The Village Community Association

History of the VCA

Established 2002

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As residents of The Village, we know that we live in one of the loveliest and most award-winning master-planned communities in Canada!  The Village was founded in 1996 with inspiration from Andres Duany, a creative urban planner, American architect, and founder of the Congress for the New Urbanism. The community was designed on 43.4 acres of land with walkable streets and trails, parkettes,  back lanes, and 300 architecturally distinct homes that reflect the historical roots of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

 

Building lots went for sale in 1997 and in 1998, in the middle of a dirt field, and the first home at 21 Elizabeth Street broke ground for owners John and Shirley Rock, followed by four more homes that year.  Various phases of building were completed since that time. In 2022, the final steps in development are moving forward under the direction of John Hawley and Adam Hawley of Traditional Neighbourhood Developments.

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The Village Community Association (VCA) was formed in January 2002 by some of the first residents who lived on the original streets of Garrison Village Drive, Samuel, and Elizabeth Streets. Several of the founding members of the VCA continue to reside in their original homes on these streets. They include Shirley (John) Rock, Luba & Warren Fraser, Sally (Jack) Harmer, and Eleanor & Adam Wilke, to mention a few.  

 

Originally, the VCA’s objective was “to unite all homeowners of the Village for the purpose of preserving the values that currently characterize our community, as well as to assure that future development continues to proceed in a timely fashion in full compliance with the original Master Plan as drawn by Andres Duany”.  The group began with an Executive of 5 people with Neil Rumble as President.  Neil was followed by Rob MacKenzie; Jeanne Graham; Brenda Jones; Reg Walsh/Shirley Rock/Luba Fraser (shared for one year); Karin Neitch; Doug Gibson; Doug Widdicombe; Bill Smelser; Dave Antaya; Mark Brown; Mona Babin; and current President, Ardeth Staz.

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It was not unusual in the first years to see residents wheeling their barbeques over to the Samuel Street parkette for community cook-outs, or to witness Santa Claus cruising down Garrison Village Drive to deliver gifts to the dozen or so children who were residents at the time.   As the neighbourhood expanded with more homes and residents, these casual events faded, but the work of the VCA continued. Over its 20-year span, many residents have volunteered their time and skills to the VCA so that it can impact on making our community a wonderful place to live!

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The VCA has become more formalized - committees such as the Social Committee, Membership Committee, and the Forward Planning Committee were added or expanded.  Bylaws were developed and adapted, and two annual formal meetings are now held: a General Meeting in October, and an Annual Meeting in April, often with guest speakers.  The Holiday Lighting Committee adds magical touches to The Village during winter months,  displays of which can be seen by many as they drive along Highway 55! The Gardening Committee plants colourful annuals during the spring and summer and helps maintain the flower beds, making our neighbourhood beautiful.

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More recently, the VCA mandate has shifted to organizing social events, ensuring relevant communication and providing an active voice and representation to local government for the betterment and safety of our community.  Events and social activities are intended to engage residents and Membership Ambassadors work to identify and welcome new residents, encouraging them to join the VCA. 

 

VCA Newsletters, available to all residents, not just VCA members, are published frequently, providing timely communication on events in The Village and in the Town - each one has an opening rate of higher than 75%. 

 

The VCA website houses information for easy access, such as newsletters, links to local business websites, Social Committee event information, and links to the Architectural Codes and approved house exterior paint colours. 

 

The VCA coordinates efforts with local businesses (Loyalty Partners) to offer discounts or other benefits to VCA members, encouraging residents to shop locally.

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As the development of The Village moves towards completion, the VCA will continue to focus on welcoming and uniting residents, engaging them, and advocating for them within the Town and Region.

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Article credit to Shirley Rock, Luba Fraser, Bill Smelser, John Hawley, and Phil Loforti

through Ardeth Staz and Carol Perrin. Published August 2022

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The VCA Annual Membership Card is valid from May 1 - April 30
Please take a few minutes to join or renew your membership now.

The annual fee is $30 per household. 

VCA Membership Form.

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