Dear FunkEWakefielders:
Thanks for your input to this blog, and your encouragement for a FUNKY vision for Wakefield. We have alerted the Municipalité and Councillor Berthiaume to the address of the blog and encouraged them to review the contents as part of the feedback to the most recent draft of the PPU.
Anything more to say? This blog will be monitored from time to time for comments, as well as the email address funkywakefield@gmail.com. Make sure you send your comments to la Ville de LaPêche ... specifically ...
mracine@villelapeche.qc.ca, lynn@wakefieldmill.com
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Build upon and enhance funkEness
From Heather Horak
General Reflections: Needs to be Funkier
The PPU: a good discussion document and a solid starting point (especially the division into study area ‘zones’ and proposals for regulation of land use (PAE and PIIA)-- although I feel the municipality should strive for a loose version of the PIIAs, especially with regards to architectural ‘style’ (see critique of ‘Heritage preservation’)
BUT the tool is too conventional. Doesn’t do justice to the opportunity. Wakefield is funkier than this document represents. In fact the plan may eliminate some of this ‘funkiness’ as it stands. Document should not only ensure that Wakefield remains ‘funky’ in various ways but even actually build upon and enhance the funkiness. Wakefield’s PPU should stand out for its innovation and difference, just as Wakefield, the community, does.
Wakefield: “Unique” and “Distinctive”: Lets build on that!
What is our uniqueness/character? Hard to define. Intangibles need to be captured—defined, underlined, and supported by development proposals and infrastructure enhancements. Our uniqueness has less to do with tourists and more to do with community relationships and ‘openness’ to difference and artistic sensibility among our population. High density of ‘artistic people’. Low income but high culture. “Accepting” milieu for ‘difference’-- within a context of Canada/ QC/ NCR—in contrast to Ottawa/Ontario. Funkiness. X(W?) factor. Uniqueness/community identity—needs to be spelled out/defined AND represented in actual ideas
We Need an Economic Development Strategy
Even before we need more sidewalks, and one that builds upon existing assets beyond our conventional understanding (like tourism)
Economic Development strategy should reflect real economic drivers. Should “Quantify cultural assets” Opportunity to develop ‘cultural economy’. We are artist-rich!
Look at concept of Social Capital and Artistic/Cultural Assets. Instead of “A Place for Arts and Culture” talk instead about Social and Artistic capital.
Wakefield, not as a “place for art and culture” but a place MADE by it! We are a community that creates itself through art/culture in daily life and through expression of our different-ness: we are not a container where it can be put behind glass and oooed and ahhhed at. We should avoid the ‘museum approach’ in thinking about art/culture—strive for a more active conceptualization in our PPU.
Take Ecology, Sustainability, Smart Growth seriously!
Sustainability—what would this mean and how to express it in PPU besides a quick mention under Smart Growth Principles. Its mentioned but not used as a guiding principle throughout the PPU. We need to study it more and see how and where it can be applied throughout.
Smart growth definition in existing PPU includes:
“Foster distinctive attractive community with a strong sense of place” (but PPU doesn’t do this adequately, see #1)
“Construct buildings that make more efficient use of land and resources” (but PPU proposes much additional infrastructure, with no environmental efficiency standards and no alternative materials or uses)
“Range of housing opportunities”—PPU only mentions affordable housing for seniors. What about low income villagers who live and work right here—can’t afford to live in Ward 6 anymore… single moms, artists, alternative lifestyles, people who work in local businesses for low wages. Seniors are not the only ones who need affordable housing.
Shaping Tourism/ Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable/Quality Tourism— if Tourism is to be a main building block of our economy, we should take the opportunity to approach it critically and to direct/shape it according to our own values and according to how we want it to affect our community. For example we may find ways to infuse tourist activities and attractions with our social and community values—for example, make them more interactive/ non-consumptive. Tourism is traditionally problematic in that it sells the ‘zoo’ approach to visiting, and can erode indigenous environment/culture on a number of levels. How about seizing the opportunity to offer our tourists experiences that invite them to think about things differently or to live differently in their own communities— ie tourists who come in to ‘consume’ leave instead with expanded consciousness about community, ecology, heritage instead…and a live, exciting experience. This needs to be think-tanked in a serious way if we are to base our economy so largely on tourism yet enhance our community as the distinctive/unique/alternative place that it is.
And Beyond Tourism
P. 3, Background: Context
Wakefield is defined as a ‘hub of social and cultural amenities’ (‘Amenities’ suggest stuff that can be bought/sold rather than experienced.) add ‘economic strongpoint of municipality’
“rich in social capital and artistic assets”
need to define Wakefield beyond “recreation and tourism center for the municipality!!!
Also, even though the PPU defines itself as a document addressed to “Community-Nature-Visitors” it is clear that most of the additional proposed infrastructure is for visitors.
We need to prioritize what we spend money on, balance equally or even favor community (rather than all the spending to accommodate visitors)
Heavy, Dangerous Traffic or Infrastructure Overkill?
Lots of good ideas: shared parking areas, rear location, zoning N-S for lots BUT:
Much of the PPU is dedicated to improving roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. Two new roads are proposed, as well as a more formalized road between Manse and Sully (there is already a gravel road that is used by Manse road people to escape when the train has trapped them—why isn’t that good enough?)
Much of this is premised on perceived problems such as heavy traffic through the village, lack of adequate parking, and dangerous situations for bicyclists. Has any of this been studied or documented? Its never taken anyone I know more than 5-10 minutes to traverse the village. I have always been able to find a parking spot anywhere I went, or reasonably close by. Is all this parking for tourists or residents? No one I know who lives here has a lot of trouble finding a parking spot. The amended and expanded parking facilities are reasonable, but how much do we need?
Will additional roads relieve traffic or just allow people to go faster? Will re-routing bicyclists off the road make cars think they can go faster thereby making it more dangerous for pedestrians, children or the odd bicyclist on the road? Has there EVER been an accident where a bicyclist was hit by a car going through the village? BEWARE HIDDEN ASSUMPTIONS and public perceptions! Try to study/document problem areas and proposed ‘solutions’. It might turn out that some are phantom problems based on assumptions or skewed public perception. Yes we should amend necessary infrastructure. The proposed PPU has a LOT of sidewalk being added. Is there something very terrible or dangerous about people getting off the train at the peace park and sort of wandering across the grass to the general store? There is a certain level of charm to informal routes and paths. Overkill on infrastructure (paths, sidewalks, benches, lights, info-posts and such) will definitely take away some funkiness. Maybe its good for people to have to sit on the grass to gaze at the river. Do we really want to put them on a special raised platform to look at the river? Again this seems very museum-ish. Don’t take all the wildness and informality out of a stroll through the village. I like walking on the train tracks, and so do a lot of people. A precise needs assessment based on actual measureable danger and safety should occur before we go for OVERKILL. Less is always more!
What is Heritage?
p. 15 Differentiate ‘Heritage’ and ‘History’—2 different things. Be careful that ‘preserving heritage’ doesn’t fall into ‘preserving real estate values for property owners/rich people’.
Heritage: Must be defined beyond ‘preserving old buildings’
Our more contemporary history: hippies artists homos weirdos alternative lifestyle innovators eco-living…
Plaques: they are for tourists who are only here for a few hours. Plus they’re weird and kind of an eyesore. Design a more community based, event based interactive public education plan to educate and create our history/heritage. Public participation in CREATION of heritage and defining what it is as well as ‘preservation’of history. Too much emphasis on logging industry, land and business-owning ‘original’ families, etc. What about native peoples, plants and animals, geographic heritage? # 23 “Wakefield Heritage Park” should be about more than an old train station and a tourist steamer. #24 What about geographic/natural heritage? Native peoples?
Go ‘loose’ on regulations of maintenance and design # 15
I enjoy a slightly dilapidated building or two—speaks honestly that we are not all rich/middle class. Plus it adds some nice grit.
Too much regulation in the name of ‘heritage preservation’ can lead to gentrification/ forcing low income owners and tenants out of the village core in search of more affordable options.
Other Infrastructure Comments
Signage: Avoid overkill
#12 p. 14 advoid overkill on typical ‘pretty’ stuff like benches, planters, lights, tourist info pillars, signs, etc, Avoid overly groomed/controlled/domesticated look. Leave some of the wildness in the village.
Motorboat Dock
Putting in a formal motorized boat dock will DEFINITELY encourage motorboat activity. I for one do not want this and a lot of people don’t. IF though it must be do not feature it front and center on the community boardwalk! That is a very strong pro-motorboat statement and in fact will encourage motorboat usage to increase.
Swimming Area
I like the wildness of the swimming area behind the general store. It used to be mowed, which was nice. I would oppose a formalization, expansion and nice-ification of this area for personal preference reasons, but liability, staffing, and parking might become an issue too for the municipality if an official and/or larger ‘swimming area’ is created. I don’t feel we need it and we might lose something precious and informal in what is there right now.
Additional Comments
Vision Statement: Old and poorly written. Does it still apply?
Look at adjacent issues like highway development
Also we need a SEASONAL TEMPLATE for our PPU as the village is very different in winter/summer.
p. 9—needs commentary on broader context beyond NCC/Gat park—Wakefield’s uniqueness in the National Capitol Regions, in Quebec. Also some commentary on outside changes and how they will affect the village (Highway 5 extension/expansion outside village entryways. Lighting! Noise! Wildlife Corridors!)
General Recommendations: Should list subcategories under main categories
Advisory Board: yes!
#16 Deal with pollution in La Peche creek
Suggestion: Look for other examples of funky urban planning in funky little places where alternative values guided development.
General Reflections: Needs to be Funkier
The PPU: a good discussion document and a solid starting point (especially the division into study area ‘zones’ and proposals for regulation of land use (PAE and PIIA)-- although I feel the municipality should strive for a loose version of the PIIAs, especially with regards to architectural ‘style’ (see critique of ‘Heritage preservation’)
BUT the tool is too conventional. Doesn’t do justice to the opportunity. Wakefield is funkier than this document represents. In fact the plan may eliminate some of this ‘funkiness’ as it stands. Document should not only ensure that Wakefield remains ‘funky’ in various ways but even actually build upon and enhance the funkiness. Wakefield’s PPU should stand out for its innovation and difference, just as Wakefield, the community, does.
Wakefield: “Unique” and “Distinctive”: Lets build on that!
What is our uniqueness/character? Hard to define. Intangibles need to be captured—defined, underlined, and supported by development proposals and infrastructure enhancements. Our uniqueness has less to do with tourists and more to do with community relationships and ‘openness’ to difference and artistic sensibility among our population. High density of ‘artistic people’. Low income but high culture. “Accepting” milieu for ‘difference’-- within a context of Canada/ QC/ NCR—in contrast to Ottawa/Ontario. Funkiness. X(W?) factor. Uniqueness/community identity—needs to be spelled out/defined AND represented in actual ideas
We Need an Economic Development Strategy
Even before we need more sidewalks, and one that builds upon existing assets beyond our conventional understanding (like tourism)
Economic Development strategy should reflect real economic drivers. Should “Quantify cultural assets” Opportunity to develop ‘cultural economy’. We are artist-rich!
Look at concept of Social Capital and Artistic/Cultural Assets. Instead of “A Place for Arts and Culture” talk instead about Social and Artistic capital.
Wakefield, not as a “place for art and culture” but a place MADE by it! We are a community that creates itself through art/culture in daily life and through expression of our different-ness: we are not a container where it can be put behind glass and oooed and ahhhed at. We should avoid the ‘museum approach’ in thinking about art/culture—strive for a more active conceptualization in our PPU.
Take Ecology, Sustainability, Smart Growth seriously!
Sustainability—what would this mean and how to express it in PPU besides a quick mention under Smart Growth Principles. Its mentioned but not used as a guiding principle throughout the PPU. We need to study it more and see how and where it can be applied throughout.
Smart growth definition in existing PPU includes:
“Foster distinctive attractive community with a strong sense of place” (but PPU doesn’t do this adequately, see #1)
“Construct buildings that make more efficient use of land and resources” (but PPU proposes much additional infrastructure, with no environmental efficiency standards and no alternative materials or uses)
“Range of housing opportunities”—PPU only mentions affordable housing for seniors. What about low income villagers who live and work right here—can’t afford to live in Ward 6 anymore… single moms, artists, alternative lifestyles, people who work in local businesses for low wages. Seniors are not the only ones who need affordable housing.
Shaping Tourism/ Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable/Quality Tourism— if Tourism is to be a main building block of our economy, we should take the opportunity to approach it critically and to direct/shape it according to our own values and according to how we want it to affect our community. For example we may find ways to infuse tourist activities and attractions with our social and community values—for example, make them more interactive/ non-consumptive. Tourism is traditionally problematic in that it sells the ‘zoo’ approach to visiting, and can erode indigenous environment/culture on a number of levels. How about seizing the opportunity to offer our tourists experiences that invite them to think about things differently or to live differently in their own communities— ie tourists who come in to ‘consume’ leave instead with expanded consciousness about community, ecology, heritage instead…and a live, exciting experience. This needs to be think-tanked in a serious way if we are to base our economy so largely on tourism yet enhance our community as the distinctive/unique/alternative place that it is.
And Beyond Tourism
P. 3, Background: Context
Wakefield is defined as a ‘hub of social and cultural amenities’ (‘Amenities’ suggest stuff that can be bought/sold rather than experienced.) add ‘economic strongpoint of municipality’
“rich in social capital and artistic assets”
need to define Wakefield beyond “recreation and tourism center for the municipality!!!
Also, even though the PPU defines itself as a document addressed to “Community-Nature-Visitors” it is clear that most of the additional proposed infrastructure is for visitors.
We need to prioritize what we spend money on, balance equally or even favor community (rather than all the spending to accommodate visitors)
Heavy, Dangerous Traffic or Infrastructure Overkill?
Lots of good ideas: shared parking areas, rear location, zoning N-S for lots BUT:
Much of the PPU is dedicated to improving roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. Two new roads are proposed, as well as a more formalized road between Manse and Sully (there is already a gravel road that is used by Manse road people to escape when the train has trapped them—why isn’t that good enough?)
Much of this is premised on perceived problems such as heavy traffic through the village, lack of adequate parking, and dangerous situations for bicyclists. Has any of this been studied or documented? Its never taken anyone I know more than 5-10 minutes to traverse the village. I have always been able to find a parking spot anywhere I went, or reasonably close by. Is all this parking for tourists or residents? No one I know who lives here has a lot of trouble finding a parking spot. The amended and expanded parking facilities are reasonable, but how much do we need?
Will additional roads relieve traffic or just allow people to go faster? Will re-routing bicyclists off the road make cars think they can go faster thereby making it more dangerous for pedestrians, children or the odd bicyclist on the road? Has there EVER been an accident where a bicyclist was hit by a car going through the village? BEWARE HIDDEN ASSUMPTIONS and public perceptions! Try to study/document problem areas and proposed ‘solutions’. It might turn out that some are phantom problems based on assumptions or skewed public perception. Yes we should amend necessary infrastructure. The proposed PPU has a LOT of sidewalk being added. Is there something very terrible or dangerous about people getting off the train at the peace park and sort of wandering across the grass to the general store? There is a certain level of charm to informal routes and paths. Overkill on infrastructure (paths, sidewalks, benches, lights, info-posts and such) will definitely take away some funkiness. Maybe its good for people to have to sit on the grass to gaze at the river. Do we really want to put them on a special raised platform to look at the river? Again this seems very museum-ish. Don’t take all the wildness and informality out of a stroll through the village. I like walking on the train tracks, and so do a lot of people. A precise needs assessment based on actual measureable danger and safety should occur before we go for OVERKILL. Less is always more!
What is Heritage?
p. 15 Differentiate ‘Heritage’ and ‘History’—2 different things. Be careful that ‘preserving heritage’ doesn’t fall into ‘preserving real estate values for property owners/rich people’.
Heritage: Must be defined beyond ‘preserving old buildings’
Our more contemporary history: hippies artists homos weirdos alternative lifestyle innovators eco-living…
Plaques: they are for tourists who are only here for a few hours. Plus they’re weird and kind of an eyesore. Design a more community based, event based interactive public education plan to educate and create our history/heritage. Public participation in CREATION of heritage and defining what it is as well as ‘preservation’of history. Too much emphasis on logging industry, land and business-owning ‘original’ families, etc. What about native peoples, plants and animals, geographic heritage? # 23 “Wakefield Heritage Park” should be about more than an old train station and a tourist steamer. #24 What about geographic/natural heritage? Native peoples?
Go ‘loose’ on regulations of maintenance and design # 15
I enjoy a slightly dilapidated building or two—speaks honestly that we are not all rich/middle class. Plus it adds some nice grit.
Too much regulation in the name of ‘heritage preservation’ can lead to gentrification/ forcing low income owners and tenants out of the village core in search of more affordable options.
Other Infrastructure Comments
Signage: Avoid overkill
#12 p. 14 advoid overkill on typical ‘pretty’ stuff like benches, planters, lights, tourist info pillars, signs, etc, Avoid overly groomed/controlled/domesticated look. Leave some of the wildness in the village.
Motorboat Dock
Putting in a formal motorized boat dock will DEFINITELY encourage motorboat activity. I for one do not want this and a lot of people don’t. IF though it must be do not feature it front and center on the community boardwalk! That is a very strong pro-motorboat statement and in fact will encourage motorboat usage to increase.
Swimming Area
I like the wildness of the swimming area behind the general store. It used to be mowed, which was nice. I would oppose a formalization, expansion and nice-ification of this area for personal preference reasons, but liability, staffing, and parking might become an issue too for the municipality if an official and/or larger ‘swimming area’ is created. I don’t feel we need it and we might lose something precious and informal in what is there right now.
Additional Comments
Vision Statement: Old and poorly written. Does it still apply?
Look at adjacent issues like highway development
Also we need a SEASONAL TEMPLATE for our PPU as the village is very different in winter/summer.
p. 9—needs commentary on broader context beyond NCC/Gat park—Wakefield’s uniqueness in the National Capitol Regions, in Quebec. Also some commentary on outside changes and how they will affect the village (Highway 5 extension/expansion outside village entryways. Lighting! Noise! Wildlife Corridors!)
General Recommendations: Should list subcategories under main categories
Advisory Board: yes!
#16 Deal with pollution in La Peche creek
Suggestion: Look for other examples of funky urban planning in funky little places where alternative values guided development.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Vive Le Village Éclectique
From Viviene Weitzner
General Comments:
I commend the advisory committee for the hard work that went into this document and the clarity of presentation. There are many aspects of the document I agree with and support.
However, perhaps because of my development background and work on environmental and social impact assessment, I am biased into thinking we need to look at Wakefield’s future from a more holistic perspective. As it stands, I find the document rather two dimensional – there is a focus on growth, visitors, vehicular management, zoning, recreation, conservation with a nod to some social issues. There is not enough emphasis on ‘quality of life’ issues for residents, or the social systems that need to be in place to maintain and improve the quality of life for Wakefielders as the village grows. Ideally, a plan for smart growth would explicitly consider also the stress that will be placed on our health care system, on our school system, on our daycare spaces, and on housing for seniors and young families among other issues, and work to strengthen these even as they stand now. Employment opportunities to stem out-migration of the village youth could also be a focus. Safety for our schoolchildren as they walk to school, and spaces for them to play, should also be front and centre alongside consideration to visitors to Wakefield and the needs of our seniors. We need to also celebrate diversity in Wakefield, and emphasize the living, vibrant and eclectic culture of the here and now alongside celebrating our heritage. While some of these suggestions and types of infrastructure might be outside of the ‘box’ that the law requires of a PPU, these are essential elements that if not considered in this document, need to be considered alongside it and referenced in this document. Perhaps the FunkE edge of Wakefield could push the envelope with regards to the usual PPU and include this in their plan, pushing up the bar towards more sustainable and holistic thinking for other PPU processes across Quebec.
On the environmental side, we need to go beyond thinking in terms of conservation, recreation and riparian management, to looking at how we can minimize our carbon footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build into our planning energy efficiency considerations and incentives. We need to do our part for climate change. We also need to explicitly have a plan to encourage local procurement. In short, we need to emphasize and promote in the plan what some leading edge Wakefielders are already doing in their daily lives (thinking green, eating locally, minimizing carbon footprint, building or renovating with efficiency and ecological considerations at the forefront).
We need to integrate the above into the principles statements regarding smart growth and throughout the recommendations.
Specific Comments on the PPU
We need to suggest some concrete language to meet our FunkE mandate and for maximum uptake. In these comments I make some suggestions for consideration – and I also simply go through the document pointing out what I liked and making suggestions re what could be strengthened/changed.
Executive Summary
· The Wakefield is… paragraph needs funkifying. We need to emphasize not only that Wakefield is picturesque, but that it is vibrant, diverse, eclectic, home to artists, musicians, poets, yoga practitioners, young families, seniors and ordinary folk, a place to live and let live (maybe not all of that, but I think you get my drift…), that recognizes the importance of fair trade, encourages environmentally respectful lifestyles, and looks out for its current and future generations.
· The Purpose paragraph…: we need to include here statements regarding diversity, vibrancy, eclecticism…list in last sentence could be expanded to include the social systems that support the village and its growth (health care, educational system, housing), and expand the environmental concerns to include those outlined in my general comments (minimizing carbon footprint, encouraging local procurement, etc.).
· Report Overview: The key elements should include (perhaps under c) “Quality of life, well-being and cultural vibrancy” (the Plan would then elaborate on these in the body of the report as key elements, as per my general comments above re social systems, daycare, health care, educational system, employment, etc. )
· Administrative measures: elaborate the bullet “establishing construction/renovation incentive programmes” to include the following “that promote efficiency and minimize carbon footprints, as well as incentives to ensure commercial properties take into consideration access for differently abled people.” (IF that isn’t here, it should b somewhere)
· Conclusion: At the end of the second sentence add the following “celebrating diversity and well-being, and ensuring that services (health care, daycare, educational facilities, housing, etc) continue to meet the needs of residents.”
Introduction:
Add to the second to last sentence of page 1… “the municipality….while recognizing and celebrating its diverse population and maintaining and strengthening essential services provided to ensure healthy and sustainable lifestyles (health, daycare, etc…)”
Vision:
I like the statement BUT I would add to the end of the second sentence “cultural harmony…and the well-being of its residents”
Background:
· Context (page 3): here we need to highlight our musical venues, artistic community etc alongside the references to our heritage…
Smart growth principles: (p.5)
We need to think hard about these! I would suggest:
· 1. “a walkable AND BICYCABLE village centre.”
· 4. “Preserve historic and cultural resources WHILE FOSTERING OUR CURRENT ARTISTIC AND MUSICAL COMMUNITY, AND CELEBRATING OUR AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE AND FARMERS
· 5. foster a distinctive, DIVERSE, and attractive community with a strong IDENTITY and sense of place.”
· 6. add to end…AND THAT INCORPORATE EFFICIENCY AND ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS
· 9. Make development decisions predicable, fair, cost effective AND ENVIRONMNETALLY SOUND
· ADD 11. PROVIDE APPORPRIATE SERVICES TO ENSURE OVERALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
· ADD 12. FOSTER AND MAINTAIN A VIBRANT VILLAGE THAT CREATES DIVERSE EMPLOYMENT POSSIBILITIES FOR ITS YOUTH, SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESSES AND… (I am sure other FunkEs could add lots here…whatever you dream really!)
Pedestrian and Vehicular Circulation: (p.10)
In general, we really need to emphasize safe walking for our residents, particularly our seniors (and I was very happy to see a new cross-walk at the general store, as I have seen too many almost-accidents with seniors crossing there) AND our school children (rather than emphasizing our visitors). I would like to see safe trails and walking paths going to the school, and formalized UP school hill or UP Caves – these trails would be for both BIKING and Walking (I cringe when I see what kids need to do now with their bikes). The crossing near school lane (if that is formalized for school children use – we’re still waiting to hear) SHOULD be very specially marked as a school crossing zone (from the park), especially if a boardwalk is established that becomes the safe walking/biking route for children.
On Village growth and development (p. 12)
Spell out what we mean by sustainable’ in the first paragraph -- how do we define sustainable development in wakefield?!
Village Design Statement (p. 13)
This needs to be done VERY carefully… We need to build in flexibility in order to preserve our eclectic and funkE edge. We can’t do a Chelsea…. This design statement should include efficiency/ecological/access considerations, not simply aesthetics.
A Place for heritage (p. 15)
20. Tax abatements – “for rehabilitation -- INCLUDING TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY – of old buildings…”
21. (p.16). Perhaps the plaque system could be funkified to point out neat things about Wakefield that aren’t necessarily pointing out heritage of yore, but the culture and neat edgy aspects of wakefield of today…
p. 18. We need to add some more heading considerations here that would pull in our social systems, such as “A place for all generations, for wellness and education…”
the maps tell a lot and mostly I thought they were very well done:
-I like the sidewalks hugging the buildings
-I like the increased cross walks
-I like the traffic calming measures on gendron, and would consider doing some urgent traffic calming on Valley Drive where the rec centre is (NO ONE STOPS at the post-office crossroads)
-I like the buried wire idea
-I like the emphasis on trails (but again, we need to emphasize the safety of our school children and take appropriate measures re signage etc)
-I like the swimming area suggestion by the gen store
-I like the integration of the trail path with the seniors housing on Sully
BUT I RECOMMEND also integrating a childrens playground accessible to all children right by the Senior’s residence. Right now there is a playground by the 366 and Wakefield Heights and by the Rec Centre – nothing in the middle (aside from the school). Aplayground placed near the senior’s housing would add much joy to them, and provide families in the middle/downtown area with another play area.
-I don’t like any encouragement of motorized boats on the river – I wouldn’t have a dock for motorboat mooring; we’d be welcoming the seado’s that way!
-I don’t like the boardwalk at Kaffee 1870; it should be moved down to Geggie park, lnking the new beach area through to the park and up near the sheep)
Other:
- Any road planning and signage should take into consideration minimizing GHG emissions (I find the do not turn right at the bottom of Caves and Burnside incomprehensible and encouraging degradation of the environment and quality of life for with questionable benefits for residents on lower burnside considering the perversions the situation creates; i.e., people simply turn around and go down anyway)
- The conservation protection for the Vorlage area should be changed to PIIA
General Comments:
I commend the advisory committee for the hard work that went into this document and the clarity of presentation. There are many aspects of the document I agree with and support.
However, perhaps because of my development background and work on environmental and social impact assessment, I am biased into thinking we need to look at Wakefield’s future from a more holistic perspective. As it stands, I find the document rather two dimensional – there is a focus on growth, visitors, vehicular management, zoning, recreation, conservation with a nod to some social issues. There is not enough emphasis on ‘quality of life’ issues for residents, or the social systems that need to be in place to maintain and improve the quality of life for Wakefielders as the village grows. Ideally, a plan for smart growth would explicitly consider also the stress that will be placed on our health care system, on our school system, on our daycare spaces, and on housing for seniors and young families among other issues, and work to strengthen these even as they stand now. Employment opportunities to stem out-migration of the village youth could also be a focus. Safety for our schoolchildren as they walk to school, and spaces for them to play, should also be front and centre alongside consideration to visitors to Wakefield and the needs of our seniors. We need to also celebrate diversity in Wakefield, and emphasize the living, vibrant and eclectic culture of the here and now alongside celebrating our heritage. While some of these suggestions and types of infrastructure might be outside of the ‘box’ that the law requires of a PPU, these are essential elements that if not considered in this document, need to be considered alongside it and referenced in this document. Perhaps the FunkE edge of Wakefield could push the envelope with regards to the usual PPU and include this in their plan, pushing up the bar towards more sustainable and holistic thinking for other PPU processes across Quebec.
On the environmental side, we need to go beyond thinking in terms of conservation, recreation and riparian management, to looking at how we can minimize our carbon footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build into our planning energy efficiency considerations and incentives. We need to do our part for climate change. We also need to explicitly have a plan to encourage local procurement. In short, we need to emphasize and promote in the plan what some leading edge Wakefielders are already doing in their daily lives (thinking green, eating locally, minimizing carbon footprint, building or renovating with efficiency and ecological considerations at the forefront).
We need to integrate the above into the principles statements regarding smart growth and throughout the recommendations.
Specific Comments on the PPU
We need to suggest some concrete language to meet our FunkE mandate and for maximum uptake. In these comments I make some suggestions for consideration – and I also simply go through the document pointing out what I liked and making suggestions re what could be strengthened/changed.
Executive Summary
· The Wakefield is… paragraph needs funkifying. We need to emphasize not only that Wakefield is picturesque, but that it is vibrant, diverse, eclectic, home to artists, musicians, poets, yoga practitioners, young families, seniors and ordinary folk, a place to live and let live (maybe not all of that, but I think you get my drift…), that recognizes the importance of fair trade, encourages environmentally respectful lifestyles, and looks out for its current and future generations.
· The Purpose paragraph…: we need to include here statements regarding diversity, vibrancy, eclecticism…list in last sentence could be expanded to include the social systems that support the village and its growth (health care, educational system, housing), and expand the environmental concerns to include those outlined in my general comments (minimizing carbon footprint, encouraging local procurement, etc.).
· Report Overview: The key elements should include (perhaps under c) “Quality of life, well-being and cultural vibrancy” (the Plan would then elaborate on these in the body of the report as key elements, as per my general comments above re social systems, daycare, health care, educational system, employment, etc. )
· Administrative measures: elaborate the bullet “establishing construction/renovation incentive programmes” to include the following “that promote efficiency and minimize carbon footprints, as well as incentives to ensure commercial properties take into consideration access for differently abled people.” (IF that isn’t here, it should b somewhere)
· Conclusion: At the end of the second sentence add the following “celebrating diversity and well-being, and ensuring that services (health care, daycare, educational facilities, housing, etc) continue to meet the needs of residents.”
Introduction:
Add to the second to last sentence of page 1… “the municipality….while recognizing and celebrating its diverse population and maintaining and strengthening essential services provided to ensure healthy and sustainable lifestyles (health, daycare, etc…)”
Vision:
I like the statement BUT I would add to the end of the second sentence “cultural harmony…and the well-being of its residents”
Background:
· Context (page 3): here we need to highlight our musical venues, artistic community etc alongside the references to our heritage…
Smart growth principles: (p.5)
We need to think hard about these! I would suggest:
· 1. “a walkable AND BICYCABLE village centre.”
· 4. “Preserve historic and cultural resources WHILE FOSTERING OUR CURRENT ARTISTIC AND MUSICAL COMMUNITY, AND CELEBRATING OUR AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE AND FARMERS
· 5. foster a distinctive, DIVERSE, and attractive community with a strong IDENTITY and sense of place.”
· 6. add to end…AND THAT INCORPORATE EFFICIENCY AND ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS
· 9. Make development decisions predicable, fair, cost effective AND ENVIRONMNETALLY SOUND
· ADD 11. PROVIDE APPORPRIATE SERVICES TO ENSURE OVERALL COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
· ADD 12. FOSTER AND MAINTAIN A VIBRANT VILLAGE THAT CREATES DIVERSE EMPLOYMENT POSSIBILITIES FOR ITS YOUTH, SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESSES AND… (I am sure other FunkEs could add lots here…whatever you dream really!)
Pedestrian and Vehicular Circulation: (p.10)
In general, we really need to emphasize safe walking for our residents, particularly our seniors (and I was very happy to see a new cross-walk at the general store, as I have seen too many almost-accidents with seniors crossing there) AND our school children (rather than emphasizing our visitors). I would like to see safe trails and walking paths going to the school, and formalized UP school hill or UP Caves – these trails would be for both BIKING and Walking (I cringe when I see what kids need to do now with their bikes). The crossing near school lane (if that is formalized for school children use – we’re still waiting to hear) SHOULD be very specially marked as a school crossing zone (from the park), especially if a boardwalk is established that becomes the safe walking/biking route for children.
On Village growth and development (p. 12)
Spell out what we mean by sustainable’ in the first paragraph -- how do we define sustainable development in wakefield?!
Village Design Statement (p. 13)
This needs to be done VERY carefully… We need to build in flexibility in order to preserve our eclectic and funkE edge. We can’t do a Chelsea…. This design statement should include efficiency/ecological/access considerations, not simply aesthetics.
A Place for heritage (p. 15)
20. Tax abatements – “for rehabilitation -- INCLUDING TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY – of old buildings…”
21. (p.16). Perhaps the plaque system could be funkified to point out neat things about Wakefield that aren’t necessarily pointing out heritage of yore, but the culture and neat edgy aspects of wakefield of today…
p. 18. We need to add some more heading considerations here that would pull in our social systems, such as “A place for all generations, for wellness and education…”
the maps tell a lot and mostly I thought they were very well done:
-I like the sidewalks hugging the buildings
-I like the increased cross walks
-I like the traffic calming measures on gendron, and would consider doing some urgent traffic calming on Valley Drive where the rec centre is (NO ONE STOPS at the post-office crossroads)
-I like the buried wire idea
-I like the emphasis on trails (but again, we need to emphasize the safety of our school children and take appropriate measures re signage etc)
-I like the swimming area suggestion by the gen store
-I like the integration of the trail path with the seniors housing on Sully
BUT I RECOMMEND also integrating a childrens playground accessible to all children right by the Senior’s residence. Right now there is a playground by the 366 and Wakefield Heights and by the Rec Centre – nothing in the middle (aside from the school). Aplayground placed near the senior’s housing would add much joy to them, and provide families in the middle/downtown area with another play area.
-I don’t like any encouragement of motorized boats on the river – I wouldn’t have a dock for motorboat mooring; we’d be welcoming the seado’s that way!
-I don’t like the boardwalk at Kaffee 1870; it should be moved down to Geggie park, lnking the new beach area through to the park and up near the sheep)
Other:
- Any road planning and signage should take into consideration minimizing GHG emissions (I find the do not turn right at the bottom of Caves and Burnside incomprehensible and encouraging degradation of the environment and quality of life for with questionable benefits for residents on lower burnside considering the perversions the situation creates; i.e., people simply turn around and go down anyway)
- The conservation protection for the Vorlage area should be changed to PIIA
Thursday, August 6, 2009
FunkE Wakefield, Quebec deserves ‘funkified’ PPU
From the LowDown
Trevor Greenway met with FunkEWakefield and other interested citizens at Café Molo on Sunday Aug 2nd ....
http://lowdownonline.com/2009/08/funke-wakefield-quebec-deserves-%E2%80%98funkified%E2%80%99-ppu/
Trevor Greenway met with FunkEWakefield and other interested citizens at Café Molo on Sunday Aug 2nd ....
http://lowdownonline.com/2009/08/funke-wakefield-quebec-deserves-%E2%80%98funkified%E2%80%99-ppu/
Tourism and Business in the Village
From Roberta Bouchard
Train - if we are going to spend money keeping it going, then there should be a far more concerted effort to develop tourism in wkfld with the train, ie. rentals of boats and bikes at turn table, proper swimming beach and picnic area in same place, coupons with business', etc.
There needs to be a huge co-operation btw the municipality and the wkfld business' - listing in their websites, maps, announcements, travel packages (ie stay at the mill and go dog sledding) - ideally there should be a co-ordinator working full time for C and paid for by the mun., who can develop the tourism we would like to see in the area - which also leads to the continued support, encouragement and growth of things like Wakefield players, wakefest, Piggyback, etc (arts, nature, sports, spa based tourism)
Parking - the municipality could take over the maintenance of some of the larger lots in the village - making them public parking (ie Vorlage, James Sistie bldg, ) then we could stop the parking wars and actually make our guests feel welcome in our village instead of afraid of parking (and staying!) in the village
Train - if we are going to spend money keeping it going, then there should be a far more concerted effort to develop tourism in wkfld with the train, ie. rentals of boats and bikes at turn table, proper swimming beach and picnic area in same place, coupons with business', etc.
There needs to be a huge co-operation btw the municipality and the wkfld business' - listing in their websites, maps, announcements, travel packages (ie stay at the mill and go dog sledding) - ideally there should be a co-ordinator working full time for C and paid for by the mun., who can develop the tourism we would like to see in the area - which also leads to the continued support, encouragement and growth of things like Wakefield players, wakefest, Piggyback, etc (arts, nature, sports, spa based tourism)
Parking - the municipality could take over the maintenance of some of the larger lots in the village - making them public parking (ie Vorlage, James Sistie bldg, ) then we could stop the parking wars and actually make our guests feel welcome in our village instead of afraid of parking (and staying!) in the village