Waterloo’s Hey Neighbour! block connector program a success

The City of Waterloo’s inaugural block connector program is so successful that a second round of recruitment is now underway.  

The program was launched in June 2020 by the city’s neighbourhoods team to help neighbours connect and build supportive relationships, with a goal of developing a sense of community in both good and challenging times.  

In total, 34 people from neighbourhoods across Waterloo volunteered for the role, including Katie Walther. “Finding the volunteer block connectors opportunity through the City of Waterloo was meant to be. I love that we can creatively meet community needs, whether it is a family, new immigrants, students, seniors or a combination. This is exactly what Waterloo needed, especially with the current situation in the world right now – a safe and friendly reminder that we are all here together.” 

The block connectors have been growing social connections and coordinating activities for neighbours to connect safely under current public health guidelines. These connections include:

• An introductory postcard drop to over 3,000 neighbours
• Virtual connections through online groups
• E-newsletters
• Pumpkin carving and photo contests, scavenger hunts with prizes from neighbourhood businesses
• And more!

The positive feedback has inspired the city’s neighbourhoods team to launch a second round of recruitment. Additional block connectors will grow the program and help reduce isolation by continuing neighbourly outreach and building more neighbourhood connections. 

Block connectors can reside in any neighbourhood block or area in Waterloo; including multi-residential housing such as apartment buildings, condos or other clustered homes. Areas can be inside and outside of existing neighbourhood and homes association boundaries.

Those interested in becoming a block connector will participate in a virtual orientation session in the new year to discuss the role and program limitations under the pandemic; and will work with staff to coordinate connection opportunities that are appropriate for their area.

For more information, and to apply to be a block connector by January 25, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., please visit waterloo.ca/neighbourhoods

Media contact: 

Shelly Reed
Communications consultant
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca