Welcome to the 55th 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.
Happy 2022! We look forward to a year full of great connections and kindness in neighbourhoods across Waterloo.
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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!
Anne shares "Mike set up his Halloween blow up decorations because he knew my school age son would appreciate it! His own kids weren't super excited but he knew my kids would love them - and they did!"
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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. 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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Lakeshore South Winterfest 2021 |
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With the annual Winterfest event not possible at the local community centre this winter, the Lakeshore South Community Association got creative for a second year in a row to deliver at-home Winterfest kits to neighbours. Megan, the lead organizer, worked with neighbours to spread the word, register households, package items, and deliver boxes for community members. Each box included items such as games, books, crafts, snacks, and household essentials. |
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Outdoor rink volunteers across Waterloo have been working hard to get rinks ready for physical activity and recreation. Neighbours from a number of outdoor rink teams have applied for mini grants to help support the rinks as well-loved community spaces. Blue Beech Park, Laurelwood Park, and Grey Silo Park have all used funds so far this winter.
Photo from Grey Silo Park, Jeff
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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.
In 2021, neighbours have used mini-grants to spread cheer and enhance neighbourhood connections. Community scavenger hunts, neighbourhood podcast, equipment neighbourhood cards, fun crafts, distanced ice cream socials, and virtual workshops are some of many great ideas that have happened. For inspiration check out our Instagram @CityWaterloo!
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Waterloo's winter festival, Winterloo, is back for another great year! This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we are recruiting volunteers to help out throughout the day. If you're interested, please visit waterloo.ca/volunteer for more information and to apply online.
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Share your passion for pollinators! |
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Apply to volunteer with the Pollinator Working Group! Volunteers plan, coordinate and deliver educational experiences at local events and park stewardship activities for the community relating to native pollinators and their habitat.
Pollinator Working Group volunteers meet the first Thursday evening of the month. Learn more by viewing the volunteer position description and terms of reference on the City of Waterloo’s Bee City page.
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January 6 ~ Epiphany. A Christian festival held in honour of the coming of the three kings to the infant Jesus Christ. (Christian)
- January 7 ~ Orthodox Christmas / Feast of the Nativity. The equivalent of December 25th on the Julian calendar. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas day on or near this date. (Orthodox Christian).
- January 13 ~ Lohri is a popular wintertime Punjabi folk festival, celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus from the Punjab region of Indian subcontinent. (Sikh / Hindu)
- January 14 ~ Orthodox New Year. The start of the new year under the Julian calendar. (Orthodox Christian)
- January 18 ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Day. American federal holiday which marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and falls on the third Monday of January, close to King's actual birthday on January 15. (United States)
- January 20 ~ Bodhi Day. The Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as “bodhi” in Sanskrit and Pali. (Buddhist)
- January 20 ~ Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh. Born Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual master, warrior, poet, and philosopher. (Sikh)
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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