Blackburn Hamlet Community Survey Results
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Blackburn Hamlet Community Survey Results
BLACKBURN HAMLET HEALTH LINK
Written by: Natalie Steele Health Link Liaison
Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre
2339 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa, ON, K1J 8M6
613-741-6025 ext. 235
Natalie.steele@eorc-gloucester.ca
Spring 2010
Funding for this survey was provided in partnership between Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre and the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion.
Introduction
The Blackburn Hamlet (BH) community survey was distributed to homes with the Blackburn
Hamlet Community Association’s (BCA) local newsletter, the BANAR, from January 25th to February 1st of
2010. Of the 3,000 surveys distributed, 200 completed surveys were returned, for a return rate of
approximately 6.7%.
The majority of those who completed the survey have lived in the community for over 6 years,
are over age 40, have no disability, and are heterosexual and Caucasian. The survey received almost
proportional responses from men (44.6%) and women (54.7%). The majority of respondents were adults
living at home with one other adult.
It is important to note that the majority of the survey respondents (60 years of age and up) are
representative of 49% of BH community members when compared with the neighbourhood profile
study (Appendix A). In contrast, survey respondents’ identified culture could be considered
representative of BH, since it approximates that listed in the neighbourhood profile.
It is important to note that the majority of survey respondents (40 years of age and older)
represent about half of BH community members (49%) which compares well with their demographics in
the community (see Appendix A – Census 2006 neighbourhood profile).
Analysis of survey data revealed 4 emerging themes indentifying the areas of concern that
respondents had about their community and what they considered to be BH community successes and
assets. This report presents the survey intelligence gathered for the four themes: services and
amenities, community atmosphere, safety and crime, and youth.
Services & Amenities
The Services and Amenities theme discusses services provided by the city, the elected city councillor, by-
law services, city taxes, shopping and amenities, food accessibility, community-based services offered by
the Blackburn Hamlet Community Association, and availability and suitability of social, recreational and
physical activity programs.
The public transit system was considered by most participants to be a good service that gives
great access to downtown and the rest of the city. In particular, recent changes to the 94 bus route were
considered positive. On the other hand, some participants shared that they wished the buses covered
more of the community and that some buses run more frequently, including on Sundays and 24-hour
service.
When it came to snowplowing, there were concerns shared about the small streets of BH not
being plowed expediently after a snow fall. The majority of participants shared the belief that it is likelythat someone’s car gets stuck in the snow on the street in BH Furthermore, some believed that the
roads and sidewalks in BH require maintenance.
Participants shared concern that property taxes have been increasing much quicker than the
value of houses in BH. Another concern shared was that the streets are overwhelmed with parked cars,
and participants hoped that there would be more control over this.
Many shared that they believe they can rely on City Councillor Rainer Bloess and that he is
dedicated. Some shared concern about the potential that he may soon retire.
Many participants shared that the city’s local library branch is a convenient resource for the
community and feared the potential loss of this branch.
Access to stores and other amenities in BH were considered clear assets and included: the
grocery store, medical and dental offices, banks, restaurants, schools, the library, pharmacies, the movie
store, convenience stores, the childcare centre, and the churches. These services were considered
convenient because they are all within walking distance from the majority of homes in the
neighbourhood. There was however a concern that some of these businesses have had to close in the
recent past due to financial difficulties.
Some participants expressed their hopes for more businesses in BH. Suggestions included more
restaurants, health food stores, and an LCBO. Some participants described their frustration of having to
leave BH in order to go out to dinner, buy organic or health food or a bottle of wine. Survey respondents
believed that adding these suggested businesses in BH would increase the community’s appeal. There
were also some specific concerns mentioned about the availability of local, organic, affordable, and/or
allergy-sensitive food. Some participants suggested the addition of a farmer’s market in BH to develop
the potential availability for such types of food, especially low cost and local fresh produce.
The Blackburn Hamlet Community Association (BCA) offers many social activities to the
community, including the fun fair, and the walk-a-thon. Many participants expressed appreciation for
the social events and other activities the BCA has organized and they wished there could be more
throughout the year. Several participants expressed some concerns about the size of the community
centre and wished that it could be a larger and a more permanent space.
BH residents can participate in both city and privately run recreational and physical activity
programs. Most of the survey respondents listed that they participate in the organized physical activity
programs offered in the community and in other recreational programs. The majority of survey
respondents shared that the arena, rinks, soccer club, tennis courts, and pools are well maintained and
great assets to BH.
Those who responded that they do not participate in community-offered programs explained
that those they would like to participate in are not available. Some participants mentioned a lack of
variety in adult fitness programs in BH. Interestingly, as the majority of survey respondents were over
the age of 40, many participants mentioned that they no longer have children living at home and so theydo not participate in organized programs1. Additionally, some suggested that there is a lack of seniors
programs and physical activity times dedicated to seniors, for example senior swim at the local pool.
Some respondents mentioned the lack of accessibility in local parks and suggested that there be more
benches that would facilitate seniors to take advantage of the parks. Forty-four per cent of survey
respondents believed that there are people or services that BH residents can rely on. Among these are
the BCA, City Counsellor Rainer Bloess, the police service, the church, Royal Galipeau, and the Eastern
Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC). The Bannar was mentioned as a positive way for the BCA to share
information with community members. However, most respondents were not aware of the social and
mental health services offered to BH residents.
Community Atmosphere
The Community Atmosphere theme explored how BH residents who responded feel about their
surroundings and aspects of daily life, including how they feel about their neighbourhood sense of
community.
Most respondents shared that they enjoy the parks, bike and walking paths, and the
surrounding National Capital Commission (NCC) Greenbelt space which separates the community from
the rest of the city and provides a small town feeling in BH. Many also shared that they enjoy the trees
throughout the community and appreciate the well-kept gardens and landscaping of their neighbours.
Respondents also shared that they enjoyed BH because the houses are unique and not identical to one
another, well spaced from one another, and have different lot sizes. Moreover, respondents like the
stability of the cost of housing in BH. Some respondents appreciate that the layout of the streets in BH
provides more privacy.
Many respondents referred to the quiet and relaxed nature of BH, but at the same time
expressed concerns that the noise level has recently increased.
Survey responses revealed a great appreciation for the larger sense of a welcoming community
in BH; neighbours are friendly, look out for one another and there is little moving in and out so most
neighbours know one another.
Survey responses indicated an appreciation for BH’s proximity to all of the “big box” shopping,
access to downtown and the conveniences of a city, with the feeling of being in a small town. The
walking distance proximity to common amenities was considered to contribute to this small-town
community atmosphere in BH.
Respondents are concerned about the possibility that the NCC would re-appropriate or sell the
Greenbelt property surrounding BH. The concern is that this would negatively affect the small town feel
and community atmosphere in BH.
1
The Neighbourhood study suggested that the 57% of the BH population reported overweight or obese body mass
index (BMI) (please refer to Appendix A)Another major concern is related to pets in BH. Some respondents expressed frustration with
neighbourhood cats and dogs that are left to roam free, resulting in late night cat fights, dogs scaring
community members in public places, and animals defecating on private and public property. Some
respondents shared their hope that more of their neighbours would pick up after their pets, others
would like to have designated off-leash areas for their pets to enjoy.
Respondents indicated concern about the increased through traffic in BH and that they believe
this is since the expansion of Orleans. Additionally there are concerns that the potential building of a
bridge to Quebec in the East-end of the city would further increase the through traffic. An additional
concern expressed was the danger to community members of speeding cars in BH.
BH respondents believe that littering, although not been a significant concern in the past, has
recently increased. Concerns were also expressed about the Lafarge quarry operations. Respondents
feel the ongoing quarry operations are disruptive and in some cases could contribute to a more rapid
decline in the structural integrity of the privately owned homes in the neighbourhood.
It is important to mention that although respondents feel a strong sense of community and
neighbourly connection, there is also a sense that the community is divided into two sub-communities.
This sense of disconnection is of concern because of the majority of the survey respondents listed one
sub-community as the source of blame for the majority of the challenges faced in BH. This suggests a
lack of unity between the two sub-communities in BH and is an important element to consider when
working towards community growth. On a positive note, one respondent mentioned that the survey is a
clear sign that the BH community cares about its residents and about improving the “already positive”
community atmosphere.
Safety & Crime
The Safety and Crime theme contains information about how safe respondents feel in their community,
their opinions on crime in BH, and their suggestions for improvement in these areas.
The majority of respondents indicated that they feel BH is relatively safe during the day and at
night, and that this level of safety has not changed over the last few years. Of particular interest,
however, is that most respondents indicated a decrease in safety at night when compared to during the
day. Some respondents shared concerns about insufficient lighting in parks and on public walkways,
which may contribute to the sense of decreased security at night. Respondents also indicated concerns
with groups of young adults or youth hanging around in public places, especially at night. The survey
results also indicated concerns about drug use in the community. These concerns include: the use of
drugs in public places, dangerous drug waste left in public places, the dangers that accompany drug use
and trafficking in a neighbourhood, and the influence of drug use on the young population of the
community.Most respondents shared that they have seen an increase in graffiti over the years and that they
have heard of or experienced vandalism or property damage in BH. Minor thefts from cars, front and
back yards, and in the neighbourhood were also shared concerns. Interestingly, most participants
explained that they did not report the majority of these minor thefts to the police because they
considered their predicament to be a minor one that they should not burden police services with.
Furthermore, they felt nothing much could be done on their behalf by the police.
Overall, 18.4% of survey respondents reported concern about violence and crime in their
neighbourhood, and consider BH to less safe than it used to be. Some respondents attributed this
concern to the reported sexual assault in summer 2009. Others shared that they are concerned about
the low police presence in the community and hope for more circulating patrol cars, foot patrols in parks
and on paths, and the possibility of a community police office in BH. Overall, respondents believe their
community is a safe one, and hope to increase this safety through an increase in police presence.
Youth
Youth in the community was a major area of focus for survey participants. There are concerns about
youth engaging in risky activities, under-age substance use, bullying and loitering. Concern was
expressed about the lack of services for the youth in the community.
The focus on youth was a common thread through all the aforementioned themes. Respondents
expressed concern that BH youth are spending a lot of time in groups without much structured activity.
Some respondents revealed that they fear these groups of youth because they are engaging in negative
activities: bullying, drugs and alcohol, smoking cigarettes, property damage, theft, harassment, and
littering among others. It was expressed that there is a general lack of services for youth in BH and that
those services that are available at present, such as the youth drop-in, lack permanency. Respondents
expressed a shared hope that BH youth have access to a dedicated facility that would offer extensive
youth programming in order to engage youth in more positive activities. There was a similar concern
expressed for children’s services in BH, describing a lack of childcare and child-focused programs.
Conclusion
Overall the BH community survey resulted in a good response rate which included a good
representation of the different populations living in BH. This representation closely approximated the
community demographics in comparison to the demographics listed in the neighbourhood study
(Appendix A). Since, survey results indicate a good cross-section of respondents from BH residents; then
the survey provides a good indication of community concerns. Some of the concerns raised by
respondents are highlighted here as items for consideration in the future development of the
community. Survey results will be shared with local and city-wide service providers in order to inform
them of the concerns, successes and assets the BH residents shared through participating in the survey.
The Health Link program, a program that works with community groups to promote health and
wellbeing, will be using the survey results in conjunction with upcoming focus groups to inform
development of appropriate physical health, recreation, sports and healthy living programs for BH
community members.Appendix A1 NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE: BLACKBURN HAMLET HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION Blackburn Hamlet is bounded by the Greenbelt to the north, Blackburn Bypass to the south, Cléroux Crescent to the east, and Tauvette Street to the west. This neighbourhood was named after Robert Blackburn, who was a Member of Parliament for Russell in 1858. In 1956, the area surrounding Blackburn Hamlet was acquired by the National Capital Commission and used to establish the Greenbelt. The addition of this vast greenspace near its borders resulted in the re-development of this neighbourhood into its current form. 1 The information listed in Appendix is copied directly from a third party source and does not necessarily reflect the information gathered through the Blackburn Hamlet Community Survey, nor the opinion of those affiliated with the Blackburn Hamlet Health Link. Please refer to the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study for complete details on how the following information was determined. [http://www.neighbourhoodstudy.ca/ & info@neighbourhoodstudy.ca]
THE PEOPLE As of the 2001 census, Blackburn Hamlet had 8,494 residents. The population consists mainly of young and middle aged adults, with youth and children accounting for more than one quarter of the population. The distribution across age groups was as follows: 12% were children under 9 years of age, 15% were youth aged 10 to 19, 24% were young adults aged 20 to 39, 40% were middle aged adults aged 40 to 69, and 9% were seniors aged 70 to 89. In terms of knowledge of official languages, 53% of Blackburn Hamlet residents reported that they could speak or understand English only, 1.6% reported that they could speak or understand French only, 45% reported that they could speak or understand both English and French, and less than 1% reported that they knew neither. This neighbourhood is not so diverse; 8.7% of the residents reported that they represent a visible minority. 2% of residents identified as Aboriginal (First Nations, Inuit or Métis). 10% of the population were immigrants who came to Canada between 1996 and 2006, and 4.2% were recent immigrants (i.e. came to Canada between 2001 and 2006). 17% of residents aged 15 and over were first generation immigrants, 18% were second generation immigrants, and 65% were third generation or higher. Among the immigrants, 22% were from Asia or the Middle East, 4.2% were from Africa, 9.8% were from the Caribbean, 7.5% were from the United States, 48% were from Europe, and 8.9% were from South or Central America. In 2006, the average individual income in Blackburn Hamlet was $41,710 (Ottawa average: $34,844) and the average household income was $87,862 (Ottawa average: $86,848). The percent of people below the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO, which is an important poverty benchmark) was 11%: this is below the city average of 14% and similar to 2001 levels (10%). 18% of children in the Blackburn Hamlet area were living below the Low Income Cut- Off (Ottawa average: 17%), while none of the seniors in the area were living below the LICO (Ottawa average: 6.9%). Of residents living in families, 20% were in lone parent families (Ottawa neighbourhood average is 16%). 13% of Blackburn Hamlet’s seniors were living alone. The education of the population was near average for the city: 17% did not complete high school, 24% completed at least high school, 5.4% completed an apprenticeship or trades certificate, 19% completed college or CEGEP and 34% completed a bachelor’s degree. The neighbourhood socio-economic index is based on average income, percent below the LICO, the unemployment rate, the percent of people with less than a high school education, and the percent of families that are lone parent. Based on this index, neighbourhoods were divided into quintiles, with 1 representing most advantage and 5 representing the least advantage. Blackburn Hamlet is in the 3rd, or middle socio-economic quintile. EMPLOYMENT 66% of Blackburn Hamlet’s residents participated in the labour force. The unemployment rate was 5.5% (Ottawa neighbourhood average: 5.9%), and youth unemployment was 13% (Ottawa neighbourhood average: 13.8%). Of those who are employed, 51% work full-time, 41% work part-time, and 7.4% did not work in the year before the census. 50% of residents do unpaid work, including housework and unpaid care to seniors or children.
TRANSPORTATION TO WORK Among those who worked, 58% drove a car, truck, or van to work, 7.1% rode in a car, truck, or van as a passenger, 29% used public transit ( Ottawa neighbourhood average is 22%), 3.7% walked to work, 1.3% bicycled to work, and 1% used other methods of transportation to work. HOUSING Blackburn Hamlet is a relatively new neighbourhood; the majority of homes (53%) were built between 1971 and 1980 and 32% were built between 1961 and 1970. Another 12% were built between 1981 and 2006 and only 3% were built before 1960. In 2006, Blackburn Hamlet had 3,043 dwellings: 43% were single detached, 3.4% were semi-detached, 40% were row houses, and 9.1% were apartments with more than 5 stories. The great majority (78%) of residents owned their homes and 22% rented. Housing is unaffordable for some residents in the neighbourhood: 18% of residents (up from 15% in 2001) pay more than 30% of their income on shelter (below the Ottawa neighbourhood average of 24%). 8% of the dwellings were reported to be in need of major repairs (above the Ottawa neighbourhood average of 6.3%). The number of people per room, a measure of crowding, was .36. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY Blackburn Hamlet residents are engaged in the political process, with 48% of eligible voters voting for mayor in the last municipal election; this is right at the city average. In terms of mobility in the neighbourhood, with 11% of residents moving within the last year; this is lower than the city average of 14%. Sixty-four percent (63.7% ± 19.5%) felt a sense of belonging to the neighbourhood; this is higher, but not statistically different than the city average or the average for the third SES quintile neighbourhoods. In 2005, the property crime rate was 24 crimes per thousand people, a rate that is half that of the city average of 58 per thousand people. Personal crimes rates were also lower than the city average of 24 per thousand, at 16 per thousand people. Blackburn Hamlet has 2 religious organizations within its borders, with a ratio of .24 religious organizations per thousand people. Blackburn Hamlet has an active Community Association. For more information on this, see the City of Ottawa directory at: http://ottawa.ca/info/contactus/blue_pages_en.html#P610_5368. NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCES FOR HEALTH (Note that the food data is up to date as of September, 2008, while the other data was updated in September, 2007) FOOD Blackburn Hamlet has relatively poor availability of specialty food stores and some availability of grocery stores. It also has fair access to unhealthier food outlets (fast food outlets, convenience stores). This neighbourhood has 1 grocery store, or .11 per thousand people, and 1 specialty food store (.11 per thousand people). The closest grocery store and specialty store are 356 metres (a 6 minute walk1) away and 308 metres (a 5 minute walk) away, respectively, from the population weighted center. Blackburn Hamlet has 3 convenience stores (.35 per thousand people) and 3 fast food outlets , or .35 for every thousand people. The closest convenience store is 173 metres (a 3 minute walk) away from the population center
and the closest fast food outlet is 213 metres (a 3.5 minute walk). Two (50%) of Blackburn Hamlet’s 4 schools are
within 500 metres (or about 8 minutes) of a fast food outlet.
Blackburn Hamlet also has 2 sit-down restaurants, or .24 per thousand people, and the average distance to the
four closest restaurants is 2,109 metres from the population center.
GREENSPACE
Blackburn Hamlet has some greenspace, with 2.52 km2 of greenspace available, or .29 km2of greenspace per
2
thousand people; this is similar to the city average of .26km .
PARKS AND RECREATION
Blackburn Hamlet has several opportunities for recreation. In total, it has 33 recreation sites, or 3.9 sites per
thousand people. Specifically, it has 2 sites for winter recreation (.24 for every 1000 people), 29 sites for summer
recreation (3.4 for every 1000 people), and 2 indoor recreation facilities (.24 for every 1000 people). In 2007,
73.8% of Blackburn Hamlet's residents reported using a recreational facility (source: RRFSS). The neighbourhood
also has 12.21 km of bike/walking paths, or 1.4 metres of bike/walking paths for every resident. In 2007, 100% of
the residents reported being aware of walking, biking, or nature trails in Ottawa, while 73.8% reported using
walking, biking, or nature trails (source: RRFSS). Blackburn Hamlet has only 20.3 metres-squared of park space for
every resident; this is below the City average of 34.3 metres-squared per person. With a recreation index score
(combines all recreation per thousand, bike paths, and parks) of 48, Blackburn Hamlet has near average
opportunities for recreation (city average = 50).
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Blackburn Hamlet has 4 schools. The closest City of Ottawa library branch is located close to the population center,
at just 446 metres.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
This neighbourhood has 2 banks, with a ratio of .24 banks per thousand people. This is below average for the
Ottawa area. It has one ‘less healthy financial outlet’ (cheque cashing, pawn shop, or payday loan outlet), or .11
per thousand people. This is close to the city average.
HEALTH SERVICES
Compared to other neighbourhoods in Ottawa, Blackburn Hamlet has an above average number of pharmacies,
with .35 per thousand people. The mean distance to the four closest physicians from the population center is 445
metres: this is below the average distance for the Ottawa area. Data from the 2001 to 2007 Canadian Community
Health Surveys show that the proportion of residents who have a regular medical doctor is 96.9% (± 3.6%): this is
significantly higher than both the City average (88.3% ± 1.0%) and the 3rd SES Quintile average (86.8% ± 2.5%).
The proportion of residents who have ever had a flu shot was 63.4% (± 17.9%); this is near the Ottawa average
(62.0% ± 1.5%) and the average for the 3rd quintile (61% ± 3.9%).
The proportion of residents who visited a dentist in the past year (74.5% ± 18.1%) is similar to the 3rd SES quintile
average (73.7% ± 3.7%) as well as the City average of 73.4% (± 1.5%).NEIGHBOURHOOD HEALTH OUTCOMES Please note that the results from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) represent combined data from the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 cycles. Results from the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) represent combined data from 2003 to 2007 for self-rated health, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity. The health of Blackburn Hamlet residents is mixed in comparison to the Ottawa area. For example, 70.5% (± 11.4%) of residents rated their overall health as excellent or very good in the years 2003 to 2007. This is above, but not statistically different than the Ottawa average of 64.5% (± 1.2%). In terms of reproductive health, the rate of low birth weight single births in the years of 2002 to 2007 was 4.3 per hundred births: this is similar to the city average of 4.3 per hundred births. The rate of preterm births of 8.1 per hundred was higher than both the Ottawa average (6.4%) and the average for the 3rd socio-economic quintile (6.1%). The rate of teen births was 2.5 per hundred; this is near the Ottawa average of 2.3 per hundred and higher than the 3rd quintile average of 2.1 per hundred. The rate of hospitalization for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cellulitis, angina, and hypertension) between 2003 and 2007 was 1,030.0 (± 217.4) per hundred thousand people; this is above, but not statistically different than the city average (976.1 ± 21.2) or the average for the 3rd socio-economic quintile (928.5 ± 60.6). The rate of emergency room visits for the same conditions between 2003 and 2007 was 5,362.9 (± 474.1) per hundred thousand people; this is below, but not statistically different than the City average of 5,806.1 (± 50.3) and near the average for the third socio-economic quintile (5,542.6 ± 148.7). Hospitalization rates for unintentional injuries between 2003 and 2007 were 542.6 per hundred thousand people (± 161.4); this is not statistically different than the Ottawa average of 472.2 (± 15.0) or the 3rd quintile average of 699.5 (± 53.2). The rate of ER visits for unintentional injuries of 6,754.6 (± 543.5) per hundred thousand people was significantly lower than that for the Ottawa area (8,765.6 ± 61.5) as well as that of the rate for neighbourhoods in the 3rd socioeconomic quintile (11,890.5 ± 211.4). In terms of physical activity, 53.3%* (± 19.5%) of the residents were inactive in their leisure time (CCHS 2001 to 2007); this is not significantly different than either the Ottawa average or the average for the 3rd socio-economic quintile. Seventy-eight percent of residents (± 10.9%) were moderately or highly physically active across all daily activities during the years 2003 to 2007; this is similar to both the Ottawa average (78.5% ± 1.1%) and the average for the 3rd socio-economic quintile (79.5% ± 3.1%). Fifty-seven percent (± 12.4%) of the residents aged 18 years and older reported overweight or obese BMIs (RRFSS; years 2003 to 2007); this is higher, but not significantly different from the averages for either the Ottawa area or for the 3rd socio-economic quintile. Thirty-eight percent* (38.0% ± 18.6%) consumed 5 to 10 servings of fruit and vegetable servings per day in the years 2001 to 2007. This is not significantly different than the Ottawa average or the average for the 3rd socio-economic quintile. 78.2% of residents (± 10.9%) lived in smoke-free homes during the years 2003 to 2007 (RRFSS); this is higher, but not significantly different than the Ottawa average or the average for the 3rd socio-economic quintile. SCHOOL READINESS The Early Development Instrument (EDI) measures the school readiness of kindergarten children on five major domains; physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development, and communication skills and general knowledge. If a child scores below 90% of other Ottawa
children on a domain, he or she is considered ‘vulnerable’ on that domain. Importantly, 23.2% (± 8.5%) of
kindergarten children residing in the Blackburn Hamlet neighbourhood were rated as vulnerable on the Early
Development Instrument (EDI) in Year 2006, while the city average is 29.3% (± 1.0%). Additionally, 11.6% (± 6.4%)
of neighbourhood children were vulnerable on TWO or more domains of school readiness (City average = 15.8, ±
0.8%).
NEIGHBOURHOOD STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES
Although not especially diverse, Blackburn Hamlet has a well educated populace, a good linguistic mix, and low
unemployment. It also has an active community association and good access to a library. Three out of four
residents are homeowners, and although incomes are a little above average, there are a number of people living
below the LICO and/or who find their housing unaffordable. The higher rate of sole parent families and the
proportion of children living in poverty are concerns. Blackburn Hamlet has a good availability of ‘healthier food
outlets’ for its population size, but the average distance of 4 kilometres to the 4 closest grocery stores makes it
difficult for people to walk to get groceries and may pose problems for those without reliable transportation. This
is a neighbourhood where residents are more than twice as likely to use public transit to get to work. Access to
recreation is average, and although the greenspace and parkland actually within this neighbourhood is somewhat
limited, the Mer Bleu Bog and its trails are nearby. Crime rates are low. A very high proportion of residents have a
primary care physician. Reproductive health is a concern, as is the high proportion of overweight people.
[1] Based on an average walking speed of 1.1 metres per second
(http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/publicat/pdf/PedComp/pedintro.pdf)
* Interpret with caution - high sampling variabilityYou can also read
