There were new sounds and smells outside of city hall as a new initiative kicked off.
Members of the Crime Prevention Council were in Kitchener for a conference when they smelled food and heard music outside of that city's hall. It was an idea they wanted to bring home.
"We started calling our friends and people started coming together," Evergreen co-ordinator Linda Bruins said.
And so every Thursday in August, local music and food will be on display during from noon until 1 p.m. for an event called City Hall Sounds.
"I think this is a great way to spend your lunch hour and celebrate this beautiful spot," she said standing on McGillivray square Thursday afternoon.
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While it's a celebration of local arts and culture, it's also a crime reduction strategy. Bruins said studies show that the more a neighbuorhood comes together, the less crime it experiences.
"Once you sit and share food with people you're more connected," she said. "When you have a group of people together you're not afraid."
Local jazz artist Robin Ranger started the noon party this week. Next Thursday features Nathaniel Dupuis.
