How long have you lived in Bridgeland-Riverside? What do you like about living here?
My family and I have lived between Bridgeland and Renfrew since moving into the
neighbourhood in 2009. I previously worked in the area since 2003, which is why I knew we
wanted to live here! We love it; the places, parks and proximity to amazing activities for our kids
through all their stages of development has been incredible. Above all it’s been the wonderful
people that we have met in the community that makes this a truly great place to call home.
How did you get involved in volunteering in our community?
During COVID, we moved to a new house as we needed to improve our home working
environment. In the process we lost amazing neighbours and a big garden and yard, so I
committed myself to being a steward of the larger areas around us, knowing that these shape the
health of not only our family, but others living in the community. When I saw there was an
opportunity to name parks and plant trees in our neighbourhood, it was clear to me that both of
these initiatives have a long-term, far-reaching impact on the sense of place, activity and health
of all who will live here for many years to come; and I wanted to contribute.
What kind of volunteer activities have you done?
We informally took it upon ourselves to clean up and care for the wildflower and tree gardens on
the steep slopes of 10th Street. From there, it was participating in the BRCA Community Clean-
up days as a family, and participating in the Adopt-A-Park program. We have connected with
community members to envision the Eyes on Bridgeland, visited elderly community members on
a regular basis and, more recently, contributed to the dynamic subcommittees of the
Beautification Committee for Park Naming and Tree Planting.
What ideas do you have for volunteering in the future? What interests or excites you?
Coming from small-town Saskatchewan, it is a natural instinct for me to want to include
everyone in what is happening around them and have a sense of belonging together. I get excited
by the idea of everyone—of every age, culture and ability—contributing together to create a
better environment. I know our mental and physical health depends on being active, engaged and
inclusive. There are so many people who have inspired me in our community, I want to ensure
we hold a space for everyone’s ideas and give them a chance to grow.
What would you tell others in the community about volunteering?
Allow me to channel a little JFK here to say: it is not what the community does for you, but what
you do for the community that creates lasting impact and memories. I also believe that
engagement in your local community, regardless of how big or small, provides a sense of
meaning, purpose and ownership. If we all contribute a little, a lot gets accomplished!
What do you like most about volunteering for the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association?
I like that we have such a plethora of opportunities to be involved with right here in Bridgeland-
Riverside. Having worked overseas for many years, I realized that there is an important
interrelationship between people, food, activity, safety, health, education, business and the
engagement of youth and elderly that contributes to an elevated sense of purpose, meaning,
belonging and fulfilment for all. The BRCA has the capacity to touch all of these areas through
its many committees and activities.
What is a hidden gem in Bridgeland-Riverside that you have discovered?
Funny you should ask. There is a special little park at 5 th Avenue and 5 th Street NE, with quiet
seating, big trees and expansive views, that needs a name. We have proposed the name of
Hidden Park to reflect its mystique; however, based on our engagement process, this name may
change with suggestions from the community. It is exciting to think that this special little place
will have a formal identity because of the collective conversations our community is presently
engaged in. That is a pretty unique and special experience to be part of and I invite others to join
in and create a story for Bridgeland that they are excited about!