Community partners form Campus Town Association
by Scott Koblyk

McMaster and its neighbours today launched a not-for-profit organization to establish and sustain a vibrant university campus community in Hamilton's Ainslie Wood/Westdale-McMaster neighbourhood.

The University, the Ainslie Wood/Westdale Community Association of Resident Homeowners (AWWCA) and the Westdale Village Business Improvement Association (BIA) announced the creation of the Campus Town Association (CTA).

West Hamilton features two of the city's most distinctive and attractive areas: the McMaster University campus and the Ainslie Wood/Westdale commercial and residential neighbourhoods. These two areas form one community with common concerns, issues, challenges and opportunities. A number of leaders within this community have a vision of fostering and building one of Canada's great campus neighbourhoods.

The CTA will seek to enhance the community's strengths by fostering a sense
of community, building connections, and promoting pride and involvement in our local area. It will strive to facilitate the social, economic and cultural success of this community.

In the coming weeks and months, the Campus Town Association plans to announce funding arrangements and its first practical, community-based initiatives. The CTA expects to work closely with a number of local and provincial partners ranging from municipal services and departments to foundations, and from businesses to other community groups.