Bruce County Council received an update from Community Safety and Well-Being.
During Thursday’s meeting, Sarah Pelton, the Coordinator for Grey Bruce Community Safety and Well-Being, says that the main goal of the project is “To achieve sustainable communities, where everyone is safe, has a sense of belonging, and opportunities to participate. Where everyone can meet their needs for healthcare, education, food, housing, income, and social and cultural expression.”
“Ultimately, this means that everyone is aware of these services, and how to access them for themselves and their clients,” says Pelton.
She says that the eventual impact of the CSWP initiative is a reduction of crime across the region.
Pelton told council that the ideal approach is to prevent crime through a number of collaborative avenues, rather than simply reacting to crime after it happens, focusing on risk intervention, prevention, and social development.
Community safety and well-being plans were legislated for all municipalities across the province with the Community Safety and Policing Act.
Pelton adds that for the coming months, they’re hoping to make their plans more well-rounded, saying, “Where gaps have been identified, we’re working together to address systemic issues through advocacy, investment, and long-term planning.”
The CSWB plan for this year includes focusing on public information sharing and community engagement, facilitating training for referrals and collaborations, and exploring ways to secure long-term funding.
