NECA, CCCC, CCC ..... Not only are we sprouting acronyms, but we have a sometimes confusing proliferation of community-based organizations in New Edinburgh. Do we need all this diversity? The answer is a resounding YES, as each organization has a well-defined role.

CCC or Crichton Community Council, usually known simply as Community Council, looks after sporting and social activities. This includes managing the Field House and co-ordinating use of the surrounding sports facilities with the City. Community Council also runs special neighbourhood events such as the annual Skating Party, Picnic, and Garage Sale.

The Crichton Cultural Community Centre, known as CCCC or 4C’s, is based in the old school building at 200 Crichton Street. They manage a program of cultural and recreational activities in one room, and also make workspace available for use by local visual and performing arts groups.

NECA, the New Edinburgh Community Alliance fills many of the remaining gaps. NECA’s mandate as it appears in the incorporation document of July 1989 includes:

• Developing and fostering a sense of community among the residents of New Edinburgh;
• Researching, developing positions and making representations to various levels of government on matters affecting the community and its residents; and
• Co-ordinating activities of the corporation with those of organizations, associations and individuals with similar interests or activities whether in the community or outside it.
  

Under this umbrella, NECA publishes and distributes the community paper, and manages this website; NECA’s Traffic Calming Committee works with the City to make our streets safer; NECA’s Development / Heritage and Intensification Committees try to ensure that new development does not overwhelm our community, and that new homes are welcome additions rather than eyesores; Friends of New Edinburgh Park works on maintaining and landscaping the park with trees and rose beds, implementing projects such as the off-leash dog run area, the basketball court and the NCC bike path, and making the park friendly to dogs and their owners. Activities in these areas are ongoing, long-term, and include frequent consultation with our Councillor Jacques Legendre and City officials (and, in the case of the park, people from the National Capital Commission).

NECA also gets involved in specific issues such as participating in the Beechwood Design Plan, working to get the Field House construction approved and started, and fighting construction of the Vanier Parkway extension. It has become one of the most respected community organizations in the city because of its ability to mobilize community support for its battles.

However, few of our achievements have come easily, and all have taken time and effort from a number of people. At this time NECA needs more people. You can help either by participating in NECA’s activities (now and over the next couple of years we will need new President, Secretary and Treasurer, and our committees are always looking for assistance), or by helping us recruit new membership for NECA, its committees and its Board of Directors. Think about whether you can spare some time to help to maintain the quality of life in New Edinburgh, and contact someone on the Board if you would like to get involved. Our contact info, phone and email can be found here.

New Edinburgh News February 2005