Did you know that benches can improve safety and community in your neighbourhood?

For the second instalment of our Speaker Series, we are delighted to welcome Kim Buehler, the Executive Director of the South East Edmonton Seniors Association. She succesfully launched a bench program in her Edmonton neighbourhood and will be joining us to discuss the topic of place making, the importance of installing benches in our communities and how we can successfully adopt an initiative in our neighbourhood.

Why benches? They help make a neighbourhood more walkable by providing rest stops where people can sit and meet their neighbours or relax on their own. In turn, they encourage community building which helps reduce social isolation and loneliness, gives peoples places to relax in their community, and a chance to get out and see and be seen. All of these contribute to the safety of a neighbourhood.

We are excited to look into creating these public spaces that will help contribute to our sense of community and in turn, people’s health, happiness and well-being in Knottwood. Come out to learn more.

Read more about community benches via Edmonton Journal

Read more about the City of Edmonton’s Buddy Bench pilot

Crime Prevention and Neighbourhood Watch Speaker Series: Kim Buehler
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
7:45 to 9 pm
Knottwood Community Hall
Cost: FREE
This event is open to everyone. Membership in the Knottwood Community League is not required.

Please help us keep track of our numbers by registering below. 

Questions? Email neighbourhoodwatch@knottwoodcommunity.ca.

About Kim Buehler

Kim Buehler is the Executive Director of South East Edmonton Seniors Association. Kim has a background in team building being part of the Marching Arts community in the capacity of performer, instructor, mentor and judge. Kim recently initiated a community bench project to make her (and SEESA’s) Holyrood neighbourhood more walkable for seniors by giving them a place to rest. In 2016, SEESA received the Minister’s Seniors Service Award for outstanding commitment to Alberta’s Seniors.

About the Crime Prevention and Neighbourhood Watch Speaker Series

Join us on the last Tuesday of each month, to learn different topics and strategies to reduce opportunities for crime. Guest speakers will attend and provide information and advice. Learn how to report vandalism, graffiti, crime and suspicious activities. Talk about your concerns regarding neighbourhood safety and have the opportunity to share your ideas to improve safety.

Locks, windows, doors, fencing, cameras, lighting, and landscaping are just some of the tools we can use to reduce the attractiveness of potential crime targets. The practice of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) ensures that all spaces are defined, properly designed, and have a designated use. These are some of the strategies and tools we will discuss how to use to deter crime within and around properties and the community. Check back each month for our new speaker.