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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 11, 2026 Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Electronic Meeting June 11, 2026 - 07:00 PM Present: L. Appelbohm C. Bamford M. Kenworthy J. Larendowicz A. Muhammad P. Patel C. Paxton A. Rizvi M. Eskins, DARS Inc. J. Kamalanathan, Durham Region E. Knox, Community Safety and Well Being Advisor J. Currie, Legislative Coordinator Regrets: K. Hamilton D. Magagna Councillor S. Butt Land Acknowledgement E. Knox read the Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement. Review and Approval of Agenda Moved By C. Bamford That the agenda for the June 11, 2026, Community Safety and Well Being Advisory Committee Meeting be approved. 1. 2. 1 Carried Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. Approval of Minutes April 9, 2026, Meeting Minutes Moved By C. Bamford That the Minutes of the April 9, 2026, Meeting of the Community Safety & Well Being Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Delegations/Presentations Jeanne Ng, MJMA Architecture & Design, Architect City Centre Park J. Ng and H. Lee, MJMA Architecture & Design, appeared before the Committee via electronic connection and provided an overview of the proposed design elements for the Pickering City Centre Park. With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, the delegates outlined the proposed concept, which included expanded green space, a central gathering area, an ice trail, and an amenity building. The delegates provided a summary of public consultation completed to date and anticipated future engagement activities. A question and answer period ensued between the Committee Members, J. Ng, and H. Lee regarding: whether Indigenous elements had been incorporated and whether consultation with First Nations had occurred; • how interactions with unhoused individuals had been considered, including safety for all users; • whether an area for needle disposal had been included;• availability of designated parking and access to public transit;• the feasibility of dedicated transit connections; and,• potential building shadow impacts on the park.• 3. 4. 4.1 5. 5.1 Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 11, 2026 2 New Business Homelessness Subcommittee Updates C. Paxton provided an update regarding upcoming initiatives, including the World Homelessness Day event, airing of the This is Home Documentary, and the Whiskers and Wellness program. Training and Education E. Knox provided an overview of upcoming training and education opportunities, including an online Egale Canada training session, First Peoples Group training, and a lunch-and-learn regarding menopause. E. Knox advised that staff were seeking opportunities for neurodivergence awareness programming and potential partnerships with Durham Regional Police Service regarding fraud and scams awareness. E. Knox requested feedback on a draft City procedure regarding a human rights-based approach to housing insecurity and encampments, and noted that staff training would be considered once the procedure was finalized. Events and Programs E. Knox provided an overview of completed programs held in May 2026, including a session facilitated by the Durham Elder Abuse Network regarding recognizing and responding to elder abuse, a community safety meeting regarding homelessness supports featuring the Regional street outreach team, and the annual safety, self- defence, and walking home workshop led by Master Joan Richard. E. Knox also provided an overview of upcoming events and programs, including a scam prevention workshop, mobile cervical cancer screening clinics, an Alzheimer Society of Durham Region presentation regarding aging and the senses, and a movie night in collaboration with the Food Bank. E. Knox further advised that community events included an open house and barbecue at St. Paul’s on the Hill and a fundraiser hosted by the Windsor family in support of the food bank, Animal Services, and DARS. Durham Region Community Safety and Well Being Updates Janisha Kamalanathan, Durham Region J. Kamalanathan, Durham Region, appeared before the Committee and provided an overview of the updated Durham Region Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Plan, which focuses on upstream intervention and collective impact 6. 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 11, 2026 3 through seven priority risk factors. J. Kamalanathan shared a video showcasing initiatives from the Plan. Other Business Committee members discussed the potential of collaboration between the Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee and the Road Watch Committee. Next Meeting E. Knox noted this was the final meeting of this Committees Term and Committee Members expressed appreciation for the Committee's work. Adjournment Moved By J. Larendowicz That the meeting be adjourned. Carried The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. 7. 8. 9. Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 11, 2026 4