Waterloo Region – With the province’s recent move to Stage 2 of their recovery plan, the Region of Waterloo is beginning to gradually open more facilities and programs.

Administrative buildings

The Region’s main administrative buildings reopened to the public on June 15, 2020. This includes 150 Main Street, Cambridge, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener and 99 Regina Street, Waterloo. 

Although these facilities are open, services for citizens will remain limited as most continue to be provided online. If residents need to visit an administrative building, we ask that they call ahead to make an appointment where possible.

Child care

The Region is aiming to begin a phased reopening of our five directly operated child care centres in late June and early July once we meet new provincial guidelines and protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes active screening, enhanced cleaning and physical distancing measures. Children’s Services staff will be in touch with families over the next few weeks to share more details about reopening timelines and guidelines.

As the System Manager for licensed child care, the Region is also working closely with community child care operators on reopening plans. In order to re-open, child care centres must meet strict health and safety requirements outlined by the Province and Public Health. All centres will be operating at a reduced capacity for safety reasons. 

The Region has provided emergency child care for critical service workers throughout the pandemic at Christopher and Edith MacIntosh Children’s Centres. This will end on June 26. The Region also manages licensed Home Child Care in Waterloo Region. Many of these operators have continued to provide care to children throughout the pandemic.

Museums

The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum will be open with reduced hours beginning July 2. Timed tickets can be purchased online or at the desk to access the Mandela exhibit and Doon Heritage Village, which will be open as a "walk in the park" experience, with no heritage buildings open.

Summer camps will begin July 6 and will operate from Schneider Haus. All programs will comply with Provincial and Public Health guidelines. There are still a few spots available.

Library

The Region of Waterloo Library has 10 branches across our four townships. These branches currently offer curbside pick-up by appointment. Branches will begin to open their doors for services like public computer access in mid-July. These services will also be available by appointment to ensure physical distancing can be maintained.

We are adapting Regional buildings and service delivery to ensure the health and safety of citizens and staff. Residents can expect some new business practices such as Plexiglas barriers on buses and in customer service areas, new rules in our buildings to ensure physical distancing, more hand sanitizing stations and more services available online.

Visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/HereForYou or call 519-575-4400 for more information.

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For more information, please contact:

Bryan Stortz, Director, Corporate Communications, 519-575-4408