Resources & Related Sites

Preparing for retirement/Things you should know as a new retiree

The University of Waterloo Retirees Association (UWRA) has compiled a list of websites to assist UW employees in preparing for retirement and information that may be of interest to retirees.  This list will be updated with new information as available.

1. University of Waterloo Retirees Association (UWRA)

Benefits of Membership

• Email updates from the UWRA about UW notices, and events of interest to retirees
• Email notices of UWRA sponsored social and recreational events
• A way to keep in touch with the university and with former colleagues
• Opportunities to make new friends and acquaintances
• A voice in ongoing discussions about pension and health benefits through our seat on the University Pensions and Benefits Committee and the opportunity to make your views known through our representative
• A voice on the Honorary Members of the University Committee to solicit nominations and make recommendations to the UW Senate
• Information about the UW Faculty, Staff and Retirees Giving program and about retiree-funded UWRA bursaries and scholarships to University of Waterloo students
• WATtimes, the official newsletter for UW retirees
• A variety of social activities throughout the year such as a fall reception and spring and fall luncheons that include talks by individuals who always inform and entertain
• Discounts with UWRA Partners

UWRA Communications

• UWRA email                 uwra@uwaterloo.ca
• UWRA website              https://uwaterloo.ca/retirees-association/
• UWRA Membership Application and Renewal  
• WATtimes

2. Other Retiree Associations:

• College and University Retiree Associations of Canada (CURAC)
• Retired Teacher of Ontario/Les enseignantes et enseignants retraités de l"Ontario (RTOERO)
• The Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) Retirees Association
• The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)
• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
• American Seniors Association

3. Income 

• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• UW Pension Plan

4. Income Tax 

• Revenue Canada FAQs - rates, income tax returns, schedules, guide
• UW – Human Resources – How to access your online T4/T4A for tax reporting

University of Waterloo

Retiree Resources, Benefits and Privileges

• How to access your online T4/T4A for tax reporting
• The Board of Governors Manual is a great resource providing an overview of the responsibilities of the governors and committees of the Board.
• Life Insurance, Extended Health, Retiree Benefit maxima, Out-of-country coverage,
•  Benefits - Working beyond age 65
• Tuition Benefit: Policy #4 
  4.2: This policy shall apply to regular full- and part-time faculty and staff members with an expected appointment duration of two years or more, and to retired faculty and staff members receiving a University of Waterloo pension.

Privileges for UW Retirees 

• Parking Privileges
• PAC UW Retirees can join the PAC for the usual fee.
• Library privileges do not change at retirement. 
• Email

WatCard for Retirees

• Retirees can apply for their personal WatCard identifying them as "Retiree".
• The WatCard service counter is located within The Centre, in Needles Hall (NH).
  Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. excluding university holidays. WatCard contact us page offers additional ways to reach them if you can't make in person. 
• Application information is available for non-student members of the University community.

The Honorary Member of the University

The Honorary Member of the University designation recognizes employees for outstanding service to the University as a whole. It is the highest honour a staff member can attain at the University of Waterloo. For faculty members, it recognizes distinctive administrative or other service to the University (as distinguished from Distinguished Professor Emeritus, which recognizes academic excellence). For more information please got to the following web page.

Dementia

• University of Waterloo: Living Well with Dementia –Resources

6. Government of Canada

• Government of Canada - information for seniors
• Budget Planner from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.  Create a customized budget in 3 simple steps. 
• Retirement Planning
• Health Canada
• Government Retirees Dental Plan (Federal)
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• Revenue Canada FAQs - rates, income tax returns, schedules, guide

7. Ontario Government

• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
• Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB)
• Ontario – Dental care for low-income seniors
• Ontario - Driving after 70 information
• Ontario -Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority maintains a searchable database of retirement homes in Ontario.
• Ontario - Home and Community Care Support Services
  - For information about or to apply for home care in Ontario.

8. Region of Waterloo

• Region of Waterloo - Long-term care and Finding Affordable Housing Information
• Region of Waterloo – Mental Wellness
• Region of Waterloo – Dementia Services
• Region of Waterloo – Physical Activity
• Region of Waterloo – Healthy Eating
• Region of Waterloo – Community Supports
• Region of Waterloo – Home Safety
• Region of Waterloo – Getting Around
  • Grand River Transit (GRT & Ion)
  • Inter-City Transit

9. Housing

• Assisted Living Directory
• Comfort Life has a data base of retirement homes across Canada.
• Long-Term Care Homes
  -For an overview of long-term care in Ontario and how to apply.
• The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care provide a database of long-term care homes that is searchable by map, postal code, location, or name.  The site provides detailed information about long-term care homes, including complete contact information and inspection reports.
• Concerned Friends s a registered charity dedicated to advancing the health and well-being and enriching the experiences of persons living in long-term care homes across Ontario.  The organization's website provides a comprehensive checklist for choosing a long-term care home information about residents' rights, summaries of inspection reports, and links to various organizations serving seniors.

10. Wellness, Aging and Research

• Healthy Aging Research 
  • McMaster Optimal Aging Portal-Age-Well web resources
• SeniorNet
• The AGE-WELL Network strives to create real-world solutions that will make a meaningful impact on the lives of Canadian seniors and caregivers.
• Region of Waterloo – Older Adult Health

11. Insurance: Health and Dental Insurance (Non-governmental)

• Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO)
• Canada Life
• Manulife
• CAA Health and Dental
• Ontario Blue Cross

12. Mental Wellness

Dementia

• University of Waterloo: Living Well with Dementia –Resources
• Region of Waterloo – Dementia Services

13. Learning Opportunities

• UW Tuition Benefit: Policy #4 
• UW Centre for Extended Learning  - Lifelong Learning
• Third Age Learning – Region of Waterloo      
• WLU – Laurier Association for Lifelong Learning
• Centre for International Governance Innovation
• REEP Green Solutions
• Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO)

14. Fitness

• Kitchener Senior Fitness

15. Travel

• Travel Planning through CURAC affiliate
• CAA South Central Ontario

16. Hobbies & Entertainment

• UWRA Events
• Drayton Entertainment (Theater)
• Stratford Festival
• University of Waterloo Athletics/Varsity Sports
• Kitchener Auditorium “The Aud”
• The Museum
• Kitchener Golf

17. Discounts

• UWRA Partner discounts