An update from Sandy Hill’s community association

Louise Lapointe

Beginning this issue, Action Sandy Hill (ASH) is invited to  provide a regular update for IMAGE readers on its committees, activities, and various goings-on in the community.

ASH is Sandy Hill’s venerable community association, founded in 1969. One of the objectives of ASH is to preserve and conserve the elements of historic and architectural merit in buildings and properties.

It is worth noting that, after 50 years of committed community association activity, the neighbourhood’s built and cultural heritage — and all the progress made to protect it — is once again under threat, this time through the province’s Bill 23.

ASH is a volunteer association that brings together community members who share a common passion for their neighbourhood. Residents can contribute through participation in one of ASH’s committees or by volunteering to help at an event like the upcoming Winter Carnival in January (see ad on page 7).

ASH’s current priorities are to identify solutions to some of the most pressing problems that the neighbourhood faces. These include concentration of social services in the area, transportation, planning, development and heritage, the environment, and university relations through the Town and Gown committee.

Through its various committees, ASH provides recommendations on City proposals, solicits resident input on issues pertaining to planning, bylaws, and transportation, and continuously engages with residents and businesses, politicians at all levels of governments, City administration, and agencies providing services in the neighbourhood.

ASH also celebrates the community and creates opportunities for gathering and togetherness through a variety of events, including Art in the Park, the One & Only Arts and Crafts Fair, the Winter Carnival, and by sponsoring community events in Strathcona Park and throughout the community. Led by volunteers, ASH also maintains and operates the community rink in Annie Pootoogook Park behind the community centre.

Finally, ASH publishes a monthly online newsletter for its members that provides updates on committee activities, important neighbourhood information, and interesting and informative trivia about our heritage. Sign up for the newsletter at the website (ash-acs.ca).

The ASH Board meets on the last Monday of every month (except August and December) and holds an AGM each June. All are welcome to attend these meetings. If you want to become a member, join the Board of Directors, champion a cause, or just say “hi,” please attend an upcoming meeting or drop us a line at info@ash-acs.ca! We want to hear from you.

Keep an eye out for upcoming articles on committee activities.

 

Louise Lapointe is chairperson of ASH.