Awards

A picture of a trophy against a blue background

Awards in 2021

2021 GOLD award from the Municipal Waste Association in the Social Media and Online Strategy category - Virtual Tour. (June)

The Region's Waste Management Division's virtual tour is a new online tool where residents can explore and learn about our one-and-only landfill, Nyle Ludolph Materials Recycling Centre, and other programs and operations. This award recognizes a buzz-worthy social media or online strategy.

Awards in 2019

2019 GOLD award from the Municipal Waste Association in the Print category - Myths vs Facts flyer

This flyer brings awareness of and increases confidence in our local recycling program. This award recognizes a new and innovative promotion and education tool that appears in printed form which others (including other municipalities) can learn from.

Awards in 2018

Region wins prestigious 2018 Hermes Creative Awards for two of their websites

The Waterloo Region Museum, Schneider Haus National Historic Site and McDougal Cottage websites recently won the Platinum Award, the highest distinction in the competition for its recently update website launched early in 2018.
Grand River Transit captured a gold award for its revamped website launched late in 2017.
Read the full release.

Region of Waterloo recognized for transformational Initiatives by Water Environment Federation
(Aug. 2018)
The Region of Waterloo was recognized with the Utility of the Future Today designation. The awards celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from traditional wastewater treatment systems to a resource recovery centre and leader in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve. Honourees exemplify the kind of forward-thinking leadership that strengthens the entire water sector.

Read the full release.

Awards in 2017

Ontario Museum Association Awards Waterloo Region Museum Honourable Mention for Exhibit. (October)

The Waterloo Region Museum received Honourable Mention for the City on Edge exhibit at the recent Ontario Museum Association annual conference in Kingston, Ontario. The City on Edge exhibit was created by the Waterloo Region Museum. The exhibit tells the story of how and why the city of Berlin changed its name to Kitchener on September 1, 1916, and was on exhibit in 2016, the 100th anniversary of the name change.

2017 GOLD award from the Municipal Waste Association in the Best Campaign category - Rethink Waste (May)

This year-long, comprehensive campaign helped prepare residents for the new, extensive, standardized waste collection services that launched in March, 2017. The campaign informed residents about the changes (including change to bi-weekly garbage and bulky item collection, new limits for garbage and bulky items, new Garbage Tag and Medical Exemption programs, and expanded collection services to the rural areas of the Townships) to maximize diversion programs. This award recognizes an effective waste management promotion and education campaign that uses a number of different communication tools to inform, educate and motivate residents.

2017 GOLD award from the Municipal Waste Association in the Best Calendar category - 2017 Waste Collection Calendar (May)

This was the first waste collection calendar we distributed region-wide to 155,000 households eligible for curbside collection services. It presented the new collection programs and schedules in a concise, but unique and creative way. This award recognizes the best planning, implementation, effectiveness, originality and creativity for a waste management calendar.

Region of Waterloo wins Biosolids Award (May)

The Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) has recognized the Region of Waterloo with the annual WEAO Award for Exemplary Residuals and Biosolids Management in Ontario. The Region was recognized for its ongoing efforts to create a long-term management plan for its biosolids. A highlight of the award was the Region's work on educating the public on the project and involving them in the decision-making process

Sunnyside Home earns perfect score in national audit (January)

Region of Waterloo's Sunnyside Home earned a perfect score in a 2016 quality and safety audit. Accreditation Canada, an independent organization that sets national standards in health care, measured:

Our leadership;
Clinical programs;
Safety practices to reduce potential harm;
Work environment;
How safe residents feel; and
The overall experience of people living at Sunnyside.

The long term care home met or exceeded 506 requirements looked at by Accreditation Canada, which sets national standards for quality and safety in health care in this country and around the world.

Awards in 2016

ION selected as 'Best Large Project' in national Brownfield awards (November)

ION, the Region of Waterloo's rapid transit service, has been selected as Canada's 'Best Large Project' by the Canadian Brownfield Network. The Brownie Awards recognize projects that stimulate the transformation of brownfield sites and contribute to the growth of healthy communities across Canada.

Encouraging better use of land and balancing growth within Waterloo Region were some of the reasons why ION was selected as 'Best Large Project' by the Canadian Brownfield Network. The award also recognizes the visionary nature of ION. Light rail transit in Waterloo Region will not only move people and provide a new transportation choice, but it also provides a blueprint for current and future development. ION is already shaping the community and helping protect the farmland that surrounds our urban cores.

Award for Innovation and Excellence

In 2016, Seniors' Services received a provincial award for Share the Care; an effort to improve resident care at Sunnyside Home by improving the way we work. We freed up 15 hours of personal support worker time per day by simply changing how we store and replenish washcloths. This award was from the Ontario Association for Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (now AdvantAge Ontario).

Region of Waterloo wins public education and awareness award (May)

The Ontario Water Works Association has recognized the Region of Waterloo for its Restaurant and Business Certification Programs. The program uses a point system to give local restaurants and businesses credit for water conservation activities they perform at their site. Once they accumulate enough points, they are awarded the water efficiency certification. With the expanded program, certifications are expected to double in 2016. The Region always strives to bring new, innovative programs forward that conserve our long-term water supply. This is a unique program and collaborative program that partners with local restaurants and businesses who want to be good stewards.

FCM Awards Region of Waterloo two 2016 Sustainable Communities Awards (January)

Region of Waterloo awarded national Sustainable Communities Awards The Region of Waterloo was awarded two Sustainable Communities Awards at a recent conference hosted by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). FCM looks for community development projects in a number of categories that link economic, social and environmental factors. The Best Brownfield Project was awarded to the Breithaupt Block, a recipient of the Region's Brownfield Financial Incentives Program. The Region, jointly with the City of Kitchener, has been working closely with Perimeter Development Corporation as it transforms an abandoned industrial block in downtown Kitchener into creative workspaces that have attracted a number of businesses, including Google's Canadian headquarters. The Best Energy Plan was awarded to the Region of Waterloo for its Climate Action Plan. The Region collaborated with its area municipalities and community partners to develop A Climate Action Plan for Waterloo Region: Living Smarter in 2020. Greenhouse gas emissions are targeted to be reduced by six per cent from 2010 to 2020.

Awards in 2015

2015 GOLD award from the Municipal Waste Association in the Best Digital Tool category - Mommy Blog Video

This video creates a fun, interesting, digital approach to encourage young families to participate in the Green Bin program.

Awards in 2014

2014 SILVER award from the Municipal Waste Association in the Best Digital Tool category - WMD eNews (May)

The Municipal Waste Association recognized the best of municipal 3Rs promotion and education to the Region of Waterloo's Waste Management Division by awarding it the Silver in the Digital Tool category for it's electronic newsletter. The newsletter is a fun mix of information and tips about its programs and services.