Alternative Housing For Our Vulnerable

It's true, I've been a little lazy of late, and haven't been blogging much.  But then something came across my Facebook Page, shared by an old school friend who is all too familiar with the inadequacies of housing for some of our most vulnerable members of our communities.  She, and other families like her, have committed themselves to advocating on behalf of loved ones.  The closest I have come is filling the role of primary caregiver for my aging parents — close enough to realize that there is much to learn if we are to bring comfort, companionship and dignity to those that fall into this spectrum, be it because of mental or physical challenges, age, race, gender or sexual orientation.  But I always knew my challenges would have an expiration date.  As a parent, there is not always that luxury.   Parents of children with disabilities always worry about what will happen to their child when they are no longer able to support them.   After doing a little digging, not only did I find some interesting housing concepts, I found a few problems that I heretofore was not even aware of.

The article my friend shared was about The Villages at Noah’s Landing, a gated community specifically designed for people with developmental disabilities, in Lakeland, Florida.  This 56-acre site, soon to be developed into a gated community for people with developmental disabilities along with sister property in Jacksonville, has the distinction of being the first of its type in Florida.  Financed primarily with low-income housing tax credits, the project will offer safe, affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Unlike state licensed group homes, Noah’s Landing will operate independently, with oversight provided by staff, volunteers and parents, along with monitoring from state social workers.

It’s a concept gaining acceptance nationwide, providing a stimulating community setting for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are capable of living with some degree of independence.  The inclusive community, with some oversight provided by parent volunteers, provides a level of trust that most other residential settings can’t provide.  The complex will be composed of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Additional phases will include more housing, an assisted-living facility, fishing dock and recreational areas. Ultimately, the community could house up to 224 individuals.

Although perhaps a housing model new to Florida, it's a concept that is not new.  OSPREY Village Inc., in South Carolina, has been under discussion and development since late 2007.  Often referred to by advocates as “a neighborhood with a purpose” this nonprofit venture will feature attractive and purposeful housing, to become a mainstream, non-institutional setting for up to 40 residents, families, and other support team members who will live alongside seniors and other non-disabled residents in a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” arrangement.

How about some other options:  Tiny houses (less than 500sq.ft.) and secondary suites might be perfect for a developmentally disabled adult who craves a home, but needs supervision from parents or caregivers.  People with autism, for example, rely on predictable routines and environments to navigate life; often have issues with sound, may or may not be able to hold a job, but still desire their own private space to call home. Tiny homes provide a place for everything, and everything in its place.  A detached tiny home eliminates the adjacent walls, affording everyone some quiet.  Tiny homes, which typically sell for between $25,000 and $70,000, are often more economical and some are even mobile. 

Municipal bylaws across the country are now allowing (and some even encouraging) secondary suites and carriage homes as a viable solution for many segments of our more vulnerable population.  It is estimated that 25-50% of chronically homeless suffer serious mental illness.  Providing safe and decent housing for people with mental illness is an effective tool in reducing health care costs, including emergency room care, hospitalizations and long-term medical services.    Tiny homes and secondary suites may be an appropriate and affordable option for anyone with a limited income or in need of an affordable housing solution, including seniors, singles or small families which can also benefit from being in close proximity to family; a new and practical twist to multigenerational living.

A little closer to home, in the City of Calgary, Resolve is a capital campaign aimed at finding affordable housing solutions for people who are homeless. The Great Cities report by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce notes that half of the homeless people in Calgary are employed but cannot afford to house themselves. There are nine agencies partnering with the campaign — Accessible Housing, Bishop O’Byrne Housing, Calgary Alpha House Society, Calgary Homeless Foundation, Calgary John Howard Society, Horizon Housing Society, Silvera for Seniors, Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta and The Mustard Seed —  each meeting a particular need within the community.  This level of cooperation is a first, not only for Calgary, but for Canada.

Something I personally have not realized was the need for gay friendly seniors housing.  As a group, older LGBT adults are more socially isolated than their heterosexual peers.  They are twice as likely to live alone, and four times less likely to have adult children.  Considering 80% of senor caregiving is done by adult children, this is a problem.  New York City and other major metropolitan areas across the US are partnering with LGBT advocacy groups in an effort to address this need.

The good news is, we continue to find new ways to solve our problems, to reach out to those in need, to take care of one another.  If you aren't motivated to become a problem solver for the sake of improving your community, perhaps you might want to think about doing it for yourself.  After all, at some point in our lives, most of us will be that vulnerable person, be it through age or illness.  Perhaps in the solutions we find today, we will ultimately be helping ourselves. More food for thought.

Sources:
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/03/02/new-housing-disabilities/20099/
http://www.ospreyvillage.org/thevillage.shtml
http://www.houselogic.com/blog/home-thoughts/housing-for-disabled/#.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/prioritize-development-of-housing-for-region-s-most-vulnerable/article_cebf43c3-2e35-5628-b8a8-09ecb7f6df76.html
http://www.canada.com/business/real-estate/Calgary+Resolve+campaign+helping+those+need+affordable/10851558/story.html
http://www.resolvecampaign.com/
http://bxtimes.com/stories/2015/8/08-gay-2015-02-13-bx_2015_8.html

Are You Eating Plastic for Dinner?

This is such a great video from National Geographic.  Simply stated, it clearly mandates the need for a 'bottom up' approach.  In other words, it starts with us. . . . you. . . . every individual consumer.  We each need to be aware of our actions and make choices in our purchasing power that sends a clear message to our governments, producers, retailers and, most importantly to our children.  There was a time when recycling was virtually unheard of; now it's a common practice.  Let's make rejecting plastic in products another common practice.

ROAD TRIP!

This Spring, there was a purchase of a little red corvette.  Eric fondly refers to it as his "mid-life crises, second childhood penis enhancer'. . . Call it what he may, he loves Little Red.  Me? well, I don't really 'get' it but then, I don't have to, do I?  I know it brings him great joy, even sitting in the garage, sparkling clean under it's dust cover (also red) and that should be enough for me. . . that he's happy . . . and it almost is.  But what really makes me do the happy dance is the fact that he is much more inclined to hop in his car and go on a road trip and I'm all for that!  We made several afternoon or day trips  through the summer and then, in September, we decided to take a few days off work and see where the wind

blew us.  

At first, it blew us south, to Nanton, Alberta. Over the last decade or so, Nanton has successfully reinvented itself and is now a cool little town with myriad opportunities to fill your boots with historic buildings and antiques.  Not to be missed, there is also a wonderful little candy and ice cream shop.  People from the Calgary area come down regularly to enjoy the community.

The wind then blew us west, to Pincher Creek, famous for it's scenic beauty. Golden fields and white capped mountains on a backdrop of wide blue skies; what's not to like?  The horizon is spotted with white turbines from the numerous wind farms which, frankly, confuse me.  While perhaps a source of clean energy, as I am mesmerized by the revolution of countless blades, I can't but think, just a little bit, that they are also somewhat of a blight on an otherwise perfect landscape.   I'm not a fan of the NIMBY syndrome but I'm also pretty darn sure I wouldn't want to live very close to one, interesting though they may be.

Every morning of our little journey began the same way.  We would wake before daylight and enjoy a few cups of coffee and a light breakfast. . . after which Eric would carry out his daily inspection of Little Red, wiping the dew and washing the bugs off as he did.  Like I said, I find this fascination a wee bit strange but who am I to talk?  I have my own idiosyncrasies, my love for road trips being only one.

We continued west, on Highway 3, toward the British Columbia border and, as we did so, we came upon an old colliery.  Clearly visible from the highway is the remains of the Hamilton Residence, once the manager of Leitch Collieries.  One can't help but admire the craftsmanship and imagine what a glorious and ostentatious home it must once have been. The second, much larger Power House has had a bit of reconstructive surgery, to ensure the safety of the public as they wonder through this unique Provincial Historic site.  It's small but worth the stop.  It's also a good spot for a bathroom break and did I mention it's free?

After a brief shop. . . I mean stop. . . in Fernie, we turned our attention south, towards Whitefish, Montana.  A scenic tourist destination in its own right, we were seeking 'quaint', and we found  a few miles east  in Hungry Horse.  Not so small that it would be missed in the blink of an eye, it is definitely a community that beats to its own drummer.  The people are friendly, the food is cheap and Eric got his fill of chicken fried steak, a delicacy he was introduced to in the Southern US and guaranteed to spike cholesterol levels for weeks to come.  But we're on vacation, right?  It seems all forms of currency is accepted in Hungry Horse.  Clearly this little community has a sense of humour; not to be outdone, so does Eric pictured here with the ol' ball and chain.

By this time, we were enroute to Glacier National Park and Going to the Sun Road.  If you haven't been, definitely add it to your bucket list.  A 50 mile span of narrow, winding, mountainous roads, if one doesn't have the courage to make the drive themselves, there are roadsters prepared to do the driving for you.  High enough that you may encounter snow at any time of year (and we did), the window of opportunity is short, June 20th through September 22nd, after which the road is closed.  Did I mention winding?  Vehicles are restricted to a meer 18' in length; talk about hairpin curves.   And the scenery is truly spectacular.  If there is a regret, it is that we didn't think to go earlier, when the deciduous trees were in full color.   I'm guessing that would be around mid August.  Next time.

Following the eastern edge of the park, we found ourselves in Great Falls.  I knew it as a shopping mecca for cross border shoppers but apparently it was not to be.  We weren't out of the car for more than 20 minutes, enough time to gas up, and make a run through a pharmacy to buy OTC pharmaceuticals at half the price we pay at home. Not really worth going 100 miles out of our way, but what's a road trip for if not to make a few wrong turns.

We then found ourselves in Shelby.  A railway town, with a population of about 3,600, once again, we found a 'quaint' community filled to the brim with it's own brand of ambiance.  We asked two locals where the best place to eat was and they both told us the same diner. They were both right.  A restaurant which has really stood the test of (hard) time, it was now a shabby chic throwback to the 1960's. . . and we loved it.   

When I stopped to take a few shots of a local tavern, one of the locals left his seat to hold the door for me.  I'm glad I popped my head around the corner where I found a wide collection of calenders from the various town businesses from the 50s, some of which were still in operation.  Although there is a strong Christian atmosphere to the town, it is not without it's color and, if you take a look at the photos on the calendars, you'll know what I mean.    When I popped into another shop, the first thing I was asked was where I was from. Clearly, everybody knows everybody, and while nobody knew me, I was not lacking in companionship.

As I mentioned, Shelby is a railway town and the station, across the tracks is just as charming as the rest of the community.  And, if one likes art, some of the railway cars were pretty darn fabulous too!

  

Incidentally, did you know Shelby is just a wee bit north of  a United States land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) field.  Specifically chosen because of it's flat, underpopulated topography,  the current US force consists of 450 missile silos around Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming.  The plan is to slowly reduce the number to 400 armed missiles, while retaining 50 unarmed missiles in reserve by 2030.  I don't know about you, but this doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feelings.

As we continued north, we decided we would snoop around Sweetgrass, before crossing the border.  A tiny little speck of a community, directly south of Coutts, Alberta, it's odd to see how the two communities are literally side by side, even sharing the same cemetery, yet not a single street carries through. All that exist are fenced off.  And the fences are BIG. Think prison fence.  How we missed the Duty Free is beyond me but we did.  For all the stories I have heard of unpleasant experiences with the border officials, we were once again charmed by our officer.  When asked to declare our liquor, he was shocked when we told him we didn't have any and immediately asked us why not.  When we said we had missed it, he gave us directions and suggested we retrace our steps.  I believe some of his colleagues were less than impressed with his 'assistance' as we left the US, entered Canada, turned around and went back to the US, returning shortly thereafter with our quota of liquor but we thank our young man for his thoughtfulness.

We made two more stops before heading home.  One was to visit Fort McLeod where, I'm told, my great uncle's candy store still remains. . . not the candy, just the building.  Alas, I knew not which one.  But I did look for it.    Eric, however, is still reeling from the knowledge that there is at least one knitted cover for a lamp standard.  Engineer that he is, he resolved the mystery himself.  Because the standards are set into the sidewalks quite a distance, people must surely run into them on a regular basis.  The knitwear must be meant to soften the blow.  Perhaps he is right. . . but I'm thinking not.

The day was waning and we still had a few hours ahead of us to make it home.  We decided to head west once more just to take a quick look at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, located in the Rocky Mountain Foothills about 8 km northwest of Fort Macleod. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of a museum of Blackfoot culture.  The buffalo jump was used for 5,500 years to kill buffalo by driving them off an 11 metre high cliff.   According to legend, a young Blackfoot wanted to watch the buffalo plunge off the cliff from below, but was buried underneath the falling buffalo. He was later found dead under the pile of carcasses, where he had his head smashed in.

Here's the good news, folks, for a man who came from a family that drove 40 miles and got a motel for the night, I think Eric did pretty darn good. Not only did he do all the driving, but without a single complaint. . . okay. . . one complaint. . . . it was that 3 hour diversion to Great Falls. . . but he actually enjoyed himself.  Whether Little Red is the sole reason for his enthusiasm, I don't know.  I don't care.  What I do know is that, upon arriving home, he suggested that we add a couple of more days to it and do something similar next year. . . Yellowstone, Lewis & Clarke Caverns, Mount Rushmore, here we come?  Stay tuned.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGM-30_Minuteman

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head-Smashed-In_Buffalo_Jump

The Crime of Keeping Chickens

http://www.wnem.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=10619975

Perdue Just Says No to Chicken on Drugs

Now, we have everyone talking about backyard chickens.  Why?  So we can roll the hands of time back and go back to controlling what we choose to put in our mouths.  It seems we are not the only ones. Have a read of this:

http://grist.org/food/perdue-just-says-no-to-chicken-on-drugs/

Back Yard Chickens for Dummies

'After several years of pestering my wife to get backyard chickens, she finally relented this past fall.  I made all the traditional arguments:  the kids will love them, we'll have fresh eggs every day, I promise to clean the yard and the coop, no it's won't smell, trust me -- and on and on."


And so begins the hilarious and yet poignantly truthful account of Jason Price as he espouses the trials and tribulations of his foray into urban agricultural.  I encourage you to give this a read, whether it be for pure enjoyment (because it is definitely enjoyable) or to learn a little bit more about the pros and cons of backyard chickens.  Happy reading!

http://thehungrydogblog.com/2014/05/backyard-chickens-dummies/

South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Approved

 

The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) has now been approved by Cabinet .  The SSRP is the second of seven regional plans approved by the Alberta Government and will come into force on September 1, 2014. 

You can find information about the plan and download a copy of the SSRP:

https://landuse.alberta.ca/RegionalPlans/SouthSaskatchewanRegion/Pages/default.aspx

With the release of the SSRP, the Efficient Use of Land Implementation Tools Compendium is also released to the public.  Efficient Use of Land is one of the seven strategies listed in the provincial Land-use Framework.  The intent is to ‘promote the efficient use of land to reduce the footprint of human activities on Alberta Landscape’.  The compendium includes tools and best practices that can be used by land use planners, land users, and decision makers as a resource for land use decisions.  Here is the link to download your copy:

https://landuse.alberta.ca/ConservationStewardship/EfficientUseOfLand/Pages/default.aspx

The South Saskatchewan region covers an 83,764-square kilometre area that stretches from the Canada-U.S. border to Crossfield. It includes the South Saskatchewan River Basin, the Milk River Basin and the Alberta portion of the Cypress Hills. It is the most populated part of the province with about 1.8 million people.  Some environmentalists are critical of the plan saying it should have gone further to protect key areas — particularly the Castle Special Place, north of Waterton Park. They are concerned the rules will be too loose regarding off-highway vehicle use, logging and oil and gas development.  The Crowsnest Pass, for example, draws in over 10,000 off-roaders annually.
 

 

Resources:

http://alberta.ca/South-Saskatchewan-Regional-Plan.cfm

https://www.landuse.alberta.ca/RegionalPlans/SouthSaskatchewanRegion/SSRPPlanning/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/south-saskatchewan-plan-touted-as-balance-of-conservation-development-1.2715709
http://globalnews.ca/news/469756/alberta-off-roaders-speak-out-on-south-saskatchewan-regional-plan/

Edmonton Urban Farmer May Be Fined for Backyard Chickens

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/urban-farmer-facing-fine-for-backyard-chickens-1.2713200

The ScareCrow -- a Story about Our Food

Here's a 3-minute video about the process food industry.  Apparently, it won an award for 2013's worst. . . I'm not sure by whom.  I like it.  What do you think?

The Beautiful Nova Scotia

Sommerville, Nova Scotia

I have a deep love for Nova Scotia; in fact, I consider it my second home.  It is, without doubt, the most beautiful Province in Canada.  Perhaps you already know this.  I uncovered this truism on my first visit, in the summer of 1979.   I was so enthralled by its beauty that, upon my return to Alberta, I took the first job I could find, intent on putting enough money aside, to enable me to move there.  The following June, I climbed into my 1964 push button Dodge and off I went.  During the next three years, I worked for the City of Halifax, the perfect place to scope out the history and story of this wonderful mixed bag of old and new.  Established in 1749, Halifax is steeped in history.  I loved nothing more than to flip through old City records of various parts of the City.  This is where I learned about Pier 21, where over one million immigrants entered Canada between 1928-1971 and about half a million military troops left us to fight on foreign soil in WWII.  And no visit to the City is complete until you have walked Citadel Hill.  Constructed between 1828 and 1856, this living history museum is a star-shaped naval station that sits in the middle of the City with a stunning view of the Halifax Harbour. Or perhaps you would prefer a stroll down Water Street and check out Alexander Keith's Brewery which dates back to the early 1800s.


Africville

There were two areas that peeked my interest the most.    The Hydrostone District, designed in accordance with the latest principles of town planning in the rebuilding after the Halifax Explosion, is an English-style garden suburb, designed by architect, Thomas Adams to provide housing for working-class families displaced by the 1917 Halifax Explosion.  Africville, located on the Bedford Basin, was a small community populated almost entirely by Black Nova Scotians, many of whom were former slaves.  Lack of municipal services eventually resulted in extremely poor sanitary conditions, leading to the City's order to have all the dwellings razed and its citizens evicted in the 1960's.  No matter how many times I read this history, it never fails to sadden me.  Africville became an important part of African Nova Scotia identity, symbolizing its long struggle against racism.  And the good news is, Africville is reclaiming its history.  For more on this history follow this link:  http://africville.ca/index.html

A similar skirmish was going on along the Bay of Fundy.  Newport Landing (Avondale) played a role in the New England Planter migration of the 1760s, a British policy to repopulate following the deportation of French Acadians in 1755.  http://www.acadian-home.org/deportation.html

Pumpkin Regatta, Windsor Nova  Scotia

In other words, if it's history that floats your boat, Nova Scotia is steeped in it and it's not all bad.  Did you know, Windsor Nova Scotia was not only the birth place of Canada's favourite sport?  That's right:  HOCKEY, as well as home to the infamous Pumpkin Regatta?  And let's not forget Cape Breton Island, which not only has a lingo all its own but has retained much of its French heritage. 

In 1885, Alexander Graham Bell, and his family  fell in love with Baddeck and returned to build a home where Doctor Bell conducted many experiments, built boats, and gave employment to many of the people; while Mrs. Bell did much to foster home industries, among them the hooking of rugs for which the village of Cheticamp is so famous.


Scenic Beauty Abounds

 

Pictou, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia literally oozes scenery, culture and authenticity, from quaint fishing villages, beautiful beaches and many farms that are nothing less than picture perfect.  Every inch of it seems to have a way of soothing my soul. 

 

But I think, of all things, what I love best about Nova Scotia is the people.  We have many friends there and almost never return from our annual visit without making new ones.  There seems to be a common kindness and generosity of spirit that those of us that visit not only notice but appreciate.  In our fast-paced world, sometimes we forget about the importance of our connections, not only with our environment but with our people.  This is not so true of Nova Scotians; in my experience, Maritimers in general, seem to have a way of welcoming you into their communities as if you have always been a part of it.  They have not forgotten the importance of looking out for and taking care of each other. 

 Not to mention, they also have a superb sense of whimsy, never taking themselves overly seriously.  And if that doesn't charm you, then nothing will!

  So, if you're thinking you would like to visit Nova Scotia, you really should.  You won't regret it.

 

Halifax Harbour

 

 

Sources:
http://www.cruisehalifax.ca/our-city/index.html
http://storiesoffthetrack.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/africville-boil-the-water.jpg
http://www.worldsbiggestpumpkins.com/
http://baddeck.com/history/

Hen owner shocked by how much backyard chicken debate has ruffled feathers

Red Deer Advocate - Hen owner shocked by how much backyard chicken debate has ruffled feathers