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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-12-154 - 2013 Neighbourhood Association AffiliationREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: December 10, 2012 SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs and Services (ext 2687) PREPARED BY: Debbie Campbell, Manager, Community Resource Centres (ext 3382) WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: November 29, 2012 REPORT NO.: CSD- 12-154 SUBJECT: NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION AFFILIATION 2013 RECOMMENDATION: That the Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association be approved as an affiliated Neighbourhood Association with the City of Kitchener as per the City’s Neighbourhood Association policy; and further, That the Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association be approved as an insured group in the City of Kitchener’s third party liability insurance program; and further, That the list of Neighbourhood Associations attached to Community Services Department report CSD-12-154, dated November 29, 2012, be approved for affiliation with the City of Kitchener for 2013. BACKGROUND: In July 2002, Kitchener City Council approved the introduction of an Affiliation Policy for Kitchener Neighbourhood Associations (NAs). This policy and approval/ renewal process was developed in collaboration with staff and NA representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that Neighbourhood Association groups on the official list receive access to City of Kitchener supports and resources. As well, the policy clarifies the role and responsibilities of the NAs and the City. As outlined in the policy, Neighbourhood Associations will: Be a voluntary, not-for-profit, non-partisan, non-denominational group based in a geographic neighbourhood within the borders of the City of Kitchener. Be inclusive of and responsive to the needs of the community within the specific geographic area defined by the group. Be open to the public and make this known through communication to the residents of that neighbourhood, by at a minimum, publishing a contact number or through other means such as a newsletter. Have some level of activity with, at minimum, a contact person. Have some structure for accountability. ì ó ï The City of Kitchener provides Affiliated Neighbourhood Associations: coverage by a commercial General Liability Insurance Policy provided through the Waterloo Region Municipalities Insurance Pool access to facilities, program grants, staff assistance and printing for newsletters, minutes and flyers (subject to guidelines and budgetary availability) REPORT: Annually, the affiliation of Neighbourhood Associations is approved and/or renewed for the following reasons: To ensure that Neighbourhood Associations on the list are active and continue to meet the criteria for affiliation; To ensure that the contact information for affiliated NAs is current; and To obtain permission to release contact information to the public and staff. Thirty Neighbourhood Associations are being recommended for affiliation for 2013, including a new group known as the Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association. Residents of the Boardwalk community contacted the City of Kitchener early in 2012 with an interest in forming a community group to serve their neighbourhood. Discussion took place with interested residents, who then contacted neighbours, distributed flyers and created a facebook page to share information and encourage others to participate. The Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association includes approximately 1600 households and is bounded by Ira Needles Blvd, University Avenue, Fischer Hallman Road, and Victoria Street (see Appendix B). In the past months, meetings have been held to develop their constitution, and to encourage the participation of new board members. Currently, five neighbourhood residents have formed a board of directors. The purpose of the Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association is to provide social and educational opportunities, and community projects to enhance the spirit of their neighbourhood. Planning is underway for a neighbourhood family event to be held early in 2013. The Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association is a voluntary, not for profit, non-partisan, non- denominational group and has all of the required characteristics as outlined in the affiliation policy for City of Kitchener Neighbourhood Associations. Twenty-nine active, long term Neighbourhood Associations are also being recommended for affiliation renewal in 2013. Volunteers from these Associations contribute countless hours to enhance the quality of life in their neighbourhoods through the planning and implementation of recreational programming in Community Centres, schools and churches across the city; offering special event programming which reflects resident interests and celebrates significant milestones; and responding to neighbourhood issues in areas such as planning, heritage, safety and social needs. Collaborations of neighbourhood associations, such as Mill Courtland, Highland Stirling and Cedar Hills; Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance; and Chandler Mowat, Alpine and Country Hills are occurring as Associations recognize and respond to opportunities to work together to achieve mutual goals. ì ó î Please find attached a list of thirty Neighbourhood Associations who are being recommended for affiliation with the City of Kitchener in 2013 (see Appendix A). ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The City of Kitchener has a rich history of citizen involvement and volunteerism. The emergence of Neighbourhood Associations began as early as 1953, and since that time more than 35 neighbourhoods have benefitted from the involvement of resident volunteers who have initiated events and activities and responded to local needs. Cumulatively, these Neighbourhood Associations have been active and contributed more than 797 years of service. Collectively, Neighbourhood Associations have contributed to the community vision of building an innovative, caring and vibrant Kitchener with safe and thriving neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood Associations contribute to quality of life of City of Kitchener residents through provision of programming, special events and engagement in issues of importance to neighbourhood residents. Moreover, Neighbourhood Associations promote neighbourhood- based opportunities for leadership and community engagement. Neighbourhood Associations support the creation of a culture of safety through social development and through increasing the capacity of residents to discuss, define and address their shared concerns. The diversity of neighbourhoods is reflected in the variety of community-based programs, services and initiatives undertaken annually by Neighbourhood Associations. A short list of Neighbourhood Association highlights for 2012 is attached in Appendix C. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: There are currently no financial implications. Services to Neighbourhood Associations are provided through the Community Programs and Services budget and printing process; however, as the population of the City of Kitchener increases and new neighbourhoods emerge, the current funding and support available to NAs may need to be reassessed to maintain the vibrancy of Kitchener neighbourhoods. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Staff has consulted with Neighbourhood Associations in regard to the affiliation process for 2013. Moving forward, Community Programs and Services staff will inform NAs about their affiliation status. Information and collaboration will occur as appropriate with emerging neighbourhood groups in regard to the process for affiliation. The Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association will be added to the list of affiliated Neighbourhood Associations, and to the City of Kitchener’s third party liability insurance program. The approved 2013 affiliation list will be shared with internal divisions such as Information Technology, Clerk’s, and Communications to maintain updated information for access by the public, Council and staff. ì ó í CONCLUSION: Neighbourhood Associations play a unique role in the well-being and vitality of the City of Kitchener. The Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association meets all of the requirements for affiliation and is included in the list of neighbourhood associations for 2013. The affiliation process ensures the clarity of roles and responsibilities for both affiliated Neighbourhood Associations and the City of Kitchener. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services ì ó ì APPENDIX A COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 2013 Neighbourhood Associations and Ward Councillors WardWard Councillor Neighbourhood Association Bridgeport Community Association WARD ONE Scott Davey Stanley Park Community Association Centreville-Chicopee Community Association WARD TWO Berry Vrbanovic Stanley Park Community Association Deer Ridge Estates Social Club WARD THREE John Gazzola Grand Hill Village Neighbourhood Association Kingsdale Neighbourhood Association Pinegrove Community Association Settler’s Grove Association Caryndale Neighbourhood Association WARD FOUR Yvonne Fernandes Doon Pioneer Park Community Association Lower Doon Neighbourhood Association Williamsburg Community Association WARD FIVE Kelly Galloway Alpine Neighbourhood Association WARD SIX Paul Singh Chandler-Mowat Neighbourhood Association Country Hills Recreation Association Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association WARD SEVEN Bill Ioannidis Forest Heights Community Association Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association WARD EIGHT Zyg Janecki Forest Heights Community Association Greenbelt Neighbourhood Association Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association Westmount Neighbourhood Association Cedar Hill Community Group WARD NINE Frank Etherington Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association Highland-Stirling Community Group Mill-Courtland Neighbourhood Association Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance (VPNA) Auditorium Neighbourhood Association WARD TEN Daniel Glenn-Graham Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association Mt-Hope Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association Olde Berlin Towne Neighbourhood Association Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance Mayor: Carl Zehr CP&S\District Facilitator Folder\Ward-Councillor-NA November 2012 ì ó ë ì ó ê APPENDIX C 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS ALPINE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION th annual Halloween Food Drive was huge success 5 Promote many neighbourhood activities and events Chandler Mowat, Alpine and Country Hills Neighbourhood Associations were jointly involved in organizing a Ward 6 Movie Night AUDITORIUM NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Active in the consultation phase of the Knollwood Park rehabilitation project, engaging residents resulting in feedback to the COK parks design team and on how to utilize their Festival of Neighourhoods grant. BOARDWALK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Organized community committee and created a constitution Formed a neighbourhood Board of Directors Held a community clean-up day BRIDGEPORT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Grand Opening celebrations of the Bridgeport Community Centre, included the Bridgeport Community Association organizing a community art piece that engaged residents to contribute to a clay pot showcased in the centre. The BCA has increased programming capacity, due to the completed Centre renovations. CARYNDALE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Involved community through BBQs, Games Night, and Community Cleanup CEDAR HILL COMMUNITY GROUP Formed a new Cedar Hill Tower Community Garden Project in spring 2012 CENTRAL FREDERICK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Renewed vibrancy with 6 new board members Creation of the Community Garden in Weber Park First Annual Fall Festival, that had 100-150 participants ì ó é 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS CENTREVILLE-CHICOPEE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION New Board that is energized and excited for the year ahead COPS, a mentoring program in partnership with Waterloo Region Police Services, City of Kitchener and City of Kitchener Fire Department, celebrated 15yr anniversary CHANDLER MOWAT NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Recipient of Festival of Neighbourhoods grant Community spaghetti dinner and Eid Celebration CHERRY PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Community held a summer potluck event at Eden Park Annual Cherry Festival COUNTRY HILLS RECREATION ASSOCIATION Offer many programs and special events for their community DEER RIDGE ESTATES SOCIAL CLUB Involved community residents through Christmas Food/Toy Drive, Movie Nights and Street Party/Garage Sale DOON PIONEER PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Community events include Christmas Miracle, Annual Volleyball Classic, Earth Day Clean up, Youth Dance and Family Fun Night DOWNTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD ALLIANCE Completed the transition to the CLASS online registration Continue to provide valuable programs for the community Several DNA Free Family Movie Nights FOREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Family Fun Day BBQ, Community Garage Sale, and Kids Halloween Party HIGHLAND STIRLING COMMUNITY GROUP Clothing room free of charge; all are welcome, no boundaries ì ó è st Downtown East Project/Steps to Change – organized 1 training forum, “Slavery in Modern Times” partnering with WRPS. Resulted in Waterloo Region Task Force on Human Trafficking to commence in 2013. 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS KINGSDALE NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION InReach Youth Art Show, featuring works that reflected the Kingsdale Neighbourhood, created by Kingsdale youth Programming has increased in fall 2012 LOWER DOON NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Annual Town and Gown BBQ in conjunction with Conestoga College and COK MILL COURTLAND NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Offers programs to youth that encourage self-confidence, social interaction and improvement of academic skills. Programs are free or minimal cost. MT. HOPE-BREITHAUPT PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Lippert Park Picnic was very successful Excellent communication to residents re events, updates, general information and concerns via a blog and bi monthly public meetings with city officials OLDE BERLIN TOWNE NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Various community engagement meetings for the 2011 Festival of Neighbourhoods Grant th 16 Annual Potluck Picnic SETTLER’S GROVE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Organized community cleanup, BBQ and annual neighbourhood Christmas party STANLEY PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION th Celebrated their 35 anniversary commemorating it by installing two armour stones and a recognition plaque Was successful in offering 80+ programs in each session of 2012 VICTORIA HILLS NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION Successfully identified a need for a Youth Drop In at no cost, which was well attended and VHNA looks forward to offering it again this year VICTORIA PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION nd 2 Annual Henry Sturm Festival in partnership with the ‘Animate the Trail Event’ Earth Day Clean Up along the Iron Horse Trail Organized twice weekly walking group in Victoria Park to encourage residents to use the park ì ó ç 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS WESTMOUNT NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION The NA celebrates 100yrs and will commemorate with enhancing the “five corners” greenspace and placing a centennial plaque Website to be launched soon WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Incorporated Jan 2012, gaining them access to additional grants and support to advance their community Hired a program planner ì ó ïð