From March 6 to March 9, 2023, Mr. Kevin Collins' Grade 6/7 class at Odessa Public School embarked on an engaging program centred around community involvement and sustainable design. The Imagining My Sustainable Community (IMSC) program, led by No. 9, a local organization of professional architects, artists, and designers, empowered the students to craft a scaled model representing their vision for a sustainable future aligns with the goal of Strengthening Community Relationships to create a culture of sustainability and civic engagement within the ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan.
This award-winning 4-day workshop, facilitated by No. 9, focused on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the creation of sustainable communities, addressing key pillars such as Green Space, Green Building Design, Public Art & Design, Urban Agriculture and Food Security, Waste Management, Water Management, Alternative Energies, Mass Transit & Mobility, and Civic Engagement,
Leadership & Inclusivity. Their cumulative work was presented to parents, school staff, Township Councillors, and other guests on March 9, 2023, showcasing their creativity, understanding of sustainability, and the potential community impact of their projects.
Based on these presentations and discussions between staff and the students, the Township selected three project initiatives for consideration for implementation. These projects, a reading garden at Babcock Mill Park, a rainbow crosswalk on Main Street at West Street, and a purple multi-use pathway on Main Street from Potter Street to West Street, were chosen primarily for their alignment with existing capital programs, facilitating timely delivery. The students' involvement in the project exemplified civic engagement and allowed them to witness the real-world impact of their ideas.
On June 9, 2023, a collaborative site visit to Babcock Mill further enhanced the students' understanding of their sustainable community ideas within the actual environment. This hands-on experience enabled them to discuss practical challenges and considerations for turning their visions into tangible projects.
For the reading garden, they envisioned a space that brings the community together for various activities, including book clubs, knitting groups, and artistic endeavours. For the rainbow crosswalk and purple bike lane, they emphasized representation, respect, and adding vibrancy to the town, reflecting inclusivity and diverse values.
These projects represent a tangible step towards a more sustainable and inclusive community, aligning with the township's climate action plan and showcasing the potential of youth-led initiatives in fostering sustainability and civic engagement.
On October 23, 2023, these projects were formally presented to the Council, with students from Odessa Public School advocating for their initiatives. Council approved the plan, paving the way for these projects to commence in the spring of 2024.
The rainbow crosswalk and purple multi-use pathway were included in the tender documents for the Potter Creighton South Main Infrastructure Upgrades project, getting underway in spring 2024. Visit the webpage to learn more about the project and our Public Information Session held on April 17, 2024.
Unfortunately, due to cost, applying purple paint to the multi-use pathway was ultimately not recommended. However, on May 14, 2024, Council approved transferring a portion of the budget from the Potter Creighton South Main project, to supplement the budget for the reading garden at Babcock Mill Park. A design has been drafted by Township staff (Please complete our Alternative Document Request Form to request this file in an alternative format), with the reading garden expected to be constructed in 2024 as part of the Odessa West Infrastructure Upgrades project.
During the spring of 2024, Austin, a student from Ernestown Secondary School, under the guidance of teacher Nick O'Coin, dedicated his lunch hours to constructing a little library for the Babcock Mill Park Reading Garden.
The grand opening of the Babcock Mill Reading Garden was on October 23, 2024. This event celebrated the completion of the student-inspired project, inviting local partners, students, and community members to experience this new sustainable green space. The opening marked a significant milestone in the Township's commitment to sustainable community development and creating inclusive public spaces for all residents to enjoy. At the grand opening, Loyalist Township was proud to announce that the Babcock Mill Reading Garden had received a $10,000 Community Tree Grant through Tree Canada, thanks to CN's EcoConnexions From the Ground Up Program. Since 2012, this program had contributed to 252 projects and the planting of over 135,000 trees in Canada, aligning with our commitment to creating sustainable green spaces.
For up-to-date information on the project, visit Engage Loyalist Township: Babcock Mill Reading Garden
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Grand Opening of the Babcock Mill Reading Garden!
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