Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
All Niagara Region projects

About the Project

On June 24, 2021, Regional Council adopted Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, 2021-2025.

In collaboration with many partners, the Region's plan supports 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:

  • Is safe
  • Has a sense of belonging
  • Has access to services
  • Is able to meet their needs (either individually or as a family) for education, health care, food, housing, income and social and cultural expression

Benefits

The Community Safety and Well-Being Plan has a range of benefits for local agencies, organizations, frontline service providers and residents, including:

  • Enhanced communication and collaboration among agencies and organizations
  • Increased understanding of local risks and vulnerable groups
  • Ensuring services are provided to individuals with complex needs
  • Increased awareness, coordination and access to services for community members and vulnerable groups

Making our Communities Safer

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.

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.

Community Input

Engaging the community throughout the planning process was a critical piece to developing Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

Staff collaborated 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.

Project Timeline

january 2020 - completed
Established Advisory Committee

february - march 2020 - completed
Part I: Identify priorities

march - december 2020 - completed
Convene Community Recovery Planning Table

january - february 2021 - completed
Part II: Identify priorities

march - may 2021 - completed
Select strategies and determine outcomes

june 2021 - completed
Present Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to Regional Council

July 2021 - June 2025
Implement Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan

 

Contact

Michelle Johnston
Project Manager
905-980-6000 ext. 3812
Email Michelle Johnston

COVID-19 Update

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 resumed Community Safety and Well-Being Plan development in January 2021.

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