Archive for May, 2011
May Springboard for Crime Prevention
Lorne Daniel leading Jane's Walk group in Downtown Red Deer
There was no shortage of events focusing on the importance of Crime Prevention and Safe Communities this month. Its been great and very exciting to be an active participant. Alberta Crime Prevention week was held from May 8 – 14 and I was honoured to serve on the selection committee, helping identify this years recipients for the 20th Annual Crime Prevention Awards. There was 9 awards received by various community organizations, police members, community groups collaborating with police, the media and two individuals. You will be able to get all the details soon by visiting the Alberta Solicitor General & Public Security online where you will find photos and bios on all the award winners this year. Kudos to our government and to the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association for a job well done!
Crime prevention and community safety were also front and center locally, right here in the beautiful city of Red Deer, Alberta. There were several events and some very informative newspaper features in both the Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Express for Crime Prevention Week. Subjects ranged from modern crime prevention looking to the root of the problem to our local RCMP Community Response Unit contributing to crime prevention in Red Deer’s downtown. However, the highlight for me was organizing a special event with my friend Lorne Daniel, for our cities first Jane’s Walk.
On Saturday, May 7th, Lorne and I lead two separate walks for the event, one in the morning and another mid-afternoon stroll. Both were fairly well attended, especially considering it was our first year organizing the walks. We had a good cross-section of people joining us, including Mayor Morris Flewwelling, City Councillor Paul Harris, several planners, citizens and even a project manager from Williams Engineering. The two themes we chose can be found at Jane’s Walk, along with a host of information on Jane Jacobs and the legacy she has left for all of us.
It’s amazing how many people actually got out and walked this year. At Jane’s Walk HQ, they recently reported that there has been significant growth! Here are some of the numbers as of May 25th: 511 tours around the world in 75 cities (36 cities in Canada) – yeah Red Deer, Alberta. Almost 20,000 people around the world participated on a Jane’s Walk on May 7 & 8, almost a 40% increase from last year. It was an incredible experience with Lorne and I getting some great feedback from those that joined us that cold, windy day. Now, we just have to walk the walk, so to speak and get ready for 2012.
Local Red Deer artist Amy Braun preparing the Ross Street Piano
Red Deer Advocate staff photographer Natasha Schmale snaps a great photo in preparation of the summer arrival of the Ross Street Piano on the streets of downtown Red Deer, next Wednesday. The piano made its first appearance last July when my friends and family contributed to its purchase for my 50th birthday. Some restoration work by A&J Piano and Tuning was required and then I gifted the instrument back to our community.
Crime prevention you ask – you bet
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design practitioners understand the benefits of creating safe streets and the types of activity that encourage positive interaction in our public spaces. Local residents, people at-risk, musicians and other passers-by sat down last summer to play a tune or just listen to the music. It was certainly music for my ears.
If you live in this neck of the woods or looking for a great day trip, come join us in Red Deer. Musicians Randi Boulton, Carl Stretton and Paeton Cameron will be joining many others and performing around the piano during the lunch hour, on June 1st. The Ross Street Piano will be located for your enjoyment in front of the Thai Garden Restaurant located at 4916 Ross Street from June 1st through August 2011.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO SHARE IN SOME GREAT MUSIC AND THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY
No commentsThe Streets are Alive
There is no doubt that the streets are alive and that spring has sprung. Various musicians and other entertainers have begun sharing their talents with us. These events add a new dimension to our streets and offer us an opportunity to put our fast-paced lives on hold, even if just for a moment, to enjoy a tune or the best hula hoop performance I’ve seen in many years. These are the times that help us live in the present, break a smile or sing with a complete stranger.
Nobody recognized this more than Jane Jacobs who wrote “Cities have the capability of providing something for everyone, only because, and only when, they are created for everybody.” The more we all connect with our built-environment, the more we can truly enjoy it. It’s not just about the people we share our public spaces with, its about how we build and design our cities, our communities.
This coming weekend, May 7th & 8th marks the annual Jane’s Walk which was originally launched in Toronto in 2007. The event was first organized by a group of Jane Jacob’s friends and colleagues who wanted to honour her ideas and legacy. We encourage you to learn more about Jane and share her passion with us this weekend. Experience the sights and sounds right here in beautiful downtown Red Deer. Join Lorne Daniel from Grandview Consulting and myself for two informative walks that will begin from our new Cenotaph Plaza located on Ross Street & 49 Avenue.
Lorne’s walk, titled “Windows, Doors & Blank Spaces” begins at 10 a.m. and my walk titled “Safe Streets” begins at 2 p.m. Join us for both if you wish.
No comments