Community Benefits Quarterly Report | Summer 2023
NEIGHBOURHOOD INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION INVESTMENT AND INITIATIVE UPDATES
In July 2023, the project team invested $200,000 (CDN) into 14 projects that will be delivered in Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit, as part of the 2023 Community Organization Investment (COI) initiative. This is the fourth funding release of this five-year initiative. The projects will be delivered between July 2023 and June 2024. Visit the project website for a list of funded projects and organizations.
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) – Creative Placemaking in Southwest Detroit (2022 COI)
UNI developed an empty lot in Springwells to include a native plant garden, a patio and shipping container for an outdoor cooking area and a Gaga Ball pit. Local youth and residents participated in the design and build of the community wellness lot through UNI’s Land Stewardship Program. Bottom: Frederick Verner’s View of Sandwich, December 1879, can be seen on Sandwich Street as part of AWE’s Look Again! Outside series. Middle: Local youth and residents helped transform an empty lot in Southwest Detroit through UNI’s Land Stewardship Program.
Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) – Look Again! Outside: Sandwich (2022 COI)
In spring 2023, five artwork reproductions from AWE’s collection were installed around Sandwich. Artwork was co-curated by Sandwich resident, Reginald S. Tolson, and selected based on connections to the community’s past, present and future. The reproductions will be used in educational programs and materials. AWE hosted a guided art walk in summer 2023 to celebrate the installation of the artwork in the community.
Youth Environmental Program – Greening of Detroit – TreeKeepers Kids
In spring 2023, the Greening of Detroit delivered the TreeKeepers Kids Program, a place- and science-based education program delivered in three Southwest Detroit schools. Over 130 students from junior kindergarten through grade six participated in class programming and helped to plant 26 trees at their schools or nearby parks.
Girls Group Programming – Sandwich Teen Action Group (STAG)
STAG updated its Girls Group Program space to include new couches, a computer and appliances. STAG continues to deliver daily programming to benefit young women aged 14-18, including outings and activities, guest speakers and educational trips, providing these young women with opportunities and a safe space after-school.
Southwest Detroit Youth Programming – Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC)
After-school and summer programming by DHDC engaged approximately 90 Southwest Detroit youth and young adults in academic, social emotional and mental health opportunities. Weekly in-person activities focused on science, tech, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), digital arts and media and content creation taught using a culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and healing-centered approach. The multifaceted development program will continue through 2024.
John McGivney Children’s Centre – Rainbow Painting on Pavement (2023 COI)
Three paved areas at the John McGivney Children’s Centre were painted in the colours of the Progressive Rainbow Flag to honour the LGBTQ2S+ community and create a welcoming place.
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MALDEN PARK OBSERVATION AREA
Construction of the Malden Park Observation Area began in September 2023. Opening to the public in early November, the observation area will provide an attractive, safe location, using an existing high elevation in the region, for residents, students and tourists to observe the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Applicable community feedback collected through a summer 2022 survey on the accessibility of the initial designs was incorporated into the observation area design.
IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY INVESTMENTS
In spring 2023, the project team surveyed the community to better understand the current programming priorities for Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit. Following the consultation, a Call for Programming Proposals was issued to collect possible Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy funding opportunities. It is anticipated that the selected projects will be announced in early 2024.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATION STRATEGY
OVER 10,000 WORKERS ORIENTED ON THE PROJECT
Over 10,000 individuals have been oriented to work on the project in Windsor and Detroit since construction start in 2018. This milestone reflects the positive impact the Gordie Howe International Bridge project has on the local workforce and job opportunities made possible for local residents.
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Between April and August 2023, the project team hosted or participated in the following activities:
In September 2023, the project team launched the process to identify volunteer members of the Local Community Group.
UPCOMING INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES