. Hope acknowledges the obstacles and pitfalls in front of us, but is unwavering in its resolve, unbreakable in its foundation, and stronger than we can comprehend. Finding Hope invites you to look around and find your reason to be optimistic. To be hopeful.
Finding hope invites you to look for and acknowledge where you find hope.
Then take a picture. Write about it. Film a short video.
Share the hope you found with others.
With us here or on our social media.
Share it on your own social media.
With your colleagues, friends and family.
#FindingHopeWWR or #FindingHopeMovement
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Leaf collection begins November 2nd |
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This year’s leaf collection program begins Monday, Nov. 2 and ends Saturday, Nov. 28. Signs are posted in neighbourhoods across Waterloo with the estimated leaf collection date. Please visit waterloo.ca/leafcollection for up to date information.
If you miss your leaf collection date, you have three options:
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You can bag your leaves and set them out for regional yard waste collection. Please note this program ends Friday, Nov. 27.
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If you miss the regional yard waste collection, you can deliver your leaves to the landfill during their hours of operation.
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Consider using the leaves as mulch or compost on your property. Waterloo is a recognized Bee City and bees use natural mulch as habitat.
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Now accepting applications for the 2021 cash grant program |
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Community organizations that focus sports & recreation; festivals & events: arts & culture and neighbourhoods may wish to explore the 2021 community cash grant program.
The maximum amount of funding available for either an operating or project grant is $5000, requests over this amount will not be considered. Organizations may apply for both an operating and a project grant for a total maximum amount of $10,000.
The community cash grants policy, which includes the eligibility guidelines, and the cash grant application are now available on the city website. Two grant workshops are also available for tips for applying.
Deadline for applications is Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 before 2pm.
For more information please contact Lynn DicksEgley by telephone 519-747-8512 or email.
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Coordinated COVID-19 response newsletter - October 19
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The Region, area municipalities and local community partners are meeting regularly to make sure our pandemic response efforts are coordinated and aligned. This work is being done through a Community Pandemic Control Group which coordinates the efforts and actions of five other sector control groups which are described weekly in these newsletters.
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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 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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