Stick It!

Community residents in Chestermere had an opportunity to stick it! Sticking "it" translates into posting a sticky note on to a community map to determine what is important in the community.

A community wide gathering was held where people could fill out a scanning tool to identify some key areas of quality of life in Chestermere. Group discussions created much focus on the strengths and celebrations that Chestermere has to offer its residents.

Some of the key areas that residents focused on as strengths and assets were: events; organizations, programs, facilities, and services; nature and natural appreciation; atmosphere and people.

If you take apart those headings it is easy to see that the pipes and pavement were not necessarily what the residents were looking at. While those aspects of a community are important, the residents were looking deeper into the quality of life. Residents were actually reflecting upon what makes Chestermere an active, creative, and engaged community.

A facilitator, the community development coach, took the group through a process to determine community priorities. This overall process helped the community determine how to best focus time and energy. The process also helped the community gain ownership on how to move forward with the priorities.

Creating a meaningful and significant, yet fun process to determine what is important to people helps to set the stage for community empowerment. Take time to "stick it" and gain an understanding of what is important to your organization or community. It works!

Accolades in High Level

Here are some positive reflections on how ACE is developing leaders in communities. ACE leaders Carrie Demkiw and Adam Clarkson have recently won the Chamber of Commerce’s 'Volunteer of the Year Award' for their work in High Level. They were co-nominated primarily due to the work they have done with ACE Communities. Amazing work Carrie and Adam!

Parks are Growing in Alberta

It is amazing what transpires when a group of local citizens have input into the renewal of a local park. The Town of Killam has a group of local leaders working along side town staff and council to renew the local heritage park. All citizens, including youth, will equally be involved in the planning and decision making process.

The planning group has amazing foresight to the park details. The design team is looking for ways to enhance the cultural and heritage aspects of the Heritage Park. Much attention is being spent on the cultural potential of the park. This means even benches and signage would incorporate the cultural side of Killam.

It seems that the park will not be unused in any shape or form as the focus is to renew the park for all year use. This could include features of a toboggan and ice surface area to fitness and tennis space and theatre potential.

The best part of the Killam Heritage Park renewal is not the product, but the process. Involving citizens in creating, planning, and decision making processes will help create a public space that is reflective of the community.