City of Waterloo introduces new resource for reporting and responding to hate incidents

The City of Waterloo has developed a new resource to support residents in navigating and reporting local incidents of hate and discrimination.

The resource guide offers clear instructions on where to file a report and outlines what to expect throughout the process. Reporting can help prevent future incidents and provides the city and partners with a deeper understanding of each situation, which then helps to develop more informed, supportive and protective measures for the community. 

Exclusionary behaviours, such as hate-motivated graffiti, vandalism and other unwelcoming actions, can be profoundly distressing for those affected. While each person processes and reacts to these experiences differently, the city hopes the new resource guide can support residents, whether through reporting or by sharing the services available within the community.

“Waterloo is committed to equity, inclusion and to building a community where everyone is welcomed and belongs,” says Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “Through our work, we are committed to supporting residents, community partners and staff in identifying, reporting and ultimately reducing incidents of hate.”

A directory of community wellness support services along with suggestions for ways residents can be proactive in fostering a sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods is part of the resource guide.

Community partners including Community Justice Initiatives, Coalition of Muslim Women Kitchener Waterloo and Waterloo Regional Police Services collaborated on the guide and it is currently available in English, Arabic, Spanish and Tigrinya.

The annual Neighbourhood Summit will take place on November 9 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. where community partners will be available to answer questions about the resource guide and share additional ways to support an inclusive community.

Find the Responding to Hate Motivated Incidents guide on our Neighbourhoods website.

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Media contact:
Shirley Luu
Communications Consultant
shirley.luu@waterloo.ca