Safety and security are major issues in many communities in the world today. While Toronto remains relatively safe, people are nonetheless justifiably concerned about feeling safe in their environment. Over the past few years there has been much attention in both the media and at the political level about the presumed deterioration of civil society as a potential cause of a perceived increase in violence. South Riverdale has not been immune to these discussions. In fact a recent shooting outside the Duke of York has once again raised community concerns. Yet issues of safety and security are not limited to the actual commission of violence. Rather, safety and security extend include fear, worry and concern about moving freely within ones own environment.
This 2009 focus for CINT 917 is on issues of safety and security in South Riverdale. . We will take as our starting point a recognition that community safety and security include social, spatial, environmental and health dimensions, and thus bridge natural disciplinary silos. Students will explore community realities and perceptions of safety and security through a variety of lenses and perspectives. In doing so they will engage with community members to both create dialogue, identify issues and think about solutions, build bridges by working to create community partnerships and relationships, and create community awareness about issues related to safety and security in South Riverdale. The project is intended to assist Ralph Thornton Community Centre in bringing various groups together to address issues of community concern around safety.