Rename the Neighbourhood - “Core” changed to “Heritage”

Community identity is intangible and difficult to measure. It refers to the sense of connection and the relationships people have towards places and towards other members of their community. Community identity is shaped as much by the physical spaces and aesthetics as by the relations and sense of belonging people have about their community.1

Our community has many unique characteristics that positively shape the way the neighbourhood “looks and feels”. Physically, our neighbourhood is quite attractive. The street layout is in a grid pattern with a clear hierarchy of arterial streets, laneways, short block sizes, small lot sizes; short set backs, and designated commercial areas. Mature trees line the streets, creating wide green boulevards that provide a sense of enclosure and beauty. These physical attributes give the neighbourhood a warm and inviting feel.2

The Association's Board of Directors initiated a public engagement process to find out from you, the residents, whether you think a community name change is worth considering, and if so, what a suitable new name might be. From this engagement process, four names were identified as favourites: Core, General Hospital , Maple Leaf, and Heritage.

To signify a new chapter of change and development in our community, and to reduce fragmentation by promoting a more cohesive image and perception of the neighbourhood, from June to December 2008, the Association reached out to the community asking residents to vote for their favourite community name. Based on the results of your votes, “Heritage” came out as the #1 choice. In March 2009, the Board of Directors recommended the name of the Association be changed to “Heritage Community Association”. This decision was ratified by Community Association members at a Special General Membership Meeting held in March 2009 and the name has been legally changed. We have now asked the City of Regina , through their civic process, to honour the decision of the community, and change the name of the community from “Core” to “Heritage”.

We want to thank the community for their participation in this very significant historical moment in time. Our new name “Heritage” has created an opportunity to reinforce our neighbourhood identity by fostering a sense of stewardship and pride in the public realm. The Board of the Association has formed a Branding, Marketing, and Communications committee. We would encourage community residents to continue their involvement by volunteering their time to join this committee and help us promote our “heritage”.

1 - Core Neighbourhood Sustainability Action Plan

Profile

The Heritage neighbourhood is one of Regina 's oldest communities. Heritage began to develop east of the emerging downtown market square in the 1890's. One of three original residential areas in the city, this bustling working class neighbourhood grew to cover 33 City blocks by 1913.

Since its inception, Heritage has been a distinctively multicultural community. Residents from numerous countries have immigrated to the area. The northern portion of Heritage was originally known as “ Germantown ” because of early German settlement there. Other ethnic groups followed, contributing to the neighbourhood's cultural diversity. Many ethnic organizations and businesses are still based in the area today, an outgrowth of its origins as a community adjacent to the commercial hub of the City. Through the first half of the 20 th century, 11 th Avenue was an important commercial “high street” lined with hotels, shops and other services.

In the post-war boom of the 1950s and 1960s, many families left Regina 's inner City for the suburbs as new housing and shopping areas were built at the City periphery. Neighbourhoods such as Heritage began to decline. Today, while Heritage ranks statistically as one of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the City with many residents experiencing high levels of poverty, crime and unemployment, things are changing. Heritage has a number of very positive assets that make it a great place to live.

It's a neighbourhood ripe for revitalization. Heritage's proximity to downtown, tight-knit grid streets, mature trees and heritage homes make it a unique, affordable and walkable community. Heritage also has a diverse population in age, income and culture. Many community members feel that Heritage residents ‘look out' for one another. There are well-established specialty food shops in the neighbourhood and great hubs such as Maple Leaf Pool that draw people from both inside and outside the neighbourhood. Such physical and social aspects establish the basis for future sustainable achievements.

(Information adapted from the Core Neighbourhood Sustainability Action Plan , Holland Barrs Planning Group and the City of Regina for the Core Community Association, 2007).

The area overseen by the Heritage Community Association Inc. is bounded by Broad Street , College Avenue , Winnipeg St, the CPR Mainline, and includes the area known as the "Arcola Triangle" bounded by Arcola Avenue , Victoria Avenue and Winnipeg Street .

Thomson Community School

Thomson School is located at 2033 Toronto Street, Regina, Saskatchewan. It has been a part of the community since 1928. It is primarily a K-8 school but it also serves other needs such as English as a second language classes, a nutrition program and a special Education class. For more information regarding Thomson School please follow the link. Thomson Community School

Maple Leaf Pool

Maple Leaf Pool is located at 1101 - 14th Avenue, Regina Saskatchewan. It offers community residents a place to cool off in the warm Regina sun. For more information please call 777-7374.

Core Community Park

Heritage Community Park is the result of people working in partnership to create a greenspace for the community. Located on 11th Avenue, this is the neighbourhood's largest park and hosts the community's annual "Celebration in the Park". For more information click here.

Art Park

Take a stroll through Heritage's own "Field of Dreams". Art Park, located at the corner of 11th Ave and Halifax St, features many artistic displays, trees, shrubs and over 1000 perennials. You might even find a strawberry or two! For more information click here.

Friends of Heritage

Regina Inn- click here.

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