Waterloo Region’s Vital Signs: Building connection in a changing community
Waterloo Region Community Foundation · 2025
Waterloo Region’s 2025 Vital Signs report examined whether the places and programs that bring people together are keeping pace with a rapidly changing community.
Steven Ayer of Common Good Strategies was the lead author and researcher, bringing together public data, local evidence and community perspectives for Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
The findings revealed strains on belonging and wellbeing, particularly among younger residents. They also showed an uneven recovery in community participation. Parks became more widely used, while recreation centres and cultural activities faced continuing challenges. Libraries remained widely used, but in-person visits and program attendance were below pre-pandemic levels.
Cost, convenience and access to information remained barriers to getting involved. These findings matter when deciding where to locate programs, how to price participation and how to reach residents who are missing out.
The report connects evidence about community life with decisions about libraries, parks, recreation, arts and community organizations, helping funders and local leaders identify where investment and partnerships could strengthen connection.