Waterloo Tenants Survey Returns: Why Your Voice Matters Now

The Waterloo Tenants Survey is back—and this time, what we learn matters more than ever.

Waterloo is undergoing major change. As redevelopment progresses and services evolve, it’s critical to understand how these changes are affecting tenants’ health, well-being, safety, and daily lives.

This survey builds on the 2023 Waterloo Tenants Survey—giving us a rare opportunity to measure what’s changed, and whether things are actually improving for tenants.

What we learned in 2023

In 2023, more than 300 tenants spoke up. What they told us was clear: strong community—but real pressure.

• 58% felt part of their community
• 57% said Waterloo is a good place to live

But at the same time:

• 45% would leave if they could

That tension matters. It shows a community people value—but one where many are struggling.

Serious wellbeing challenges

• 49% rated their health as fair or poor
• 64% reported feeling lonely

These are not small issues—they point to deep, ongoing challenges in health and social wellbeing.

Safety and voice remain concerns

• 59% felt unsafe walking at night
• Only 33% felt their voice was heard
• 45% experienced harassment or insults in public

For many tenants, feeling unheard and unsafe is still part of daily life.

Housing and services under strain

• 57% dissatisfied with speed of repairs
• 43% dissatisfied with housing services
• 32% said services are hard to access

At a time of major change, these gaps matter even more.

Why this survey matters now

The 2023 survey gave us a baseline. Behind these numbers are real experiences—people balancing community connection with daily pressures.

But Waterloo hasn’t stood still. Since 2023, redevelopment and service changes have brought some uncertainty for tenants. There has also been strong collaboration across Waterloo support agencies, with a rise in community activities and local projects, and improved communication efforts to help address these challenges.

Now we need to know:

• Is tenant health improving—or worsening?
• Do people feel safer and more supported?
• Are services easier to access?
• Do tenants feel heard—or overlooked?

Without this new data, we’re guessing.

The more voices we hear, the stronger the impact

To compare properly with 2023, we need strong participation from across Waterloo:

• Public Housing Residents
• Community Housing Residents

Every response strengthens the evidence—and strengthens the case for better services, better support, and better outcomes.

Have your say

If you live in social housing in Waterloo, this is your chance to be heard.

• Takes 10–15 minutes
• Available in English, Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese
• Open to all tenants aged 18+

👉 Complete the survey: https://tinyurl.com/SurveyWaterloo26

Support is available through Counterpoint, peer educators, and local services.

Now is the time

The 2023 survey showed us both the strength of the Waterloo community—and the challenges people face.

If you live in public or community housing in Waterloo, this is your chance to be heard—and to help shape what happens next.

This next survey will show whether things are truly improving—and where more needs to be done.

Make sure your voice is part of that story.