Building Community Solutions - Post-Phase Three

Developing Neighbourhood Strength and Capacity

As a result of Phase Three, the Building Community Solutions Steering Committee turned their attention to Neighbourhood Quality of Life Planning.  The focus of this phase was to build neighbourhood capacity and connections through engaging citizens in a local planning process.   The specific goals of Post-Phase Three are:

• To establish two viable Neighbourhood Circles/Committees in Maple Ridge by May 2006.

• To work with other agencies and service providers to build upon and strengthen the social capital, in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows/Katzie area.

• To establish several neighbourhood projects to promote and develop neighbourhoods’ strength and capacity through a shared goal and action

An outline of the Neighbourhood Quality of Life planning process that will guide Post-Phase Three activities can be found here and additional information on Neighbourhood Plans can be found here.  A copy of the Social Sustainability Framework adopted by the District of Maple Ridge Social Planning and Advisory Committee and Building Community Solutions can be found here.

Neighbourhood Planning Activities

Starting in January 2006 the planning processes in each neighbourhood varied, however, the focus on engaging a larger group of residents was shared.

Activities in the two neighbourhoods have included:

West Ridge Good Neighbours (area surrounding Laityview and West Ridge Secondary):

• Inaugural Laity View Family Movie Night (February 24th 2006) which attracted over 115 local residents;

• Implemented Kitchen Table planning meetings that allow for social interaction and neighbourhood event planning;

• Hosted second Laity View Family Movie Night (June 9th) with over 70 residents in attendance;

• Celebrated Canada Day in neighbourhood pocket park with activities and cake.

• Coordinated Neighbourhood Perennial and Plant Swap in March 2007

• Continued building neighbourhood connections and partnerships through Family Movie nights which provided Laityview PAC with a fundraising opportunity and attracted over 150 movie viewers;

Mountain View Neighbourhood Association (area surrounding Maple Ridge Secondary, Mount Crescent and Alouette Elementary):

• Established a NEW neighbourhood association called Mountain View Neighbourhood Association with a regular meeting time and place;

• Invited local agencies with information relevant to the neighbourhood to make presentations - Parks and Recreation, Maple Ridge Museum, Crime Prevention, Ridge Meadows Recycling, etc.

• Initiated community discussions between residents of Davison Street (adjacent to schools), the School District, and the District of Maple Ridge to problem solve a local challenge;

• Shared the spirit of the holiday season with a potluck dinner and neighbourhood Christmas Caroling;

• Planned fun family social events for the summer evening including softball, soccer, bocci ball - most events followed by fantastic snacks and goodies;

• Hosted first Neighbourhood Movie Night in partnership with Mount Crescent Grade 7 Fundraising Committee with 75 residents attending;

• Introduced neighbourhood Easter Egg Hunt that attracted over 70 children and involved over 10 local volunteers in it's first year and grew to serve approximately 110 children, involved 12 volunteers, and further the partnership between Mount Crescent Elementary and MVNA in its' second year;

• Established annual events calendar that includes Halloween Fundraiser, Christmas Caroling, Movie Night, Neighbourhood BBQ and Safety Day, Group Camping, etc. in addition to regular business meetings.

In addition to the neighbourhood activities that Building Community Solutions supports, several community events targeting a wider audience are planned for 2007. These include:

• Share your Story event designed to have local residents share positive experiences that they have had in Maple Ridge

• Enhancing community health using a capacity building model

• Growing Community Involvement Through Conversation

Post-Phase Three activities are still underway with ongoing activities revolving around connecting local residents with the goal of improving local quality of life.

To contact either the West Ridge Good Neighbours (Laity View) or the Mountain View Neighbourhood Association call the Building Community Solutions Coordinator at 604 467 7433 or email.

To learn more about Building Community Solutions activities or to get involved, contact the Building Community Solutions Coordinator at 604 467 7433 or by email.