When I decided to run for regional council to represent Dartmouth Centre, I decided that my campaign would be built on sustainability. However, I do not choose to think of sustainability in only terms of environmental concerns, but also in the context of social, economical. I feel that by focusing in these three areas, together we can embrace a vision for Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) for long-term growth and sustainability. In the first of three articles, I will highlight social sustainability.
The driving force of any city are the people. In HRM our people are truly our greatest resource. From the Eastern Shore to Hubbards to Dartmouth Centre; we can witness on a daily basis the love, vibrancy and potential that is shown by HRM residents. The best designed plans will be futile if we do not have HRM residents behind regional objectives.
Bi-weekly visits to district citizens that may not able to attend monthly town hall meetings/community potluck. Ie. Nursing Homes, Group Homes etc.
Partnering with community groups, HRM, Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB), adult and youth residents to explore the development of a program to establish a network of community gardens. These can help to create urban space to increase resident’s food security by growing their own produce in their own neighbourhoods. Also, together we can help to foster new skills for youth and adults alike, and pride in one ’s self and others. Together, we can help to create community by having communal gardens: we can build relationships with neighbours, community groups and Mother Nature.
Working collaboratively with HRM, youth residents, community groups, HRSB, and private business to identify places to create free recreation for youth. To identify, from youth what activities/facilities they would want to use for recreation. Also, to engage HRM and HRSB on using existing infrastructure for recreation/youth programming to be housed in. Lastly, looking at what infrastructure we currently have in Dartmouth Centre for free youth recreation and whether those are meeting the current needs of youth residents. There is great potential to help get our kids be active and engaged again, we just need to open a dialogue and let them share their voice.
Listening to residents concerns, and working together with grass-roots organizations, HRSB, HRM and Dartmouth Centre residents to ensure that access to education is a priority at all levels of governments. Also, helping to advocate together with residents that access to HRSB schools are meeting the needs of the community.
Lastly, we need to create a stable grant funding program for our arts and culture communities. Currently, arts and culture funding is administered via the community grants program where a multitude of groups compete for either a project grant of $5,000 or a capital grant of $25, 000. This current funding structure can cause funding issues for certain groups and events.
http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/communitygrantsprogram.html - HRM Community Grants Program.
Examine best practice from other jurisdictions, in to how they successfully provide secure Arts funding.
Separate Arts & Culture funding requests out of the community grants program, and create an independent Arts & Culture Grants Program.
Together, we can move forward and make Dartmouth Centre and HRM the most vibrant, diverse, socially sustainable city in our region.