Building a network of neighbours: Windsor’s downtown collaborative holds open house

By March Ren

The Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative hosted an open house at A Dog’s Breakfast on Feb. 7.

Bob Cameron, executive director of the collaborative, said the open house was to introduce the DWCC to both downtown residents and people who live outside of downtown.

“It’s an opportunity to share our story and for folks to ask questions,” said Cameron. “We want people to get involved in the community.”

The DWCC started eight years ago. They focus on using a network of neighbours to build friendly relationships among residents. The goal is to renew the city and the community.

“We try to move the folks from strangers that we don’t know to become familiar … (and) ultimately friends,” said Cameron.

The DWCC’s initiatives include sports activities for children and the Downtown Windsor Farmer’s Market. The DWCC also encourages people to share their stories and ideas about the downtown community.

Coun. Rino Bortlin said the DWCC’s engagement with residents helps city council to discuss the issues that affect residents.

“They encourage residents to get involved, get engaged, whether that be through community events or even through advocacy for issues,” said Bortolin. “They [the DWCC] really empower the neighbourhoods. They are helping people advocate for themselves.”

Cameron said the DWCC wants downtown residents to share their ideas and make plans for themselves.

“Instead of telling people what to do, we have to look at how can we help folks imagine what their dreams are and help them be realized,” said Cameron.

John Thompson is the sports director for the DWCC and said the organization is how he got to know people in Windsor.

“When we moved here to Canada from Asia, my wife and I needed a community,” said Thompson. “We started to attend some functions that DWCC was doing, so we got involved right away and is been great ever since.”