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Revamping Harewood neighbourhood coming together after decades of hard work

Jul 19, 2017 | 10:34 PM

NANAIMO — A vital piece is being placed in the complex puzzle of revamping the Harewood neighbourhood.

The renovation and re-imaging of Sanala, formerly known as King Arthur Court, continued Wednesday, July 19 with a family BBQ and info session from Vancouver Island University about how accessible going to university can be.

Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre executive director Chris Beaton, who’s spearheading the renovation, said there’s been tremendous community support of the project, especially about the Harewood Neighbourhood House. It’s a space designed for community groups to spend a day helping residents and those in the area.

“I think part of our challenge is actually just keeping up with the offers of support from other community groups or service organizations,” Beaton said. “There’s lots of interest in the project we’re doing in Harewood and no shortage of help.”

Tenants have gotten into the spirit as well. A lemonade stand at the BBQ was set up by younger kids who live at Sanala and Beaton said many others have helped the project in various other ways.

He said though Sanala has received a fair bit of attention, it’s not the only attempt to rejuvenate Harewood and is another piece of the puzzle for the area, alongside groups like the Harewood Community Association and places such as the University Village Shopping Centre and VIU.

“There’s been a lot of groups and a lot of community members who have been at this for a long time,” Beaton said. “You have to tip your hat to their efforts. We’re just supporting their work that started decades ago.”

In the few months since the renovations started, Harewood resident Vanessa George has seen a shift in the area. “It feels like more of a safe space and more approachable,” she said at the BBQ.

Before, George said she’d scurry past King Arthur Court and often had to explain to her five-year-old son why there were so many people visibly suffering in the streets. “There’s certain times where I’ve had to keep my son safe. I’ve had to teach him that some people struggle more than others.”

Visiting the BBQ was her first time in Sanala and she said it’s “starting to really feel like a great place for the community.”

On the horizon for the project is more repurposed rooms for community space, including one for the Nanaimo Women’s Centre, and working on the field next door.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit