The idea came to me several years ago because of some close relationships with artists and a few of them who did residencies in other places. I began to think about how the idea might work in my field of work – CPTED and our built environment. And so, the initial cast was formed.
To think that a Community Safety Practitioner such as myself and one who remains passionate about CPTED, Placemaking and our Well-being could embed himself in a community was fascinating. It would allow for a much deeper dive into all aspects of the hosts city or township and not have the limitations of parachuting in for a few days as is typically the case for most of us doing this work.
I’m now quite convinced that residencies are the ideal way to address the many complex issues that we now face in communities across Canada. There has been a convergence of wicked problems such as homelessness, mental health and addictions.
It is my contention that, by its very nature, our social and economic culture generates chronic stressors which undermine well-being in the most serious of ways, as they have done with increasing force over the past several decades, says Dr. Gabor Mate. Where the rubber meets the road is in our built environment – our communities, homes and businesses.
A residency such as the one that I recently completed in Kenora, Ontario this summer would allow practitioners to live, work and play within a municipality or small rural community with limited expertise. This is collaboration at its best!
I’ve often said that although we are often referred to as the experts, it’s the residents and business owners within each community that hold the real wisdom and know the issues they face intimately. Most municipalities and local police services also recognize that without the support of their local citizens their jobs become increasingly more difficult and politicized. This chemistry allows for the ultimate experience whereby the practitioner in residence can act on behalf of all parties to bring balance and lasting knowledge to the community they’re residing in.
Practitioner residencies can help empower communities, encourage more partnerships and collaboration but these things all take time. At the heart of this is having the time to establish trust, meet with people and listen to their concerns and ideas.
In an age where truth and reconciliation must remain a priority throughout our country this work must also find a place in indigenous communities. I’ve found that by facilitating focus groups and training in sharing circles that I can genuinely hear people’s concerns and feel them in my heart. This cannot be achieved on a computer screen or at a distance, it’s all about the intimacy of authentic dialogue and deep listening without time restrictions.
The highlight of this residency was establishing a deep connection with the people of Kenora, from the indigenous people to other local residents and business owners. I was deeply honoured to work with the City’s new Indigenous Advisor and a Treaty 3 Police Officer who informed me before I departed that I could no longer be known as a “boots on the ground” consultant. She came to refer to me as her moccasins on the ground brother.
Whether you’re a CPTED consultant, Community Safety or Crime Prevention practitioner I would highly recommend giving some serious consideration to shifting to a more immersive model of interacting with the communities you are engaging with.