Over the past year, Lake Trail Neighbourhood Connections has brought residents together to share safety concerns and ideas of how to make neighbourhoods safer. A Lake Trail Neighbourhood Safety Initiative has been developed based on residents鈥� input and consultation with the RCMP.
The initiative supports residents in taking action to make their neighbourhoods safe, connected, vibrant and friendly. It is based on the belief that bringing together neighbours who share common concerns is an effective way to address local issues.
One part of the initiative is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet neighbours and an RCMP member to share concerns and ideas to improve safety. Involving police in an informal discussion provides an opportunity to share information and gain a better understanding about different roles police and residents have in reducing crime and other safety issues.
鈥淭he idea for organizing block meetings as part of the safety initiative grew out of the close connections and friendly relationships people in the Lake Trail area have with their neighbours," says Kathy Birkett, an LTNC board member. "It is normal in this part of the city that people know their neighbours and often help each other out. The block safety meetings are designed to strengthen these bonds and provide an opportunity for residents to come up with ideas to make their neighbourhood safer.鈥�
鈥淏eginning in January 2012, LTNC and a group of volunteer trained facilitators will help residents organize a meeting on their block, and arrange for an RCMP member and other resource people to attend," LNTC project co-ordinator Angela Konkin said. "Meetings can be hosted in a resident鈥檚 home or held at Lake Trail School.鈥�
For more information contact Konkin at 250-334-3168 or laketrailvision@gmail.com.
