[1] The neighbourhood has been categorized as being a poorer part of Saint John,[2] with a 2008 report indicating a poverty rate of 61.5%.

The Waterloo Village area was home to the Saint John General Hospital before its closure.

[3] In 2008, the Vibrant Communities and the Human Development Council reported that Waterloo Village had a poverty rate of 61.5%, a two-year increase from 56.1%.

Wendy MacDermott, the coordinator of Vibrant Communities, indicated Waterloo Village being "sort of a drive-through neighbourhood" as potentially being part of the issue.

[4] Later that year, Waterloo Village was one of five "priority neighbourhoods" in the city which received funding from premier Shawn Graham.