| Purpose : |
Kanata is a community in a suburban area in the western part of Ottawa, Ontario. The estimated population in 2005 was 100,000, and is termed one of the largest of several communities that surround central Ottawa. The community is a relatively affluent, rapidly growing suburb in which services and service outlets for youth have not kept pace with its expansion. The community has expressed concern in the media, to police and to city councillors about youth crime and the emerging trend of anti-social activities. Anecdotal information from youth, community partners and the Ottawa Police Service indicates that established youth gangs from other communities are beginning to permeate into Kanata to recruit potential members.
Crime statistics for this Region indicate increases in property offences, and an increase in the numbers of group-centred vandalism and anti-social activities. Due to these issues there is increased anxiety and fear among community partners that these current behaviours may lead to more serious activities, within a youth gang context.
The organization will adopt and adapt tools that have shown promise in other communities that address the issue of gang activity such as the comprehensive gang model suggested by the National Youth Gang Centre and other programs currently being endorsed by the Ottawa Police Service and area social service agencies. The organization will carry out community consultations, statistical research and literature/ media surveys, and will promote dialogue with youth, parents, educators, academics (e.g. the University of Ottawa) and other partners. Community forums, presentations, focus groups and meetings will be a predominant focus of the first phase of this project.
The project hopes to establish a non-threatening vehicle for dialogue with youth through events and programs that youth enjoy. Management and evaluation of the project will be provided by the staff and Board of the Kanata Youth Centre, supplemented by experts contracted for the project and by community representatives including the Ottawa Police Service. Upon completion of phase I the organization will present a report on their results to the community and develop a plan of action in concert with community partners and youth for the implementation of phase II activities.
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