A community association for the southside of Wallaceburg is starting to pick up some steam.
Some positive results and action stemmed from the latest Chatham-Kent Police Community Mobilization group meeting held on Tuesday at the Wallaceburg and District Museum.
“I was very impressed with the second meeting,” Lori Turner, who lives in the southside of Wallaceburg, told the Sydenham Current.
“There were new people we didn’t see last time. Everyone had lots of ideas about events and activities they’d like to see happen on the southside, especially the Wallace Street area. Suggestions included neighbourhood beautification plans and events for children and families and we are already planning our first event in January.”
A Facebook page was launched following the meeting, along with plans to hold their first event early in January.
“I think it’s important for us all to know our neighbours and we all want to have a sense of pride in our neighbourhood,” Turner said.
“There is proven success in taking on projects and seeing them through as a group.”
Marjorie Crew, one of the coordinators for the Chatham-Kent Police Community Mobilization group, said she was impressed with the outcome.
“There was some really good discussion around what they want to see, where they want to see some improvements,” Crew told the Sydenham Current.
“It’s good and encouraging, and there are a lot of things collectively they were bringing up and we will be able to steer them in the right direction and get those answers and get assistance with certain things. Really it is about coming together and finding out what you can do collectively, because collectively is where you will have the most positive impact.”
Crew said ideas about building up the river trail along Wallace Street and working with the youth were a couple of the ideas brought forward.
Also, Crew said the group wanted their new association to not just focus on Wallace Street, but the entire southside of Wallaceburg.
“They said they want their new association to be all-inclusive of everybody on this side,” she said.
“We were really encouraged. These were their ideas, we were just writing them down. Where do you want to go, what do you want to do.”
The Chatham-Kent Police Community Mobilization group has worked with communities and neighbourhoods in the past to help them form associations.
Some issues brought up by those in attendance at a meeting held last month at the Moose Lodge in Wallaceburg, included:
– Drugs in the neighbourhood
– Problem houses
– Landlords living outside the community
– Lack of development of a trail along the Sydenham River
– Garbage build-up along the river
– Underdeveloped space
– Negative reputation and perception
Crew said the next meeting for the group is scheduled for December 6, once again at the Museum at 6:30 p.m.
Anyone in the community, especially those interested in participating with the group, are encouraged to attend.
