A letter from Mayor Jaworsky to our Waterloo students

Dear Students:

I hope the start of the new school year has gone well for you. The City of Waterloo is fortunate to be home to three outstanding post-secondary intuitions in Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.

In fact, I first moved to the city to attend UW, so I understand the excitement, freedom and challenges that come with moving to a new community for school.  I want your school experience in our city to be a great one. Along with getting a quality education, it’s good to experience what the city has to offer.

However, that always has to be balanced against being responsible and an overall good citizen. That’s never been more important than the last couple of years as we have all felt the sting of this pandemic – a serious health crisis that is far from over.

We know you’re excited to finally be able to meet classmates and get to know our city, but we know that large gatherings are a proven hotspot for the spread of COVID-19, even with vaccination. We need to follow public health directions, so if you’re going to socialize and get together with friends during Homecoming, do it in small groups that follow the public health rules. Attend a small house party or alternatively, visit one of the fine establishments in Uptown Waterloo.

The reality is smaller, controlled settings help protect against COVID-19, as well as against violence and property damage.

We don’t want to see anyone in our city hurt, whether it’s at an event, as a result of COVID-19, or elsewhere in the community because resources are tied up dealing with crowds.

We – city leaders, enforcement officers and emergency responders – all want to keep everyone safe. We are prepared to act to maintain order, so we’re asking for your cooperation and assistance in keeping yourself and others safe.

Enjoy Homecoming, be smart, stay safe, wear a mask and get vaccinated.

Respectfully,

Mayor Dave Jaworsky
City of Waterloo