Langford Residents Association (LRAS) — Jeff Byam

The Who

• A group of community minded citizens who want to sustain and improve their community.
• A registered non profit society under the BC Societies Act.
• LRAS is steered by a membership elected group of volunteer directors fully accountable to both members and the BC societies act.

The What

• Generate projects and activities that will enhance the community, while building tighter community bonds and connections.
• “Community” defn (Cambridge dictionary)
  • the people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interests, social group, or nationality.
• Key common interest is in enhancing our community

The How

• engaging other community minded citizens, youth, stakeholders, community groups and Mayor and Council.
• project based approach to improving the community of Langford; project ideas provided by the membership
• collaborative, consensus and transparent approach
• funded by local and provincial grants, sponsorships, community-building fundraisers and annual membership fees ($20 adult/$10 youth).
• regular meetings and other communication medium to ensure members are engaged and well informed.

LRAS Live

• This presentation to the Community Advisory Committee marks a significant step in LRAS planning as we are now going “live”.
• This begins our advertising campaign to engage and attract other members to join us in helping to improve Langford, one project at a time.
• Website https://lras23.com/
• FB page

Initial project: Youth “space”

• Very initial “discovery” phase...mid to longer term project
• Something for Langford youth aged 13-18 years.
• Better defined once Belmont and Royal Bay leadership groups are engaged (early Oct). Youth centred, focused and driven (critical)
• LRAS youth members encouraged to form a committee.
• LRAS will connect with the regional Village Initiative Project but our focus will remain on Langford projects.
• LRAS is exploring potential funding sources and liaising with other community groups and services.

Initial project: Youth “space” (details)

• LRAS is looking for options for any suitable and central Langford venues for the youth space. (basement of city hall?)
• Pending youth input/confirmation, LRAS initial concept might be a weekly board game café....incremental build project
• Pending youth input/confirmation, LRAS final concept might be a more permanent space for youth to socialize, listen to music, play board games, air hockey or foosball.
• The youth space would be run/supervised by volunteer members of LRAS, all having completed a criminal record check (as per the Criminal Records Review Act) .

Challenges

• LRAS growth / recruitment (spreading the word)
• Youth Space Venue
• Funding
• Ideas for “shorter term” projects (synergy with Parks Dept??)

QUESTIONS????