The Headwaters Trails Working Group spent the summer laying the foundation for the development of a trails strategy for the Headwaters area. Over the summer our volunteers interviewed trails enthusiasts and community members with a keen interest in trails to better understand the opportunities and challenges we face in developing area trails.

On October 24, 2007 Headwaters Communities in Action is hosting a community event where we will share our report of these findings. Participants in this event will help determine the priorities for action and shape a trails strategy aimed at creating an interconnected system of multi-use trails and bicycle lanes in the Headwaters area. The keynote speaker at this event is Bob Chauncey, Director of Policy Analysis for the National Centre of Bicycling and Walking. Bob will share his expertise and advice based in extensive experience working with communities to become more activity-friendly.

This event promises to be a stimulating opportunity for discussion and setting direction for trails in our community. Community members are welcome to register to attend this free event.

Wednesday October 24th, 2007
1:30 registration
2:00 - 5:30 discussion on developing a trails strategy in the Headwaters region
5:30 - 6:15 dinner
6:30 - 8:00 key note address and summary of the day's work (latecomers welcome)

RSVP
Please RSVP by October 19, 2007 by phone 519-940-3118 and let us know if you plan to be staying for dinner. There is no fee to attend this session.

The successes of Headwaters Communities in Action are a result of the efforts of our volunteers. Over the past year, we have tripled the numbers of volunteers involved with our projects. Jim Garrow has been contributing to HCIA for the past 2 years, and taken an active role on the Headwaters Trails Working Group. In this interview, Jim shares his reasons for participating on this initiative.

Interviewer: "What compelled you to become involved with HCIA?"

Jim: "There are several reasons why I got involved with HCIA. I've always liked community activities and HCIA seemed to me to be a fresh approach to community involvement. I'm retired and I wanted to put my time into a project that was of interest to me and hopefully one where I could make a worthwhile contribution. When Bob Baynham asked me to be a part of the project I didn't hesitate. I was attracted to the underlying concept of HCIA which is when you get a large number of individuals together who have a wide range of skills and backgrounds and are committed to improving the quality of life in their community then there is more potential and momentum to create change than with most conventional organizational structures. There are several examples in Canada of these types of initiatives which have resulted in significant changes and successes for their communities.

Interviewer: "What difference do you hope the trails group will accomplish?"

Jim: "My hope is this group will set a framework for the Community to view trails as a regional asset and that as a community we will have a good understanding of not only our existing trails but also a vision of possible future trails. By the end of this year it would be nice to have the community support behind one or two specific initiatives, which the trails network group then could help create the appropriate structure to move them forward."

Interviewer: "What recommendations would you offer to those contemplating joining HCIA?"

Jim: "The first thing that I would do would be to check out the HCIA website and read the Community Plan. By reading the available literature it presents the opportunity to really understand what the project is about. Secondly, I would talk to one of the many volunteers. Finally, I would identify an area of interest. As I mentioned before a wide range of skills and backgrounds are required to make this project successful."

Headwaters Communities in Action is led by a vibrant Steering Committee, and supported by many active volunteers from our community. Read the profiles of our Steering Committee members to learn more about why they feel involvement in HCIA is a valuable contribution to our community. Visit our people section to see who is involved on our various working groups.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or finding out more...

The Quality of Life Report Card project is well underway with the support of an enthusiastic Working Group of volunteers. We have developed a solid Purpose Statement and work plan to guide the work ahead of us.

Presently, Working Group members are interviewing people throughout the community to share information about this project, and to gain a better understanding of how the report card might be used in the work or service they provide to the community.

We value your perspective. You can complete a survey, or contact us at action@headwaterscommunities.ca to request a presentation or interview about this project.

In August 2007, HCIA was granted $126,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support the implementation of projects laid out in our 3 year Community Plan. This funding provides us with a strong basis to launch our projects and to work towards developing the local support that will be needed to continue our momentum into the future.

Headwaters Communities in Action is a unique initiative in the province of Ontario in that we are working towards creating progressive change in a largely rural setting through the collaborative force of volunteers who represent the diversity of our community. We have begun to demonstrate that through intentionally bringing people together from a variety of sectors and interests that innovative approaches are created to strengthen our community.