October 31 – WATERLOO, ON – The Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) is excited to announce the unveiling of its latest public space activation: the Heart of Uptown commemorative bench. This permanent installation celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Uptown BIA, and was made possible in collaboration with the City of Waterloo and with funding received in 2022 from the Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4).
The Uptown BIA will host a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, November 3 at 1 PM at Heritage Green, at the corner of King and William Streets in Uptown Waterloo. Music will be provided by DJ Aries along with other surprises!
The Heart of Uptown represents unity and belonging, while the colourful bistro tables leading to it represent the diversity and stories of the people of Waterloo past, present and future. The Heart of Uptown is part of the larger revitalization efforts of Heritage Green, which include new colourful bistro tables, additional benches and bicycle racks (implemented by the Uptown BIA), and the future public, self-cleaning washroom (implemented by the City of Waterloo). These improvements are transforming Heritage Green into a vibrant and multi-purpose space for the community to enjoy. The updated layout of Heritage Green also aims to visually connect two heritage properties through the Heart of Uptown.
Heritage Green is one component of the Civic Common first detailed in the City of Waterloo’s Public Realm Strategy. It is defined as one of the catalyst initiatives that will connect a series of public spaces to the heart of Uptown Waterloo. In addition to Heritage Green, these spaces include Brewmeister’s Green (location of the Oktoberfest Timeteller), Regional Waterworks (the historic pumping station on William St.) and the lands around it, as well as the south end of Regina Street.
QUICK FACTS:
- Heritage Green and Brewmeister’s Green mark the location of the original town Square of Waterloo in the 19th
- The Heart of Uptown bench was designed and manufactured by local makers BOKO, and structural engineering services were provided by Witzel Dyce Engineering. Overall plan for Heritage Green provided by SHIFT Landscape Architecture.
- The Heart of Uptown and Heritage Green joins other recent Uptown placemaking initiatives such as The SLATS on Princess Street, Dominion Lane. These projects reflect the commitment of the Uptown BIA in placemaking initiatives that enhance the urban experience and inspire people to come together in Uptown Waterloo.