Have you ever played a game where people refused to show you the rulebook? Maybe they explained the game and then seemed to change rules or move the boundaries when it was convenient for them?
We want people to know the rules for living in our area.
There are hundreds of formal rules (usually called legislation & bylaws) which apply to the situations we face in our area - like noise, tenant issues, care & control of children, schools, public intoxication, nuisance issues, criminal acts, etc.
Usually, however, we don't have a copy of the rulebooks. Different government agencies cover different rulebooks. They are usually expected to explain, support, and enforce the rules - but the people who actually live here don't have a copy of the rules for themselves.
Our "Community Rulebook" project doesn't make up any new rules! We are just trying to summarize some of the basic rules which already apply to life in our neighbourhood. This will help us to:
1) Know our rights as residents
2) Understand our responsibilities as neighbours
3) Identify violations of the rules
4) Direct requests for support or concerns about violations to the right agency
We believe most people want to follow the rules for keeping a healthy community.
We also believe that, in a democracy, all people have the right to know the rules for themselves.
Understanding the rules can help us live more confidently as individuals, and also increases our ability to shape the events that affect our community.
Sometimes the rule-makers change the rules to reflect changes in the community. Sometimes they assign someone else to explain, support and enforce the rules.
We are working with a team of lawyers that is volunteering their time in research, and are using the most recent materials available to us. In addition we will try to issue updates whenever possible.
While this project is a great start, we encourage you to ask questions, get copies of the rules for yourself, and in general - treat people the way you wish they would treat you.
c/o New Life Ministries
514 Maryland Str,
Winnipeg, Mb R3G 1M5
Phone: 204-775-4929
Contact:
Rev. Harry Lehotsky
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