MICHELE PARK RESIDENTS RALLY FOR SAFER PARKS

Drug Use, Gangs Cause Concern

Concerned west-end residents rallied this week in Michele Park, one of
the parks in the area they say is no longer safe for children and families.

About 15 people attended the rally organized by Ottawa ACORN, which
represents low-income families.

"We're here today to get more lighting in our parks and to make it
cleaner and safer for our children. As you can see, there are no
garbage receptacles anywhere. There's a lot of garbage on the ground
and in the sand," said Jessica May, a resident and ACORN member.

May says she no longer brings her newborn baby and three-year-old
daughter to Michele Park or the park near her apartment in the
Britannia area. "I'm worried about our children's safety. I know we're
low income but we have a right to light in our parks just like
everyone else. It's not safe to walk in the dark."

May lives in an Ottawa Community Housing apartment. Since moving there
in 2009, May said she has noticed family use of the park is declining.
Instead, May said the park is the scene of drug use and gang activities.

The city councillor for the area, Mark Taylor, confirmed there is gang
activity in the neighbourhood.

Taylor attended the rally and signed a petition to support improved
lighting, garbage facilities and security at local parks. But he also
added the phrase "with the community" when he signed. "Part of the
challenge is that - one of the things we need to build here is the
sense of community engagement. Everybody is quick to say something is
going on here but they need to then engage and say we want to be part
of the solution," Taylor said.

The city has made investments in Michele Park, said Taylor, including
renovating the community centre and refurbishing the basketball court.
He said he will be looking into installing a lit pathway through the
park to connect Michele Drive to nearby Carling Avenue.

But Taylor, who represents Bay ward, said all parks in Ottawa face
safety issues. "By and large, I don't find that the parks in this part
of the city, in this ward, in this section of Britannia are any
different from any other park in the city."

Robyn Collins, a community health worker at the Pinecrest Queensway
Community Health Centre, says improving parks is essential for a safer
community. "Some of the people here today were talking about gangs,
youth loitering and hanging out in the bushes doing illegal things -
this is about crime prevention. A community park is a hub of a community."

Ginelise Edouard, Britannia ACORN chapter chair, said the local
residents she has spoken to express fear. "You shouldn't be afraid
going for a walk at six, seven o'clock at night ... I'd like to see
action, not just talk but action," she said.

May says her three-year-old daughter is eager to play outside, but she
said she doesn't feel comfortable taking her out. She said changes
need to be made. "It's not something we want - it's an absolute need.
We need a safer community for our children."