Niagara Region, in collaboration with many partners, is developing a plan to improve the safety and well-being of the community.
Community Safety and Well-Being plans support safe and healthy communities through a community-based approach to address root causes of social issues.
The goal of the plan is to create a community where everyone:
The Community Safety and Well-Being Plan has a range of benefits for local agencies, organizations, frontline service providers and residents, including:
As of Jan. 1, 2019, the Police Services Act requires municipalities to develop and adopt community safety and well-being plans working in partnership with a multi-sectoral advisory committee. The committee must include representation from the police service board and other local service providers (health, education, social services, children's services).
Our Community Safety and Well-Being Plan also aligns with Council Strategic Priority Two: Healthy and Vibrant Community. The goal of this priority is to foster a high quality of life through safe, healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods.
Engaging the community throughout the planning process is a critical piece to developing Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
We are currently collaborating with residents, individuals with lived experience accessing social and health services, business owners, educational institutions, service providers and service planning tables to make sure we have diverse perspectives and experiences from across Niagara.
january 2020
Established Advisory Committee
february - march 2020
Part I: Identify priorities
march - december 2020
Convene Community Recovery Planning Table
january - february 2021
Part II: Identify priorities
march - may 2021
Select stratgies and determine outcomes
june 2021
Present Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to Regional Council
july - september 2021
Implement Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
Michelle Johnston
Project Manager
905-980-6000 ext. 3812
Email Michelle Johnston
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted planned community consultation to gather feedback on safety and well-being priorities.
On April 14, the Province passed the Coronavirus Support and Protect Act, 2020. This cancelled the deadline for municipalities to adopt their community safety and well-being plans by Dec. 31, 2020. A new deadline has not yet been set.
In June 2020, our Advisory Committee shifted to focus on community recovery planning and the secondary impacts of COVID-19. This includes analyzing impacts on vulnerable populations already at-risk of harm or victimization before the pandemic.
The Advisory Committee plans to resume Community Safety and Well-Being Plan development in January 2021.