Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Project

Content

 

Introduction

The Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Initiative was launched in spring 2010. In response to publicly voiced concerns about a range of growing problems in the Port Haney area, the Social Planning Advisory Council (SPAC) recommended that Council allot funds to support a community development project for the Port Haney area of Maple Ridge. Once Council approved the expenditure, SPAC set up a selection committee to oversee the community development coordinator selection process. The Selection Committee, with input from Port Haney neighbours, met in May to determine the criteria for the selection process.

The Initiative built upon earlier community activities. It provided an opportunity for Port Haney community members to engage in an ongoing dialogue about neighbourhood issues and opportunities and to begin actively improving the area. With first year funding provided by the Social Planning Advisory Committee from the District of Maple Ridge, a neighbourhood steering committee was formed.

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A Neighbourhood Defined

One of the first things we did was define the neighbourhood. We determined the following boundaries for Port Haney:

• Lougheed Highway to the north
• The Fraser River to the south
• 227 Street to the east
• 222 Street to the west

The neighbourhood is diverse and includes:

• A wide range of businesses and nonprofit organizations, concentrated on Lougheed Highway and North Road; and,
• A variety of housing including a significant stock of rental apartments, owner and tenant occupied single family homes; and newer condo apartments and town homes.

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A Neighbourhood Vision

Our first meeting was held in September 2010. As of spring 2011 about 45 people have attended at least one of our monthly meetings and two residents have been selected as co-chairs. Through our community-driven process we have adopted a vision statement and an initial agenda for action. Here is our vision for the Port Haney Neighbourhood:

Port Haney Is a Place Where:

• People proudly choose to live - for the history, the river view, the close connection to the broader community, and the neighbourly feeling.
• People work together in the spirit of unity to improve their community and foster an environment that is inclusive, holistic and safe for all.
• People have a strong sense of community ownership. Citizens acknowledge and continue to build upon the hard work, traditions, and dedication of the early pioneers who laboured to build this community.
• Heritage and park space, as well as the mix of market and new affordable housing, are cherished.

To achieve this vision we will continue to work in a spirit of cooperation with our different city organizations, stakeholders and citizens of this community to find lasting solutions to the social challenges in our neighbourhood.

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A Neighbourhood in Transition

In the early days Port Haney played an essential role in the community. The Port Haney waterfront was the commercial and transportation hub of the district in the second half of the 1800s. However, with automobile transport and the creation of the Lougheed Highway, commercial activity moved north and Port Haney was left behind. About 1980, the neighbourhood was split in two with the construction of the Haney Bypass. Recent development activity in the area has been on the upswing as property values increase and the district implements a series of incentives to revitalize and densify the area and the neighbouring downtown.

In the early days Port Haney played an essential role in the community. The Port Haney waterfront was the commercial and transportation hub of the district in the second half of the 1800s. However, with automobile transport and the creation of the Lougheed Highway, commercial activity moved north and Port Haney was left behind. About 1980, the neighbourhood was split in two with the construction of the Haney Bypass. Recent development activity in the area has been on the upswing as property values increase and the district implements a series of incentives to revitalize and densify the area and the neighbouring downtown.

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Vision and Terms of Reference

Vision Statement

The vision statement [PDF, 60KB] was developed by Port Haney community members. The vision is future oriented and focuses on "how things should be". It does not include information about how to achieve this dream. The action planning will come next. The purpose of developing this vision is to bring people together on the question of what the Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Initiative is striving for and hoping to achieve. The future work of the group will be shaped and informed by this vision.

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference [PDF 52KB] provide information on what the group intends to do and how it will do it.

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Key Assets and Issues Identified

The early work of the Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Initiative has been to identify the issues that community members are concerned about and the assets that we would like to highlight and protect.

Once the concerns are identified, we seek proactive solutions. We've already seen tangible results from our work including better lighting, cleaner streets and green space, and improving communication with City Hall.

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Port Haney Agenda for Action

Here is what we are working on this year:

• Neighbourhood Safety
• Parking, Speeding and Traffic
• Neighbourhood Clean Up
• Communicating with Maple Ridge Municipal Hall and the broader community
• Developing a Port Haney Day celebration (September 2011)

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You are Welcome to Join Us for a Meeting

The Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Initiative is an open process; anyone who lives in the community, owns property or operates a business is welcome to join us. If you are interested in finding out more about the Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Initiative.

Thanks for your interest in The Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Initiative!

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Meetings

Notes

• November 2011 [PDF, 66KB]
• October 2011 [PDF, 68KB]
• September 2011 [PDF, 97KB]
• June 2011 [PDF, 54KB]
• May 2011 [PDF, 69KB]
• April 2011 [PDF, 52KB]
• March 2011 [PDF, 67KB]
• February 2011 [PDF, 68KB]
• January 2011 [PDF, 47KB]
• November 2010 [PDF, 46KB]
• October 2010 [PDF, 46KB]
• September 2010 [PDF, 39KB]

Flyers

• June 2011 [PDF, 190KB]
• May 2011 [PDF, 179KB]
• April 2011 [PDF, 147KB]
• March 2011 [PDF, 245KB]
• Community Letter [PDF, 116KB]
• January 2011 [PDF, 104KB]

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Links

• Locals Want Positive Solutions - courtesy of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times
• It's Now Port Haney Again - courtesy of the Maple Ridge News
• Hotel on Books in Historic Ridge - courtesy of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times
• Rough Area Eyed by Investors - courtesty of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times
• Town Centre Concept Plan [PDF, 9.5MB]

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