This paper examines the benefits of recreation for communities, with a specific focus on the benefits to, and barriers faced by marginalized and low-income communities. An extensive review of the available literature reveals that recreation produces enormous benefits for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Low-income and marginalized communities often benefit the most from recreation, yet also face the most extensive barriers to participation.
In the context of this research, this paper examines the role of Sherbrook Pool and how the Pool can provide the known benefits of recreation to the West Central community, as well as tackle some of the known barriers to participation and access. The paper examines some of the benefits of Sherbrook Pool relative to other City of Winnipeg pools, and the ways in which it can provide a holistic range of services not simply through its role as a swimming pool, but as an integral part of the community.
Winnipeg's infamous North End has the media repeatedly calling for a "get tough on crime" strategy, one that is often supported by local police and politicians. In If You Want to Change Violence in the ‘Hood, You Have to Change the ‘Hood, six inner-city gang members, interviewed by Manitoba Research Alliance researchers, explain why such an approach will only cause the prison population to swell: we need to get tough on poverty if we want to get rid of crime. Click here to download the full report.
Community-based organizations play a crucial role in Winnipeg's inner city. They provide much-needed services for those struggling with poverty, addictions, racism and colonialism. Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations in Winnipeg’s Inner City authors Sjoberg, McCracken and Silver explain that running a neighbourhood renewal corporation is also an exercise in politics, and why government support is needed. Click here to download the full report.
The CCPA Manitoba and the Canadian Mental Health Association have released a new study entitled We got evicted... did I leave that out? The study explores the ways of supporting community transformation through enhancing housing supports for people living with mental illness. The report deals with factors that mediate between individuals living with mental illness and the broader societal environment. Click here to download the full report.
The CCPA’s bold vision and creative solutions help us imagine better futures for all. Its efforts to build bridges between labour, industry, and civil society and mentor young activists lay the foundation for realizing those provocative futures. I consider my support for the CCPA an investment in a better future for British Columbia.
— Polly Ng, Next Up graduate