Region of Durham launches roadmap for post-pandemic recovery

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council has approved the Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan (report 2020-COW-22)—a roadmap to recovery that considers supports for vulnerable residents, local businesses and the modernization of Regional services and programs.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Durham Region has continued to provide essential services while ensuring the health and safety of its community members. New programs and services were developed to meet the emerging and urgent needs of residents and businesses. This flexible and innovative mindset continues into the recovery phase; addressing pandemic-related recovery efforts and outlining steps to help build resiliency.

The plan is built on four pillars that complement the goals established in the new Durham Region Strategic Plan. The short-term focus and actions identified were driven by a Regional Recovery Task Force—with representatives from various sectors—to focus on the most urgent community needs and municipal best practices.

The four pillars of the plan include:

• Social Recovery contributes to the safety and well-being of Durham residents by identifying gaps and needs within our vulnerable sectors. It includes projects such as exploring mobile outreach models to meet the needs of marginalized populations; and considering additional health and medical needs—including service delivery in our long-term care homes.

• Built Recovery is centered on the Region’s ability to "build back better" by highlighting capital projects that support community well-being; advance economic development and climate change objectives; help create local jobs; and support essential services. Priorities include advancing the plans for rapid transit system infrastructure, expanding active transportation and proposing transformative, sustainable projects that feature widespread community benefits.

• Economic Recovery is designed to build a strong and resilient economy—one that maximizes opportunities for business and employment growth, innovation and partnership. Recovery actions focus on supporting and guiding local businesses; improving broadband infrastructure; supporting post-COVID business attraction; and demonstrating innovation through new partnerships and collaboration.

• Municipal Recovery focuses on financial sustainability and reimagining the safe delivery of modern Regional services, including leveraging technology to expand online program delivery options. It will also guide the restoration of Regional services as facilities begin to re-open.

A follow up report, scheduled for fall 2020, will provide an update on implementation and identify longer-term recovery action items. To learn more about specific recovery projects and actions taken to date, please visit durham.ca/recovery.

Quotes

“Our community worked together to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Moving forward, we will draw on this strength to help restore the programs and services that ensure our quality of life is second to none. We understand that everything we do will be different. As residents continue to show strong support for our local establishments, we are finding new channels to help rebuild our economy. This recovery plan is the first step towards the restoration of programs and services, enhancement of our local economy, and implementation of programs designed to improve environmental conditions.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“During the pandemic, our employees showed their capacity to undertake substantial and rapid change. The recovery period is an opportunity for the Region to build on this momentum and reinforce an enhanced philosophy of innovation and modernization. Although this emergency is not over, we want employees and community members to feel confident in the reopening of Regional programs and services. Our recovery and restoration plans are based, first and foremost, on important health and safety practices.”

- Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

“The Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan is Durham’s opportunity to build on the priorities established in our Strategic Plan, protect public health and safety, and incorporate what we’ve learned into modernizing our services. By addressing recovery in a holistic way, we can support economic recovery and environmental sustainability to strengthen community resilience.”

- Sandra Austin, Director, Strategic Initiatives

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For more information, contact Corporate Communications.