{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.04426559356136821, 'fraction_numerical': 0.03219315895372234, 'mean_word_length': 5.564356435643564, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Shared responsibility : Building sustainable communities in Winnipeg ’ s inner city

What comes to mind in response to the term “inner city”? The literature reflects many negative aspects of inner city communities that include poor housing (Carter, Polevychok, & Sargent, 2003; Distasio, Dudley, & Maunder, 2002; Jargowsky, 2002; Silver, 2003); irresponsible tenants (Distasio et al., 2002), poverty (Carter et al., 2003; Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Centred Prairie Communities Winnipeg Site, 2002; Ross, Scott, & Smith, 2000), violence and crime (Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Centred Prairie Communities Winnipeg Site, 2002; Distasio & Carter, 2003), and limited opportunities for residents (Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Centred Prairie Communities Winnipeg Site, 2002). However, inner city communities have strengths that are often overlooked. For example, many inner city residents have reported a sense of place (Distasio et al., 2002) and have family and friends in the area (Distasio & Carter, 2003). Close proximity to amenities (Distasio & Carter, 2003), the presence of non-profit organizations (Lucy & Philips, 2000), and affordable housing (Distasio & Carter, 2003) are other positive features of inner city neighbourhoods. Winnipeg’s North End is an inner city community where many residents and organizations are working to build a healthy community. However, building sustainable communities requires coordinated efforts by many different players in order to ensure success. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which individuals, families, communities, agencies, and governments have a shared responsibility in the development of inner city communities. Using participatory research methods, we explored the experiences of young Aboriginal men who were actively involved in community development initiatives in order to understand the multiple barriers faced in enhancing the physical and social health of neighbourhoods.