For the last four years the City of Kitchener has placed a focus on local neighbourhoods – encouraging residents to take pride in and develop their local neighbourhood, and providing matching grants to help out. In calculating the matching grant, the city will value volunteer hours at $20 an hour.
Darren provided us with a number of success stories, demonstrating the above plan.
Wilson Ave Public School – with assistance from four artistic types from Eastwood Collegiate (who did the design during the summer) students brightly painted two crosswalks by the school. They were amazed that they were allowed to actually paint the pavement. A lot more of them are proud to cross at “their” crosswalk.
Tremaine Park (Chicopee area) existed before many of the houses were constructed, and is used for many community events (Easter Egg hunt, Canada Day and Christmas celebrations). As many of the children are now in their teens, it was decided to add something that might be attractive to them – a cement ping pong table. This has become attractive for all ages, often with lineups to use the table.
Homewood Mosaic Art – a small parkette in the Homewood/West Ave area was being refurbished. Residents were offered the opportunity to include their house on the park wall – depicting it in mosaic.
Wilson Community Pool – the pool area building was constructed in normal gray concrete. Four local artists offered to finish the walls in murals – both to brighten the walls, and also so lessen the opportunity for actual graffiti. With the blessings of the community association – this was done.
Trinity Village Community Gardens – community gardens have become very popular. In this case the gardens consist of raised planters – which are easier to use by those less mobile or using walkers/wheelchairs. In addition to beautifying the area, they hold cooking classes (how the use the produce), and also have potluck events to use the produce.
With the popularity of these gardens, the city has decided to assist with the development of one to three new locations every year.
Central Frederick – similar to the Wilson Park crosswalk, it was proposed to thermoplast a busy cross walk with a colourful design (actually melt the paint into the asphalt – which will last longer). Darren noted that the workmen were probably surprised to have a constant steam of neighbours observe their work on “their” crosswalk.
Belmont Village Pop-up Market. In order to provide local produce for sale, the City put together a “pop-up” package (costing about $5,000), which includes tables, shelters etc., which will be available to be used by other neighbourhoods. This might be used for craft as well as produce.
The new website will have many features including an inventory of other neighbourhood projects.
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