Dear Community Partners;
Since 2020 there have been a total of 4,472 police related occurrences involving youth which is a 55% increase in youth incidents. The top 4 occurrences are categorized as Trouble with Youth, Assault, Disturbing the peace and mischief. Trouble with youth can be a number of items such as youths lingering, youths being noisy or acting out, youth causing issues at school, unruly behaviour, drug usage, and parents calling in problems with their kids. This has more than doubled since 2020.
The youth had always been drawn to Lamoureux Park Bandshell and this was more evident than in 2022. Youth incidents increased to the point where No Trespassing signs were posted, effectively closing the Bandshell. During Ribfest 2022 there were six incidents where up to five police officers responded each time due to youth mischief. Shortly after one of the incidents the organizer, Terry Muir, had conversations with some of the youth who reported they had nothing to do in Cornwall.
In the fall of 2022 Sgt. Coulter and Cst. MacGregor met with Terry Muir to discuss the youth issue. Youth displacement continues to be a challenge for police. In 2020 the youth were displaced from the harbour as it no longer suited their needs. The warehouse was removed, and the area was cleaned up with better lighting. They were no longer hidden from police and the public eye. No Trespassing signs were set up at Lamoureux Park again, displacing youth to even more secluded areas like the river side and the Domtar property.
These areas become attractive to youth, with no lighting, limited supervision and very few police patrols, negative behaviours escalated and created gang-like ideology. It became clear that a youth space was a solution to many of these problems. Cornwall has minimal outdoor areas where youth can attend in a more positive and safer environment. Cornwall is rich in youth sports however many of these youth sports cost money that may be prohibitive to many families.
Covid 19 directly impacted the health and wellness of our community. A significant number of youth experienced heightened symptoms of depression and stress. Suicidal ideation and attempts were reported by all community partners. Social isolation during these times affected emotion regulation which led to youth reporting self-medication strategies including vaping, drugs, and increased alcohol use. Many youths are limited in interpersonal skills and have become reliant on technology to facilitate peer interactions. With long wait times for mental health support services youth struggle to cope. This is but one more reason we need to ensure youth feel they have a place to belong.
A Youth Advisory Council was created in early 2023 to help the Cornwall Youth Space Committee create a space that was truly a space designed by youth for youth. The council is made up of 15 youth from different backgrounds and demographics providing us with a well-rounded view of their needs and challenges. Our goal is to also involve these youth in the construction and design of this space so they can have pride and ownership in their work.
The vision of the Cornwall Youth Space is not just a park but an area with gazebos and basketball courts to engage youth in activities and sit and talk with friends in a safe environment. The area should be very well lit and covered with WIFI access. The youth have identified shelter as a priority but would also love to see things like a graffiti wall, gardens, water features, chess table and other fitness, wellness and art-based activities. This space is based on the principles of location, supervision, and activities.
This area does more than offer a cool place to hang out. Our most vulnerable youth often have no means of communication. An area with charging stations and WIFI gives these youth the ability to communicate. Challenges for our youth officers, parents and community support is often finding these youths. This area gives our community resources a physical area to check in or gives them the ability to keep in touch with their devices. This area will become a space where community partners and the police can meet these youths in an informal site that may be
conducive to building relationships.
This vision cannot be realized without the support of community partners such as yourselves. We hope to build this Youth Space in 3 phases starting this summer (2023). The priorities identified by the youth are a shelter (gazebo on a concrete slab), access to WIFI and power and a graffiti wall.
We are seeking support in the form of supplies, in kind services for design, engineering and construction or financial support. Below you will find our sponsorship packages. Whatever form or level of support you are able to provide us will be recognized on our Cornwall Youth Space Facebook Page.
We would love the opportunity to work with you on this project. Your support will help positively shape many generations of youth who will find meaningful engagement through this Youth Space at Alexander Park.
Thank you for your time,
Cornwall Youth Space Committee
