Community Conversations
Spring 2022
(March 2022 to May 2022)
While there had been a sense of dormancy associated with the earlier seasonal chilly weather, the discourse changed as conversations focussed on putting together plans for long postponed events and gearing up for a spring with more flexibility than the previous two years.
People’s availability to engage and have face-to-face conversations was impacted by an uptick in hybrid work schedules. Weston Walks took place during outdoor events including community Clean Up days, outdoor sports kick offs, a Mother’s Day market, landmark anniversaries, reimagined pop-up spaces including Frontlines Front and Centre, the official naming of the Castlepoint Numa Community Kitchen at Frontlines, welcoming new retailers in Weston, and Weston’s vaccination ambassador program activations. Top of mind during these conversations was public transportation related to the Eglinton Cross Town and the desire to see a community driven transportation plan for Weston. Several discussions included enthusiastic support for the seasonal return of the Farmers Market in June 2022.
Recurring topics such as food security, housing availability and recent price increases related to both continue to be front and center. Participants linked these topics to upcoming provincial and municipal elections.
As has been the case since February 2020, Weston Walks adhered to COVID guidelines regarding physical distancing and mask wearing as recommended.
We continue to reach out and learn about the stakeholders who make Weston the community it is and their collective aspirations. Interviews, calls, emails, social media participation and virtual conversations with individuals and community groups are core communication tools of the Community Conversations program.
Top Community Conversation Topics
COVID vaccination community clinics in Weston and vaccination rates
Rental and attainable housing
Provincial and municipal elections
Neighbourhood Spring Clean Ups
Food security and price increases for food basics
Project status and newer acquisitions in Weston
By the Numbers
The early days of this period were cool and rainy which made them less appealing for in-person opportunities. Nevertheless we continued to make regular visits to locations in Weston Village along with several indoor meetings. We are committed to be flexible and conduct conversations in formats that accommodate the participants’ circumstances using virtual meetings and telephone alternatives to connect and stay in touch.
These discussions continue to generate insights into the way Weston lives and works, the deeply felt sense of community in Weston and the future aspirations and hopes for the future generations of Weston.