The October 12th community discussion about the National Housing Strategy mirrored the summary of points compiled from previous work done by the Social Development Centre on affordable, safe and accessible housing. It highlights the consistency of concerns that exist in Waterloo Region: housing is more than a physical building; it enables social and community life; supportive, affordable and accessible housing are core housing needs; alternate models for housing types and financing to be offered, thinking both rural and urban needs; upgrade regulations and enforcement of property standards with rental housnig; and always plan with those who need affordable and accessible housing. Read the full submission to the Ministry of Families, Children and Social Development.
National Housing Strategy Submission
Invest in Social Development
Social Development Centre (SDC WR) has again applied to the City of Kitchener for core funding. This is an important and appropriate investment so SDC WR can maintain its course addressing social issues that affect the quality of life in Kitchener. Especially for those community members who are not part of mainstream decision-making.
At SDC WR people matter, regardless of how vocal, tech savvy, or confident they are to participate in the public sphere. ...
Let's Talk Housing October 12th
We are organizing three different talks on October 12 to prepare local input the National Housing Strategy Consultation. You can join discussion with our action groups, Poverty Free and Disabilities and Human Rights, come to a drop in session. or help us shape the main points collected during the day at a wrap up session. The day is organized in collaboration with the members of the Community Social Planning Council.
Neighbourhood Resource Associate Opportunity
KW Tenant Group and the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region are looking for a Resource Support Associate to augment their team working in Traynor-Vanier neighbourhood. The activities and the programs for children and youth are starting this fall and would need additional supports on site. Also, Social Development Centre WR has a community information outpost in the neighbourhood and would like to
It is Finale Celebration Time!
Delve into the Festival of Neighbourhoods September E-Neighbour, the issue that announces our 23rd Annual Finale Celebration on October 16th! We are putting a highlight on the Awards that will recognize special efforts made by neighbours across Kitchener. When you register your activities, make sure to tell us if your activity had a worthwhile focus on inclusion, arts, safety, youth, heritage or social conditions in your neighbourhood. If you register before October 5th, you will be a part in a great celebration with community champions like yourself and have an exceptional chance to win one of the two capital investment grants this year!
Pedestrian Access over LRT
The LRT process should not divide a neighbourhood in the way that is planned in the Traynor-Vanier area of Kitchener. As more money is coming from the Federal Government to improve connectivity in the region, TriTag advocates agree that there is still time to resolve access issues to food, work and transit in the area. Social Development Centre strongly suggested that the neighbourhood should have been fully included in direct and meaningful ways three years ago in what was being planned for the final route section along the Hydro Corridor. One group of residents has sent a letter to the Regional Council and opened an online petition to ask for a pedestrian crossing on the 1km stretch.
Volunteers Needed for Information Access Audit
Access to information was voted a priority for our work once again through community and member input. Information Access Audits are a tool to help community members from all walks of life to give a user’s perspective on how well information services are meeting their needs. Volunteer with the project team and give your perspective on helpfulness of the call centres, the ease of use of the information systems and websites. To find out how you can participate in the Information Access Audit, contact Jessica Amacher 519-579-3800 or jessica@waterlooregion.org.
Bill 201 and Issue-based Advocacy
The purpose behind the revisions of the Elections Finances Act are the principles of fairness, providing an even playing field, democratic process, transparency and openness. We truly support these principles and want these front and centre in elections and everything related to political life. However, due to the lack of clarity regarding what 'political advertising' includes, the proposed changes are problematic for a community organization such as ours that devotes time to educating and advocating on various social issues. The definition blurs an important line between political partisan activity and issue focused activity. With this definition, at any point in time in the six months prior to an election call and during the election period, community organizations may not be able to address issues or participate in public dialogue on social issues for fear these might become identified with a party or candidate. Read the full submission to the Standing Committee on General Government Regarding Bill 201.
Traynor-Vanier Hockey Try-outs
As a part of the Social Development Centre’s ongoing support of the Traynor-Vanier community, you may recall we developed a relationship through which nine boys and girls attended the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association “Give it a Try” hockey day . With equipment provided by Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KHMA), and mentorship, guidance and support provided by players of the Kitchener Jr. Rangers Minor Midget AAA hockey team everyone had a great introduction to skating and hockey.
Social: The Last Straw
Have you ever played the Last Straw board game? Apparently it is a good conversation starter about social conditions that impact our health and chances to lead a decent life. People say it is difficult staying alive in this game. Toronto Public Health published a report "Unequal City" that tracks trends of 34 health indicators in different income groups. A good read before we meet for a game of The Last Straw on August 10th at 3 pm at 74 Frederick Street!
