Report

The topic of this project is the discipline of university-based community-based research, more specifically within the context of the Trent Community Research Centre. Its purpose is to review the archive of TCRC projects to find those of notable quality that may be highlighted at the TCRC's 25th anniversary conference, and to uncover what trends have developed within TCRC projects over the years. Interviews were conducted with host organizations, Trent faculty, and former TCRC staff. Ongoing archival research in addition to the interviews emphasized specific trends, including sociopolitical, environmental, economic and cultural. Analysis of these trends helps to situate the TCRC within the broader field of community-based research.

Abstract: OPIRG Peterborough celebrates its 40th anniversary of social and environmental justice activism in the Peterborough community. As a continuation of Rihannon Johnson's History of a Student-Led Organization I, this project chronicles the development of OPIRG Peterborough during the 1990's. Using sociologist Alan Sears' 'infrastructure of dissent' paradigm, each chapter explores a different social and environmental campaign that OPIRG Peterborough was involved with during the 1990's. In doing so, the historical evolution of the organization is traced. At the theoretical level, however, the infrastructure of dissent (and its implications for social mobilization) is re-evaluated in every chapter, culminating in a conclusion that posits that the infrastructure of dissent may be more applicable to the study of social movements than Sears originally conceptualized. By contextualizing OPIRG Peterborough as part of a wider student movement in Chapter One, it is seen that the infrastructure of dissent has a professional 'branch,' one that is necessary for the survival of grassroots organizations. By analysing the historical development of the Peterborough Ecology Garden in Chapter Two, it is argued that the infrastructure of dissent has the capacity to homogenize the organizational identities of environmental justice organizations that may otherwise appear fractured. In Chapter Three, the capacity for the infrastructure of dissent to foster individual identities within OPIRG Peterborough working groups is discussed. By developing these particular facets of the infrastructure of dissent, it is argued that the infrastructure itself may be key to formulating effective social mobilizations outside of strictly labour-political dichotomies.

The following paper investigates Peterborough residents' experiences with current geared-to-income rent supplement programs offered by Peterborough Housing Corporation. The purpose of this research was to capture the participants' personal experiences and determine whether geared- to-income rent supplements have a positive effect on people's lives financially as well as their overall well-being. To obtain this goal, all the tenants receiving geared-to-income rent supplements from Peterborough Housing Corporation were mailed a survey. The survey consisted of quantitative and qualitative questions concerning the allocation of financial resources while receiving rent supplements. Participants were asked whether their quality of life has improved since receiving rent supplements. Additional data was collected from participants to determine how participants heard about the program, how long they were waitlisted, whether they are currently on a waitlist for other forms of affordable housing, and any personal comments they had about the program. The research showed participants' quality of life has improved compared to life before receiving rent supplements. Most respondents said that while receiving rent supplements they could afford things that they could not before such as better quality food, transportation, and child care. In addition, most respondents reported an increased sense of community while receiving supplements since they can socialize more within and outside their homes. However, future research should be conducted with the landlords participating in these programs, as well as a comparison to flat-rate rent supplements they City of Peterborough offers.

The purpose of the project was to get concrete research into developing best practices for coaching special needs hockey. A review of the literature was conducted to see the importance of getting individuals with a disability involved in sports and the positive impact it can have on an individual's life. Surveys were sent out to organizations in both Canada and the United States. Following the surveys, five individuals were interviewed; who possessed a wealth of knowledge in special needs hockey. The results showed significant differences in many aspects of the special needs hockey community and how the practice of coaching is approached. However some core characteristics of successful coaching included the importance of a fun and safe environment, getting to know each player as an individual, and having a positive outlook about the playing experience were agreed upon amongst organizations.

The purpose of the present project was to evaluate the Sex Work Action Project (SWAP) that ran in Peterborough, Ontario from 2013-2014. The goal of SWAP was to improve the quality of life of street-level sex workers in Peterborough. This project aimed to determine the impact and value of SWAP, and to evaluate the strengths of the program and the improvements that could be made for a future program. Through reviews of relevant literature and similar programs in Canada, it was determined what is required and what makes a sex work support program sustainable and effective. Through in-depth interviews with front-line workers involved in SWAP, the strengths and the challenges of the program were discovered. It was confirmed that a program of this type would be a necessity in Peterborough, but there are notable areas of improvement that are needed for a future program to be successful, including better planning, organization of resources and funding. Combining this knowledge, the evaluation was summarized into a number of recommendations to improve a future sex work support program in Peterborough.

In partnership with the New Canadians Centre, located in Peterborough, the goal of this research is to find ways to assist immigrants with entrepreneurship which will in turn lead to growth of the economy of the City of Peterborough as a whole. As Canadians, we live in a highly multicultural society in which immigration is the norm. Many of the immigrants that immigrate to Canada choose Peterborough to call their new home. The New Canadians Centre works closely with immigrants in Peterborough to help their transition to the city go as smoothly as possible, while also drawing attention to programs and opportunities in Peterborough that will help with economic, health, along with social needs. Immigrants have established businesses in many cities within Canada, thereby contributing to Canada's economy, society and culture. The City of Peterborough currently has the highest percentage of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada; it is therefore especially important to focus on implementing programs in order to better assist new and potential immigrant entrepreneurs in Peterborough to help them to realize their full potential in the community. This research will focus specifically on immigrant entrepreneurship in the City of Peterborough, while drawing from identified best practices of programs and supports available for immigrant entrepreneurs in other communities.