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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-2021-3 - Neighbourhood Association Affiliation 2021Staff Report CSD-NeighbourhoodProgramsandDevelo n7ent 28 1Tc�f i.R www.kitchenerca REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: 3/22/2021 SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director, Neighbourhood Programs and Services PREPARED BY: Steve Roth, CSD -Neighbourhood Programs and Development WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: February 19, 2021 REPORT NO.: CSD -2021-3 SUBJECT: Neighbourhood Association Affiliation 2021 RECOMMENDATION: That the list of proposed Neighbourhood Associations, as attached to Community Services Department report CSD -2021-3, be approved for affiliation for the year 2021 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 Neighbourhood Association (NA) representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that NA 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, NAs 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 NAs: • 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). *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 29 REPORT: The affiliation of NAs is approved and renewed annually for the following reasons: • To ensure that NAs 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 in 2021. Residents located around Eastwood high school contacted the staff in the summer of 2020 with an expressed interest in forming an Eastwood Neighbourhood Association (ENA). The proposed triangular boundaries begin at the corner of King St E and Ottawa St N, heading north on Ottawa St to Conestoga Pkwy, and east on King St to Conestoga Pkwy The group of residents have determined they would like to direct their efforts into supporting community by providing a forum for sharing information, connecting of neighbors, promoting activities, and fostering civic involvement in their community. More specifically, they anticipate being able to do this by planning and organizing neighbourhood events, encouraging residents to meet their neighbours, participation in neighbourhood beautification and improvement projects, sharing of relevant neighbourhood news, listening and problem solving for resident issues. Bridgeport Community Association will not be renewing their affiliation in 2021. The long-standing president of the Neighbourhood Association has stepped down with no other board members, or community members, willing to step into the leadership position at this time. Staff will continue to engage the local community to encourage participation and animation of the community centre, including the development and support of a new Neighbourhood Association. Volunteers from all 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 celebrating significant milestones; or iii) responding to neighbourhood issues in areas such as planning, heritage, safety and social needs. Please find attached a list of thirty NAs being recommended for affiliation with the City of Kitchener in 2021 (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 NAs are provided through the Neighbourhood 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 will need to be reassessed to maintain the vibrancy and level of support to Kitchener neighbourhoods. 30 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Staff has consulted with NAs concerning the affiliation process, and will confirm affiliation status for 2021, once approved. Information sharing and collaboration will occur as appropriate with emerging neighbourhood groups in regard to the process for affiliation. The approved 2021 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. APPROVED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services 31 APPENDIX A Community Programs and Services 2021 Neighbourhood Associations and Ward Councillors Ward Ward Councillor Neighbourhood Association WARD ONE Scott Davey Stanley Park Community Association WARD TWO Dave Schnider Centreville -Chicopee Community Association Stanley Park Community Association WARD THREE John Gazzola Kin sdale Neighbourhood Association Grand Hill Village Neighbourhood Association Settler's Grove Association WARD FOUR Christine Michaud Car ndale Neighbourhood Association Doon Pioneer Park Community Association WARD FIVE Kelly Galloway-Sealock Huron Community Association Williamsburg Community Association WARD SIX Paul Singh Alpine Neighbourhood Association North Six Neighbourhood Association Country Hills Recreation Association WARD SEVEN Bill loannidis Boardwalk Neighbourhood Association Forest Heights Community Association WARD EIGHT Margaret Johnston Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association Forest Heights Community Association Greenbelt Neighbourhood Association Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association Westmount Neighbourhood Association WARD NINE Debbie Chapman Cedar Hill Community Group Cherry Park Neighbourhood Association Downtown Kitchener Neighbourhood Assoc. Highland - StirlinCommunity Group Mill -Courtland Neighbourhood Association Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance WARD TEN Sarah Marsh Auditorium Neighbourhood Association Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association Downtown Kitchener Neighbourhood Assoc. Eastwood Neighbourhood Association King East Neighbourhood Association Mt -Hope Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association Olde Berlin Towne Neighbourhood Association Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance Mayor: Berry Vrbanovic