Waterloo, ON
City in Ontario
Canada
Waterloo, ON promotes responsible pet waste disposal during Puppy Poop Power Challenge
Waterloo added 22 Poop Power disposal systems at public parks over a five-year period. Each unit turns pet waste into biogas for energy generation. Dog owners scan QR codes at their nearest stations to document use for the challenge. The city awards bonus entries for social media posts of owners and their pets at stations tagged with #PuppyPoopPower. Twenty winners are drawn at random for prize packs and all participants divert waste from landfills.
Waterloo, ON
Canada
Waterloo, ON boosts the spirits of residents during COVID-19 with the Community Happiness Project
The city's Arts & Culture team asked for audio, video, and photo content from residents over a two-month period. Participants shared their experiences during the pandemic along with messages of hope and optimism for their neighbors. Waterloo connected these messages to QR codes placed on signs throughout the city. An interactive map shows where residents can go to scan codes for positive messages during a difficult time.
Waterloo, ON
Canada
Waterloo, ON reaches out to residents for help with neighbourhood asset mapping project
The city is using feedback from a virtual summit and survey responses to populate a map of gathering places. Residents can also contribute suggestions by placing pins on a draft map. A one-month testing process prior to a soft launch allows residents to shape the final product. This map will detail indoor and outdoor spaces for community events during COVID-19 and beyond. Asset map users find capacity, reservation, and facility information for each location.
Waterloo, ON
Canada
Waterloo, ON energizes residents with Hey Neighbour! community development program
The city recruited volunteers called Block Connectors to build relationships neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Block Connectors in homes, condos, and apartment buildings received virtual training on how to best engage their fellow residents. The first step in each volunteer's outreach effort was a postcard to their neighbours. Waterloo encouraged Block Connectors to create monthly newsletters, social media groups, and socially distanced events specific to their areas.
Waterloo, ON
Canada
Waterloo, ON replaces its entire Building Standards fleet with all-electric vehicles
Waterloo purchased six Hyundai Kona SUVs for building inspections. The $240,000 investment will result in long-term reductions in maintenance and fuel costs. City officials supported the EV swap as part of a goal to cut emissions by 80% by 2050. Building Standards staffers benefit from a 258-mile range between charges. The city became the first in Ontario to replace an entire building inspection fleet with EVs.
Waterloo, ON
Canada
Waterloo, ON renovates Larch Street in living street model to improve traffic conditions
The city is redeveloping a one-block stretch of Larch Street to eliminate barriers between cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. Waterloo's version of the Dutch woonerf street concept reduces speed limits and uses common street surfacing to de-emphasize car traffic. The Larch Street project includes benches, modular seating, and planters to create comfortable spaces for socialization.
Waterloo, ON
Canada