The First 90 Days of Community Liaison

As we all deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,  the redevelopment partnership team has continued to move forward with the concept design process for the site and in learning about the Weston neighbourhood  while sticking to the ‘stay in place’ provincial public health guidelines. 

Like you, it has meant doing what we set out to do with some changes – some big, some small but still working steadily these first 3 months. Like everyone we are finding our way and creating some new ways of staying in touch and the new website is our first foray given we cannot yet hold community meetings. On the more personal side, our community liaison Marilyn McCrea has been conversing via telephone and/or exchanging emails with community members and stakeholders.

So far, we have connected and had 66 telephone conversations and exchanged more than 85 emails! which gives you a sense of openness and generosity of your neighbourhood.

BY THE NUMBERS

And while nothing is better than having face to face conversations, the people of Weston have been very willing and generous with their time to have wide-ranging chats and share their thoughts and opinions – all of which give the redevelopment team some “early days” learnings and appreciation for the need/wants and wishes of the neighbourhood. So, thank you to everyone who has been so open and forthcoming during these conversations.

We have had great one-on-one telephone chats with a host of people who live and/or work in Weston -- from all walks of life and all ages: 

• Individuals

• Association leaders

• Members of families

• Together and one on one

• Business leaders and business operators

• Co-workers

• Educators

• Essential workers

• Volunteers

• Weston Park Baptist Church goers

• Youth

• Weston Park Baptist Church staff

• Seniors

• Long-time residents

• Newer residents

• Community event organizers

• Law enforcement

• Social services

Conversation topics have been wide ranging, including:

• History of Weston community (dating back to the 1700s)

• Periods of change - industrial (factory closures), commercial (opening and closing of businesses); transportation (a big one was the building of the Metrolinx station), demographic, social and political

• The Intersection – Weston and Lawrence traffic congestion/safety

• Distinct parts of the neighbourhood and how they co-exist and types of residential housing

• Types of retail/commercial – availability of grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, services

• Community events: Farmers Market; Santa Claus Parade, Busker Fest, Neighbourhood BBQs – what they mean and how they bring the community together

• Green space and parks – which ones are used and how

• Recreation, cultural and entertainment in Weston

• Living in Weston during COVID ‘stay in place’ i.e. loss of business, no school, closed services.

Because of the scope of conversations and openness of people with whom we have been able to connect, the redevelopment working team is learning more and more every day. Your thoughts, opinions, insights, and willingness to discuss such a range of topics have really helped us as we continue to get to know the neighbourhood and as we begin the preliminary design process which we are hoping to get your feedback on in the fall. 

Please be assured that the entire redevelopment working team sincerely values the openness, the frankness, and the desire for sustainable improvements to the quality of the Weston experience.  We are committed to continuing to listen throughout this redevelopment process and to create an open, urban, and utterly different space at Weston and Lawrence.

Now that the City of Toronto is slowly re-opening we will be able to have some face-to-face chats and do some longer walk-abouts in the neighbourhood to learn more about you, your community, your neighbourhood and what it means to live and work in Weston (of course, we will ensure we adhere to COVID public health guidelines and that means for the foreseeable future – the meetings will be pre-arranged, one-on-one conversations and/or walks in outdoor settings only while wearing personal protection.)

We are looking forward to putting faces to names and meeting many more of you in the next few months. 

Thank you again, Weston, for your insights and willingness to help us understand your community. Let’s keep talking as often and with as many of you who would like to. You can always reach us at:  Weston@castlepointnuma.com