Dear Neighbours,
My hubby has spent almost all his life living in Dalhousie. He speaks fondly of biking through the network of pathways to Roger’s video, filling up on candy at the gas station, and spending long hours playing basketball at the school with his friends (and I’m sure hunched over his computer playing games with them too).
We rented an apartment in The Fortress just before we got married and have lived in Dalhousie in various capacities ever since. We eventually purchased our first family home on Dalton Drive. My children were brought home from the hospital to that little house, which we purchased from its original owners who built it in 1967 (I think).
We have spent hours wandering through the neighbourhood, walking our dog (who also has only ever called Dalhousie home), and climbing up and down every playground in the community. We sold that first home just as the pandemic hit and it took us almost two years to find our “forever home” close to West Dalhousie school, my in-laws, and my best friend’s house! To say that we are a Dalhousie family would sum us up quite accurately.
My work with the Community Engagement Committee has taught me that our story rings true for many families here in Dalhousie. I know of several people who grew up here, have never left, and are raising their families here as well. It’s a wonderful community and I never want to leave!
A big product of the pandemic (and let’s face it, modern life in general) is that it’s a bit difficult to meet neighbours and cultivate new friendships within the community. That is why I am so excited about the Community Garden/Food Forest plans that are starting to take shape.
When I Google Community Garden Benefits, 569,000,000 results appear on Google. One of the biggest benefits of a community garden is that it provides social opportunities that build a sense of community belonging and provides people with an opportunity to learn and share knowledge about gardening, nature and cooking (https://sites.google.com/view/community-gardens-ca/about-us/benefits-of-community-gardens).
I can’t wait to see this hub of activity come to life. It will connect those who have had deep roots in this community to new friends and neighbours just beginning to fall in love with Dalhousie. It will connect those more advanced in their years to the young ones just tagging along for the ride. A garden is healthiest and strongest when it is full of diverse and varying horticulture. So too is our community when we nurture all kinds of diversity within.
I want to hear from you! How long have you lived in this neighbourhood and how can we help you gain a sense of belonging here? Email [email protected] to connect.
Rochelle Lamoureux (on behalf of) the Dalhousie Community Engagement Committee (Iris Hau, Alexandra Campbell, Anna Kjellqvist, Christina Erickson, and Rochelle Lamoureux)
