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. 
These include:

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. 

Snapshot of Hate in Waterloo Region

This annual report created by the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo, documents incidents of hate, racism, and discrimination across the region, aiming 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.

Waterloo Regional Police Services Hate Crime Reporting and Data

The first step in combatting hate is speaking up. The WRPS offers tools to report any incidents you believe are motivated by hate, along with resources to help victims get the support they need.

Combatting Hate Action Table

Launch of the Combatting Hate Action table with 30+ diverse systems and community leaders invested in taking action to combat hate in Waterloo Region.

Next Steps

  • Mapping current programs, services and initiatives that address hate.
  • Action plan by the Combatting Hate Action Table
  • Building a common understanding of what oppression and discrimination means within our system and communities. 
  • Exploring opportunities for raising awareness (i.e. an awareness campaign) related to combatting hate.

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.