Children's Safety Village

The Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Regional Fire Services are very proud of the Children's Safety Village.

The partnership between the police and fire services is the first of its kind in Canada. With the partnership of the community and corporate support, the Safety Village is a dream turned into reality. Through the dedicated efforts of many people along with generous donations, the Village has evolved into a unique educational opportunity for students from Grades 1 through 6.

The Safety Village consists of the Police and Fire Education Center and 26 mini replica buildings, some of which are interactive and offer a unique educational opportunity. The Village streetscape now has a roundabout to assist students in learning how to manage walking, cycling and driving in and around roundabouts. The Fire Education Center is proud of Sparky’s Apartment, an interactive teaching tool with a simulated smoke machine used to help students understand fire safety, kitchen hazards and the importance of a practiced home escape plan.

Investing in Our Children
Since 1992, over 360,000 children have been instructed in Fire, Traffic and Internet safety and had the opportunity to put their new skills to use.

Stranger Awareness | Traffic, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety | Fire Safety | 9-1-1
With growing populations, parents are concerned about the safety of their children. The Safety Village is committed to providing a high caliber of education to our children. Students who attend the Village are street-proofed and prepared for real life scenarios, and learn the dangers of fire, traffic and stranger danger, and how to respond to real life situations.

In Grade 1, the Police teach Stranger Awareness and how to say "NO!". Students learn how to recognize community helpers, where to seek help.  Children learn how to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency and are taught skills to help them stay safe in many different situations.  Grade 3 students are taught all aspects of bicycle safety and have an opportunity to practice these new skills on the Village streets in a safe and controlled environment.  Grade 5 students attend the Village and learn about Internet safety where they participate in a hands-on practical quiz on how to stay safe while online.

The Fire Education Center targets students in Grades 2, 4 and 6 and teaches children fire safety at home and how to prepare in the event of a fire. The Safety Village curriculum is highly interactive.  Children participate in learning practical, life saving skills such as calling 9-1-1, Stop Drop and Roll, checking for working smoke alarms, and the importance of having a practiced home escape plan.  Students are taught these skills through the use of videos, games, Sparky’s Apartment and the Hazard House, an interactive teaching tool which helps students identify various hazards in their home. The goal of the Village is for the children to understand through interaction. Surprises and rewards await the children after all their hard work!

Over 20,000 Students Visit the Village Annually
We care and we are committed to making a difference in the community. The Police and Fire Services often receive requests for groups to visit the Village. We are committed to making a difference in the community. Each school is sent a request for scheduling an appointment for the appropriate classes and confirmation is forwarded to the school.

Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers assist the Police and Fire Services and act as mentors. Volunteers have dedicated countless hours to the success of the Village. If you are interested in making a difference in our community, please contact the Children's Safety Village for a volunteer opportunity.

Contact Us
Children's Safety Village
(519) 650-8500 Ext. 8889, 8545, 8528 or visit our website: Children's Safety Village

Special Thanks
The Waterloo Region Children's Safety Village, along with the Fire Services of the Region of Waterloo and the Waterloo Regional Police Service gratefully acknowledge the following for their current and ongoing sponsorship of mini buildings at the Children's Safety Village