The following report was given by SECA president Douglas Hardie at our Annual General Meeting this December 1.
2010 has flown by and as they say, never a dull moment in the south end! If not dull, it has certainly been quieter on our streets reflecting the sustained progress that has been made in terms of safety issues in the neighbourhood. This is an opportunity to thank the agencies and service providers that have helped us in this endeavour (in particular VIHA, CMHA, RCMP, City of Nanaimo) and also to celebrate the contribution of our own association in building a stronger, safer neighbourhood. The following is a brief overview of our efforts and activities in the past year:
The South End Neighbourhood Plan. Completed!
I’m delighted to announce that our Neighbourhood Plan has been formally adopted into the OCP. The plan represents so much for the neighbourhood, not just as a clear vision and guide for future change, but as a symbol of all that we have worked for over the years. Many thanks to Chris Scholberg, city planner, for all his efforts in guiding the process and we look forward to making the plan a reality.
Quirk Werks and the SECA Tea Wagon
2010 saw the emergence of a SECA sub-committee, Quirk Werks, with a goal of developing projects in the neighborhood that bring folks together around fun, artistic and creative endeavors. SECA purchased it’s first fixed assett in the shape of a van which is in the process of being “transformed” into a “tea wagon.” This funked up, smile inducing, neighborhood gathering, tea pouring, SECA promoting vehicle will be centre stage at future SECA events…
Tree Planting on Haliburton Street, April 10th
Two down and four to go as another Haliburton Street block got “greened” last spring. About 30 trees were planted with the help of the city arborist and south ender Alan Kemp. It was a great day with lots of help, fun and cheer. AL Kemp is going to keep us posted about the possibility of another batch next spring.
Chase River Estuary Day, May 8th
Another great event, the fourth that we have organised with a goal of promoting awareness and education about the estuary and improved use of this lovely park. Various info exhibits were on display, Charles Thirkall got the kids wading into the river to look at the fish life, guided tours and bbq lunch all combined to make for a great day. Stay tuned for next spring’s event.
All quiet(er) on the IPI Recycling plant front.
IPI finally moved their glass recycling operation to Duke point and this, combined with strictly regulated working hours has led to a significant improvement in the quality of life for the immediate neighbors. A triumph for community persistence and organisation.
Balmoral Hotel
Low-barrier housing continues to make the news and our relationship with the Balmoral has been a source of considerable media interest. It’s not a universally popular position in the neighborhood, but I’m proud of the fact that we have taken the position we have and that we have a strong, supportive relationship with the project.
Eighteenth annual Miners Heritage Picnic
Charles Torjhelm started it all 18 years ago and the event is bigger and better than ever. It’s our biggest annual event and involves a fantastic effort by a host of different people. It’s fun, it’s free and it brings the neighborhood together in the best way possible.
Mad Hatters Tea Party, August 8th
A Quirk Werks project that marked our Tea Wagon’s official debut in an event that transformed Deverill Square Park into a scene from Alice In Wonderland. Sydney stole the show as the Queen of Hearts!
SECA Newsletter / Blog
Just a mention for our newsletter which has really transformed the way we communicate our business in the neighborhood. It gets better and better and has become a staple digest for those interested in what’s up in the south end. Big thanks to Barbara and Larry for all their work on this
Here’s a miscellaneous list of other highlights from 2010-12-01
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Art Bins Project continues to grow with new bins sprouting across the neighborhood. Have you noticed how much less litter we have on our streets?
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The newly minted South End Library, (Main Branch), has been recently installed beside Barbara’s house. Very cool indeed!
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SECA got actively involved in the effort to preserve Harewood Plains and it’s fragile eco-system. We supported the successful effort to have the Lotus Pinnatus adopted as our city emblem and we will be supporting future initiatives regarding this wonderful south end resource.
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Querky Werks installation on Strickland. Congrats to Chris and Michael on this wonderfull project. Check it out on the blog or even better head to Strickland Street and take a seat!
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We initiated a “Friend of the South End Award” which we gave to Mern Pinnaeo, crossing guard at Nicol Street for her wonderful commitment to child safety.
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David Scott has just produced the 2nd annual south end calender, a project that has proved very popular and have helped fund raise for SECA
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The Board of Directors now carry liability insurance which represents an unfortunate though necessary cost to the association of about $600 annually. This in addition to the general coverage adds up to aprox $1200 yearly. This means that we are required to maintain our fund raising efforts. Watch out for the Valentines Ball Extravaganza on, em Valentines Day 2011….
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Ongoing liason activities with the Balmoral Hotel, (thanks Ed and now David) and we’ve been working on our relationship with the Port Authority as plans emerge for that important neighbor to our north, (thanks Pat)
In Closing….
Don’t forget we meet on the first Wednesday of ever month, 7pm at Princess Royal Family Centre. It’s been another great year for the association, we have accomplished a great deal and there is much to look forward to in the new year. Cheers to all!
Douglas Hardie,
South End Community Association, Cha
SECA 2011 Board of Directors
A welcome to our new Board members, Micheal Carpenter, Chris LoScerbo, Johanne Pick and David Scott. Nice to have some more representation from the other side of Nichol Street! The following people were elected to the Board of Directors of the South End Community Association for 2011:
Chair – Douglas Hardie
Vice chair – Gordon Fuller
Treasurer– Sandra Zuccolini
Secretary– Sydney Robertson
Membership secretary – Johanne Pick
Members – at- large
Micheal Carpenter
Rebecca Chan
Chris LoScerbo
Pat Portsmouth
David Scott
Charles Torhjelm
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South End Community Association 