Winnipeg, MB - Community groups and staff representing various City of Winnipeg services are coming together to walk through a 21 block area in the North End to visit with residents and businesses as a proactive way of building community awareness and safer neighbourhoods.
The one-day 2014 LiveSAFE 21-Block Outreach Initiative will kick-off Monday, November 17 at 10:00 am, 607 Selkirk Avenue (North End Business Centre).
Members of the William Whyte Residents Association (WWRA), the Dufferin Residents Association of Winnipeg (Draw Inc.), the North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC), the North End Business Development Centre, the Winnipeg Police Services Community Support Unit and Auxiliary Cadets along with City staff from Community Services and Public Works will participate.
The 21-Block is bordered by Salter Street to the east, McGregor Street to the west, Dufferin Avenue to the south and Burrows Avenue to the north.
“I want to commend everyone involved in this grassroots initiative for working together to bring information and a positive presence to the neighbourhood,” said Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman. “The team effort that has been made here and continues to be made to create a cleaner, safer community is evident.”
“Block by Block focuses on crime prevention and early intervention. Success will be accomplished by bringing the community together and when needed, connecting families and individuals with a broad range of service agencies,” said Chief Devon Clunis, Chief of the Winnipeg Police Service. “The key to success is that these agencies will share information and will work together to achieve a common goal rather than just working within their organizational silos.”
“The number of people taking better care of their properties, renovating homes and new families moving into the community is a testament to neighbourhood improvement,” said Annette Champion-Taylor, Volunteer and Program Coordinator of the William Whyte Residents Association. “Education, participation and enforcement are the key ingredients for success, and we have more eyes and ears keeping tabs on the neighbourhood than ever before.”
Members of the Winnipeg Police Service will also have a presence during the event.
Community By-law Enforcement Officers will inform citizens about the Neighbourhood Liveability By-law, ensure yards are free of garbage and check to see that houses, buildings, garages and fences are in good repair.
Public Works staff will be checking for graffiti, replacing damaged street signs and providing tree removal services on City property.
Community volunteers will also conduct door-to-door visits to promote their back lane numbering initiative to help residents comply with City by-laws that require properties with back lanes to display a visual address.
The LiveSAFE North End initiative aims to develop and implement a Community Safety and Wellness plan within a targeted 21 block area in the William Whyte and Dufferin neighbourhoods. The strategic focus emphasizes collaborative efforts to increase neighbourhood safety and wellbeing.