The Crossing Bridge Residents Association is back up and active again, continuing its 19 year history in Stittsville.

It originally was founded in 1989 when it was known as “The Homeowners’ Association”. In 1991, the Association was known as the Crossing Bridge/Sugar Creek Home Owners’ Association. The name eventually changed to simply the Crossing Bridge Residents Association.

The Association is dedicated to fostering a sense of community among residents in the Crossing Bridge area of Stittsville. It does this by helping to maintain the quality of the neighbourhood, bringing residents together and sharing information about the community.

It had been discussed in mid-2007 to possibly disband the Crossing Bridge Residents Association but it was decided not to go that route and to continue with the organization.

A survey was created and administered regarding the Association’s mandate and residents’ expectations and preferences relating to the Association’s activities.

The response to the survey was higher than expected, with the feedback indicating that residents feel that the Crossing Bridge Residents Association should be focused on community safety, community news, community maintenance and an annual garage sale. There was also considerable support for the Association to produce a resident telephone directory.

Street reps have been arranged for most of the streets although there are still a few streets without street reps.

The Association is planning to hold its next membership drive in the spring of 2009.

Brenda Tirrell is the president of the Crossing Bridge Residents Association’s executive committee for the current year.

Liz Rouleau is the vice-president while Lisa Goudie is serving as treasurer.

Joe Aragona is the communication director while Fran Cooper is serving as the liaison with the Stittsville Village Association.

Josh Flower is the coordinator for the street representatives while Anick Fortin-Cousens is the secretary.

With community safety being a top priority as indicated by the survey of residents, the Association is rolling out a Neighbourhood Watch program for the Crossing Bridge area.

There was a meeting held at the beginning of November with the Crossing Bridge Residents Association’s street reps to discuss this initiative. Those attending included community police officer Ryan Strotmann, Neighbourhood Watch program coordinator Victor McNabney and James Blanchard, volunteer coordinator for the Crossing Bridge area.

The Association is involved in the operation of the outdoor rink at A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School. This is a community rink that is operated by a team of volunteers. To keep the rink going, volunteers are needed to help set up the boards and also to take turns watering and shoveling the ice. Anyone interested should contact Scott Morin at 613-831-6955 or via email at scott.morin@sympatico.ca.