Visioning Process will take some Insight from Neighbouring Communities: Councillor

MIDDLE SACKVILLE
KEVIN TOAL
The Bedford - Sackville Weekly News
June 6, 2008

Originally launched in September 2006, VisionHRM began as a pilot project in Bedford, Fall River and Musquodoboit Harbour. Now, with these three visions underway, a trio of new communities have been added. Middle Sackville, the Penhorn area of Dartmouth and Spryfield have been selected as the next group to undergo the process. The kick-off for Middle Sackville took place May 29 at Sackville Heights Community Centre. Although turnout barely cracked double digits, enthusiasm was high as Middle Sackville residents discussed its future.

Middle Sackville is one of three communities HRM has asked to develop a plan to address the needs, wants and priorities for its residents. To help facilitate this HRM Community Developer, Nilgun Erkoc, asked those in attendance to avoid community bashing by using an "appreciative approach."

She asked two groups of six to consider a set of questions which focused on positive aspects of the community. Instead of asking what was wrong, the questions asked what people valued and what they wanted to see.

"It's a bridging process," she explained. "It helps bring people together. We're relying on local knowledge. You tell us (staff) what you need."

Using this approach, it quickly became clear that the majority of people shared similar ideas. One of the main attractions of Middle Sackville, according to the groups, was its rural feel. At the same time, they appreciated being close to Lower Sackville for shopping.

The meeting was the first step in recruiting members for a Community Liaison Group. The CLG, consisting of approximately nine volunteers, is intended to help develop the vision for Middle Sackville. By listening to the community and working with HRM staff the group will create a Vision Action Plan to be presented to the Regional Council Advisory Committee in early 2009.

During the inaugural meeting, it became clear that any vision for Middle Sackville needs to include areas outside of the established boundaries such as Lucasville, Upper Sackville, Lower Sackville and other communities which would be impacted. Traffic issues and access to municipal services could not be discussed without considering the affect on other areas. District 19 Coun. Brad Johns, recognizing that Middle Sackville cannot exist autonomously, had invited residents from neighbouring communities to attend and a few accepted the invitation.

Middle Sackville was selected for the latest round of vision planning since it was defined by HRM staff as a high growth area. The proposed Beaver Bank interchange, in conjunction with increased development, helped make it a priority. Because of this, bringing developers onboard was viewed by many as necessary if any vision planning was to take place.

"We need buy-in from the people who own the land," Johns said. "They're a stakeholder that has to be consulted."

Middle Sackville resident, Steve Thompson agreed. "The underlying theme tonight is that development is going to happen," Thompson said. "We just ask that it's strategic and moderate."

It is not too late to apply for a position with the Community Liaison Group. The deadline for applications is June 13. For more information, and to download an application form, go to http://www. halifax.ca/visionhrm.

atoal@ns.sympatico.ca

06/06/08