Today was the Community Meeting at the Rykert Community House, unit #29. I had one person show up. I want to thank the wonderful lady who took the time to share her story and her experience living in Rykert. It was a pleasure to share the afternoon with you and discuss the Rykert community. Being a "lifer" the one participant has seen the community change over the past thirty years. Raising her children in the community she never felt unsafe or as though she was in danger. Talking about the present day, she says,"as soon as I get close to my neighbourhood all the burdens of life are lifted and I feel safe." This woman loves the Rykert community and is committed to healthy sense of community. She is puzzled why there is so little participation from the community in events and social gatherings. Being a part of the original Tenants Association back in the late 70's early 80's she remembers when the community was a vibrant place with community BBQ's, multi-family garage sales, and community dances on the basket-ball court. The community was active and there was a unique sense of community. Now, there is nothing. The Tenants Association fizzled out over seven years ago. There is the odd community event, but in general there is little to no sense of community. What killed the sense of community in Rykert? This one tenant doesn't have an answer. Sure there has been an increase in drugs and gangs, but what community hasn't been a victim of that? "Back in the old days" there were activities that would naturally draw people together; women would do laundry together, do canning or go to the park with the kids. Men would fix their cars in the park lot and socialize together. Today, there are few things that bring adults together into a common space. How do you bring the adult community together? Why do you bring them together? What motivates people to be involved? Share your story and give your thoughts about what contributes to a sense of community and why Rykert is lacking this sense. Give your feed back.
Community Conversation
Come this Thursday to join in a community conversation about your neighbourhood. What do you like about your neighbourhood? What don't you like? What needs to change?
Rykert Community House, Unit #92
Drop-in between 1 and 4 p.m.
Street Conversation
Yesterday I was out on the streets of Old Western Hill with my flip chart and giant marker waiting to talk to residents who had a minute to share their opinion. Looking to better understand the perspectives of those who live within Old Western Hill, I asked a couple questions and wrote down their responses. Thank you to all those who participated.
Here are the responses.
What do you like/dislike about your neighbourhood?
Like:
- It's Home
- "I love it here"
- Quiet
- Location: accessible, close to the country and farmers
- People stick around
- Close to schools
- A lot of trees
- People are friendly
- Good place for kids to grow up
Dislike:
- Increase in drug community
- Dirty
- Crime
- Industrial welding company on Pelhem
- Nothing to do for teens
- No Big Bee
- Overpriced stores
- No beer or LCBO store
What would be your suggestions to make your community a better place to be?
- Parks
- Place for kids to play
- Keep Westpark Pool
- Community clean-up day in partnership with the City who will come and pick up the big items
- Food drives
- Bakesales
If you could put anything on one of the vacant lots in your community, what would it be?
- Youth Centre
- Bakery
- Swimming pool
- Affordable recreation centre
What are your thoughts?? What do you like about your neighbourhood? What would you change? What would you add. Share your thoughts and comments and join in on the community conversation.