October 30 e-news: Public meeting (Nov. 2), community survey, notice of AGM

November Public Meeting: Monday, November 2: 6-7:30pm (Location: TBD)

Please join us for the November public meeting at a yet to be determined indoor location. As fun as it's been to use the grandstands at Royal Athletic Park, colder days and darker nights have us looking to appropriate indoor spaces for our public meetings. Please check the NPNA's website for details on the location as soon as they are confirmed.

Agenda:
6:00pm - welcome and territorial acknowledgement
6:05-6:35pm - update on sheltering in parks, questions
6:35-7:00pm - update on Local Area Plan from Marc Cittone, questions
7:00-7:30pm - new business

Covid safety precautions will be followed closely for this in person meeting:

you are required to provide your contact information (name and phone number)
you are required to sanitize hands upon arrival
you are required to wear a mask
you are required to maintain a 2 m / 6 foot distance from all individuals not in your “bubble.
attendance will be strictly limited to 50 (including board members, presenters)

SAVE THE DATE
Annual General Meeting: Monday, December 14, 2020 6-8pm

Update on Sheltering in Parks

Here are a couple of updates. You can find all of this information on the NPNA's website.

Bylaw meeting update from Monday, October 26, 2020 with Shannon Perkins

Bylaw meeting update from Monday, October 26, 2020 with Shannon Perkins
Central Park still #1 priority
There are now 82 structures in Central Park – down from 113 on October 10
27% decrease in structures
This has been due to the removal of extra tents used for purposes other than sheltering
There are only 51 people – this means there are multiple tents used by 1 person
Bylaw has identified the people who have multiple structures and they are being given notice to downsize on their own and bylaw is offering any assistance possible. If bylaw is getting voluntary compliance and it is reasonable they will continue working with folks, however, if they are not getting any move toward compliance, it will be removed.
Bylaw has connected with VIHA to obtain mental health support for hoarding situations
Week's priorities are reducing numbers of duplicate shelters, working with individuals to reduce excess belongings (hoarding), and getting folks to move into approved areas
Bylaw would prefer that instead of people dropping off a large number of donations, ask individuals what they need and come back with a specific item
Shannon will be working with Engagement on some messaging around donations (best way to provide donations) and illegal dumping (don't do it, if you see people dropping of garbage/furniture please report it) in parks.
Opportunity for input: What are your specific questions for bylaw at the November 2, 2020 public meeting?

Weekly Meetings in Central Park

Central Park Healing Circle, Wednesdays @ 4pm between the baseball diamonds. Led by Rose Henry. Open to all
Sheltering in Parks ad-hoc working group, Thursdays @ 4pm in RAP. (this group had it's last meeting on October 29, 2020. They may restart at a later date)

still accepting new households: Weekly Grocery Hamper Program!

The NPNA is putting together free, weekly grocery hampers made up of produce, bread, dairy, some non-perishable items and eggs. These are sorted and delivered by volunteers on Thursdays between 12-3pm. If you live in North Park, and would benefit from a hamper, please contact executivedirector@npna.ca.

Thank you to the funders that are making this program possible: First Metropolitan Church, North Park Bicycle Shop, the Foodshare Network, The Red Cross, Cobbs Bread, and Modo Care Share.

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