Prairie Outpost

Note: A version of this story was originally published  in the Free Press Community Review West online on June 24, 2022 under the title “Busy year for West Broadway Community Organization“.

The West Broadway Community Organization (WBCO) held its Annual General Meeting on June 16th. This year’s AGM included major changes for the organization, including the election of a few new Board Members and the introduction of the new executive director.

Greg Macpherson, the former executive director (ED) for the WBCO, facilitated the meeting. Macpherson stepped down as ED near the end of 2021 after serving in the role for 11 years. Ella Rockar filled the role until Patrick Krawec was selected as the new ED. Macpherson was also elected to the Board at this AGM.

The last year was very eventful for the organization. The WBCO continued dealing with ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As well, they grew their Housing Department, launched the Deer Spirit Garden, expanded programming at the Good Food Club, and opened offices at Crossways in Common.

Photo caption: WBCO staff and volunteers at the 2022 West Broadway Spring Cleanup. Photo supplied by the WBCO.

Macpherson commended Rockar’s work building up the WBCO Housing Department, including tenant support initiatives.

“We’ve never been able to (support renters) more effectively than with Ella’s guidance and hard work”, Macpherson said.

He also applauded Ailene Deller for her expanding work with the Good Food Club and helping keep the WBCO running during the ED transition.

WBCO Board Chair Gillian Roy reiterated Macpherson’s praise of Deller and Rockar.

Patrick Krawec was introduced as the new ED. Krawec is a writer, educator and community organizer with over 20 years of experience. He started organizing in 1994 in West Broadway, has worked with West Broadway Youth Outreach and JustTV, and is an expert on Active Transportation.

“(I’m) looking forward to meeting more of you and getting to know you more,” Krawec told members at the AGM.

Two Pillar of the Community awards were presented at the AGM. Vinh Huynh, Principal of Gordon Bell High School, and Peter Correia, Principal of Mulvey School, received the awards for outstanding work and dedication to the West Broadway community. Both started as young vice-principals in the early 2000s and have been deeply involved in the neighbourhood.

“I get to work with Peter and so many good hearted citizens in West Broadway”, Huynh noted.

Leah McCormick (Treasurer), Gillian Roy (Chair), and Stacey Watson (Secretary) were re-elected to the Board. In addition to Macpherson, Linda Siemens joined the Board while Bruce Speilman retired from the body.

As well, a five year community plan is being developed for West Broadway by the WBCO. It will help inform programming as well as engaging partners, including the City of WInnipeg, on neighbourhood priorities.