Group seeks to advance Crystal Beach
Bringing together an inclusive community of connected, empowered and engaged individuals is the vision for a group of local volunteers in Crystal Beach.
Advancing Crystal Beach consists of community members who establish and promote community-based initiatives for all residents and tourists of Crystal Beach and the surrounding area.
Orma Bleeks, president of ACB, says the group has made a big difference to a lot of people from creating simple ways to connect as a community, to bringing services to the area that are otherwise not accessible to many residents.
“We started in 2015 as we felt we needed a stronger voice and needed more than what politicians were doing. We have been instrumental in bringing services to Crystal Beach that weren’t here before,” she says.
Without a vehicle it can be difficult to get to appointments, so ACB has agreements with a variety of service organizations to provide services to clients at Crystal Ridge Community Church on Thursdays. Some of the services include: medical, special needs, social, legal, educational and senior services. Organizations like Bridges Community Health Centre, Job Gym, Justice Niagara and Positive Living Niagara are now more accessible to everyone.
“People don’t realize it can take a full day just to get to an appointment if you do not have a car. People need services in the community where they live,” Bleeks says. “This is not just unique to Crystal Beach, but much of the Fort Erie area where services are not available and are not spread out through the community.”
Angela Stadelman, a volunteer with ACB, says these issues need to be addressed and the community and the volunteers will be the driving force.
“Our story in Crystal Beach is the same as most of Fort Erie,” she says. “We have a strong volunteer base helping make things happen. The people on the ground are getting stuff done and the town will play catch-up.”
Affordable housing has also become an issue in the area as rising costs have pushed many residents out with few alternatives.
“We work with the Fort Erie Housing Coalition for not only affordable housing, but sustainable housing. People in wheelchairs or who use walkers also need accessible housing,” Bleeks says.
ACB also helps organize social events and activities to get people connected as many residents — including seniors — can feel isolated.
One of the ways they are engaging people is through art.
Derby Road is lined with painted buildings created by ACB and local residents who wanted to get involved. The latest project includes painting tiles and a mural showcasing the history of Crystal Beach. The tile painting has been a success in the area with volunteers and other local organizations getting involved with ACB, including the Business Improvement Association, Friends of Crystal Beach and the Beautification Committee.
Bleeks says the group works with all levels of government and service organizations to make Crystal Beach a better place to live for all residents and the goal has been the same since the beginning.
“We want to engage as many people in Crystal Beach and Fort Erie and empower people. We want to give them a voice and we want them to see changes happening.”
For more information visit www.advancingcrystalbeach.com.