In 1999 an unfortunate tragedy happened in the Jane and Finch community. Breanna Davy, a three year old, was killed from gun cross fire. As a Community Minister it was my first memorial that I conducted in the community and I was stricken with grief. Marie Augimeri, one of the city councilors, was also deeply moved by the situation. Later that summer she brought many city commissioners and officials to meet with leaders in the community to begin a planning process to determine what kind of changes could be done to make the Jane Finch community a safer place to live and that Breanna’s death would not be in vain.
Three things emerged from that meeting. The first was the development of a memorial for Breanna which took the form of a public art display, celebrating community, at the Driftwood Community center. The second development was the commitment from the City and Public housing to look at the infrastructure re-design of the Yorkwoods community to make it safer and integrate it with the surrounding neighbourhood. This plan is currently on hold waiting to learn from the pilot project of the redevelopment of Regent Park. The third development was initiating a needs assessment. Instead of doing a needs assessment (which looks at the glass being half full) in 2001 it was decided to look at doing a community capacity research project. This process has been to look at the strengths, skills and capacity of the community and how we can build on these assets in order to meet the specific challenges that the community faces.
A working group for the Black Creek West Community Capacity was established and made up of six different city departments, three reps from the Network of Community Based Organizations and York University. In 2002, phase 1 of the project took place developing a snapshot of the community which included determining who lives in the community and what type of community based services exist. In May of 2003 the phase 1 report was approved by city council and it was agreed to establish a broad base reference group and develop a process of conducting community consultations. In 2004 thirteen focus groups were conducted with various sectors of the community (parents, children, faith leaders, youth, community service providers, seniors, business reps, ethno-cultural groups, geographic communities, and institutional reps.). Joyette Consulting Services were hired through funds from the Toronto Dominion Bank to conduct the focus groups and develop a report with priority actions. These priority actions were further refined at a community forum which took place in the winter of 2005.
We are now entering into the third phase of the project in which an Action Plan will be presented to the City Council. The structure of the project now includes a coordinating committee and four working groups. The four groups focus on: Economic Indepenence and Stability, Development of Services, Showcasing the Black Creek West Community, and Healthy, Safe and Aesthetic Space and Facilities. Guiding principles of the Action Plan include: Enhancing Information and Services and Inclusive Decision Making. As this Community Capacity Project continues to move forward building upon the strengths, skills and assets of the community it is hoped that Breanna’s death was not in vain.
If you would like further information about how you can lend your skills and assets in this capacity building process of strengthening the community do not hesitate in contacting me, Barry Rieder, at 416-747-5616 or Nury Rugeles the current chair of the coordinating committee at 416-747-1172.
