Action for Neighbourhood Change (ANC) is a key component of United Way Toronto's Neighbourhood Strategy—a coordinated response to the growing needs, and lack of services in Toronto's inner suburbs.

ANC is about neighbourhood revitalization. To achieve success, we must all work together—local businesses, governments, volunteers, community agencies and most importantly, the residents of the neighbourhoods we are working to strengthen.

What are the goals of ANC?

ANC aims to establish resident-led neighbourhood associations in each of the 13 priority neighbourhood areas that have been identified. These associations will produce a vision, and develop plans to bring about positive change in their communities. It will provide:

• Strengthened influence of local residents
  An empowering belief that residents can make a difference. The emergence of capable community leaders. Leadership opportunities for youth. Dependable support from local politicians, police, schools and businesses.
• Enhanced quality of neighbourhood life
  Enabling residents to connect with and depend on one another. Shared public spaces that are well maintained and well used. Children and youth are occupied and stimulated, seniors are supported and newcomers are welcomed.
• Increased access to resources
  New services and infrastructure are introduced to under-serviced areas of the city. Neighbourhoods offer a range of shops and services that are accessible and responsive to local demand. Local residents feel their vision for a strong and vital neighbourhood is achievable.

Background

ANC was grounded in the cities of Surrey, Regina, Thunder Bay, Toronto (Scarborough Village) and Halifax. Neighbourhood sites were selected by the local United Ways in consultation with residents, community leaders, government and key community organizations. ANC launched in the spring of 2005, and ran for two years. While the project is officially over, the work of neighbourhood revitalization continues in the five communities in a variety of forms.

Modeling on the success of the above projects, ANC has been introduced in the 13 priority neighbourhoods of the Greater Toronto Area: Jane-Finch, Westminster-Branson (Bathurst-Finch), Steeles-L'Amoreaux, Dorset Park, Scarborough Village, Weston-Mt. Denis, Victoria Village, Lawrence Heights, Eglinton East-Kennedy Park, Jamestown, Malvern, Kingston Galloway, and Crescent Town.

In the Bathurst-Finch (Westminster - Branson) community, the Action for Neighbourhood Change project is coordinated by New Heights Community Health Centres.