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HomeCreating Neigborhood Change That Grows Into a Community
The Key Roots:
1) Plan For Social Issues.
2) Create A Business District & Support Existing/New Businesses & BIA’s
3) Unite Residents & Clean Up Areas.
4) Create Events For Community.
5) Promote Attract New Residents/ Developers/Businesses (Goods & Services)
6) Create A System That Maintains The Changes. Simple as abc!
A-Homeless & Social Resources Connection
B-B.I.A for Balwin & Belvedere that compliments the Fort Road Business Improvement Association.
C-Community Leagues
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A Vision Built Around:
Having a safe low crime rate community.
A solution based community.
Engaged-volunteer opportunities.
Being diversified and multi cultural.
Activities/Programs for kids indoors and out.
Support, educate and empower.
Respect for the neighborhood.
Activities/Programs for youth indoors and out.
With a sense of pride.
Respect for the community as a whole.
Activities/Programs for adults indoors and out.
Celebrating diversity.
Businesses with shopping & amenities.
Activities/Programs for seniors indoors and out.
Being neighborly less isolation.
Being an inclusive community.
Activities/Programs for family’s indoors and out.
Recognition of champions in the community.
Being an active, involved, fun.
A resourceful community.
Good infrastructure and transportation.
A community that has reinvestment.
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It doesn’t matter how many new buildings go up and how many new lights are put in. If the social issues are not dealt with nothing truly changes. People move to communities because of people and leave because of people.
1) Plan For Social Issues
Having an independent organization that will intake homeless people and also provide general residents access to services in the proper direction such as for mental health, disabilities, employment, training, etc... To many people feel lost and don’t know where to go when they need help. This organization it itself will not offer any types of programs just a referral service and designed to monitor and hold outreach organizations accountable for people they are referred. And also be able to connect these helping organizations to resources they may need much quicker.
Helping Homeless People is critical! The goal is to make them productive members of society not needy. Breaking the cycle that has plagued them, giving them the hand they need to help pull themselves up. As mentioned there should be an organization that intakes these people and develops a rehabilitation plan for them. Then connects them to the existing organizations that have programs. If there is no program for a specific issue one has to be developed and be executed by the institutions that best fit. The client would have to report back to the intake organization where they would have a personal mentor that works with them on the plan. Helps support them, motivates them and keeps them accountable. It is so important they have someone around to be their coach. This organization would report directly to the city with results of participants in the programs and the success of the clients. The organization could also have a website up that showcases clients that have successfully completed the program and the story of how they became homeless in the first place. By seeing other people that have succeed this it’s self is motivation for them. And for the general society accepting them is a lot easier and giving understanding is much more possible. Homeless people are quite strong people and they need to be reminded that and also they need to understand they can channel that strength and energy to change their life for the better. Once they complete the program they can integrate them into the general society by setting them up with a place, a job, and ongoing support such as money management and other life skills. When they feel they are completely self sustained take off the training wheels. But let them know they will always be able to ask for help if they need it. Even go as far as creating an online support group for people who have completed the program successfully. This way if they ever feel challenges they know they are not alone and others can relate to them. Not place them in a low income housing situation but regular housing so they can blend with society. As is stands Edmonton has more rentals then people need. It would be more cost effective to use the existing housing amenities then build new ones. This also helps support the investors who own the housing as well generates revenues for the city via property tax. They can be subsidized so it fits their budget. This also helps bring awareness and acceptance to homeless people. They will most likely talk to their neighbors and they can hold their head high and say they were homeless at one point but now stand strong. The neighbors will have a tremendous respect for them and that respect will act as fuel for them to stay on the same path. Grouping people together in low income housing who are facing challenges does not work. Nothing is wrong with any of them but in order for change to happen they need to be in a different environment of people. It is all in the mindset and it is important to deal with the subconscious which essentially controls the conscious mind.
There is a general format that will be followed by the organization however it is important that before people enroll in the program they are ready. What may be required is some specialized counseling geared towards them in regards to their ethnicity and background. Those programs should be developed with input from people in their own community’s. Maybe even having a program where homeless people can get sponsored to complete a program. The sponsors can see the progress.
There is a segment of people that just can’t be helped due to various disabilities, metal health issues that will hold them back regardless, and they need a place to call home. This is where the city and the province need to invest in institutions that can house them with structure, guidelines and resources. Keeping them off the street not only keeps them safe but others, also prevents them from causing issues that desperation of living on the streets may cause. This also frees up the police so they can deal with other issues as it stands they are being stretched to thin as it is. Give people the resources so there are no excuses.
A general template is the following steps:
-Day 1- Let them have shower a meal and good night’s rest.
-Day 2-Hair cut and shave followed by a shower. That feeling of fresh really helps the mindset. They have 3 set meals with snacks in between ask them to write out things about them and also have a standard questionnaire so you can get to know them. Also let them relax watch a movie.
-Day 3-Meet with them one on one. Ask them how they feel and cover what they wrote and the standard questionnaire. It is so important that when dealing with these people you need to have resources for people in their own ethnicity that are good role models. This helps in giving them hope and also makes them understand if they can do it so can they. Knowing the back story’s of these role models is vital. As for to many people see the finish product but don’t know the struggle behind it. One thing about people as children we grow with dreams and want to be a legacy however life can break us and we lose that vision and can fall off that path. Ask them what did they dream of as a child? What is the legacy they want to leave on this earth? What would they want people to say and think of them when they are gone? Record this so later they can see themselves even doing pictures of when they first come in. These before after shots and progress shots/videos are very motivating and fulfilling not only for the homeless person but everyone involved in the rehabilitation. Once they are at a certain level in their rehabilitation it is important to try and connect them to their family and friends that may have be lost during the time they got lost. Only if they are going to be a good influence. This is so important in feeling belonged and can add so much support to the rehabilitation.
-Day 4-Get them ID if they don’t have any and set up on Alberta Health care if not already. Full physicals to see where their health is at and develop a plan that incorporates that as well. This would also include a meeting with an applicable psychologist for an assessment on their mental health.
Find the right programs that work for them. As mentioned they may need pre counseling before they can attend any programs. As people go through the program they have be contributing in the community if they are not attending a program. Building structure is so important for these people. They could be in crews of three doing clean up around the city, trimming trees, cutting grass, shoveling snow, doing odd jobs like painting etc. Their contribution and helping beautify areas gives them an incentive to want change because they can see the difference they are making. This is working on a subconscious level. These people need rehabilitation not just hand them money and the odd meal they need to be taught some common respect and life skills. Living on the street they have almost no choice to be in survival mode. Give them a place they can call home a transition place ex the former Edmonton Remand Center. They have a room, bathroom, amenities, support and structure.
Having social agencies offering programs need to be placed strategically. You cannot have to many in one area. That causes for a lot of issues and essentially are just ineffective and is to much of a drain of EPS. So I asked the homeless person if all these centers were not clustered together would there be such large groups in the area. His answer was, no! Let me explain with centers so close dealing with homeless and hard to house people. Many of these people have drug and alcohol addictions and by having this concentration of people you attract a lot of drug dealers who just want to feed off them. It is like a money pit from them. Just like vultures these drug dealers may fight for territory which may result in violence even murder each other. Who gets stuck in the middle it is the residents, their children and the businesses. Not only does it bring drug dealers but also pimps who capitalize on destitute woman.
I asked him how effective are those places being located in clusters, by liquor stores, and by homeowners. His answers were quiet interesting. The cluster does not help with too many people dealing with issues, we then are agitated because we all are trying to make it out here. It becomes a war on the street with other homeless people and the people trying to take advantage of them. With that agitation follows abuse of alcohol and drugs to cope with it. Being by liquor stores is very defeating he told me. By adding more in the pot it creates and amplifies the discouragement creating a rougher environment. He was actually quite surprised that the city would even permit outreach centers and even wondered why would the institutions even want to set one by a liquor store. And many times when people drink it amplifies the problems in their heads and that is what is causing the fights and disturbances. He went on to say being by homeowners is the worst thing because we know they don’t want us here. He understood why but what can they do, that is where the institutions are. I mentioned as it stands their self confidence is already at a low point not being wanted can’t be helping. He agreed and said one minute you feel good then leave the center and get right back to where you were with how people treat you. This just keeps the cycle going, if you don’t help these people the way they should they will not know how to teach their kids to help themselves. That sad part is at the end of the day their children are the ones who get affected and get hurt as for they don’t even have a chance. The homeless organizations should merge together to help each other and work together pulling out all their resources. Locations should not be by liquor stores and if they are they need to be relocated. Ideally away from a schools and residential. Like a light industrial area close to public transportation. Example just over the bridge before 68 street. Or even on 66street there is a newer building that would be very ideal. Even if the city could purchase it and lease it out with an option to buy. Maybe the materials can be donated and labour could be volunteer. The building is ideal as it can be expanded to house others services. By being city owned you can lease out separate bays to accommodate these services. Such as counseling, job resources center, youth center etc..
With any revitalization there is a change and it pushes the homeless people out. That is not a solution, these people need to get help so they too can be a part of the change and not feel let down, like many already feel from their own life experiences. Pushing them out just makes them angry and that anger fuels negative things. By having comprehensive programs in place for homeless people it overall not only helps the community but also their bottom line and makes the city more attractive to bring in new investments. If the organizations have what they need to help, the city then can focus on other agendas that build the city. The city would actually save money by properly addressing these concerns. But also hold accountable the organizations for results that need to be published for the general public including all their financials.
The reasons for an independent in take organization is ensure that people who need services know where to go and that tax payer money, public donations that go to these institutions is truly helping those who need it. The intake organization needs to know what are the accomplishments the organizations hosting programs are making year over year. This should also be documented and shared with the general public, there has to be measures put in place. Each place needs to share their vision of what they are trying to accomplish. Making people utilizing the centers to be self sufficient, not needy is the key and should be the focus. As is stand some homeless people told me there is really no incentive to get a job they are actually quite resourceful. They told me how they get their food and needs met every year. They know where to go and how to get it! These people are abusing the system and need to be taken off.
What also may help these people is connecting them to their spiritual side. This is an environment where everyone is welcome. There is no judgment and it helps form values and respect. With the youth it also important to connect them to youth groups, many of these groups do a lot activities that help inspire and give them guidance.
The key points in dealing with homeless is have a place they can come to for intake. For example a big warehouse to bring them all in. From there you can group them into sections youth, adult, males, females, couples, families. By doing this you are able to identify specific needs that can be addressed. Once registered figure out if a rehabilitation program is ideal or if a care center is best suited for them. For ones in the rehabilitation program transition to regular housing should be the goal.
2) Create A Business District & Support Existing/New Businesses & BIA’s
Having a district to move into will help give the vision and speeds up the process. We have a great district that can incorporate the old and new. That is Fort Road, the current BIA has put together an award winning design which is ready to be occupied, Station Pointe. To my knowledge the Director of the Fort Road BIA has applied for a grant that can help clean up the area. Maybe even provide a season of snow removal so it is one less thing businesses have to worry about. They can use that energy instead for running their business.
For Old Town Fort Road
-Remove all garbage in the area.
-Trim all trees and bushes.
-Light up all the trees and center meridian.
-Paint the front of the buildings that require it on Old Town Fort Road from the Transit Hotel to The Burger Baron approximately 3 buildings need it more than others.
-Move the planters close to the street, line them up with the garbage cans.
-Add in history and cultural achievements podiums. (*Explained more further down.)
-Continue the clean up behind these businesses remove all the garbage/debris, trim the trees/ bushes.
-Add some lighting in the back alleys.
-Encourage all the buildings to add led lighting in the back of their buildings maybe even use some of the grant money for this.
-Encourage to paint the back of the buildings maybe here as well use some of the grant money.
-At the Transit Hotel have fake horses and fake people on the balcony dressed up in Klondike wear. It adds to feel of Old Town.
Station Pointe
-Remove all garbage in the area.
-Trim all trees and bushes.
-Light up all the trees.
-Straighten out all the fences reattach applicable banners.
-Put up signs promoting the new development especially now since we have two buildings being completed.
-Have an artist’s rendering of the area.
-Make a point in all the marketing to invite people to check it out again.
-Let potential buyers know what has already happened in the area and what is coming up to improve it.
Now there is a new foundation to attract businesses. By having this clean refreshed environment it will be appealing to new businesses and developers. People will notice change is happening as they drive by. This will truly give Station Pointe the edge it needs to really start its momentum. Also get feedback from developers and see what they would need in order to consider investing here.
Having Business Improvement Associations are vital in the community for the businesses. As it stands we have the Fort Road BIA. This one covers all the businesses on Fort Road from 125 Ave to 137 Ave that are right on Fort Road. However there is gap for the rest of the businesses that don’t have any representation but need the support. What is needed for the other businesses in Balwn and Belvdere is a separate BIA. This one would work with the Fort Road BIA and compliments it. Most the businesses off the main street don’t have as much exposure as the ones on Fort Road. The role of the BIA here would be to connect the businesses. Have 90day briefings where building owners, businesses current/prospective, area realtors residential/commercial, developers, builders, community leagues and the Police meet. The agenda should include information about welcoming new businesses and commercial property owners. Updates on goals, objectives, and progress in regards to achievements made. Also have promotion material for area businesses available to share with others.
Build a contact data base include information such as the property, property owner, contact, email also the same information for the businesses that may house those property’s if applicable including the type of business. Finding out about the business, the background and why they opened here. This type of information helps connect it with the community.
For actual businesses giving each business a list of other businesses so they can cross promote and be their own support system. Having this directory available online having stuff sent out every 3 months to the community would be a nice reminder. The more success the businesses have the more the city can maintain a tax base. This associations role is work with the businesses so they can focus on their business and not spend their energy on things that are not applicable to them. Contacts with city primary departments walk them through the process and advise them of any current grants that are available. Even have a list of construction contractors, snow removal, landscaping and junk removal. Essentially this is their resource connection. Have a platform where residents can sign up for hot deals. For example 50 percent off ones that help drive traffic to the local stores. Can be done through email and or text tied into the website. The BIA will have a website not only to market their businesses, but also list any job openings they may have including listings for babysitters. Many times people want to go out and they can’t find a sitter.
Have signs in the business windows no panhandling. As well each business needs to ensure their section is clean and well maintained. The key is look presentable this is what will drive traffic to their businesses. Most importantly have top notch service, unfortunately Edmonton gets some bad reviews when it comes to customer service. Let’s make this business community inviting and welcoming.
This is important as the community starts to change face it becomes an opportunity for businesses to grow and open up in the area. You need to make it not only inviting but make the process of setting up a business in the area appealing, supported and welcoming. Business Districts today need to be innovative they need a concept a theme. That will fulfill community needs and attract people. As it stands there is tremendous opportunity, currently it is a business desert. Have the basic amenities what is really needed is a supermarket like a No Frills. Create an entertainment cultural hub that would make the area very unique. As it stand North Edmonton is one of the most diverse parts of the city when it comes to both nationalities and incomes. By creating a district to not only meet but explore culture would make it very different than any other meeting place in the city. I mentioned earlier having history podiums but also cultural podiums right beside them outlining achievements by all nationalities. A picture of the person and what they have achieved. Attracting tenants that cater to the various ethnic groups, bringing people together creates amazing communities. This business district would be like having a taste of the world, your Edmonton staycation spot.
This could be a north side connection, a hub were people meet, the North East, the North West, and Sherwood Park. I have been to places where there is different districts each one provides a different experience. And/ or the pre meeting zone before heading to main districts Downtown, Whyte Ave, and 124 street. Just like in some major city’s, example New York’s famous Meat Packing District. People like being in places that have history but also need to feel safe. Having a draw of people like this will really help out attracting other types of retail and service businesses besides the necessity and entertainment ones. Interactive entertainment makes a great anchor that will never be taken over by a online platform like shopping for goods. Nor can it be out sourced, people are always looking for things to do, to escape life and connect with others. There is a lot of value in creating experiences for people.
I know from this firsthand experience. I used to own a Roller Disco in Griesbach, Sports World. It was a former abandoned military base. There was nothing there but when me and a couple other businesses opened there. Many people came from all over the city, many of them that would have never come to that part of the city. Some of the people saw what was happening in the area and decided to make it their home, investment and or location for a business. If they never would have come to my rink they would have never considered the area in the first place. I remember as a child we had a great family anchor for years on Fort Road, Bullwinkle’s. Many people still talk about that place and remember it fondly. Maybe the city and developers could offer some incentives to land these types businesses.
It is very important to get feedback from the community on what types of businesses they would like to have. This type of information is vital to realtors who can scout for the business to bring them in. I am very much about local small business but also do welcome chains ex Dennys. These chains act as good anchors as well and help the small businesses feel more secure about making their investment. Businesses =jobs=taxes. It is a win win.
Ideal entertainment businesses to attract would be:
-Bullwinkles.
-Chuck E Cheese.
-Go Kart Place.
-The Rec Room by Cineplex.
-Board Game Café.
-Make the Transit Hotel an Air B & B.
-Make the Transit Hotel international student housing.
-Private Karaoke rooms convert hotel rooms at the Transit Hotel for both families and adults.
-Turn the Transit Hotel into a venue bar for the weekends 3 day weekend Thur, Fri, Sat.
-Bowling Alley.
-Roller Skating Rink.
-Escape Room.
-Laser Tag.
-Mini Golf.
-Senior drop in center have cultural programs for each segment.
-Cultural Centers.
-Food express style food court serving international flare.
-Famers market in the summer on the weekends. Start in May till October.
-Winter have elaborate Christmas displays Nov to Jan.
-Have the ice citys in the rest of the winter including outdoor ice skating.
-Street performers they promote to bring people out Fri, Sat and Sunday.
-Micro business space like in West Edmonton Mall has called RAAS.
3) Unite Residents & Clean Up Areas
It is truly a step by step process going block by block neighborhood by neighborhood. To my knowledge there are code enforcement rules and regulations on how a property should be maintained. It traditionally is enforced if a complaint is made. But I am proposing let’s put it into action block by block. Remove debris from yards, trim trees, cut grass, plant flowers, paint and do small repairs. A team of volunteers could be assembled along with volunteers from neighborhood organizations. For the garbage removal what I would recommend it list the items as giveaway, like the old saying one mans junk is other mans treasure. There are also individuals/company’s that will pick up scrap metal for free. The remaining stuff have them put it out and the city could pick it up. This be would Phase 1.
Phase 2 could be getting rid of unwanted debris inside the homes/garages and unwanted furniture. For any items homeowners want to donate they could offer it to other members of the community. Or they could be put into the community block garage sale. So many people love going to garage sales and are looking for treasures and unique finds especially in mature neighborhoods. This could be like an event where it is marketed city wide and invite food trucks there as well. This would be a great opportunity to also educate the customers about what is happening in the area and to promote it.
This will help in so many ways, people we will feel inclined to contribute, they will see pride in what is being done. It will make them feel better and of course maintain and possibly increase property values. The energy created in a transitional neighborhood is something very special.
How would you do it, just like this?
-First revise the code enforcement violations and make sure they are clear.
-Recruit volunteers to assist in the enforcement by sharing the vision
-Have code enforcement & enforcement volunteers go out door to door and hand them information. Advise them inspections will be done to ensure properties meet outlined standards. People should understand rules could change at any time and new codes could be added which will need to be followed.
Things that could be put into place would be the following:
-There can’t be debris in your front yard or back yard especially if your property is in view of the general public ex. being on a bus route where passengers can see it.
-Trees must be trimmed.
-Landscape must be in presentable condition.
-Sidewalks and walk ways must be kept clean.
-Report any graffiti as soon as it happens and have it removed. Have new stiffer fines for people who do this and if they are underage their parents will have to pay the fine. As well the person should be subject to community service one tag equals 40 hours possible charges for defacing property.
-The property exterior itself should look presentable. Worn out paint should be repainted etc..
-Vehicles cannot be parked on lawns.
-Vehicles cannot be one blocks in driveways.
To help get this done have the homeowners/ tenants, a crew of volunteers, use people who are currently collecting welfare or unemployment to help as well. Look to companies who will consider donating materials. I know there is tons of paint sent to the eco station every year that could be used. As well let’s not forget residents who have tons of materials sitting at their homes that they have no use for. When I renovated my properties I had a lot of it left over which I ended giving away to the trades that came out and the neighbors. Once the blocks are done have the general public be a part of enforcing violations and encourage reporting violations to an anonymous tip line.
The businesses need to contribute as well.
-Report and remove graffiti.
-Keep the parking lot clean, general landscaping, have garbage cans out for public to dispose garbage.
-Clean sidewalks in front on the business including the ones owned by the city.
-Have signs posted let’s keep our city beautiful please don’t litter. Acts of Graffiti are criminal offences and will be reported.
-They could also apply anti graffiti coating to areas of their business where graffiti is a target.
-Put up video surveillance cameras and or decoy cameras which will help prevent this.
Keeping the city sidewalks and streets clean.
As I walked down some sidewalks I see a lot of debris and them I look around and notice there is no place to put it on some streets.
-Have business sponsored garbage cans. What I would do is have this contracted to a marketing company so they can use these cans and sell advertising. I would even extend this out to bus benches nothing fancy just a simple bench. The key is they get to use the space for free but they have to provide the garbage can and maintain it as well. This means the up keep and even empting of the garbage. For the garbage removal it is very basic you have concrete molded containers that are bag less. This way a truck can drive by which has a vacuum attached to it and suck out the garbage. Once a month they can be washed out or if required doing bi weekly or weekly.
-I mentioned bus benches in the point above the reason being is by having more people take public transit it helps keep the air cleaner. The one complaint many people have is some bus stops have a lack of seating or not at all. For me it is not a big deal but if I had children, a disability, or was a senior it would be a concern. I say lets encourage more people to use the bus and by having the benches it is something small but a big thing when it comes to comfort while you have to wait.
-Have signs posted Let’s keep our city beautiful please don’t litter. Have a fine for people who litter. Acts of Graffiti are criminal offences and will be reported.
-Also apply anti graffiti coating to areas of where graffiti is a target.
-Put up video surveillance cameras and or decoy cameras which will help prevent this.
-Have specific walls designed for graffiti for people who want a space on the wall to show case their work they need to register before doing any art work. By registering it gives them an opportunity for people to view and maybe commission them for a project. Each picture drawn on the board would have a number beside it which ties in to the registered artist. As well by having these artists registered police can track them down it they are doing art work in places that are not permitted.
Making Neighborhoods Safer
-Set up patrols such as Neighborhood Watch have volunteers sign up and assign them to different parts of the city.
-Enforcing curfews.
-Brighten up areas with solar powered lamps.
-Outlaw panhandling if these people need assistance they need to go through the appropriate channels.
-Crime stopper signs should also be posted
-Block parent programs
-People in the community should be encouraged to do one random act of kindness every day. If we all do this it will create a ripple effect. Both sides feel good and happy. If you feel good and happy that encourages a better respectful behavior which in turn makes neighborhoods safer.
Having a Facebook Page for the communities is ideal. This is where locals can post in the area, items for sale, questions they seek answers for, activities, businesses in the area can post specials, the city can post progress on the revitalization etc..Also on this page you can have links to the websites for the community leagues and BIA’s. This can be a page where new residents, commercial property owners and business can join as they become apart of the community. They can also catch up on what has been happening in the community by looking at past feeds. This type of social media can go viral.
4) Create Events For The Community
April week 1-Annual community clean up.
April week 2- The annual block garage sale. As mentioned earlier it is a great way to promote the community.
April week 3-The annual block party, the party to kick off Spring this is where friendship and relationships begin. This would be an ideal party to have after the revitalization process has been completed. Make is a fun event have Mascots from the sport teams and other businesses, outdoor roller/inline skating, light show, dance, food trucks, possible carnival rides do it as a food bank drive have a list of what items they need.
October-Fall clean up
December Winter festival
There is so many other possibilities such as festivals, programs activities for kids/youth/adults/seniors, cultural, and youth involved. Education programs on various, self help. Inspiring gives people hope to start from one point and move to another getting help is so much easier with community because you are not being judged.
5) Promote Attract New Residents/ Developers/ Businesses(Goods & Services)
Share the vision with the community send out a detailed letter outlining what has been happening, and what is coming up. Nothing works stronger then word of mouth. Actions do speak louder than words, give the community something to talk about. That is what 1 through 4 is all about. The northeast has an advantage over other areas. It has mixed incomes more ethnic groups because when they start it is more affordable. There is no barriers we have both the low and high. This also reflects on housing options. It makes things more obtainable for people to move up. Some areas just have on level and just having the one is not necessarily better.
This community has many aspects to it. Great sense of community by many people who want to see this area be the best it can be. A strong history, part of the making of Edmonton happen right here. Nice mature tree lined streets with unique homes that have large lots. Close to major shopping, good infrastructure and convenience. Close to freeways, public transportation and a centralized location and minutes from downtown.
Create a center that embraces the history. Give people an opportunity to see and understand the history in the area. This can be achieved by creating: The Historic Fort Road Gallery. A gallery where it showcases pictures with write ups of the area. This is very important and it shows people in the community they are a part of something special. This place can be a great focal point for attracting people to the community. Have realtors let people go through the gallery and see the history for themselves. This itself may be the push that makes people want to be apart of the community and see it grow. That alone makes a great selling feature not only are you getting a home but an investment. The gallery should be open on the weekends Sat and Sun from 12pm-5pm. The gallery will not only push in real estate sales but attract people from all over who will just want to see it. This traffic will help neighboring local businesses in the area and attract new ones. People want to be a part of something special. This positive shift will hit the community like a tilde wave and cause many ripples.
Do a press release, it is so important that people in Edmonton can see the city is being proactive and helping build communities. This can really help spread the word through Canada, the USA even Internationally. With the internet the news is so connected. That connection creates opportunities.
Educate realtor’s residential/commercial and Comfree on the changes in the community. They are constantly promoting areas and having this insight to share with potential homebuyers/ businesses is gold. This itself will go viral and the effects will be quite beneficial. Also providing feedback to commercial realtors about the types of businesses the community wants is vital.
Also invite developers and infill builders. Seeing new developments in a community is a sign of progress to the existing community. It is important that people who are willing to invest in communities are given all the insight so they can hopefully take a chance in the area. Offering incentives would be very beneficial. For example property tax break for people moving into Station Pointe for 2 years. This promotes more developments. There is a great incentive and also the area starts to generate tax dollars verse costing the city, the tax payers at this point.
With the way the current market and lending rules you have to be creative. An idea based on a rent to own concept for the ones who can’t get traditional mortgages. The money they pay in rent can be used towards their down payment.
Also changes to city restrictions such as not having parking restrictions for businesses. If you feel you can be successful let it be, especially when the city is always talking about being pedestrian friendly pushing public transit and biking. But then so many businesses I talk to get the run around with the city when it comes to parking. Remove height restrictions on Old Town Fort Road to include high rises. This will encourage high density. With the expansion of the Yellowhead and being only minutes from public transportation busses/ LRT the area will be able to handle more people. As well this encourages the creation of a walkable community. This density would ensure the people are there to support it, there is plenty of room for new residential and commercial office/ retail. For example the first floor can be retail 2nd floor offices and the remaining housing. This makes it more appealing to developers because they can build up, it gives them a opportunity to capitalize on their investment and take a chance. The higher they go typically brings the price down which could be passed on to the potential tenants or owners if it is condos and make it more affordable. One day I was on the roof of my building and notice what a great view of the city. Highs rises would offer some exceptional views of the city’s amazing skyline. As well this addresses another important issue the city has which is urban sprawl.
Less focus on urban sprawl more about density. If they stop building in the middle of nowhere that money could be used to build a better transit system, community programs, schools etc. I understand if there is no land left but that is not the case we have plenty of it that sits vacant in the central areas. What to lower your property taxes? Stop supporting housing developments on the outer parts of the city. With all these new developments there are needs for infrastructure. Also schools, amenities and shopping plaza requirements like any community would need. This is not free and comes at a cost. As a result everyone's taxes go up so a small portion of people can have the amenities. If you choose to live out there and need these amenities that should be shared with the residents in that area not the entire city. We really need to focus on urban renewal and working with the inner city outwards. By revitalizing these areas you can have all the same amenities and or better due to no major infrastructure costs it would cost a fraction of what a new neighborhood would cost. The city should offer more incentives for revitalized areas. Why don't people buy in the inner city and older neighborhoods? It is simple people move into areas because of people and leave areas because of people as I mentioned earlier. Unfortunately these older areas even though are close to downtown and many amenities already in place people tend to avoid them due to issues and mainly safety.
Last but not least I remember when I had my business there was a Welcome Wagon representative who would come around and welcome new residents and businesses. With gifts from the community businesses. It was so nice to get that package, as a result I contributed to new people and businesses coming as well. This also created a lot of revenue for me. Ironically I didn’t do it for the money the money just followed.
6) Create A System That Maintains The Changes. Simple as abc!
A-Homeless & Social Resources Connection-This will ensure the community takes care of the homeless issues and also be a resource to help others in the community may need it.
B-BIA for Balwin and Belvedere that compliments Fort Road Business Improvement Association-Works with the businesses to ensure they get the assistance and support they need. Be their voice and bridge them with the city and the community.
C-Community Leagues-They are keep the community together by having fun. Managing the Facebook Page, creating events for the community residents that help keep them connected and close. The activities they put together will be very bonding. Point 4 is their zone and this will also increase the membership as well.
Where to start……..
-Put together a team.
-Each member comes up with ideas.
-Share those ideas.
-Build a plan.
-Engage with the community hear what they have to say.
-Revise the plan.
-Share the revised plan to make sure we hit the points. Make modifications if need be.
How to get to the public……..
-Do mailers to every residence and commercial property/ business.
-Also bring awareness by having the volunteers contribute by them spreading the message. For example Do flyers to the businesses, have the businesses pass them out, schools, churches, apartment complexes, senior centers, cultural centers etc.. I know some of the marketing will overlap but that is what you want. The awareness creates the push, the push creates the synergy.
Having them come out would be great but also some may not be able to. Create an online link that helps people give their input and also fill out a survey. Some people have scheduling issues, transportation issues and or disabilities, etc. But this way they have an option to still participate. Even hosting live on Facebook. Once you have a completed plan, have that available online so people can review it and share it and offer feedback.
It is also important for neighborhoods under revitalization that once the process is started to communicate with residents by mailer and or email with updates on how the plan is coming together. And give them an opportunity to get involved by providing input and or volunteering. It is very important to reach out to the community especially the ones who would not normally speak out. By engaged conversations it helps others be more vocal. This goes for all elements of the community the residents, commercial property owners, and businesses.
Thank you for taking time to review Creating Neighborhood Change That Grows Into A Community. The information was compiled together based on insights of many individuals, organizations, and businesses. The purpose of putting it all together was so I could share the insight, unite and inspire. Inspire others to share their ideas, if you have any feedback or would like to discuss anything please do contact me directly at 780-445-9255.
Amith Pratap
