Video highlights of "Building a Healthy Community: The Essential Ingredients"

View highlights from Brian O'Connor's "Building a Healthy Community" presentation at our opening evening event.

Please make plans to attend our next evening "Creating the Community Living Room", October 26, 7:30PM with Paula Carr.  Internationally recognized for her community building,  Paula will reveal the ideas and steps that create a "community living room" that strengthen neighbourhood health, well-being and social capital.

All events take place 7:30PM

Capilano Rugby Clubhouse

Klahanie Park, West Vancouver

Snacks and refreshments provided, as well as a cash bar for your enjoyment

Here are some comments from the audience at our Sept 21 event.

• "Thanks for a wonderful and inspiring evening...very professional and yet at the same time informal and comfortable."
• "We've had great feedback on your event.  Well done!"
• "Great job last night.  Looking forward to the next one"
• "Oh, that was so, so good!"

See the previous post (below) for more details of the CGA's "Building a Better Community" series.

The Big Bench Sessions / Workable ideas for the Gateway

"Building a Better Community"

With the adoption of the 2030 Official Community Plan and the Village Centre concept, we have the opportunity to revitalize our neighbourhood, making it more human-scale, sustainable and an interconnected community.

The Capilano Gateway Association has brought together a group of dedicated professionals of international recognition, with backgrounds in social health, community development and building design, to share their experiences on how to shape an inclusive community for a better future in a changing world.

Join us for these three evening events of ideas and insights that will prepare our neighbourhood for the challenges and opportunities awaiting.

   Event Dates:     September 21    -    October 26     -    November 30

Capilano Rugby Clubhouse
Klahanie Park
West Vancouver

All Events begin at 7:30 PM

Funding for this series of community events has come from the Lower Capilano Community Service Enhancement Initiative Grants, through the North Vancouver Recreation Commission, the Corporation of the District of North Vancouver, with the generous facility support of the Capilano Rugby Club.

How Do We Build a Better Community?  3 Special Evening Events

"Building a Healthy Community: The Essential Ingredients"

  Dr. Brian O'Connor, Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health

September 21,  7:30 PM   Capilano Rugby Club

 As Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Coastal Health, Dr. O?Connor has stated that municipal authorities have the potential - through thoughtful design and public policy - to do more for the broad general health of the population than can the medical profession.  The design and form of our community affects how we live, recreate, and socialize.

In this opening event for our series, Dr. O?Connor reveals the ways an interdisciplinary approach to community planning and public policy improves our physical and mental health in essential and profound ways.

-  With Renee Strong, Executive Director, Capilano Community Services Society.  Renee will offer insights into the coming critical and increasing demand for services requested of Capservices.

Following the speakers presentations a Q&A session will provide an opportunity for further discussion.  Snacks and refreshments will be provided as well as a cash bar.

"Creating the Community Living Room"

  Paula Carr, former Executive Director, Collingwood Neighbourhood House

  October 26,  7:30 PM   Capilano Rugby Club

Recognized across the world, Collingwood Neighbourhood House began, says Paula Carr, "with a group of five people sitting around a kitchen table, wanting to create a caring community."  Twenty-three years later, that dream has become an ever-evolving reality, a multi-service community centre that is intercultural and intergenerational.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House's success comes from its shared values of respect, diversity and capacity-building through it's strong focus on family, community collaboration and leadership.

Impressed by the operation of Collingwood Neighbourhood House, UBC Professor Leonie Sandercock produced a documentary on the centre titled "Where Strangers Become Neighbours".  In addition to her commentary, Paula will screen a 20 minute version of this NFB-produced documentary.

  "We Make Buildings / Buildings Make Us: Looking beyond Green"

  Dr. Ray Cole, Professor, UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

  November 30,  7:30 PM  Capilano Rugby Club

Dr. Ray Cole has taught environmental issues in building design for the past thirty years and was co-founder of the Green Building Challenge - an international collaborative effort to benchmark progress in green building performance and environmental assessment.  Designated as a UBC Distinguished University Scholar, Dr. Cole has served on numerous national and international committees related to buildings and the environment.

His current work in "Regenerative Design" goes beyond the purely technical aspects of green building to bridge the physical and functional, emotional and spiritual attributes of nature.  This emerging approach to architectural design offers new insight for constructed projects that can increase, rather than diminish, social and natural capital.

For further information:  604-985-5621 / 604-904-7581       Email: capgatewayassoc@gmail.com

Complexities & Insights / Planning a Community Centre for Lower Capilano

 What essential components of design and programming are needed for a Lower Capilano community centre that engenders community identity, better community health and well being?  

 How do the facility design considerations serve a broad user base in the most inclusive manner? 

 
Why services –beyond sport and fitness - need to be provided in a multi-functional environment to successfully serve a wide range of community ages, abilities and needs.

Fitness gym at Mt. Pleasant Community Centre, Vancouver

These and other planning concerns formed the basis of the recent August 4^th Community Centres Bus Tour, organized by DNV Planning Dept. with Annie Mauboules and Tom Lancaster.  Framed with an eye to creating community awareness of the complex considerations that go into creating a modern community centre, the tour covered four facilities, ranging from the suburban environment of Parkgate on the  North Shore, to the changing urban demographic of Mt. Pleasant.

The experience and insights gained on the tour deepened the knowledge base for tour participants on a number of fronts, for example: 

•      Essential consideration for the role of storage immediately adjacent to multi-purpose rooms was noted by each facility manager.  Without sufficient storage, users are unable to efficiently re-purpose spaces in ways that guarantee successful programming.
•      Social and community services function most efficiently and to greater benefit when they are combined in a manner that provides ‘one-stop shopping’ for users, integrating community health care centers and other population health initiatives.
•       Governance models for community centres need to evolve to ensure appropriate community involvement that is accountable and flexible.
•       The critical need for a variety of room size options and use of glass to promote cohesive and open interior spaces that invite participation and convey a sense of security and activity.            

Senior's exercise classes / Activity room at John Braithwaite Centre

Visiting the four sites gave participants practical knowledge of the range of facility size and planning requirements needed to successfully create an informed vision for  Lower Capilano community centre within a cohesive Village Centre plan.  

Tour participants at John Braithwaite Centre meeting with centre manager.

 These planning perspectives will also inform the October 26  “Building a Community Living Room” event, part of the Big Bench Sessions series of community planning events organized by the CGA.

 Further details for this upcoming series of community events will be circulated in early September.

CGA Projects and Initiatives - A Progress Report

The Curling to Belle Isle pedestrian/cycle path; soon to be the site for the Gateway Mural project

The Capilano Gateway Association continues its efforts and community engagement with a range of projects and information dedicated to building the community and enhancing the overall livability and responsible sustainability of Lower Capilano neighbourhood.

The installed park bench for Belle Isle Park has become a favourite resting spot for many residents, as well as the focal point for informal community discussions.  The May 5, 2011 addition of the handicap-accessible picnic table, and park garbage receptacle, has encouraged many people,  families and children to come the safe play environment of the park. 

In the immediate future, the Curling Road to Belle Isle pathway will see the installation of a drop curb pan to allow further and safe use of the path by cyclists, pedestrians and those with mobility scooters and wheelchairs.  This work is slated for completion in July, along with other grading improvements to the path.

Working with the DNV Parks department, the CGA has arranged for similar handicap drop ramps to be installed on Belle Isle Park to ensure full disabled access to the park for everyone.  This priority item is contingent on 2012 budget allocations to be voted on by DNV Council.

Recently the CGA was awarded funds under the Neighbourhood Enhancement Program to implement a mural project along the Belle Isle pathway.  The project will proceed in conjunction with local youth service organizations and business partners to create a neighbourhood focal point.

Beginning in September, "The Big Bench Sessions" will see a variety of resource professionals present their insights and experience to a series of themed community discussions dedicated to create awareness and a collective vision for "Building a Healthy Community". 

This series of three meetings, will explore the essential elements required to form a more livable, sustainable community that embraces people of all ages.  Out of these sessions the community can create a positive vision of the opportunities available through the implementation of the Lower Capilano - Marine Local Plan of the OCP.  Further information and flyers on this will be circulated later this summer.

As always, the CGA blog site continues to be a source of information and community connection, with an expanding local and international readership.
www.capilanogatewayassociation.blogspot.com

We look forward to additional initiatives in the coming year and welcome your feedback and participation.

sincerely

Kim, Jai, Wayne, Elaine, Doug  
The CGA Executive Board

Getting back to the Big Picture / Why the Big Bench Sessions - Fall 2011

The comments below were penned by a Lower Capilano resident, following the March 30 OCP meeting held at the Grouse Inn.  Through the writer's compassionate awareness for managing a changing world, we find the same recognized need to embrace the greater public good that will inform and drive the CGA's "Big Bench Sessions" planned for this fall. 

More information on this series of public meetings will be circulated in the area over the coming month.  Stay tuned and consider the following thoughts of a neighbour.

After leaving last night's meeting I decided to put in writing some of my thoughts and perhaps offer some advice based on an historical perspective that may help direct future development in our area.  I am afraid that a  community spirit we all would like to believe in is really just a myth. A community spirit exists when all are pulling in the same direction and unite around common interests, benefits and even sacrifices.  Unfortunately, the history of the Lower Capilano neighbourhoods proved once again last night that the communities are still fractured, terribly entrenched in Not-in-My-Back-Yard approach to life and have limited vision as to how we are all impacted by global politics and economical affairs. Not even one word was uttered that perhaps we may all need to use public transportation anyway since fuel charges may be too expensive or even not available given the Middle East situation. Of course there is plenty of other energy resources in North America, but those need to be developed yet. OK, here we go:

1.       The most vulnerable residents are those living on the boundaries next to the suggested changes. History of the community shows that the more the resident is removed geographically from the affected areas, he or she will less likely to resist, assist or show compassion to the affected residents. Not only that, neighbours and whole streets within the same community will fight each other to maintain their way of life and habits. You may find a person here and there ready to protect a vulnerable resident but that is rare. As a planner, you must protect those vulnerable residents since they are in minority.  In the name of democracy, the majority of the community is ready to sacrifice a street or two in order to protect themselves from the inevitable changes.

2.       The big picture is lost. We heard one person mentioning the younger population and another person mentioning the aging population. The fact is that the North Shore attracts older residents for various reasons and yet there is a resistance to accommodate their needs. I still remember the fights we had when the development for seniors’ housing in Norgate community was initiated. Talking about mean spirited attitudes and lack of compassion.

3.       I like very much the idea of a Village Centre. Our area needs it desperately. Maybe if we had those social gathering places people would feel more connected and a true community spirit would be then reborn. Again, those living next to the suggested centres will need extra special attention as to meaningfully and truly create a strong link between the adjacent residents and the centre.  If the rest of the community wants vehicle access to the village centre, let them drive around to get there. The idea is to let the community have a safe pedestrian access to the Village Centre. I guess it is hard to kill old habits.  There are many successful examples of town centres around the world that limit vehicle access. It may be limited during the day while allowing supply vehicles during the night or with special permits. Yet, neighbouring streets and adjacent communities demand vehicle access to every inch of the land, as if it was a God’s given right. We should ask ourselves: What would make this place a desired place to live in, raise children and grow older? We already have beautiful scenery (mountains, river, beaches), proximity to downtown Vancouver, flat geography and improving pedestrian access to shopping malls. What do we need to make it work better is to protect residential streets facing the village centres and provide safe pedestrian access to the centres.

4.       Larco site.  What a waste of potential land. It is sitting empty for so many years while it could answer many needs I raised above.  The site  sits undeveloped because of deep disagreements between the various communities over its future,  add to it a greedy developer who is being dragged by his ears to be more socially responsible,  not to forget a reluctant District management to invest financially even when they could afford it.  I just feel so sorry for people living around that area. I think the old guards need to disappear and perhaps a new generation would be more visionary. I was really hoping I would still be able to enjoy a community centre there, a library, a pool, a child care facility a place to drink coffee with friends. Now, my children are grown and moved away, and I am considering selling my house [in Lower Capilano] since none of the potential great ideas would benefit me while I am here.

5.       Because of the divided communities, streets and neighbours, I suggest strongly to solicit each household and get an objective feel for what people really want. History proved that the community associations not always represent the full spectrum of ideas, some are self appointed, some shun away opposition.  By knowing what each household wants, the District can then stay away from local politics that may shut down great ideas for developments.       

 I wish you all the best. May the forces be with you.

All the best

Momentum and Looking at the Next Steps / The 2030 OCP as a reality

With the passing of the 2030 Official Community Plan, our community now has the opportunity to shift focus from general visioning for the future of the area, to co-developing constructive, realistic and widely-accepted options for building a healthy community.

 The challenge is creating an inclusive neighbourhood and village centre that will accommodate a truly diverse population and grounding this ambition in the ideal of the greater public good.  

We are standing at the edge of a great opportunity to make this corner of the District of North Vancouver the "gateway location".  We have already engaged, and had positive feedback from youth, seniors and others representing marginalized populations in our area. 

Over the coming months the CGA executive board is planning to facilitate the "Big Bench Sessions" to promote a broad community imaginative vision.  Building on the popular open-air bench sessions conducted in Belle Isle Park, The "Big Bench Sessions" will provide a forum to articulate and explore ideas  that the community desires as a result of redevelopment of the Lionsgate/Lower Capilano commercial properties into a Village Centre.  A variety of experienced resource personnel are available to help residents create viable plans developed from broad community input.

We value ideas from the community and CGA members to make this a community success.

Over the summer months a number of announcements about this project will be circulated to the community as this innovative program takes shape.
Email us:  capgatewayassoc@gmail.com

best regards,  

Elaine, Doug, Jai, Kim, Wayne

CGA Executive Board

Watching the second hand of a clock / Letters to the North Shore News

Ben Hecht,  a highly-regarded screen writer ("Some Like it Hot", "The Front Page") and former Chicago newspaper reporter, once observed that, "Trying to determine what is going on in the world by reading newspapers is like trying to tell the time by watching the second hand of a clock."

Recently some have been given pause by articles in the North Shore News surrounding aspects of the OCP process.  Here are two 'Letters to the Editor' of the NS News that point to significant aspects of local stories where the NSN reporters and editors overlooked the essential core to the story.
 

To the Editor, North Shore News, May 25

RE: Missing the number on OCP reporting / Denisty, housing dominate OCP meeting / May 22

Dear Editor,
RE: Density, housing dominate OCP meeting, May 22, page A10

In reporting on the OCP Public Hearings your reporter missed the most significant and demonstrated aspect of public support.  By stating that "more than half of the speakers expressed general support for the OCP", the reporter implies that there was only slightly more support "for" than "against".  

A more factual basis is easily obtainable from the DNV's sign up sheets for the hearings.  Of the 69 speakers, 8 made general comments, while 46 spoke in favour, while 15 opposed. 

These numbers clearly demonstrate that the OCP meets with overwhelming support from those who have engaged in the process from across the District.  The majority of those speaking for the OCP couched their remarks in terms of achieving outcomes that direct action towards a more viable and livable community for the greater good.
These wide-ranging aspects of public endorsement were largely missing from your article.

sincerely,
Doug Curran      dougcurran@shaw.ca
 

To the Editor, North Shore News, May 30
 RE: Some other perspectives on LAPs / "Open Space", May 25
NB:  This letter was edited by NS News.  The edited portions of the original are included here in blue italics

Dear Editor,

Your recent May 25th "Open Space" article commented on the diminishing weight given to the "direct democracy" experiment of neighbourhood-developed LAPs within the OCP process.  What has become apparent is that in their narrow local focus, many LAPs are both out-of-date and have become impediments to the broad cohesive perspectives required for effective planning on a district-wide level.

The local activism of LAPs through neighbourhood planning as endorsed in your article, has serious drawbacks when decision-makers mistake activism for democratic involvement.  What arose from many of the LAPs was actually a disguised agenda of local interest groups intent on forcing their own vision on the LAP with little appetite for fully engaging the broader community . 

Overall the LAPs are of varying uneven quality; some are quite good, founded in well-researched goals, while others have resulted in virtual private community fiefdoms that prevent appropriate change and adaptation for the affected neighbourhoods, leading to their eventual stasis and decline.  

This patchwork of LAPs has left the DNV with an uncoordinated set of local ambitions which thwart effective overall planning objectives that would meaningfully deal with the District-wide problems of transit, sustainability and housing diversity that we suffer from now and will become more pronounced over the next ten years.

In the case of Lower Capilano, a number of those involved in the years-long (1996-2006) LAP process fought vigorously against housing policy initiatives within the OCP that they themselves had written into the original LAP.  This calls into question either the understanding behind the original policies, or the commitment to these ideas when the possibility of implementation arises, as now, through the revised OCP.

As many of these LAPs contain irreconcilable inconsistencies, the full acceptance of LAPs into the new OCP would hamstring the DNV in both legal and practical terms. It would enshrine the problems we have at present, not engage them.  It is sufficient that these LAPs will be attached as historical footnotes to the OCP, but they can be nothing more.
sincerely, 
Doug Curran         dougcurran@shaw.ca

Lynn Valley Farmers Market at Library Square

Lynn Valley's Library Square continues to expand its public use with the opening of its regular Thursday "Farmer's Market", running every Thursday until October 25th.  Home baked goods, plants, deli foods, and a wide variety of other offerings allow the community to relax and enjoy some music and a coffee in the midst of shopping and mingling.  Activities such as the Farmers Market help support the overall mixed-use concept behind Library Square, bringing additional customers that support other businesses located there.   http://lvca.ca/2011/05/farmers-market/

Below are a few images from the season's first market on May 18.  The prospect begins to open for a similar Lower Capilano opportunity with a Village Centre as planned under the recent OCP Conceptual Plan.