Minutes of Meeting 4 November 2002

Attendees:

Motion: That the Hunt Club Community Organization renew its $10.00 membership in the Greenspace Alliance of Canada's Capital. Moved by Erwin Dreessen, seconded by Art Miskew, carried.

Motion: To accept the Treasurers Report, moved by Alan Asselstine, seconded by Art Miskew, carried.

Maria McRae talked about Community Safety and especially about anti-semitic graffiti. The Hunt Club Riverside Community Services Centre (HC/R CSC) addresses the problem by providing positive outlets for youth but could do more by providing youth with their own drop-in centre. Her Board of Directors takes a direct stand against hate directed against religious groups.

Rubin Friedman brought in a poster that reminds us of the unjust way the Jews were treated in Germany during World War II and the period leading up to the War. He made a distinction between anger and hatred: anger is temporary and individual whereas hatred is a permanent and and group-centered. Hatred, left unchecked destroys lives and Rubin wants to positively react to counter-act hatred. Hatred spreads with electronic speed over the internet ,through e-mails and over the media. There must be a Community Response to hatred to remind us of our common humanity. Rubin led a general discussion on hatred: Gisèle told us that some older teenagers were bullying her daughter and her friends at Halloween: Gisèle went up to the older teenagers and told them to stop being bullies. They acknowledged her and went on their way. Bill Royds said that teenagers will be responsible if they are given ownership, he gave the example of school children in Regina Saskatchewan who looked after the playground equipment. Maria is organizing a project where young kids will paint murals on buildings to give them a sense of ownership. Peter said that Ottawa is a highly successful multi-racial society.

John Flood organizes Neighbourhood Watch. Neighbourhood Watch works in close cooperation with the Ottawa Police and monitors the incidents that the Police report. Neighbourhoods must maintain their interest - in the Hunt Club area there are only five active groups. He will take down the Neighbourhood Watch signs on streets where there is no active group. See www.ottawapolice.ca for contact information.

Bill Royds and Erwin Dreessen proposed the Ottawa Poets Pathway. The Pathway would run through the Southern Corridor and it would commemorate Ottawa's literary history by preserving the views and landscapes that have contributed to our city's unique literary environment. The proposal would be an alternative to residential housing. November 17, 2002 is the Walkabout to enjoy the natural beauty of the Southern Corridor.

Peter Brimacombe said that the Southern Corridor is needed to provide housing.

Alan Asselstine said that the Saw Mill Creek Advisory Group would hold an open house on Tuesday December 3, 2002.

Next meeting: Mon 2 Dec 2002 at 7:30pm