Weston, Brooklands association formed

Families in the Weston and Brooklands neighbourhoods have taken the next step in collaborative community governance by joining together to support making a thriving, supportive community that’s safe for all ages. On Nov. 9, community members gathered with me and Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) at the Salvation Army Cross Church to prepare for the kick-off of the Weston & Brooklands Residents Association.

At the meeting, community members chose a name for the association, discussed priorities, and set the process for nomination and elections. Grant applications, lack of walking spaces in the community, conversion of decommissioned railroad tracks, speeding and safety concerns about crossing Notre Dame Avenue, future community events, and dealing with suspected criminal activity were among priorities discussed.

One highlight of this meeting was the issue of lead contamination within the Weston neighbourhood. Community members have pressured the Progressive Conservative government to take action to reduce people’s exposure to lead in Winnipeg and to implement the recommendations proposed by the government’s independent review. These recommendations include the creation of an action plan for Weston, developing a lead-awareness communications and outreach program, requisitioning a more in-depth study and a creating a tracking program for those whose blood is tested for lead levels so that medical professionals can follow up with them.

Weston Community Centre field has already been closed due to its lead levels and now its hockey rink has been closed due to a high risk of lead contamination. We’d like to see an action plan in place for this field and the broader community.

It is wonderful to see community members taking such an interest in community activism and governance in Notre Dame with organizations such as the Weston & Brooklands Residents Association and Notre Dame Powerline, but there is still work to be done. The organization is encouraging residents’ participation by coming to the next meeting which will be held at the Salvation Army Church at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office for more info on the Weston & Brooklands Residents Association or to volunteer your time. You can call my office at 204-788-0800, reach us by email at notredame1@yourmanitoba.ca, or come see us at 849 Notre Dame Ave.. I look forward to hearing from you and collaborating on making our neighbourhood better for everyone.

Malaya Marcelino
Notre Dame constituency report

Malaya Marcelino is the NDP MLA for Notre Dame.

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