City of waterloo neighbourhoods: strong and connected.

Get involved

 

Introducing the Artists in Neighbourhoods program!

Art connects people and adds vibrancy to public spaces. The Artists in Neighbourhoods program supports collaboration between artists and neighbours to encourage community art projects.


Through this program, groups of two or more neighbours and/or artists are invited to apply for up to $5,000 per project. 

Artists in neighbourhoods: get up to $5,000 for a neighbourhood art project.
Learn more and apply

One week left to apply for the Neighbourhood Matching Fund!

One week left to apply for up to $7,500 through the Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF).


Past projects include neighbourhood events, outdoor movie nights, community message boards, little libraries, sports and more.


Have an idea to bring neighbours together in your neighbourhood? You can reply to this email to chat about your idea.

Group of people enjoying outdoor movie on camping chairs and blankets

More ways to get involved

  • The 2023 Canadian Wrestling Championship is being hosted at RIM Park from March 9-12. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help with sport operations (scorekeeping, timing, escorting athletes) and event operations (ticketing, access control, transportation etc.) All volunteers will be provided with food and attire for the event. Sign up to volunteer!


  • Applications for the Community Services Recovery Fund are open! This fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery.





  • The Seniors Community Grant Program supports local, not-for-profit community organizations, Indigenous groups, and municipalities to deliver programs and learning opportunities for Ontarians age 55 and older.



Get inspired

See what's happening across Waterloo and find inspiration to make your neighbourhood a little more awesome. We can support your idea with things like grants and equipment. Interested? Just hit reply to this email.

Skating with neighbours

Beechwood neighbours enjoyed a December skate at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. This fun gathering wrapped up a Neighbourhood Matching Fund project that neighbours organized to support community connections.


Have an idea to bring neighbours together? Reach out to neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca to chat about your idea.

Large group of people in an indoor skating rink

Connecting and creating suncatchers

Chilly winter days have us remembering this cool project! Neighbours from Cardinal Crescent used a mini grant to connect with neighbours and create suncatchers with ice, bird seed, and natural items.


Have an idea to connect with neighbours? Apply for a mini grant today by emailing neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca.

Ice in the shape of a sphere, frozen with various twigs and acorns inside.

Celebrate Random Act of Kindness Day

Hey, thanks neighbour!

Random Act of Kindness day is on February 17. Celebrate by recognizing great neighbours through the Neighbourhood Kindness Program. All nominees will be mailed a thank you package, which includes a signed card from the Mayor!


Submit a nomination online today to share stories of kindness!

Submit a nomination
 

Get in the know

Senior of the Year

Nominations are open for the 2023 Waterloo Senior of the Year Award! 

Please consider nominating a Waterloo resident age 65 or older who has made outstanding contributions to the community. The deadline is March 31.  

 

Visit Waterloo's Senior of the Year for details. Printed copies of the nomination form are also available in person at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and Community Pavilion.

 

If the senior you know lives in Kitchener, nominate them for Kitchener's Senior of the Year.

Welcoming new neighbours

The City of Waterloo has developed a number of how-to guides to support neighbours and help them build connections in their neighbourhoods.


One guide shares ideas on how to welcome new neighbours to the neighbourhood. Think about saying hello, dropping off a sweet treat or sharing a menu from your favourite local restaurant. A little goes a long way in making neighbours feel welcome in their new home.

Gift box with a note that says hi neighbour!

More things to know!

  • Discover Black History Month programs, events, reading and watching lists from the Waterloo Public Library and join the celebration.


  • Do you know a child in Grades 4, 5, or 6 who loves to help others? Tell them about the Meaning of Home contest. This contest is a unique and meaningful way to get children involved in creative writing and giving back to their community. For every entry, $10 will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region to help local families. The submission deadline is February 24, 2023.


  • Interest in learning about zone changes and developments happening across Waterloo? Check out the City of Waterloo website that features list of all ongoing zone change applications.


  • Does your new year's resolution involve becoming more environmentally friendly? Consider checking out blog posts from REEP Green Solutions for great ideas to reduce your footprint!




  • Muslim Social Services of KW in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women encourages the community to attend virtual workshops on Islamophobia and Cyberhate, where a dialogue will be opened between the community and political members on possible solutions to these problems. Register online for virtual workshops on February 22 and March 22 from 6-8 p.m.



February Multicultural Calendar

February 1-7: White Cane Week

February 1-7: World Interfaith Harmony Week

February 1: World Hijab Day

February 2: Groundhog Day

February 4: World Cancer Day

February 5: Lantern Festival

February 5: Thaipusam

February 6: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 13: World Radio Day

February 14: Valentine’s Day

February 15: National Flag of Canada Day

February 15: Parinirvana / Nirvana Day

February 18: Maha Shivaratri

February 18: Lailat al Miraj

February 20: World Day of Social Justice

February 20: Family Day

February 20: Islander Day

February 20: Louis Riel Day

February 20: Nova Scotia Heritage Day

February 21: International Mother Language Day

February 21: Losar (Tibetan New Year)

February 22: Pink Shirt Day

February 22: Ash Wednesday

February 22 – April 8: Lent (Western)

February 27 – April 2: Great Lent, or the Great Fast (Orthodox / Eastern)



Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion

Thank you for reading this edition of Neighbours helping Neighbours, a newsletter from the neighbourhoods team, with a focus on good news stories, important community updates, and local resources.


If you have ideas for resources to share or shareable stories of kindness, please send them to: neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca

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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.

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