TANNING SALON OR RUB AND TUG?

The latest business venture in Old Walkerville is now open. Please be sure to give them your support by dropping in to try out their services. So what do you think we have here? A tanning salon? Love to see your comments to this blog. "It's a wonderful day in the neighbourhood".

Monmouth Road Beats Statistics

Want to know how sought after the real estate on this street is? Here's a statistic that will warm your cockles: In the past 22 years Monmouth Road residences have risen in value by 660%! If we go back 25 years they have risen in value by 2,250%! We blow the national statistics away! Open the following link to see what they look like:

http://finance.sympatico.msn.ca/investing/insight/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2518860

The amazing thing is...They're still on the rise. Stick that on a bell curve and smoke it.

Architecht Praises Walkerville

Anne Jarvis, Windsor StarPublished: Friday, January 19, 2007

Windsor's Old Walkerville is "what every community and neighbourhood should be," Avi Friedman, the internationally acclaimed architect and proponent of livable and sustainable communities, said Thursday after touring the historic neighbourhood.
The founder and director of the Affordable Homes Program at the McGill School of Architecture who was named one of the 10 people "most likely to change the way we live" by the design magazine Wallpaper cited Old Walkerville's beautiful brick homes, the absence of garages in front of the houses, the small scale of the streetscape, Willistead Park and the commercial area on Ottawa Street.
"It has many of the elements that make a neighbourhood livable," said Friedman, who was in Windsor to address the annual meeting of Habitat for Humanity. "It seems that it's a place designed for people. It's an example to emulate."
Friedman also noted Ford City, saying that although its homes are modest, the neighbourhood has distinction, even flair, and above all a soul seen in its narrow streets and mature trees. He praised plans by Habitat for Humanity to build in the community around St. Luke Road and Seminole Street. The organization has six lots and an option to buy six more, said executive director Derek Smith. It plans to build this year and hopes the construction will be a catalyst for revitalizing the area.
Introducing new housing is a proven formula for regenerating communities, agreed Friedman.
As for Southwood Lakes, one of Windsor's premier subdivisions, "this is not a place I desire to spend the rest of my life," Friedman said, citing the large homes, attached garages and lack of sidewalks on some streets. Southwood Lakes is designed for cars, not people, he said.
People don't understand the relationship between the design of houses and communities and social change, Friedman said. Big houses with big bedrooms and a television and computer in every bedroom discourage families from spending time together. Subdivisions in which residents must depend on cars to get everywhere result in people becoming less involved in their neighbourhoods. Retail centres with big box stores drain business from small commercial areas in neighbourhoods.
Friedman said he hopes Windsor will have more neighbourhoods like Walkerville in the future. But, he said, he knows people want separate subdivisions with big houses and attached garages, and it will take a lot of political will to change.
Windsor can become a model of how cities can reinvent themselves, he said. But the city must think outside the box, proceed with sustainable development and understand that it won't be easy or quick.
FOUR PILLARS
Architect Avi Friedman said there are four pillars to a successful community: a secure economic future, a social makeup that includes educated citizens who can contribute to the community and young people for its future, a protected natural environment and a local culture.
© The Windsor Star 2007

Other links to Avi Friedman:

http://styleathome.mochasofa.ca/StyleAtHome/client/en/DesignerTalk/DetailNews.asp?idNews=858&idSm=179

http://www.oldbowmanvillelives.com/Avi.htm

http://www.speakers.ca/friedman_avi.aspx

http://www.uic.edu/aa/cdc/files/AviFriedmanLectureTheNext.html

Kildare House Proprietor Hot about Massage Parlour.

Heath Chantler, Proprietor of the Kildare House and Monmouth Road resident is digging in and establishing a beachhead for the Old Walkerville BIA. For those of us who have witnessed the hookers on Wyandotte and in our own alleys and side streets this issue rings loud and clear. Monmouth Road is not isolated from the rest of Old Walkerville and, in fact, depends on it in many ways. The question stands: What are we going to do about it! First off, e-mail your councillors. Their address' are provided in this post or in the previously related post. Let them know what you want them to do about it. Secondly, talk this thing up with your neighbours. Many do not receive this blog so it's important that they be informed. Do we want to canvass the rest of Old Walkerville to make them informed? We should but we'll need to set up a team for that. Any takers please e-mail or post to this blog. Maybe we can meet at the Kildare to kick this thing off. Way to go Heath!

From Heath: "I sent the following attachment to Alan & Fulvio . Both have responded & are on our side . The BIA & our neighbours on Wyandotte are on board as well . Mind the grammer & spelling errors in the attachment . I was pretty hot when finding out." HeathNote: forwarded message attached.

From: heath chantler To: jim chantler Subject: Massage Parlour in Olde Walkerville Sent: January 15, 2007 3:53:01 PM

"Found out on the weekend that a Massage Parlour is due to open next door to the Kildare House on Wyandotte . We have taken great pains to grow our food business , attract new customers & family business's. Residents & Business's' lobbied to clear the working girls off our streets & we have remained diligent . We have been resilient in the face of Provincial wide smoking bans & the current downturn in the local conomy .Preferring hard work & providing service & atmosphere instead of drink specials & skimpy outfits. Just when we are starting to see fruits of our labour we now have a business moving in next door that can put it all in jeopardy . I am also a resident of this community that was forced back in 36 to amalgamate with Windsor despite overwhelming support to the contrary. I have witnessed the urban decay as people move from the inner city to the suburbs. Something the Walkerville area has been able to resist because Urban blights such as the business next door have not established footholds . Business's' such as this will only beget & encourage others of the same ilk . They will drive the families & other desirable investment away . Itinerant housing will increase . Schools will close , property values will plummet. Think I'm over reacting ? Look at once proud neighbour hoods in ours & other Cities where it has already happened .Make your voice heard contact our City Councillors . They are both worthy representatives of our ward who have acted tirelessly on our behalf on many issues but they must be made aware . They are Alan Halberstadt . (519-973-8323) , Email: ahalberstadt@city.windsor.on.ca & Fulvio Valentinis .(519-977-5067) , fvalentinis@city.windsor.on.ca "

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOP!

Don't forget. This workshop is for the entire Ward 3. This means that all other communities within the hood will be represented to cash in on a fixed number of budget dollars. It is very important that we show up in large numbers. Squeeky wheels are getting all of the oil.

CALL 311 TODAY TO REGISTER.

The operator will guide you through the process.

For full information (event date, place and time) refer to the previous blog posting.

Let's keep our real estate investments growing.

See you out there.

Working Together For Our Community's Future

You may have read or heard about this event (forum) within the past few weeks. Essentially it is a City sponsored workshop designed to give residents some input about the betterment of their neighbourhoods and communities. It is very important that Monmouth Road residents show up
in vigor. This way we will have a voice and say in future improvements for our community. As an example, the sidewalk on the West side of Monmouth from Walkerville Collegiate to Niagra is incomplete. By finishing it there will be a clear North/South walk from Wyandotte to Ottawa street. It will also control the unsightly weeds and overgrowth which impact the 9oo and 1000 blocks.

All ideas and suggestions are welcome and if we represent them well, there is a good chance of implementation within the next budget.

Here's how you get involved:

Call 311 before January 18

and register to participate.

You will then get a kit with background and instructions.

Our Ward meeting will be at the Optimist Club of Memorial Park on Ypres.

The Event date is the 25th of January 2007

Starts at 6:00 P.M and ends at 9:00 P.M.

Call Now People!

311

on your telephone pad.

Let's be the role model for Windsor Hoods.

See you out there.

Transportation and daycare will be provided by the city if required.

5 Ways to be a Great Neighbour

This article was sent in by John Parent (700 Block).

Does this community get a pass or failing grade? What do you think? Your opinions are very welcome.

Turn your home base into a thriving community.
by Emily Kimber (homemakers.com)

How well do you know your neighbours? Sure, long Canadian winters keep you indoors a lot so you've hardly been standing around the yard socializing. And you've got friends, so it's not a big deal if you don't know the names of the people next door, right? Wrong, says Dr. Madine Vander Plaat, a sociology professor at St. Mary's University in Halifax. She says that getting to know your neighbours can have incredible benefits, from providing social support to a sense of belonging. "Evidence supports that being part of a community is directly related to well-being," Vander Plaat explains.
Being able to count on the people who live on either side of you sounds pretty good. Creating relationships, and in turn, a community, not only heightens your sense of identity, it also allows you to feel safe and secure, knowing there are people who care about you just a few steps away.

As nice as it sounds, getting the ball rolling can be a bit nerve-wracking. To make it easier to turn your street into a neighbourhood, take these simple steps.

1. Say hello. It seems like so little, but really, it means a lot. Just a simple greeting shows that you're open to getting to know your neighbours.

2. Make the first move. So you're shy. You're not the only one. It's scary to extend your hand in friendship when you're unsure, but you'll never know how you'll be received unless you try.

3. Be a party planner. "You need to create opportunities to bring people together," says Vander Plaat. Yard sales, street parties, and backyard barbeques -- all you need is a fun idea that will get people out of their houses. (Check out Bonnie Stern's entertaining basics and Easy entertaining for more advice.)

4. Offer your services. If you notice the family down the road is gearing up for a summer road trip, offer to water their plants or collect their mail. Opening the door for helping each other is a positive way to interact with your neighbours.

5. Discuss the issues. Whether it's the increased level of crime or the potholes in the road, call a neighbourhood meeting. Getting people together to discuss things that affect them marks you as a group.

6. Create a safe place. Neighbourhood watch programs are popular for a reason. If the neighbourhood children know where to go in case of an emergency, everyone can breathe easier about letting little ones play outside.

7. Get the whole family involved. "In the developing world, lots of communities centre around children's sports," says Vander Plaat. Organize intramurals or tournaments for the children, and create an opportunity for grownups to make connections as well.

8. Be welcoming. When someone new moves in next door, make every effort to include him or her in neighbourhood activities.

9. Be discreet. Every family has their troubles; if a neighbour confides in you, keep it to yourself. Allowing secrets to spread throughout the street is only going to ensure people stay indoors, and keep their mouths shut.

10. Get involved. Find out what's already happening in your area, and become a part of it. Once you're a part of food drives, book clubs or after-school programs (Volunteering 101: How to get started), you're more likely to be a part of what makes your community tick.

Being a social neighbour may sound scary to those who are shy, but creating a community that's welcoming, safe and fun is worth it. So, the next time you pick up the morning paper, keep your head up, look around and greet your neighbours. With just a few small gestures, the street your house is built on could become a thriving community you're happy to come home to each day.

Old Walkerville is Getting it's First Massage Parlour

A first for Old Walkerville. Now you can get your brew, chips, meat and massage all in one convenient location. A massage parlour will be opening up near the corner of Kildare and Wyandotte. The place is being gutted and the showers are being installed right now. The exact location is right between the Kildare House and The Steak Out. So...If you like the concept and feel that it will be a fitting addition for Old Walkerville then there's nothing you need do but wait. (It might even keep the hookers out of the neighbourhood).
If you feel "OH YEAH...NOT IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD!" then you might want to do something about it right away. For starters, you might want to contact your City Councillors:

Alan Halberstadt - Ward 3, 2517 Gail Road
Windsor, Ontario N8W 2Z7
Phone: (519) 973-8323
Email: ahalberstadt@city.windsor.on.ca


Fulvio Valentinis - Ward 3, 2173 Victoria Avenue
Windsor, OntarioN8X 1P8
Phone: (519) 977-5067
Email: fvalentinis@city.windsor.on.ca


You should also contact the Old Walkerville BIA Office:

Walkerville Distillery District
268 Moy AvenueWindsor, ON N9A 2N2
Phone: (519) 919-8733
Fax: (519) 973-9303
Email: walkervillebia@cogeco.ca

Your call people. If you let this one go then you should at least lobby for a Victorian theme. If you have any questions please post them to this blog.

Yours Truly,
Puff MoM Ho