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Mayor's Working Group on Community/University Relations
Good Neighbours/Good Neighbourhoods
Sub Committee Report - February 2008
Executive Summary
The Good Neighbours/Good Neighbourhoods Sub Committee was struck in response to the number and the nature of the incidents that occurred in College Hill Neighbourhood in the fall of 2007. Of particular concern were the fires that were set in the Graham Avenue area. The Sub Committee also identified the need to create a better living environment for all residents of the area, but recognized this must be a long term initiative.
The Sub Committee comprised a good cross section of the key stakeholders, with representatives from the Landlords' Association, Universities, City staff, Police and Fire Departments and long-term residents. The Committee met six times between October 4, 2007 and January 23, 2008 and individual members undertook research in between meetings.
In the early meetings the Sub Committee reviewed the situation that had occurred in Fall 2007, determined the geographic area of interest, suggested possible remedies, identified possible resources, specified benchmarks for monitoring, and reviewed initiatives undertaken by other institutions. From the beginning, the Sub Committee recognized that interventions would have to address students, landlords, and long term residents in the area.
The Committee focused on developing and refining intervention strategies. A three "E" framework of approaches was adopted: Engineering, Education and Enforcement. An Action Plan was developed that collectively will begin to address the issues in the College Hill Area. It is important that a multi-pronged, multi-sector approach be taken if any lasting improvements are to be made.
This Report has been submitted to the Mayor's Working Committee on Community/University Relations, which will be responsible for the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the initiatives. The individuals involved in the Sub Committee will assume responsibility for particular activities, but leadership must come from the Mayor's Working Committee.
Members of the Good Neighbours/Good Neighbourhoods Sub Committee are confident
that with commitment and collaborative effort on the part of all stakeholders, the College Hill Area can become a more pleasant environment for all the residents.
