SPENCE NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION 5 YEAR COMMUNITY PLAN! Our community plan!

What is the Spence Neighbourhood 5 year plan? Community-based planning works with residents and stakeholders to create a vision to help improve quality of life. The result is a comprehensive, holistic action plan that can be use by SNA, residents, partners, government and funders to identify priorities. The plan is a document that identifies priorities that community members see as the most important areas to improve the community.

What was the process? Community consultations Three large community consultations were held focussing on agency partners and community groups, Housing and Rental issues and Safety, Youth and Community Economic Development Over 200 community members participated in the consultations

Process continued Community surveys A mail out of over 4,000 surveys went to every address in the Neighbourhood Over 400 were filled out and returned A second survey was completed at the 615 Ellice office with over 100 responses filled in.

Process continued Targeted surveys Door to Door surveys in blocks where we see less participation Targeted surveys, to newcomers, aboriginals, parents with young children, seniors and youth Community steering committee A community steering committee compiled all the information and developed the draft priorities

Process continued Review of draft plan process Over 70 people participated in a process to review the draft priorities. Feedback was given on draft priority areas and goals People were asked to identify any already existing initiatives in those areas New ideas and initiatives were bainstormed.

Plan introduction The Spence Neighbourhood Plan belongs to the entire community and is inclusive of all its members. The success of the plan will be enhanced by ensuring that the basic needs of community members are met, that supports are available for the most vulnerable, including those with mental health and addiction issues, and that culturally appropriate services are available for all.

Priority areas Holistic Housing Connecting Community Environment and Open Spaces Youth and Families Community Economic Development

Holistic Housing Goals Work together to ensure quality, affordable and safe housing stock is available, supported and preserved for owners, renters and landlords. Support advocacy and education initiatives related to housing issues. Address housing issues that affect the health and social inclusion of community members.

Connecting Community Goals Support networking and relationship building activities that strengthen the community and improve the perception of the neighbourhood. Position Spence Neighbourhood as a welcoming, safe community and destination. Build community ownership and positive respectful relationships in the neighbourhood.

Environment and Open Spaces Goals Continue to implement the Spence Neighbourhood Green Plan with particular emphasis on: increasing access to green space; protecting and stewarding existing assets; promoting active transportation and enhancing food security through gardening projects.

Youth and Families Goals Advocate for creation and enhancement of services that strengthen and support families in the neighbourhood. Develop and seek resources to provide a continuum of services for children and youth that include safe spaces for kids to be kids. Cultivate activities, including intergenerational initiatives that encourage relationship development, training and mentorship opportunities for children, youth and families.

Community Economic Development Goals Collaborate with local business and partners to develop and implement initiatives to encourage local employment in Spence Neighbourhood. Promote skills development and training to prepare community members for employment. Encourage local business to participate in efforts to improve perceptions of Spence Neighbourhood.