At the end of November in 2011 we kicked off a five part meeting house series: “…more than roads, sewers, stores and schools”. The first of the series took place in East Gwillimbury, which has been identified as one of five municipalities that will experience unprecedented growth in the coming years. In fact, East Gwillimbury is expected to double its population by 2031.
At the first meeting house, community residents could come and participate in the discussion to share what’s important in their community, primarily the need for social infrastructure which includes spaces for gathering, opportunities for learning, networks and other services and supports.
Deborah Manion was one such resident and attendee at the kick-off event who had many great things to say about our initiative. She notes that the dialogue at the event focused on what makes East Gwillimbury a great place to live and encouraged discussions on how we can build and maintain a sense of community and belonging as the town transforms into a population dense community.
“I am in agreement with intensification and growth; I am not a ‘NIMBY,’” says Deborah. “However, I believe in responsible, thoughtful progress, looking at long term responsible development that will best serve the needs and lifestyle of our community members and not at the short term, make-a-quick-buck development that I see.”
Starting with Green Lane, Deborah notes that East Gwillimbury has a wonderful opportunity to build a great neighbourhood that could combine living, transportation, shopping and leisure and suggests that the town build multi-use shopping and residential buildings like they do in Toronto. These would feature wide pedestrian sidewalks surrounded with houses and townhouses, all within walking distance from the Nakia trail and the East Gwillimbury transportation hub to catch the GO Train or buses.
“No more big box centres where folks must get in their car to get to; they are like waste lands where the car is king,” adds Deborah. “We can’t continue that way; we must create community where families are encouraged and able to walk to local parks, shopping and services, where transportation is available.”
Building a sense of belonging is just as important to Deborah and her community as building new developments. She also suggests developing neighbourhood associations where families are encouraged to join and can have a say in the development and activities offered in their neighbourhood.
Encouraging village hubs, like Mount Albert Village where there are coffee shops, restaurants, stores and services within walking distance of homes, also creates that connected feeling, she adds.
United Way’s part in this discussion is to listen to these people and groups and discover how we can support strong neighbourhood planning and better coordinate services in the face of the demand and growth in these areas.
The next meeting house will take place in Newmarket at Newmarket Public Library, Multi-purpose Room at 438 Park Avenue on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. To view other meeting house dates and locations, click here.
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