Table discussion with attendees at healthy waterloo summit
Round table discussions Explore the shared priorities and opportunities identified through collaborative discussions at the Healthy Waterloo Summit.

Round table findings

The Healthy Waterloo Summit brought together more than 100 participants from across the University of Waterloo and the broader community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, community organizations, government representatives, businesses and people with lived experience.

During the summit, participants took part in facilitated round table discussions focused on three questions:

  1. What's Happening Now?
  2. What is the Change We Want to See?
  3. What Could We Do If We Worked Together?

Below is a summary of the key ideas that emerged from these conversations.

What's happening now?

Participants described a community that cares deeply about health and wellbeing but is facing increasing pressures. While many strengths already exist across campus and the broader community, participants also identified challenges related to connection, access and the systems that influence health.

Key themes

Strong commitment to health and wellbeing

People care deeply about supporting one another, even while balancing increasing demands and limited capacity.

Growing social isolation

Loneliness and reduced opportunities for connection were consistently identified as significant concerns.

Existing supports can be difficult to navigate

Many health and wellbeing resources exist, but participants found them difficult to find and access.

Food and basic needs are foundational

Affordable food and access to necessities were viewed as essential to health, learning and wellbeing.

A growing systems perspective

Participants emphasized addressing the systems and environments that shape health rather than focusing solely on individual behaviour.

Positive change is underway

Many participants recognized progress while noting that not everyone is experiencing these improvements equally.

What is the change we want to see?

Participants envisioned a healthier future where wellbeing is integrated into everyday experiences, policies and environments. They emphasized creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Key themes

Compassionate, people-centred environments

Create welcoming environments where kindness, dignity and empathy are reflected in everyday experiences.

A holistic approach to health

Recognize that health includes physical, mental, social, financial and spiritual wellbeing.

Community, belonging and joy

Strengthen opportunities for meaningful connection, belonging and shared experiences.

Reduced stress and more supportive learning environments

Design learning environments that better balance academic success with wellbeing.

Equity, access and shared power

Reduce barriers to participation and ensure diverse voices help shape decisions.

Prevention across the life course

Invest in prevention and early intervention to support health at every stage of life.

What could we do if we worked together?

Participants identified practical opportunities to strengthen collaboration and improve how people experience health and wellbeing. They emphasized building on existing strengths while taking meaningful action together.

Key themes

Strengthen collaboration across systems

Build stronger partnerships across campus, health care and community organizations.

Simplify access to resources

Create a clear and centralized way for people to find programs, services and supports.

Reward collaboration

Recognize collaboration, service and shared impact alongside individual achievement.

Build community through everyday connections

Create more opportunities for informal interactions, welcoming spaces and shared experiences.

Co-create solutions with lived experience

Design initiatives alongside the people they are intended to support.

Start small and keep learning

Take practical action, evaluate the results, and continue to improve over time.

Learn more

Interested in learning more? Contact healthy.waterloo@uwaterloo.ca to request a copy of the full Round Table Conversation Summary.