In Your Words, What Makes Communities Great

I've put out three simple surveys in the last few weeks to ask you about how you're interacting with their city. From teen girls, to kids, to adults. I am curious about what is good, and what can be improved in your eyes.

Most importantly, the overall sense I got from reading your answers, was that being in community was important to you including the amazing connections you have to your neighbours. 

You focused on the elements you interact with most in active modes. No one flagged roads as the thing they want to keep, or a specific built form of houses. To me, this signals, what we value in our neighbourhoods, what I feel is so key to humanity, places to be around others and build relationships.

I have been building community for a good part of my life - from school spirit days in high school, weekly connector events through work, a team of volunteers for festivals, or volunteering for the community association to build a playground. It has always been the relationships that have driven me to participate - and running for council is no different. I have a deep desire to help people bring amenities to their neighbourhoods, to support initiatives that build a sense of community, and help local business connect to customers.

When asked what to keep in neighbourhoods, it was the communal spaces: parks, playgrounds, pathways, schools. The most common thing people wanted to get rid of - unsafe roads and road noise. When asked what people wanted to add into their neighbourhoods overwhelmingly more local independent businesses, community events, and safer walking and biking infrastructure topped the list.

Kids identified that the number one thing that makes them feel safe in their community is knowing their neighbours. When we have streets, sidewalks, and parks that help us know each other, we support even our youngest residents in their participation in community. Their fears: coyotes (totally valid).
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Teen girls had this to say about their interactions in their neighbourhoods...

What do you like to do?

What do you want more of?

What does this all this mean as I ask to be your representative at city hall? It means that I recognize the amenities of neighbourhoods which you value, and I value them too. I want to ensure we continue to support the amenities which foster relationships (like community halls and rec centres), the local economy (supporting residential adjacent businesses), and active living (ensuring quality pathways and park spaces). 

Earlier this year, I made a birthday wish list for Calgary for my 40th. There is lots of overlap between the keep/add lists.

It's not to late to give your answers. Here are the links to the original blogs/surveys:

The Kids Point of View (best for kids in elementary)
Girls in the City
Changing Communities - What do you want to see?

Here's hoping I will see you out on the pathways!

Kourtney