In January 2019, new requirements for Community Safety and Well Being (CSWB) planning came into effect. The Police Services Act, 1990 (PSA) was amended, and municipalities across Ontario were instructed to develop and adopt a community safety and well-being plan in partnership with stakeholders and groups that are active in delivering services within our communities.
This multi-sectoral approach to community safety and well-being, recognizes that complex social problems cannot be addressed by police services alone and that local service providers, working in areas such as health/mental health, education, community/social services and children/youth services play an integral role. Another principle of this approach is the understanding that risks cannot be addressed in isolation. Too often information and services silos are created which limit response effectiveness, providing an inadequate service which does not take full advantage of available resources. The goal of CSWB Planning is to develop a guide for partners to communicate, collaborate and coordinate interventions and initiatives aimed at reducing risks and improving safety and well-being for all residents.
The CSWB Plan is a tool to address key social priorities for safety and well-being including, but not limited to:
- Mental health
- Poverty
- Safe movement around the area
- Employment
- Access to services
In early 2021, the area Chief Fire Officials were asked to move this planning process forward on behalf of the municipalities. An Advisory Committee was formed and included representation from the following agencies/communities: HANDS Family Network, Community Mental Health, Children's Aid Society, District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board, Community Paramedicine, Parry Sound High School, West Parry Sound Health Centre, and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
In the beginning of 2021, the Chief Fire Officials in the region were tasked with advancing the planning process on behalf of the participating municipalities. To facilitate this, an Advisory Committee was established, comprising representatives from various agencies and communities, including HANDS Family Network, Community Mental Health, Children's Aid Society, District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board, Community Paramedicine, Parry Sound High School, West Parry Sound Health Centre, and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Final Report: West Parry Community Safety and Well Being Plan
