The San Romanoway neighbourhood, otherwise known as the “Palisades” consists of three high rise buildings located on the north-east quadrant of the intersection of Jane Street and Finch Avenue (Jane-Finch). There are 892 units and the neighbourhood is home to 4400 residents of whom 2800-3000 are children and youth. Numbers 5, 10, and 25 San Romanoway has had a considerable amount of negative publicity over the years with regard to elements of crime permeating the neighbourhood. These three buildings were once dubbed “Canada’s worst neighbourhood.”
From 1987 until 2000, the crime and violence within San Romanoway neighbourhood was 122% above the national average. Violent crime was a serious concern in the San Romanoway neighbourhood. Comparing the overall number of incidents per 1,000 population. San Romanoway residents were experiencing over twice the amount of violent crime than the National and Ontario rate.
In 1999, building ownership and management met with law enforcers, residents, local businesses, community organizations and community leaders to discuss the escalation of crime and vandalism to properties. Recognizing the urgency and the need formed the basis for creating the San Romanoway Revitalization Association.
The Greenwin Renaissance Project was developed as a joint project between Greenwin Inc., Residential Equities, Glen Corporation and Intelligarde Security. Using the concepts of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Crime Prevention Through Social Programming (CPTSP). Physical improvements to the environment, and responsive social programs are used to help reduce crime, social disorder and the associated costs while building healthier communities.
In 2000, this broad-based collaboration approached local, long-time community activist Stephnie Payne to lead the new association. By 2002, these efforts culminated with the incorporation of the San Romanoway Revitalization Association. The SRRA is a multi faceted community based social service organization whose mission is to “To create a sense of belonging in the San Romanoway Community by assisting families, individuals and groups to support each other by building a safer and healthier environment.”
The SRRA has pursued this mission through a variety of programs that are designed and developed with the particular needs of the community. Serving children, youth, families, seniors, and newcomers, SRRA offers needed support to families living in an area traditionally facing high rates of unemployment and crime through social programming and service provision.
Since its inception the SRRA has grown and developed to meet the changing needs of the community. Once operating in the basement of the community recreation centre, the SRRA now has three offices and a full time staff compliment of 14. The Association, through the generous contribution of the community, governments, and corporate partnerships now features a tennis court, a basketball court, a fully functioning theatre, the Jordan Manners Art Gallery, a recording studio, a computer lab, and a fully furbished playground.
The SRRA continues to grow with the community, offering dynamic programs and initiatives that address the needs and aspirations of the community. Community revitalization efforts have been very successful. Nearly 10 years on and the differences tell the story. Once plagued by high vacancy rates, vandalism, squatters and a bad reputation, building management now reports being full to capacity with a waiting list. Vandalism and property damage related costs are down dramatically. Rates of violent crime and victimization have dropped dramatically, and overall feelings of community cohesiveness and safety have shown significant improvements. The San Romanoway community has gone from ‘Canada’s worst neighbourhood’ to a dynamic, diverse community that supports and empowers individuals and families to improve their lives and their community.
The success stories from the San Romanoway community are an example of a community’s capacity to improve itself through collaboration with a broad base of stakeholders. The SRRA has led revitalization efforts in the community with the invaluable support of property managers, owners, residents, business owners, the police, and the wider community.
