Waterloo Information
Moving out on your own for the first time can be daunting. The City of Waterloo has a number of services and programs available to make that transition much more easily. On this page you will find tons of information about your new home as well as the great ways to be a part of it.
Important Phone Numbers
These are a few phone numbers you might need to know, for a full list of emergency and city contacts, click here.
Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police)…………………..911
Gas Emergency………………………………………………1.877.969.0999
Kids Help Phone……………………………………………..1.800.668.6868
Ontario Poison Centre………………………………………1.800.268.9017
Sexual Assault Crisis Line…………………………………519.741.8633
Waterloo Fire Rescue……………………………………….519.884.2121
Waterloo Region Police Department……………………..519.653.7700
Rental Living
Finding a Rental Property
Rental Listings – City of Waterloo
Garbage, Recycling & Compost
What day is garbage day? What am I allowed to throw out? Is there compost options?
Answers to these and other waste management questions can be found here.
Landlords & Tenant Rights
A landlord must keep a rental property in a good state of repair. All things that the landlord provides to the tenant must be kept in working order. This could include items such as:
- electrical, plumbing or heating systems
- appliances
- carpets in the unit or common areas
- walls, roofs, ceilings
- windows, doors, locks, lighting
- garages, laundry rooms, patios, walkways or pools
If something no longer works because of normal wear and tear, the landlord must repair it so that it works properly, or replace it.
For a full list of your rights as a tenant, click here.
Grand River Transit
Trying to get somewhere and don’t want to dish out the cash for a cab? Good thing your OneCard is also a bus pass for full-time undergraduates and graduates! Below are some of the ways GRT makes it easy for you to get around the region.
GRT.ca
For up-to-date routes, schedules and how to use transit.
Online Trip Planner
- Visit grt.ca and click on “EasyGO”
- Enter start and end locations and when you want to travel
- Select “Show Trip Plan” and receive customized route plan
- Timetables can be generated and all of your information can be printed
Text 57555
Text 57555 and key in the four-digit bus stop number and the route number (if there are multiple routes at your stop)
You’ll receive a text message back with the next three real-time departures for your stop
Standard text message rates will apply. No additional fees from GRT will be charged for this service
Call 519.585.7555
- Call 519.585.7555
- Choose the next bus times for today or a future day
- Key in or say your four-digit bus stop number (posted at the stop) to get the next two real-time departures for that stop
- If you need to know more, you can speak to a customer service representative
Bus n’ Bike
Take advantage of 500+ km of on-road bikeways and off-road multi-use trails across the Waterloo Region
You will find a bike rack on every GRT bus. Each bus holds two bikes of most sizes and styles. If the bike rack is full, you may board the bus with your bike.
Follow on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date detours and schedule information.
Fun Stuff to Do
Get Involved
City of Waterloo Volunteer Services
Volunteer Action Centre
Activities Nearby
Program & Activities Guide
Adult Sports Clinics at RIM Park
Community Adult Recreation League (CARL)
Public Swim at the Rec Centre
Walk, Bike, Rollerblade the Trails
Events at Public Square
For more ideas, check out the Seasonal Program Guide available here.
Festivals
October – Oktoberfest
December – Wonders of Winter
For more ideas visit explorewaterlooregion.com!
Cycle Waterloo
Get on your bike and explore the city! Below are some helpful tips on bike safety around the city as well as some great tours to explore the Kitchener-Waterloo region!
