303B - Community Safety and Well-Being Planning: A Different Perspective

October 13, 2021

11:00AM - 11:30AM

RPPs are specialized professionals who work to improve the quality and livability of communities in Ontario today and for the sustainability of those communities in the future. But as “land use planners,” do we do this? Do we improve the quality and livability of communities for all or just some? What about our most vulnerable, those who are homeless, in need, in poverty? Do our plans and policy documents improve resident access to the services they need?
 
Across the province, communities are developing community safety and well-being plans (CSWP) as required by the Province. In Durham Region, this work is being led by the planning department. This has challenged us to think beyond the “picket fence,” to highlight the critical importance of planning for social infrastructure as our communities evolve and become more diverse.
 
A preliminary list of priority risk factors includes:
          Mental health
          Substance use 
          Homelessness and basic needs
          Criminal involvement
          Victimization
          Social isolation
 
This presentation includes:
          An explanation of how planners have approached the completion of the CSWP;
An overview of the changing demographics in our community from traditional planning sources (i.e. Statistics Canada) but also from our partners in health, housing, social services, paramedic services, and police departments;
How COVID-19 impacted the project and heightened our awareness of the pros and cons of technology in service delivery; and
A discussion about engagement with equity-seeking groups and Indigenous communities.
 
Essential questions:
          Why should planners care about CSWP?
How does technology play a role when attempting to engage with under-represented, marginalized, or racialized people/communities?
          Do planners have a complete picture of the social demographics of our communities?
What does a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens look like and how can planners apply it in their work?  
 

Speakers