Local Councils Approve Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan for LaCloche Foothills
The Councils of Baldwin, Espanola, Nairn and Hyman and Sables-Spanish Rivers have all approved a new Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan for the LaCloche Foothills region. As the communities share many of the same service providers and organizations, the LaCloche Foothills Municipal Association agreed to the development of this Plan in consideration of all four municipalities and their residents.
The Plan was developed by Investigative Solutions Inc, consultants retained by the Town of Espanola, made possible through the Ontario Community Safety and Policing Grant 2019-2021 cycle for eligible Police Services Boards. The Plan development consisted of community engagement sessions with appropriate service providers in the region and a public survey. The analysis of community feedback highlighted four priority areas that were identified across all communities. The four priority areas outlined in the Plan are 1. Mental Health and Addictions, 2. Affordable Housing, 3. Access to Services and 4. Seniors.
A community wellbeing and safety committee structure and implementation strategy have been developed to ensure gaps identified through the community engagement process are being addressed. With several existing working groups and committees in the LaCloche Foothills area, a committee structure has been developed to acknowledge the work that is already being done and supports opportunities for these existing groups to take on lead roles in the implementation of this Plan.
“The Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers is committed to ensuring that our ever changing and growing population is valued and continues to thrive in these uncertain times” – Glenda Massicotte, Deputy Mayor, Sables-Spanish Rivers
“This plan, jointly developed by the LaCloche Foothills communities will over time lead to an improvement of services for all residents in the area.” – Bill Foster, Deputy Mayor, Town of Espanola
“The Township of Baldwin fully supports the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and its four areas of priority. This focused and collaborative approach will go a long way to better support our residents in accessing services in an equitable and efficient manner.” – Jo-Anne Boucher, Deputy Mayor, Township of Baldwin”
“I am very proud of all the LaCloche Foothills municipalities who came together with local partners to put together the area’s first Community Safety and Well Being Plan. This plan will provide the vital framework to improve the co-ordination, communication and collaboration needed to ensure a safe and supportive community for everyone.” – Belinda Ketchabaw, CAO Clerk Treasurer, Nairn and Hyman
“The Ministry of the Solicitor General’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Planning framework provides an interesting opportunity for municipalities to reflect on the needs of the community and to establish a plan that brings together relevant stakeholders. The Town of Espanola is excited to be partnering with the broader region on this very important initiative.” Joseph Burke, Town Clerk, Espanola
The full plan is available at the respective Municipal Offices of each municipality and on their websites and can be accessed at : https://www.espanola.ca/town-government/community-safety-and-wellbeing-plan