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LTBK Across Durham Region

The Let Them Be Kids Initiative is a first of its kind. This nation-wide program helps communities build capacity and community involvement amongst citizens, while also building playgrounds in areas of need, laying a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow for all.

Over 80 communities and regions across Canada have applied to be LTBK communities. Clarenville was selected to receive a grant, allowing it to hold a multi-day Let Them Be Kids event, which includes the construction of a new playground through the "community build" method.

The Durham Region was selected by the LTBK National Selection Committee, not only as a LTBK awardee, but also as the Official Launch site for this Trans-Canada initiative. This selection was a testament to the worthiness of the project and the unity and strength of the Let Them Be Kids Across Durham Coordinating Committee.

So come and be a part as we not only build a playground for kids, but more importantly, build them a better community and a brighter tomorrow.

LTBK Durham Region Outcomes (Back to TOP)

The Coordinating Committee has identified four major outcomes from this project:
• Catalyst for ongoing community activities
• Promoting crime prevention through environmental design
• Building Durham Region as a world class community
• Creating ongoing opportunities for partnerships

LTBK Durham Region Events - Register (Back to TOP)

All are invited to participate. So that we can plan accordingly, we ask that you pre-register for the events you wish to attend. It's quick and easy. Just click the link to the Registration Form.

Thank you to our national sponsors...

Thursday, June 8	Event Supporters
CEO University for Youth This unique seminar, with youth selected from local area high schools and the community, helps teens understand their value and potential, focusing on the use of practical tools for growth and action to realize their power to impact society. Time: 9 am - 1 pm & 1 pm - 4 pm Call for more information: 905-668-4113 Ext 2842	Durham Regional Police Services
Ecumenical Rally »Register »Learn More "Building Community Nehemiah's Way" This event invites people of all faiths to come together for an evening of inspiration. Using as a backdrop for teaching the story of Nehemiah and his efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Ian Hill North America's foremost community change agent, gives us a roadmap for effecting grassroots community improvement in the modern day. Participants will leave with renewed sense of the true meaning of neighbor as well as practical tools to change the world or at least their little corner of it! Time: 7 pm - 9 pm Location: Simcoe Street United Church, 66 Simcoe St. South, Oshawa
Friday, June 9
Business Leaders' Breakfast »Registration Form »Learn More "Building World-Class Communities... Focusing on the Triple Bottom Line" This breakfast, featuring Award Winning Community Champion Ian Hill's keynote address, intended for leaders in private industry and the public arena. It focuses on how build a world class community while increasing business profitability, as well as the effectiveness and satisfaction of employees and at the same time increasing the quality of life of all in the local community. Time: 7:30 am - 9 am Location: Oshawa Golf Club, 160 Alexandra St., Oshawa Register: This event requires pre-registration and pre-payment. Please download the registration form, and mail with your payment to the address on the form. For more information, call 905-668-4113 Ext 2842.	Social Services Dept. Economic Development & Tourism Dept.
Everybody gets to play Seminar »Learn More Everybody gets to play is a program developed by Canadian Parks and Recreation Association to support recreation, parks, and youth sports practitioners address access issues faced by low-income families.  In addition, Ian Hill, one of North America's foremost advocates for recreation, parks, and youth sports professionals, shares his personal perspective on the power and potential of recreation, sports and parks to build great communities. Time: 9 am - 12:30 pm Location: University of Ontario Institute of Technology; 2000 Simcoe Street N. Oshawa, Room G213 Call for more information: 905-668-4113 Ext 2842	ABC Recreation Ltd. City of Oshawa
Durham Region Public Leaders' Forum »Learn More Leading-edge communities don't happen without leading-edge community leaders. Created specifically for elected officials and public leaders, this event gathers the region's leadership for a day of education and conversation. Topics include, the common elements of successful community leadership, a community development planning model, strategies for engaging and building community and a personal toolkit of facilititative tools and techniques to engage citizenry. Time: 9:30 am - 1 pm Call for more information: 905-668-4113 Ext 2842
World Class Service Builds World Class Communities Seminar »Register »Learn More Designed specifically for municipal, city and social services agency employees, this seminar touches the hearts and minds of some of the most important people in our communities - public servants. This program provides them with the practical tools they need to go above and beyond in their service to the taxpaying public while challenging them to live up to the high calling of public service. Time: 2 pm - 5 pm Location: University of Ontario Institute of Technology; 2000 Simcoe Street N. Oshawa, Room UA1350
Emerging Leaders' Workshop There's no doubt that community leadership is a complex set of skills, knowledge and attitudes. This session, designed for those who aspire to lead on the community level, will explore: community leadership competencies, tools for assessing one's own leadership style and abilities, as well as providing key leadership tools and resources. Those attending will leave with tangible tools and the inspiration to use them. Time: 1 pm - 4 pm Location: University of Ontario Institute of Technology; 2000 Simcoe Street N. Oshawa, Room G213 Call for more information: 905-668-4113 Ext 2842	Ajax, Pickering, Uxbridge
Power of One Community Rally »Register »Learn More The Friday culminates with a powerful and unifying evening community rally which is free to the general public... offers inspiring national speakers... and hosts a Conversation Café for targeted dialogue among attendees, that will focus on community improvement. Participants will have time to share ideas with each other and plan cooperative efforts for the common good. Time: 7 pm - 10 pm Location: Jubilee Pavilion, 55 Lakeview Park Ave., Oshawa, Ont. L1H 8S7
Saturday, June 10
Community Playground Build »Register »Learn More Come and join us as we transform Radio Park! This day offers a "hands-on" chance to make the community better and the future a little brighter for yourselves and your fellow man. Time: Start at 8 am Location: Radio Park, Oshawa

LTBK Durham Region Playground Project (Back to TOP)

Inspired by the accomplishments and vision of Let Them Be Kids, Durham followed the same wisdom and rather than a single organization making application a collaborative of five local organizations formed a coordinating committee. While the playground site is located in the City of Oshawa's Radio Park, we view this initiative as a Durham wide project that will contribute to a safe, healthy and caring community.

Radio Park is located just west of downtown Oshawa and just south of Highway 2, or King Street, in Oshawa. Approximately five years ago, the playground equipment was removed from this park because of vandalism. The new play area will be in a highly visable location, open and inviting. June 10th will mark a very special day for the community to reestablish a playground for the neighborhood children to play. In what was once a fairly transient area, many of the local apartments are now occupied by families with young children who will no doubt welcome the opportunity to play in their own neighborhood.

We look forward to participation from all sectors of the Region in this multi-day event, and hope that this is just the first of many opportunities for cooperation and partnership.

At the end of the day, a rebuilt Radio Park became the newest community playground in Durham Region. Over 300 volunteers pitched in to transform the site into a safe place for kids and families to gather. Read more about the Amazing Results When a Community Comes Together.

LTBK Durham Region Coordinating Committee (Back to TOP)

Let Them Be Kids across Durham Region, is the collaborative effort of five local organizations. If you would like to know more about the vision and strategic plans of our partners, we invite you to visit their Web sites.

City of Oshawa, Through the development of a Strategic Plan, The City of Oshawa has developed a collective vision that establishes a framework for other plans and partnerships. This planning helps our City to maximize its resources. We believe Oshawa is A Vibrant, Strong and Progressive Community; A Green and Sustainable Community; A Caring and Responsive Community and A Place Where our People and Businesses are Proud to Live, Work and Play.
Regional Municipality of Durham Social Services Department We are committed to the provision of people oriented services that respond to diverse community needs. We recognize that "care, excellence, learning and leadership form the basis for building and sustaining a Department that is people focused. We further acknowledge that the principle of leadership embraces all of those values our Department promotes.
Durham Community Foundation The Durham Community Foundation provides the citizens of Durham Region, the opportunity to make financial gifts that are invested, the returns of which support the unique needs of our community and their individual interests while creating a lasting legacy that keeps on giving to charities in Durham Region.
Durham Regional Police Services We are acknowledged as the leader in creating a safer community by providing QUALITY police service. We ensure PUBLIC SAFETY by delivering excellent police service. We proudly work with all members of our community and hold ourselves accountable to improved effectiveness in everything we do.
University of Ontario Institute of Technology The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is an innovative and market-oriented institution, pursuing inquiry, discovery and application through excellence in teaching and learning, value-added research and vibrant student life. The Values of the University include those of Integrity and Respect; Honesty and Accountability and Intellectual Rigor.

LTBK Durham Region Supporters (Back to TOP)

We thank our LTBK Durham Region Supporters for their unselfish support of this effort to make our community a better place. If you or your organization would like to become an LTBK Across Durham Region Donor, click to read our Donor Opportunities letter (186k pdf).