Get involved

The Chalk Challenge is here!

The Chalk Challenge starts this Saturday! Enjoy the spring weather and use your creativity to make some vibrant chalk art in your neighbourhood.

Please share your creations on social media and tag the City of Waterloo and your local neighbourhood group. You can also submit photos of your chalk art for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a Waterloo business of your choice. One winner will be randomly selected.

April showers bring May planting projects

Want to have more trees in your neighbourhood park? Make it happen and coordinate a planting project in your neighbourhood.

The City will support you every step of the way by providing up to 15 large trees, event supplies and assistance on planting day. Your role will be to organize your neighbours to care for the trees for two years after planting.

Learn more at Partners in Parks and apply by May 31.

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 reply to this email.

Grill & Gather: Thorncrest Block Party

Last year, neighbours in the Thorncrest neighbourhood applied for a Neighbourhood Matching Fund (now the Neighbourhood Fund) to support a block party. The funding covered a BBQ, live music, activities and more!

Do you have a great idea that will help bring neighbours together? Apply for up to $7,500 with the Neighbourhood Fund.



The deadline to apply for the next round of the Neighbourhood Fund is May 29 at 2 p.m.

Earth Day Community Clean-up

Despite the weather, over 50 people showed up on April 20 to pick up litter at Waterloo Park. In total 1,000 people signed up for an Earth Day community cleanup at their local park!

Thanks to everyone who participated and took the time to show the earth some love.

Get in the know

Find places to gather with neighbours

The first step in planning an event is finding a space to host it. Check out the Gathering Spaces Map to find available indoor and outdoor spaces in Waterloo.

This map is updated by submissions from the community. If you have something to add or change, let us know by filling out this form.

City-owned lands for affordable housing

The City is considering using a vacant, city-owned property located at 2025 University Ave E for housing.

Have thoughts about this plan?

Join the public meeting happening on Wednesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Community Room (Second floor) of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex Community Pavilion at 101 Father David Bauer Drive

Learn more

More things to know!

• Did you know that you can borrow event equipment for neighbourhood events? We have things like lawn games, tents, tables, outdoor movie equipment and more! Interested? Reply to this email to start the process.

• As part of our plan to improve road safety, lower speed limits are coming to Waterloo. We are currently in Phase 3, with speed lowered to 40 km/h in Ward 4, Ward 5 and Ward 6. 

• Apply by May 14: Eligible not-for-profit and community organizations are encouraged to apply for the Sports and Recreation Grant for up to $5,000.

• The City is looking for the community's feedback on the Urban Forestry Strategy. Share your thoughts here: Future of Trees in Waterloo

• Check out the Waterloo Public Library's website for details on upcoming programs, activities and events.

• The Clay and Glass Gallery offers different events and programs for the community to participate in.

• Check out the Rainbow Community Calendar to find details on SPECTRUM's groups and events.

• Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia, Racism, Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

• Waterloo Region has a long history of welcoming refugees and refugee claimants. Immigration Waterloo Region shares information on community support for refugees living in our region.

May Diversity Calendar

May: Asian Heritage Month

May 1: Twelfth Day of Ridvan (Bahá'í)

May 5: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Red Dress Day, Canada)

May 6-12: Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week (Canada)

May 12: Mother's Day (Canada)

May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

May 18: Feast of the Ascension (Christianity)

May 20: Journée nationale des patriotes (National Patriots' Day - Québec)

May 20: Victoria Day (Canada)

May 21: International Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (United Nations)

May 22-23: Declaration of the Báb (Bahá'í)

May 23: Vesak (Buddha Day) (Buddhism)

May 26 to June 1: National AccessAbility Week (Canada)

May27-28: Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í)

Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion's Diversity Calendar

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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