Neighbourhood group takes shape in Ainslie Wood North

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/awn.jpg” caption=”A new neighbourhood organization in Ainslie Wood North is opening up dialogue between students and permanent residents.”]A new neighbourhood organization is helping McMaster students to integrate into and feel a part of the Westdale community.

The Ainslie Wood North Collaborative Neighbourhood Group (AWN Group), whose membership is open to all residents in the area, aims to open up and encourage dialogue between students and permanent residents in an effort to help neighbours in the area better understand each other.

“The community is a better place for everyone when all residents feel like they are a part of it,” said Ryan Moran, former McMaster Students Union president and AWN Group organizer. “This group strives to give students some ownership in their community, even if they are only temporary residents.”

The group's first event was a community garage sale, inspired by one held in the Glebe area of Ottawa, at which participants were able to engage in friendly banter and barter while getting to know their neighbours. The AWN Group hopes to build on the event's success and has since hosted their first formal meeting, held Oct. 27 in the McMaster University Student Centre.

“The response from the community has so far been overwhelmingly positive,” said Moran. “This is a real opportunity to bring people together in the neighbourhood.”

Moran says that great community leadership roles are still available to interested students and community members. For more information on the AWN Group or to get involved, check out their website at awngroup.com or email awngroup@gmail.com.