Residents can have their voice heard on the Region’s new Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWP)

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region is developing a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWP), as required by the new legislative amendments to the Police Services Act. This will be undertaken in a collaborative manner with Durham Regional Police Service, a steering committee, community partners and members of the public.

To assist in the development of our CSWP, the Region wants to know the main issues people who live or work in Durham are facing. Residents can provide their feedback through a survey on durham.ca/CSWP for a chance to win a FitBit. The survey will be open until March 31.

“We all want a community where everyone has a sense of safety, belonging and access to services; a place where educational, health care, food, housing, income, social and cultural expression needs are met,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “To build an effective plan, we need expertise from across various departments and agencies. Together, we can ensure that Durham remains a great place to live, work, invest, play and learn.”

A CSWP involves approaching service delivery in an integrated manner by working across a range of sectors, agencies and organizations; assisting partners whose mandate is focused on community safety and wellness. The CSWP will identify strategies and programs to address local priorities (e.g. risk factors, vulnerable groups, etc.) related to crime and complex social issues, on a sustainable basis.

“Durham Region is growing quickly, and our demographics are changing,” said Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer. “Having a plan will give us a sense of shared ownership for community safety and well-being. It also provides us with an opportunity to enhance our many initiatives that are already in place, such as the Durham Region Strategic Plan, Priority Neighbourhoods Roundtable, the Financial Empowerment Framework, and the Durham Connect Table.” 

In November, the Region hosted the first Community Partner Roundtable, which featured a presentation from the provincial government, as well as a facilitated group discussion.

The CSWP is being led by a Steering Committee, which includes City of Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. This team is also being supported by two executive sponsors—the Region’s Chief Administrative Officer and the Durham Regional Police Service Chief. The Steering Committee met for the first time in November and will meet regularly throughout the process.

In January, the Region met with area municipal staff to share data, learn more about the rick factors impacting communities and gather feedback on the process to date.

"Community safety and well-being have always been about an engaged community. The safest communities are those in which neighbours know and care for each other; where support services are available; and where citizens feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need it. This plan will help strengthen these bonds across Durham Region and we are very supportive of its development. We look forward to building new partnerships to keep our communities safe," said Paul Martin, Chief of Police, Durham Regional Police Service.

For more information, including project updates, opportunities to participate, and full rules and regulations on the contest, please visit durham.ca/CSWP.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.