Last December I wrote about the Salvation Army Mega-Shelter that was approved by the City of Ottawa, it continues to be of interest. I had been lecturing there at the time and decided to attend the Council hearing and decision to approve this project. I’ve taken the time to stay in touch with several councillors, […]
CPTED For Rural Alberta
Our team is excited to announce our commitment to the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA) this year. It will all begin on May 8th as we offer a Pre-conference workshop on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) for Rural Communities and Small Populations. ACCPA has been instrumental in serving Albertans and addressing a wide-range […]
Dance the Night Away
Meet the Dance Company that choreographed their performance last summer utilizing the 2015 Art Alley Mural located in downtown Red Deer, Alberta. It was a contemporary dance performance called “Death before Decaf” and held at the Scott Block Theatre. The event theme addressed the fact that we are all dependent on certain things in order […]
Welcome Heather Gardiner – Partner Consultant
Heather brings 22 years of experience to the team in numerous leadership roles, including CEO, Executive Resource Development Advisor, Executive Advisor to the Board, Revenue Development Advisor, Vice President Sales and Marketing, and Business Development coach. Having experienced several boom and bust economies during her career, Heather has the experience and acumen to cut through […]
A Capital Lesson on Collaboration
I recently traveled to Ottawa to lecture at the 2017 RPIC Real Property National Workshop. My presentation was similar to one I will do for my own community in Victoria, BC this coming March. It was an incredible trip, one of sharing knowledge and certainly one of discovery. I had always wanted to see our […]
What Makes our Communities Safe?
This question remains a global one and a focal point for all cities and all levels of government, and reaches the deepest roots of our neighbourhoods. It seems to drive many conversations among coffeehouse patrons and has even ended up on corporate agendas and part of boardroom discussions. While community safety has always been paramount […]
Placemaking – At the Heart of the Matter
Is it feasible that placemaking can be at the heart of everything we build? Of course it can – and, first we need to understand its importance and why it’s so integral. When it comes to the built environment we could be hitting a home run with every project we undertake. As stewards of our […]
Roundabout to Hope
In 2016 a bold vision and collaborative process began in an effort to bring the Circle Series: Circle of Support & Arts to the community of Red Deer, Alberta. It would support restorative practices, connection and arts for social change. The initiative was successfully launched earlier this year through dynamic partnerships and community collaborators. It […]
Public Safety, Compassion and Community Integration
As public safety remains a growing concern in cities around the world, how we treat our most vulnerable people must also be considered. How can we become more compassionate, support these people and help them integrate into our communities? I recently attended a conference which addressed these issues in Victoria, BC (where I now live) […]
Crime Prevention and Capitalism: What’s the Rub? Part II
In part I of our blog feature from last week I presented the contrast between the corporate world and smaller communities such as Rocky Mountain House, where I recently spoke to about 50 local residents. These rural communities are found beyond the larger municipalities and the city limits. We explored the War on Drugs, policing […]