City of Waterloo and Waterloo Public Library launch youth contest to create buzz for World Bee Day

By City of Waterloo - May 20, 2026

The City of Waterloo and Waterloo Public Library are inviting local youth ages 7 to 12 to bee creative through a new bookmark design contest in celebration of World Bee Day on May 20.

The contest invites participants to create a bookmark inspired by native pollinators and flowers. The top three winners in each age group will receive a prize pack, including 25 printed copies of their bookmark to share with family and friends. 

“Beyond being a fun and creative activity, we hope this contest sparks curiosity and awareness about native pollinators,” said Robin Milne, Director Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services, City of Waterloo.“Waterloo is a proud Bee City, and there are so many easy ways to get involved in learning about and protecting pollinators, at any age!”

“This initiative is a meaningful way to inspire curiosity through exploring and promoting biodiversity, climate literacy, and community wellbeing,” said Julia Gingrich, Manager, Programs and Partnerships, Waterloo Public Library. “We believe lifelong learning happens everywhere, from the pages of a book to our seed libraries and pollinator spaces. Supporting environmental sustainability through projects like this is part of our commitment to building a future-ready and thriving community.”

Contest details:

  • The contest runs from May 20 to June 10, 2026.
  • The contest is open to Waterloo youth ages 7 to 12.
  • Three winners will be selected from each age group:
    • Ages 7 to 9.
    • Ages 10 to 12.
  • Contest entry forms can be picked up at any Waterloo Public Library location.
  • Contest submissions must be dropped off by June 10, 2026, to a Waterloo Public Library location. 

The initiative supports Waterloo’s ongoing commitment as a Bee City, a designation recognizing communities that take action to protect and promote pollinators and their habitat. Through education, stewardship projects and community partnerships, the City works to build awareness about the importance of native pollinators and healthy natural spaces.

For more information about Waterloo’s Bee City initiatives and how to get involved, is available at waterloo.ca/BeeCity

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Media contact:
Shirley Luu
Communications Consultant
Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
Shirley.luu@waterloo.ca

 

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