Friday, June 10, 2011

June 12th Glenelm Neighbourhood Meeting Agenda

Glenelm Neighbourhood Planning Meeting
Sunday, June 12th, 2011
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Glenelm School Gym
96 Carmen Avenue


Meeting Objective:
To receive input and guidance on the concerns and priorities
of Glenelm residents and businesses in order to
launch work on a neighbourhood plan


1.      Welcome -                                                  Cath McFarlane, Facilitator
Þ    Housekeeping notes                             River East Neighbourhood Network
Þ    Introductions

2.      Overview of activities to date                Gerry Ruchkall
Þ    Highlights on reverse page                   Interim Co-chair, GENA

3.      Facilitated large group discussion
Þ    What do you like about Glenelm?
Þ    What are your concerns / where do you see challenges?
Þ    If this were a perfect world, what would Glenelm look like in 5 years?

4.      Small group discussion
Based on the large group discussion:
Þ    What are your ideas for improving Glenelm?
Þ    What are the top three ideas? (note on flip chart)
Þ    How could we achieve them? (note on flip chart)

5.      Report back to large group
Þ    Spokesperson from each group highlights the project ideas

6.  Wrap up / concluding remarks           Cath McFarlane
Þ    Key themes
Þ    Next steps
o       Reporting back
o       Neighbourhood survey
o       Next neighbourhood meeting: 3rd or 4th week of September
Þ    Objective: Report back on survey results, share a draft report and develop an action plan

Glenelm Neighbourhood Developments: 2010 - 2011

Elmwood/Roxy Park enhancements
·         Spring/Summer 2010: small group of residents present to City of Winnipeg Parks team and the EK-Transcona Community Committee, highlighting concerns re: neglect of park, safety, etc.  
·         Glenelm residents submit application to become co-sponsor of ‘Adopt-a-Park’.
·         August: $136,000 secured from EK-Transcona Community Committee to support enhancements including more lighting, upgraded pathways, picnic tables
·         September: City initiates long overdue maintenance of trees and shrubs
·         October: ‘Party in the Park’:  launch of Adopt-a-Park and community celebration; applied for and received $600 through City Per Capita Grant.
·         November: Application to Community Places for capital improvements to park; receive confirmation of $5,000 grant in Spring 2011.
·         January: Meeting with Councillor Steen to discuss issues/options for Roxy Park.
·         May: Councillor Steen confirms a splash pad will be constructed in the park and City confirms ‘Free Play’ program in the park from July 4th-August 12th.

Kelvin CC site sale and re-zoning 
·         September/October: During the Civic election campaign, the sale and re-zoning the Kelvin CC was identified as an issue and debated.
·         November-April:  Elmwood residents organized opposition to the re-zoning of the Kelvin site, defeating the bid of one developer to establish a commercial enterprise.
·         May: The Elmwood Community Resource Centre held a community meeting to develop a new vision for the old Kelvin site; Councillor Steen was present, along with representatives of Bill Blaikie’s office.  There was almost unanimous support among residents for the reconstruction of a building on the Kelvin site: a multi-purpose ‘community hub’ for all residents of Elmwood.
·         June: ECRC intends to share the proposed vision for the community hub with Councillor Steen and the community.  Next steps to be determined.

Initial efforts to develop the Glenelm Neighbourhood Association (GENA)
·         September-November: To facilitate access to funding sources, a small group of residents developed draft constitution for the ‘Glenelm Neighbourhood Association’ (GENA) and identified interim board members.
·         December – March: The group applied to and received $3500 from Assiniboine Credit Union to develop a neighbourhood plan (including but not limited to Roxy Park).
·         The group applied to the Community Places Program and was awarded $5000 to enhance a capital structure in Roxy Park.
·         A Community Builder account was opened at ACU under the name ‘Glenelm Neighbourhood Association’.[1]
·         In Winter/Spring 2011, momentum and communication among the group decreased and plans to move ahead with the neighbourhood planning project stalled.
·         Work to launch neighbourhood planning process and survey resumed in May 2011, with a first neighbourhood meeting planned for June 12th.


[1] The ‘Glenelm Neighbourhood Association’ remains an informal, unincorporated entity.  Expressions of interest in formalizing the Association are welcome. Time needs to be invested in advancing work on the Constitution/Bylaws, planning a general meeting and electing an Executive Committee and Board.      

Friday, June 3, 2011

If you care about the future of Glenelm, join us on June 12th!

What is your vision of an ideal neighbourhood?  Are there things you'd like to see change in Glenelm?  Do you have ideas that could improve our neighbourhood? 

These are the questions  people who live and work in Glenelm will be asked to consider at our upcoming neighbourhood meeting on Sunday, June 12th, from 2-4 p.m. in the Glenelm School Gym. We need participation from all parts of our neighbourhood and hope you'll take the time to attend. Childcare will be available free of charge.

This gathering will launch a neighbourhood planning process Assiniboine Credit Union is sponsoring through a Community Sustainability Grant.  In Fall 2010, a group of Glenelm residents submitted a proposal for which we received $3500 to engage residents (and people who work in Glenelm) in the development of a plan for our neighbourhood's future.  

On June 12th, we need to develop an initial vision for Glenelm and identify concerns, ideas and priorities for action. This is your chance to bring forward what matters to you most, whether it's parks and green space, crime prevention, recreation, youth engagement, city services, community events, etc.

The concerns and ideas you identify will help shape a neighbourhood survey that will be completed in July and August through a door-to-door campaign, on-line (through Survey Monkey) and kitchen table discussions. The aim of the survey will be to collect more detailed information about the concerns, ideas and interests of Glenelm residents and business owners.

Results of the survey will form the core of a neighbourhood profile (who we are and what is important to us) and the foundation of a neighbourhood plan (how we intend to act on our priorities and make things happen). 

Throughout this process, residents of all ages will be invited to participate and comment on the reports and analysis. It will be important that perspectives of children, youth, working age adults and senior adults are reflected in the final report to be submitted to our funder by October 2011.    

In the short-term, this project will provide opportunities to express opinions and become actively engaged in our neighbourhood. If you're interested and willing to participate, you can assist with survey development and collection, meeting planning and coordination, research, analysis or report writing.  Or you could offer to host or help organize a 'kitchen table discussion', where a small group of neighbours meet to talk about issues and ideas for improving Glenelm.

Over the long-term, we believe this project will increase neighbourhood pride, including awareness of all the things that we value about Glenelm. It will also provide the evidence we need to convince governments and other funders to help us take action on things that need to change.

If you're not able to join us on June 12th but want to participate in this project, please send an email to caroline.krebs@gmail.com




 











 






Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thomas Steen: His Election Platform

The election is now yesterday's news and regardless of for whom you cast your ballot, it will be important that we come together to work with our new city councillor to achieve positive changes in Glenelm and Elmwood. 

Something we may want to consider is inviting Mr. Steen to a community meeting to learn more about our neighhbourhood's concerns and priorities and discuss how he will represent our interests at City Hall.  It's worth noting that he was one of the Elmwood-EK candidates to drop by our October 17th 'Party in the Park' event -- a hopeful indication of future interest and commitment. 

Also worthy of note is the work he is doing with his son Alexander, through the Amadeus Steen Foundation: funding a play area in the Winnipeg Children's Hospital and re-building a centre for at-risk youth in southern Ontario.  Perhaps our new councillor will also be willing to support initiatives for at-risk youth in Elmwood, including more extensive and accessible programming in close proximity to where vulnerable children and youth live. 

To get a better sense of Mr. Steen's vision and priorities for our community, please see below the election platform posted on his campaign web site and the election questionnaire he completed:


Ensuring the Safety of our Streets and Homes
I will work hard to see proven crime prevention programs implemented which have the residents and community agencies working very closely with the Winnipeg Police Services to ensure that our streets and neighborhoods are safe for all.

Working Effectively with all Levels of Government
We need to work cooperatively with all levels of government to create a common vision for our city.

Creating and Implementing an Effective Infrastructure Renewal Program
The breakdown of our infrastructure must be addressed with a comprehensive plan for renewal. This plan must include consultation with the residents and businesses of our community, especially as it relates to roadways, sidewalks and drainage.

Beautifying our Community
I will invest in the enhancement of our parks and public areas with greenscaping, lighting and community integrated anti-graffiti programs.

Developing and Maintaining Recreational Spaces and Programs
I would like to see more partnerships with community centres so that they can serve as hubs for the surrounding community. This would include support services for our youth, families, seniors and new residents of Winnipeg.

Encouraging a Positive Business Environment
We need to encourage more investment in Winnipeg. This will broaden our tax base and allow us to provide quality services within the existing structure.

Demanding Value for our Tax Dollars
I am opposed to tax increases as I believe there are still many opportunities to find efficiencies through continuous improvements at City Hall.


1. Why did you decide to run in the 2010 Winnipeg election?
There are a number of reasons that compelled me to run as City Councilor. It is difficult to say which one was the most important since they all influenced me in making my decision to run. As an immigrant I have felt so grateful to the people of Winnipeg who welcomed me into their hearts and homes. As a result I have always felt a strong need to repay the hospitality the people of this city have shown me. I also believe that the city is at a turning point. I have sensed in the last few years that the city has made a noticeable positive change. I want to be part of a city council that continues to move the city forward. Finally as a candidate in the last federal election I made a real connection with the people in the Elmwood – East Kildonan area. When I was asked to consider running as a councilor by some of the residents of Elmwood – East Kildonan I felt honoured, seriously considered the request and was ultimately convinced to accept the challenge.

2. What experience will you bring to complement your role as councillor?

Community Involvement
I founded a charity, the Amadeus Steen foundation in memory of our son which funds worthwhile projects for children and youths. Understanding Public Service is essential for a city councilor.

Commitment to Excellence
As a professional athlete I understood the type of commitment and drive that it takes to excel at the highest level. As a City Councilor I will demand the same standard of excellence for myself, the city administration and in the services we provide to the citizens of Winnipeg.

Leadership
As Captain of the Winnipeg Jets players I was called upon by, fans, and team management, to motivate the players on the team to perform to their best of their abilities. In the same way I will provide leadership at city hall with my fellow councilors and ensure that we are focused on our goal, which is to provide excellent services to the citizens.

Vision
As a professional hockey scout I had to analyze the potential of up and coming hockey talent to determine their potential as professional. As City Councilors we are called upon to evaluate new ideas and program and quickly discern what fits with the long term plans and needs of Winnipeg.

3. What are the major issues you would like to stand for and why did you choose these issues?
From my discussions with community leaders and the residents of Elmwood-East Kildonan I have developed a platform that is resonating throughout the ward. If elected I am committed to the following:
·         Ensuring the safety of our streets and homes through proven crime prevention programs that work closely with the community and the Winnipeg Police Services.
·         Working with all levels of government in order to access infrastructure funds to maintain streets and services in Elmwood – E.K.
·         Developing and maintaining recreational spaces and programs.
·         Demanding value for our tax dollars.

4. Is there anything in particular you would like to change in our city? In your ward?

City of Winnipeg
As I already mentioned I believe that the City of Winnipeg is at a turning point. We are moving in the right direction in terms of creating a positive environment. We need to continue this and finds ways to encourage more investment. We also need to have proven crime prevention programs implemented which work very closely with the community and Winnipeg Police Services to ensure that our streets and neighborhoods are safe for all. At the same time we need to create a positive environment for city employees so that they are motivated to provide excellent services. If we can maintain this momentum over time we can create a prosperous and safe city with affordable quality services.

Elmwood – East Kildonan
This is an area of the city that has been underrepresented by its elected officials in the past. There is a real opportunity this election to make a change from this pattern and in turn send a strong message that this area wants to contribute and be part of the revitalization of the city.

5. Do you have any other comments regarding your candidacy?
I would like to say how enjoyable and important it is for me to be part of the democratic process. I would love to represent Elmwood East Kildonan on City Council and look forward to being able to serve the citizens of Winnipeg with enthusiasm and dedication in the coming term.

Thomas Steen Campaign web site

Thomas Steen on Wikipedia

Amadeus Steen Foundation

Toronto Star: Amadeus Steen Foundation builds centre for at-risk youth

Winnipeg Free Press - Council divided between left and right

Thomas Steen wins Elmwood-East Kildonan

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Program Update for October 17th Party in the Park

Our 'Party in the Park' event is happening this coming Sunday, Oct. 17th from 2-4 p.m. in the playground area of Elmwood/Roxy Park.  Looks like the weather will hold up and the line-up for the afternoon is looking good:

-  Comic and writer Bruce Clark has agreed to MC the event -- he grew up in Elmwood and still lives in Glenelm during the months when he isn't in Palm Springs, performing in Las Vegas or kicking back at his cottage in the Whiteshell.  I haven't yet seen him perform in person, but he's got a great reputation and is a wickedly good writer (see links below);
- Musician Tannis T will be performing throughout the afternoon -- she has a broad repertoire of oldies and new material -- something for everyone;
- Toodles the Magic Clown will be entertaining kids with face painting, balloon animals and.....magic!;
- Lillian Thomas will also be joining us to say a few words about the park, along with Jonina Ewart (Park Services Superintendent);
- Jeff Browaty, Bill Blaikie and Jim Maloway might also drop by (and I suspect campaigning candidates could make an appearance); and
- Sobey's has provided free refreshments, including hot dogs we'll be grilling on-site :-)

For those of you who haven't been in the park recently, there is a new Elmwood Park sign near the Henderson Hwy entrance and a new 'Adopt-a-Park sign will be joining it shortly--identifying both WASO and GENA as the adopters (see 'Local Links').

Our/your first opportunity to participate in park beautification in support of the Adopt-a-Park program will also take place on Sunday afternoon.  Everyone who is willing and/or able will be invited to pick up a shovel or rake and spend a short time spread woodchips in recently cleared areas close to the playground.  Please  bring your own equipment (labeled with your name) if possible. Wheelbarrows and buckets to move the woodchips would also come in handy.

Everyone with the City of Winnipeg has been very supportive and helpful, including assistance with special events planning, permits, provision of additional picnic tables for the weekend, folding tables and chairs, access to the poolhouse, woodchips and many other items.  

FYI, at the last Elmwood-EK Community Committee Meeting, we received a $600 Per Capita Grant to cover the cost of the entertainers and supplies for the Oct. 17th event, and the $139K Land Dedication Grant was also confirmed by Councillors Thomas and Browaty.  We will be working with Park Services to ensure work begins this spring on increased lighting, pathway completion and other improvements.

Hope to see you Sunday afternoon!

Links:

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Hot News: Bruce Clark MC at 'Party in the Park'!!!

This just in.....Bruce Clark has agreed to MC our October 17th Party in the Park!  You may not know that Bruce lives in Glenelm six months a year and is one of the few Canadians to have performed on the Tonight Show. He has appeared at Just For Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and is a regular performer in Las Vegas.  Bruce has also sold television pilots to VH1, Comedy Central and writes for the Winnipeg Free Press and the Huffington Post.   He was the co-producer of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival Storytellers show earlier this year.  We are thrilled and fortunate that Bruce is willing to volunteer his time before returning to his winter home in Palm Springs later this month!!

Check back for updates on the program for October 17th -- more to come shortly!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Advance Polling Opportunities

City Hall
Tuesday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13, 1:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, October 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 16, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Monday, October 18, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 21, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 22, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

****************************************************

University of Winnipeg
Tuesday, October 12, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
515 Portage Ave. - Main Floor - in front of Cafeteria

University of Manitoba
Tuesday, October 12, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
65 Chancellor's Circle
UMSU – near Bookstore

Red River College (Notre Dame Campus)
Thursday, October 14, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday, October 15, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
2055 Notre Dame Ave. - near Library

Portage Place Shopping Centre
Friday, October 15, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
309 - 393 Portage Ave. - Centre Court

Polo Park Shopping Centre
Saturday, October 16, 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 17, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Community Booth, near The Bay next to escalators

Kildonan Place Shopping Centre
Sunday, October 17, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
1555 Regent Ave. W., Centre Court

*********************************

Miles Macdonnell Collegiate (Elmwood-EK voters only)
Tuesday, October 19, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 20, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 21, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
757 Roch Avenue