Welcome to the December 2025 UWRA Monthly Bulletin!
Welcome to the December 2025 UWRA Bulletin!
As we head into the festive season, we’ve wrapped up a bundle of updates and events for you to enjoy. Wishing you a warm and wonderful December—and happy reading!
UWRA events: Brew Crew, AI Boom or Doom? Say sí to Spain!
UWRA news: RPP to UPP, discounted parking rates for retirees
Community events: Take the third Campus Plan survey
Discount partner of the month: Are you getting your CURAC perks?
Resource of the month: Unexplained falls
This is not right: New retiree updates their status
Photo of the month: Retirees dreaming of travelling
Join our Brew Crew! Catch up, laugh, and enjoy a relaxed morning coffee with Ron Champion, UWRA President, and fellow retirees.
When: Second Thursday of every month at 10 AM
Where: Tim Hortons, Conestoga Mall
Save the Date!
AI Boom or Doom? How People Can Be Shepherds Rather Than Sheep
Join fellow retirees for an engaging presentation by Paul Thagard, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, on the promises and risks of artificial intelligence.
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Schlegel Village at University Gates, Town Hall Room
The Spain trip is on! Enough sun-seekers have signed up, so the UWRA trip to Spain in April has a green light. Join us! Check out the Spain page on our website.
UPP: You’ll be hearing a lot about the University Pension Plan (UPP) in the coming months, especially from the University and your UWRA. Professor Emerita Mary Hardy recently gave her views on UPP. You can watch her presentation here. We’ll have more to report in January.
Parking on campus: Sustainable Transportation is offering retirees a parking discount and now has physical scratch parking permits available for purchase in its office.
They offer two options:
Green permits for M Lot – $7.33 + tax
White & red permits for C, N, W, X, Q Lots – $6.41 + tax
Special Retiree Rate:
UW retirees receive a discounted rate of $3.32 + tax per permit for C, N, W, X, Q Lots.
Additional details:
- A maximum of 10 permits can be issued at one time.
- M Lot permits expire December 31, 2026
- C, N, W, X, Q Lot permits expire December 31, 2028
If you’d like to purchase permits or have any questions, feel free to drop by the Sustainable Transportation office, located in the GSC.
And stay tuned for details about parking for on-campus UWRA events!
Take the Campus Plan survey and see illustrations of the future of UWaterloo
The third Campus Plan survey is now open, inviting retirees, students, faculty, and staff to help shape the next decade of physical change and renewal at the University of Waterloo.
Just like cities have urban plans, Waterloo’s Campus Plan is a long-term framework guiding how the University’s spaces evolve to support learning, research, sustainability, and community connection. The updated plan will serve as a roadmap for how campus growth responds to the changing needs of the people who live, work, and study here.
This third survey builds on earlier feedback gathered through open houses, workshops, and previous community surveys. With new 3D illustrations, maps, and design concepts, this phase showcases how ideas from the campus community are being translated into potential campus features and spaces.
Take the third Campus Plan survey and see illustrations of the future of UWaterloo
Participants can weigh in on:
- How East Campus could evolve into a vibrant, mixed-use university neighbourhood
- What the new Library Quad and southern core could look and feel like
- How South Campus can better connect to Waterloo Park and nearby transit
- What kinds of outdoor recreation, study, and gathering spaces should define the campus experience.
The survey takes roughly 15 minutes to complete. All participation is voluntary and confidential, and responses will be reported only in summary form. No IP addresses or personal identifiers are collected.
Enjoy CURAC Partner Benefits – All UWaterloo retirees have access to discounts and special offers from CURAC’sAffinity Partners. CURAC, which represents more than 40 retiree associations across Canada, negotiates deals on travel, insurance, eyewear, hearing aids, and more.
When you use a CURAC partner, you benefit directly—and you also support CURAC and the UWRA, as some partners provide rebates to member associations. It’s a win for everyone.
For full details of current offers, visit the CURAC website under Member Benefits.
What other affinity partnerships would you like to see? Send your suggestions or comments to CURAC, c/o Ron Champion
Understanding and Preventing Unexplained Falls
Falls are a major concern for older adults, and about 25% of serious falls have no clear cause. These unexplained falls are more likely to lead to hospital stays or changes in care.
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) recently gathered experts from across Canada to explore why unexplained falls happen and how to prevent them. Their top research priorities include using wearable technology data, creating a national research network, standardizing assessment and treatment, and reviewing what is already known about fall risks and care.
Tips to Reduce Falls:
- Wear sturdy, non-skid shoes with closed backs.
- Keep living spaces free of clutter and trip hazards.
- Stay active with gentle exercise and maintain good hydration and nutrition.
- Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid dizziness.
- Review medications with your healthcare provider if they cause drowsiness or light-headedness.
Jane Johnson was surprised to see her name in the "Remembering those we've lost " in the latest edition of WATtimes.“I am correctly listed on the New Retirees as I happily retired in April 1st, 2025.” The UWRA president reported this unfortunate error to Human Resources to have it corrected – and avoided in future.
UWRA’s inaugural Travel Talk, hosted by Richard Ennis October 23 at the Waterloo Legion. Where do you want to travel?
We welcome your input for future Monthly Bulletins—travel stories, updates, or suggestions for activities that fellow members might enjoy. If you have something to share, please submit it to uwracomm@uwaterloo.ca for consideration in next month’s issue.