Implementing York Region's first Community Safety and Well-Being Plan

Newmarket – York Region is putting the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for 2022 to 2026 into action, making significant strides to enhance the safety and well-being of residents.

First approved by York Regional Council in May 2022, the plan focuses on social development, prevention and targeted community-driven actions to achieve York Region’s Vision of strong, caring, safe communities where everyone feels like they belong, can access services and meet their needs.

“I am proud of the important work accomplished in the first year of implementing the Region’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. "Working alongside York Regional Police, local cities and towns, leaders in the community and residents, our collective strengths are championing initiatives and driving positive change across our communities. Together we are building communities where every person can thrive and reach their full potential.”

The six strategic objectives outlined in the plan are being achieved through proactive, locally driven actions. Notable accomplishments within the first year of the plan’s implementation include:

• Forming Community Action Tables - To support development and implementation of the plan, York Region formed Community Action Tables. Community groups are contributing to positive outcomes within the plan’s four focus areas, with 83% of the plan's 122 Community Action Table action items projected to be completed or underway by the end of 2023.
• Investing in community-led change - York Region will receive $7.3 million over four years to prevent and reduce underlying risk factors that lead to gun and gang prevalence in York Region. Six initiatives will help support plan implementation and will roll out over the agreement term. Earlier this year, York Region opened grant applications to non-profits and community groups aiming to support violence prevention through initiatives such as community events, art projects and youth programming.
• Working together on successful partnerships - York Region and York Regional Police continue identifying opportunities to align projects to foster stronger community relationships. In September 2023, York Regional Police and York Region were recognized for participating on a panel at the Safety of Our Cities Conference about approaches to implementing the plan in York Region. Local municipalities and community organizations have provided valuable support and insight as they continue to be key partners.
• Allocating resources to drive change - Securing and coordinating resources remain a priority, including funding to support local implementation and drive policy change. In May 2023, Regional Council approved the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan as a priority area under the Community Investment Fund.

“The impact of our work is strengthened by community connections and collaborations,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Chair of Community and Health Services. “Looking ahead, the plan will build on our successes to help inform future planning and preparations.”

Under the Police Services Act York Region is required to develop a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and report on progress. York Region will continue to implement the plan and further develop the Region's efforts to achieve its vision of strong, caring and safe communities.

To learn more, visit york.ca/CommunityAction

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact:

Tamara Ostrowski, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71226 Cell: 905-251-6412
Email: @email