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Homes in the City
“Crime thrives in areas where people appear
to not care,” Bruce says. “If people don’t care
about the community, then they’re not going
to care about what you’re doing.”
“We actually want people . . . to complain
about a bylaw infraction early, not wait
until their rage builds up and they get angry
because their neighbour is doing this, this
and this,” says Diane Danielson, chairwoman
of the organization. “We would like to see an
increase in bylaw calls, we would like to see
an increase in calls to the police.”
The role of active citizens shouldn’t be lost,
however. If people are engaged in their
community, maintain their property and take
an active interest in their neighbourhood,
they may prevent the “broken windows”
people dread.
for the junk or the broken window or
whatever – the quality of life and pride in
community remains high,” Evans explains...
It’s important neighbours express themselves
and get involved in their community, Bentley
advises.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to believe
that each individual voice counts and to be
silent is the wrong approach,” he says. “You
need to voice your opinion. You need to
voice it whether it’s to 311 or through other
authorities – the alderman, police, fire.
“Whatever means you choose, it’s important
to speak up because without speaking up no
one is going to know you have a concern.”
Excerpted with the express permission of the Calgary Herald, a
division of Postmedia Network Inc.
People want to live in neighbourhoods with
a good reputation and that comes from its
people. “When people care and have pride –
and will hold their neighbour accountable
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