DECEMBER 2, 2022 – Uptown Waterloo, ON – The Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) is pleased to announce that 2022 Uptown Waterloo Placemaking Initiatives project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator program, and has received $111,879.17 to bring the community together with a variety of activations, patios, events, public space and artwork installations.
Through the Government of Canada’s My Main Street Community Activator, delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), Uptown Waterloo will enjoy a more vibrant neighbourhood setting that will draw visitors and increase foot traffic to shops, restaurants and exciting new public spaces. The Uptown Waterloo BIA is supported by My Main Street—a two-year, $23.25- million investment by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), delivered by CUI and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO).
“Main streets play a vital role in growing local communities and economies for everyone,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassa, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada will continue to invest in My Main Street and the small businesses the program serves, resulting in local economic growth and more vibrant neighbourhoods for Canadians and their families to call home.”
The BIA’s 2022 Placemaking Initiatives consist of five activations. One of the five, Uptown Waterloo’s Winter Wonderland, is a series of fun and inclusive holiday programs that is taking place this weekend. On Friday, December 2, people of all ages are invited to attend the free Tree Lighting Ceremony scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Waterloo Public Square. The ceremony will include live musical entertainment and a visit from Santa for the count down.
On Friday evening, and again on Saturday, December 3, crowds can also head over to the Holiday Pop-Up Artisan Market, a key space for generating consumer activity. Over 43 local vendors will be present inside the Shops at Waterloo Town Square, and visitors will be able to peruse a variety of holiday gift items — from cookies and beauty supplies to jewellery and vintage clothing.
Community members will also be incentivized to shop local and continue to support the recovery of small businesses in the BIA. Many Uptown businesses across the hospitality, food, service and retail sectors will be offering special discounts and promotions this weekend as part of Winter Wonderland.
“We are super excited to bring back Winter Wonderland in Uptown this year,” shares Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Executive Director for the BIA. “The tree lighting ceremony is a favourite for many and with the addition of the markets and special promotions by our businesses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We are deeply grateful to My Main Street Community Activator Program for this funding, and especially for supporting our ongoing, placemaking vision.”