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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-16-002 - NA Affiliation 2016 Committee of the Whole REPORT TO: DATE OF MEETING: January 25, 2016 SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs and Services, 519-741- 2200 ext 7687 PREPARED BY: Debbie Campbell, Manager, Community Resource Centres, 519- 741- 2200 ext 7077 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: December 8, 2015 REPORT NO.: CSD-16-002 SUBJECT: Neighbourhood Association Affiliation 2016 ___________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That the list of proposed Neighbourhood Associations, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD- 16-002, be approved for affiliation for the year 2016 and added to the City of Kitchener’s third party liability insurance program. 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. The City of Kitchener provides Affiliated Neighbourhood Associations: Coverage by a commercial general liability insurance policy provided through the Waterloo Region Municipalities Insurance Pool. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 7. - 1 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-two Neighbourhood Associations are being recommended in 2016 for affiliation. Volunteers from these Associations contribute countless hours to enhance the quality of life in their neighbourhoods by: i) planning and implementing recreation programming in community centres, schools and churches across the city; ii) offering special events reflecting resident interests and/ or celebrating significant milestones; and/ or iii) responding to neighbourhood issues in areas such as planning, heritage, safety and social needs. Collaborations among neighbourhood associations, such as Mill Courtland, Highland Stirling and Cedar Hills; Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance; Chandler Mowat, Alpine and Country Hills; and Boardwalk and Forest Heights Community Association are occurring as these groups recognize and respond to opportunities to work together to achieve mutual goals. Of particular note for 2016, after many years of hiatus, the King East Neighbourhood Association has become active once again, and has formed a board of directors and developed bylaws. The boundaries of the King East Neighbourhood Association are King Street to Ottawa, and Weber to Cedar Street. The goal of the Neighbourhood Association is to be inclusive of residents and business owners within the King East Neighbourhood Association boundaries, and to provide access to information and events relevant to individuals. Their purpose is to maximize pride, safety and quality of living by encouraging interaction between neighbours, visitors and businesses. Activities of the Neighbourhood Association include community events, a newsletter, activities to encourage increased safety and engagement of neighbourhood residents. Please find attached a list of thirty-two Neighbourhood Associations being recommended for affiliation with the City of Kitchener in 2016 (see Appendix A). ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the city’s strategic vision through the delivery of core service. 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 7. - 2 be reassessed to maintain the vibrancy and level of support to Kitchener neighbourhoods. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Staff has consulted with Neighbourhood Associations in regard to the affiliation process for 2016. 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 approved 2016 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. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services 7. - 3 APPENDIX A COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 2016 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 Dave Schnider 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 Huron Community Association WARD FIVE Kelly Galloway-Sealock Williamsburg Community Association 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 HeightsCommunity 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 Auditorium Neighbourhood Association WARD TEN Sarah Marsh Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association King East Neighbourhood Association Mt-Hope Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association Olde Berlin Towne Neighbourhood Association Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance Mayor: Berry Vrbanovic 7. - 4