Oct
4
By V. Adams
35th Anniversary of James Bay New Horizons Activity Centre – A page from the history of a venerable Victorian neighborhood
On September 18, 2009, the James Bay New Horizons Society, (representing retired individuals and those wishing to become more actively involved in the life of their community), celebrated their 35th anniversary.
According to Walt Frazer, the historian behind “The James Bay New Horizons Story 1973-1984”, the impetus for change began during the recessionary period of the 1970s. Property developers saw an opportunity to access federal government “urban renewal funds” as a way to build high-rise apartments that could accommodate an influx of senior citizens (who were emigrating from the prairies and elsewhere to escape the bitterly cold winter climate). Through this community infrastructure enhancement initiative, many of the dilapidated homes were replaced with affordable rental accommodation in what was once considered a “depressed neighborhood”.
Thanks to the convergence of an increased demand for accommodation as well as increased demands for economic, social and recreational services together with the availability of taxpayer support, the James Bay neighborhood became a petri dish for the development of innovative community health and social service projects as well as the establishment of unique community assets like the James Bay New Horizons Activity Centre.
With financial assistance from the Department of National Health and Welfare to the tune of one million dollars, as well as support from the James Bay United Church and the James Bay Community Association, the newly settled seniors established the “New Horizons” group. This organization took up a number of valuable projects including the writing of the history of the neighborhood, developing a sense of pride in the community through the beautification and clean up projects in the area (including garden clubs and well as indoor/balcony gardens and erecting the City’s first bus shelter), establishing a food and nutrition club, organizing walking and bus tours, publishing a community newsletter, fostering discussion groups and supporting other community organizations, not to mention providing additional recreational activities for retired people such as social gatherings, pot luck dinners and seasonal celebrations.
Clearly, one of the most pressing matters of the day was to search for a new home, as accommodations for meetings were rather scarce during the early years. It wasn’t until 1974 that the City stepped in to offer space in the south corner of Irving Park. However, concerns expressed by green space conservationists and environmentalists about building in the park threatened this novel plan. Meanwhile the New Horizons group a year later found temporary space in the basement at the Cathedral School on Niagara Street.
During this time, the 234 Menzies Street property owner realized that it was an opportune moment to sell his property to the city for $80,000, and the rest they say is history. The City now had a feasible way to offer this small parcel of civic land to the James Bay seniors group, and to support their efforts to construct a new facility. The initial phase of construction included a utility room, storage space, a reception, office and lounge area, a cloak room and washrooms, in addition to an auditorium that could accommodate 150 people.
In the fall of 1980, New Horizons (whose membership had grown to 1,000), approached the City to expand the original facility, through a cost-shared proposal: 60 per cent of the upgrading would financed by the Federal and Provincial governments, while the remaining 30 per cent would raised by the community. In the end, the final phase was completely financed by the New Horizons membership.
Today, the James Bay New Horizons Society (a non-profit organization which received its Certificate of Incorporation on September 18, 1974) has approximately 550 members. Not only is it responsible for managing its own affairs, including volunteers, employees, and operations, but under the leadership of a small Board led by President Helen Ruttan, and Executive Director, Kim Dixon and her staff, this organization currently delivers more than 30 health, recreational, and cultural programs as well as organizing special events and renting out much-needed space to community groups in the James Bay New Horizons Activity Centre. In a vital supportive role, the City of Victoria is responsible for the maintenance of the building and for providing a modest annual grant for the operation of the facility.
So, when you stroll by the James Bay New Horizons Activity Center this week, why not stop by and congratulate the elders of the community on their achievements to date as well as their tireless efforts in building a lasting legacy of this neighborhood. And, perhaps wish them well as they find their bearings in a fast-paced changing environment and learn how to pass the torch to a new generation of “zoomer boomers”! Better yet, volunteer to sit on their board, teach a class, help to plan, participate in, or attend their special events, or raise funds to support the work of this priceless neighborhood gem.
From what began as a simple dream by a group of “chronologically-gifted souls” to find a place to meet and to find ways to enrich their lives, the founders and members of the James Bay New Horizons Society have contributed immensely to the vitality and positive development of Victoria’s oldest neighborhood.