Benefiting and beautifying the community is the name of the game for the Flin Flon Neighbourhood Revitalization Corporation (FFNRC).
A key component of the province’s Neighbourhoods Alive! program, the corporation oversees grant allotments and works with stakeholders to build a better community.
Executive director Laurence Gillespie has worked on various projects throughout his nearly five years with the corporation.
Through focus groups and consultations, Gillespie unearthed concerns in the community around criminal activities that can stem from unattractive properties and property damages.
Gillespie utilized a consulting group that looks at criminal tendencies based on the design and layout of a community. This approach is known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED.
The premise, Gillespie said, is that the layout of a community can play a role in crime.
“The theory is that some petty crimes like broken windows and graffiti, you might not think they are a big deal, but once criminals see that repairs are not being done, it seems to stimulate more criminal activity,” he said. “The next step might be to set it on fire.”
“One of the main ideas that came from the group was to cover up white space or space that might otherwise be attractive for graffiti.”
As a result, the FFNRC funded a mural to replace the graffiti under Freedman Bridge near Rotary Park.
“Before it was put up, there was a tremendous amount of graffiti,” Gillespie said.
Gillespie says since the mural was put up there has been a “dramatic drop-off of graffiti in that area.”
Aside from sprucing up various vandalized locations, the FFNRC helps to beautify the community with projects such as Flowers for Main Street.
Though the FFNRC doesn’t help fund the project – the cost is split between the City of Flin Flon, Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce and Hudbay – the group takes on the responsibility of watering the flowers.
Grant opportunities
The FFNRC oversees three separate grant programs – Fix Up Grants, Small Grants and Neighbourhood Renewal Grants.
Each year, the community receives $75,000 from the Manitoba government for the Neighbourhood Renewal program.
Gillespie says while the final decision of how the grant will be spent is made in Winnipeg, there are local consultations to best identify the area’s needs.
In past years the Neighbourhood Renewal grant has supported Pioneer Square, playground upgrades and Culture Days.
Low-income homeowners have the opportunity to find help from the FFNRC through its Fix Up Grant program.
Homeowners with a combined annual income of $50,000 or less are entitled to apply for funding to help enhance their homes and properties.
The grant has helped homeowners pay for roof repairs, new windows, painting and siding, decks, stairs, doors and landscaping.
Gillespie says that when people take such ownership and pride in the renewal of their homes, the benefits can spill into the broader community.
“We want to contribute to the overall appearance and sense of identification in the community,” he said.
The Small Grant program is open to any community group working toward a goal that has been set out by community consultations.
The revamped Channing Beach is one project that has received support through that program, which has also provided funding to the
NorVA Centre.
Evolved
When the FFNRC was first formed in 2009, the main area of need related to seniors, but the concerns have evolved over the years.
“Each time we consult, it’s different,” Gillespie said.
The FFNRC consults the community in different ways, including the use of online surveys and speaking with landlords and groups.
“They tell us what they like, what they didn’t like and what is ideal for Flin Flon,” Gillespie said. “Sometimes getting the youth to participate and produce answers that are of value is a challenge.”
Looking ahead, Gillespie hopes to hire an additional employee, though that will depend on the availability of government funding.
“We’re hoping to expand and…to engage more with the community,” said Gillespie, currently the lone occupant of the FFNRC’s office at 35 Main Street.
Gillespie also hopes to see the current FFNRC programs grow as word continues to spread throughout the community.
“We’re finding some challenges in our Fix Up Grant program and engaging the community,” he said, adding he is eager to see more low-income homeowners take advantage of the funding.
“We want to engage the community,” he said.
Gillespie welcomes all area residents to attend the FFNRC’s monthly board meetings as well as the annual general meeting in June.
“We’re always interested in getting people to serve on our board,” he said.
