Sunday, October 3, 2010

Glenelm - Neighbourhood of Choice? (CBC Information Radio - September 30th)

In case you missed last week's very positive CBC Radio morning segment on Glenelm (part of their series on safety and crime in a variety of Winnipeg neighbourhoods), a few highlights are noted below, including compartive crime stats and comments from a number of residents:

Crime rates
While we are not a crime-free neighbourhood, according to the City's CrimeStat database/mapping system, rates of reported crime are 3 x higher in Chalmers and 2 x higher in Point Douglas than in Glenelm.

Why do we have lower rates of crime?  A number of reasons were suggested:

1. Geography - the Red River is a geographic barrier between Glenelm and the North End and Henderson Highway separates us from Chalmers. One resident recounted the story of crime rates dropping even further during the closure of Redwood Bridge.

2. Neighbourhood stability - a significant marjority of Glenelm residents are homeowners (not renters) with very low rates of transience.  The trend of adult children moving back to the neighbourhood to purchase homes was cited. 

3. Sense of community - The importance of social gatherings was noted, including the annual Noble Block Party and weekly gatherings at Gordie's Coffee House (Thursday evenings at Gordon King Memorial Church). One resident described a Block Parent  house-to-house phone alert system, to ensure everyone is aware of what's happening. Residents spoke warmly about the fabric of the neighbourhood, including anecdotes about neighbours mowing lawns for each other and and welcoming new neighbours with baking.

4. Socio-economic status - Glenelm is not a poor neighbourhood. The average household income is $54K, and 75% of residents have some type of post-secondary education. The reporter noted the correlation between poverty, education and crime.

WHAT THE CBC REPORTAGE DIDN'T MENTION....
According to 2006 Census data, Glenelm is a largely working class neighbourhood (with average income inflated by a minority of higher-income earners).  When compared to City of Winnipeg averages, Glenelm is characterized by:
· a larger Aboriginal Identity population (16.6% vs 10.2%);
· a larger Aboriginal Ancestry population (25.1% vs. 11.2%);
· higher rates of unemployment among youth and working-age adults;
· lower average employment income ($28,359 vs. $33,518);
· lower average household income ($54,568 vs. $63,023)
· higher incidence of low income before and after taxes (particularly among seniors);
· higher incidence of single female parent households (23% vs. 16.2%); and
· more dwellings in need of minor repair (43.6% vs. 29.1%) and major repair (14.5% vs. 8.5%).

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

1. 2006 Census - City of Winnipeg Neighbourhood Profiles
Glenelm 2006 Census Profile
River East South 2006 Census Profile

2. CrimeStat database - it tracks a number of types of crime by electoral area and neighbourhood.

Crime Type Legend
 Break & Enters - Commercial
 Break & Enters - Other
 Break & Enters - Residential
 Homicide
 Robbery - Commercial/Financial
 Robbery - Non-Commercial/Financial
 Sexual Assault
 Shooting
 Theft Motor Vehicle - Actual
Theft Motor Vehicle - Attempt Only

3. ServiceStat - another City mapping system that tracks graffii and other community service issues:

Service Type Legend
Closed service type - icon in box
Autobin Overflowing
Boulevard Mowing
Cankerworm Complaint
 Dog Complaint
Frozen Catch Basin
 Graffiti
Litter Container Complaint
Missed Garbage Collection
Missed Recycling Collection
 Mosquito Complaint
 Neighbourhood Liveability Complaint
Potholes
Sanding
 Sewer Backup
Sidewalk Repairs
Snow Removal - Roads
Snow Removal - Sidewalks
 Vacant or Derelict Building Complaint
Water Main Leak

1 comment:

Emma said...

Hi there! Just discovered this blog after seeing a poster for the upcoming community party. I was one of the residents interviewed for the CBC series... I missed hearing it on the radio, so was really happy to read your summary! I'm looking forward to keeping up to date with what's happening in our very special neighbourhood through this blog. Keep up the great work!