Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1454682
Those looking for a well-connected and engaged community to call home will find that and more in Oak Bluff West. On the southwest edge of the city limits, this neighbourhood is filled with not only beautiful homes but friendly and welcoming neighbours as well. Tony Tryhuk and his family have been living in Oak Bluff West since December 2015. "People really care about their properties and there's a real sense of community here," says Tryhuk. "Neighbours aren't speeding down the streets or things like that," explains Tryhuk. "Everyone is aware that there's kids in the neighbourhood and there's a school nearby with a rec club across the street, so everyone is looking out for one another." Tryhuk often walks the family dog, Stan, along the trails surrounding the naturalized wetlands. "I've met a lot of our neighbours while walking our dog and have developed some really nice friendships as a result," says Tryhuk. "The paths are quite busy on any given day and I'm always seeing people walking their dogs or with their kids; it really builds that sense of safety and community." In a perfect world, there wouldn't be crime in any community, but we all know that simply isn't the case. While crime can happen anywhere, those living in Oak Bluff West can take comfort knowing there are additional eyes looking out for the safety of fellow neighbours. The Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) is a volunteer group with approximately 12 active patrols in the community who work in partnership with law enforcement to help keep the neighbourhood safe. "Our goal is to look-out and document (when appropriate) any suspicious or criminal activity and report these actions to the police," says Christina, Oak Bluff's COPP coordinator. "As COPP members, we act as additional eyes and ears for our community and the police, to assist in reducing crime." "I was drawn to the Citizens on Patrol Program back in 2019, because it gave me the opportunity to directly help my neighbourhood while providing a way to meet new people within my community who I would have otherwise never known," says Christina. COPP provides a structured program with resources including equipment and an RCMP liaison to help coordinate rural areas in their efforts of crime prevention and safety. This officer provides information such as local crime stats and safety tips to the group coordinator and participates in meetings and training sessions, whenever possible. With a friendly community and neighbours looking out for one another, it's no wonder many people are proudly calling Oak Bluff West home. Currently, Oak Bluff West is planning its fifth phase of development. It will begin with 41 lots and a small condominium project, with 54 additional lots to follow. Learn more about Oak Bluff West at oakbluffwest.ca and be sure to sign up for its newsletter to stay in touch with the latest community news. QUALICO COMMUNITIES — OAK BLUFF WEST "I'VE MET A LOT OF OUR NEIGHBOURS WHILE WALKING OUR DOG AND HAVE DEVELOPED SOME REALLY NICE FRIENDSHIPS AS A RESULT." POH AN ENGAGING COMMUNITY IN OAK BLUFF WEST By Samara Funk 42 Parade of Homes SPRING 2022