By Sandra Pilote
If you have ever wondered about this group, wonder no more. Here are some basic details. The Lowertown East Residents Committee (LERC) is composed of any interested member of the community who lives in the Lowertown area east of King Edward Avenue. Involved residents volunteer their time in an effort to increase neighbourhood safety. The overall goal is to engage residents in building pride in our community.
Our Lowertown East community is culturally and economically diverse. The neighbourhood has individuals of all ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds and abilities. They may live in townhouses, apartments, condos or single-family dwellings. All live in the same geographic area but do not necessarily share the same interests or goals. But the residents who volunteer do see participation as a way to address common concerns about safety and security.
Why does the group focus on Lowertown East? LERC is the resident partner with the service agencies and organizations in the Lowertown Our Home (LOH) safety project. LOH was established in 2007 as the Lowertown East Security Committee to address community fears related to drugs, gangs, graffiti and other activities that reduced a sense of pride and security.
What do LERC volunteers do? They try to share information through meetings, Facebook, walkabouts and social events. During the Covid period, the monthly meetings continue virtually. In non-COVID times, LERC organizes two key activities in the neighbourhood: Winterfest in Jules Morin Park and Movies in the Park, usually in Jules Morin Park but sometimes at the Patro. The volunteer-led walkabouts may involve a representative from the councillor’s office or one of the partner organizations. Or it might be a community member offering historical walking tours or flowering plants or miniature pumpkins door to door.
The best way to promote safety in our community is to be engaged in identifying concerns and finding solutions together. The feeling of belonging to a community comes from participating in the community. If you want to join the fun and get involved in your community, contact LERC at 613-789-3930 Extension 375.