Combatting Hate

Priority Icons with Combatting Hate highlighted
The CSWP recognizes that hate, harm and discrimination have no place in Waterloo Region. Addressing systemic racism and hate is critical to a safe a well community and will require concrete action as a community. This need has only been exemplified with hate-motivated acts of violence incurring in the region, including recent data highlighting Waterloo Region having the highest incidents of hate-related crime in Canada.

Current Initiatives

Partners are coming together to design and implement initiatives to address gaps in legislation, data, and victim supports. 

Combatting Hate Action Table

More than 30 diverse systems and community leaders invested in taking action to combat identity-based harm and hate in Waterloo Region.

Anti-Hate Bylaw

A new provision in the Region’s Code of Use By-law prohibits hate and harassment against an individual on Regional property, including public transit vehicles and stops. 

Photograph of advocates gathering in gymnasium to discuss hate in Waterloo Region.

Snapshot of Hate in Waterloo Region

This annual report by the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo aims to provide a clearer understanding of local hate-related issues.

Responding to Incidents of Hate Guide

The City of Waterloo has developed a new resource to support residents in navigating and reporting local incidents of hate and discrimination.

How to Report Hate Incidents to Police

The first step in combatting hate is speaking up. The WRPS offers tools to report incidents you believe are motivated by hate, along with resources for victims.

Police Data on Hate-Motivated Crimes

View data collected by Waterloo Regional Police Services on hate-motivated crimes and recent trends.

Next Steps

  • Implementing the action plan for the Combatting Hate Action Table.
  • Building a common understanding of what identity-based harm, hate, oppression and discrimination means within our system and communities.  
  • Exploring opportunities for raising awareness, holding conversations, and building meaningful partnerships to combat identity-based harm and hate.
Photograph of members of the Combatting Hate Action Table sitting at a table.

Other Priorities for Action

Creating safe and inclusive spaces

Addressing mental health and addictions needs, together

Addressing Intimate Partner Violence, Gender Based Violence and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Contact Us

Get involved. Stay informed.

Stay up to date on what’s happening with the CSWP and get information on community events coming up that are related to this work.