HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 8, 2024Community Safety and Well-Being
Advisory Committee Agenda
February 8, 2024
7:00 pm
Electronic Meeting
For information related to accessibility requirements please contact:
Committee Coordinator
905.420.4611
clerks@pickering.ca
Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream.
Page
1.Review and Approval of Agenda
2.Disclosure of Interest
3.Approval of Minutes
3.1 November 9, 2023 Meeting Minutes 1
4.Delegations/Presentations
4.1 Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Strategy Update
Jaclyn SanAntonio, Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Clara Addo-Bekoe, Manager, People & Culture Pickering Public Library
5.New Business
5.1 Community Safety & Well-Being Draft Plan
Final Edits & Discussion
5.2 2023 Annual Report & 2024 Work Plan 7
5.3 Homelessness Subcommittee Mandate 10
5.4 Highway Traffic Act Update
CS 36-23
11
5.5 Neighbourhood Watch Update
5.6 Scheduled March Meeting
6.Other Business
7.Next Meeting – March 14, 2024
8.Adjournment
Page 1 of 6
Minutes/Meeting Summary
Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee
November 9, 2023
Hybrid - Electronic Meeting
Main Committee Room
7:00 pm
Attendees: L. Appelbohm
C. Bamford
D. Magagna
A. Muhammad
P. Patel
C. Paxton
M. Kenworthy
M. Eskins, DARS Inc.
Councillor S. Butt
E. Knox, Community Safety and Well Being Advisor (Staff Liaison)
J. Currie, Legislative Coordinator (Recording Secretary)
L. Gibbs, Division Head, Culture and Community Programming
J. SanAntonio, Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Absent: K. Hamilton
J. Larendowicz
A. Rizvi
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include deadline
as appropriate)
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
1. Review and Approval of Agenda
The Committee reviewed the agenda.
Agenda approved.
2. Disclosure of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
3. Approval of Minutes
Moved by C. Bamford
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Page 2 of 6
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include deadline
as appropriate)
That the Minutes of the August 17, 2023, Meeting of the
Community Safety & Well Being Advisory Committee be
approved.
Carried
4. Delegations/Presentations
Councillor S. Butt welcomed L. Gibbs as Acting Division
Head, Culture and Community Programming.
4.1 Recreation and Parks Master Plan Presentation
L. Gibbs provided an overview of the Recreation and Parks
Master Plan 2024-2034 with an outline of the Project
Timeline. L. Gibbs noted that Pickering is in Phase 3:
Community Consultation and provided an update on the
Community Engagement Strategy, including a city-wide
survey, the dates of five focus group sessions, four
Charette’s, and a youth engagement partnership. L. Gibbs
invited committee members to complete the City wide Survey,
attend one of the organized Charette’s, and share feedback.
A link to more information pertaining to the Recreation and
Parks Master Plan, the Community Survey, and the Public
Open House Schedule can be found at
letstalkpickering.ca/RPMP.
Discussion ensued with Committee Members regarding:
• the Recreation and Parks Master Plan being a broad
study utilized to prioritize City projects that does not go
down to a granular level, but that new facilities moving
forward would include specific items such as universal
washrooms/changerooms;
• having sent Private Schools invitations to participate in
addition to the Catholic and Public School Boards;
• asset management being included in the Plan and
issues of repairs and if there are warranties;
• the issue of homelessness in Pickering, the use of
facilities, and how services should be provided, and;
• cricket and pickle ball being the fastest growing sports
in Pickering and Southern Ontario, and that there is
work being done to meet this growing need.
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Page 3 of 6
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include deadline
as appropriate)
4.2 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy Update
J. SanAntonio provided an update on the Equity, Diversity,
and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy. J. SanAntonio provided an
overview of the multi-year EDI Strategy, noting the ongoing
need for an EDI Strategy that is informed by internal and
external sources of consultation and is consistently evolving
with the community. J. SanAntonio highlighted a high-level
summary of preliminary findings of the consultation.
Discussion ensued between Committee Members regarding:
• the current war in the Middle East and how it is
affecting Pickering residents;
• what work is being done to address bullying in relation
to increased instances of islamophobia and
antisemitism;
• connecting with community leaders, supporting a more
fulsome education in the community, increasing
information sharing and dispelling misinformation;
• directing enquiries to the appropriate community
resources;
• the EDI Strategy being embedded in all City practices,
and the importance of emphasizing EDI in the
framework that informs each of the City of Pickering’s
policies and procedures;
• the difference between addressing EDI among City
Staff versus City Council;
• a long term vision of a career curriculum, and that part
of the EDI Strategy is to explore different models and
best practices, and;
• the importance of accountability in reference to Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion.
5. New Business
5.1 Proposed Virtual Community Safety and Well-Being
Advisory Committee Meeting – Thursday, February 8,
2024 @7pm
Moved by C. Bamford
That a Community Safety and Well Being Committee meeting
will be held virtually, on Thursday, February 8, at 7pm.
Carried
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Page 4 of 6
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include deadline
as appropriate)
5.2 Highway Traffic Act Amendments Council Resolution
#195/23
E. Knox provided a summary of the proposed Highway Traffic
Act Amendments.
L. Gibbs provided clarification that the Regional Council
Resolution #195/23, Highway Traffic Act Amendments are to
be provided as a request to amend in writing to the province.
Discussion ensued between Committee Members regarding:
• clarification that the Region of Durham will be providing
the written request to the province, and;
• clarification that the recommended amendments to the
Highway Traffic Act would expand the Automated
Speed Enforcement beyond School Zones and that the
mandatory 90-day advanced warning requirement be
reduced to 10 days for initial deployments.
Moved by A. Muhammad
That the Community Safety and Well Being Committee
endorses the Highway Traffic Act amendments.
Carried
5.3 Intimate Partner Violence – Council Resolution
#235/23
E. Knox confirmed that an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
epidemic has been called and that IPV has been incorporated
into the draft Community Safety and Well-Being Plan as
Priority 2.6.
5.4 DARS Shower Program Renewal – council Resolution
#302/23
E. Knox provided for the Committees information, that the
DARS Shower Program Renewal was approved by Council at
the October 23, 2023, meeting. Application for renewal is not
required until the end of 2024.
5.5 Draft Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Updates
E. Knox provided an update on the draft Community Safety
and Well-Being Plan. The Plan was brought to Council at the
November 6, 2023, Executive Committee Meeting by L.
Gibbs. E. Knox noted that the status of the establishment of
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Page 5 of 6
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include deadline
as appropriate)
the Homelessness Taskforce was brought forward at the
Executive Committee Meeting and that the CSWBAC should
begin to discuss items such as composition and objectives
that the Taskforce may include.
Discussion ensued between Committee Members regarding:
• approaching local churches and mosques to open
dialogue regarding the Homelessness Taskforce, and
the existing services and value they already offer;
• a focus on wrap around services;
• the difficulty in providing appropriate assistance to
those who choose encampments rather than available
shelters;
• those experiencing homelessness having a lack of trust
of those providing services being a barrier;
• the benefits of receiving the input of those who have
experienced encampment living;
• the urgency to address issues such as regional versus
municipal responsibilities and the need for
municipalities to step in, and how the Homelessness
Taskforce can contribute;
• the benefit of day availability for those who will be
joining the Homelessness Taskforce;
• DARS received funding from the Region and is
partnered with Peace Lutherans Church, and will host a
Thursday night hub, opening doors to those who are
unhoused, in situations of extreme weather conditions;
• working with local businesses;
• going beyond providing housing and incorporating wrap
around services;
• seeking alternate solutions to traditional shelters such
as collaborative or cooperative housing;
• connecting with Point In Time (PIT) Survey to
determine the demographics of those experiencing
homelessness to provide context of various supports
that may be beneficial;
• DARS being the PIT count contact for Pickering;
• inviting Durham Region Police Services to join the
Homelessness Taskforce, to provide familiarity with
police to those experiencing homelessness, to limit fear
and trauma;
• how to address those experiencing homelessness and
their pets;
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Page 6 of 6
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include deadline
as appropriate)
•education regarding donating items that are
considerate of the usefulness to those in need;
•DARS FaceBook page being a valuable resource;
•considering that many of those experiencing
homelessness have various histories and that we have
a homelessness epidemic as well as a mental health
epidemic, and;
M. Kenworthy left the meeting at 8:45pm.
•the City of Pickering having very giving communities
who donate quality items, and that those in need
deserve dignity and should feel good about receiving
donations.
C. Paxton left the meeting at 8:50 pm.
At 8:50 pm the meeting was adjourned due to the loss of
quorum.
The remaining agenda items will be considered at a future
Meeting.
5.6 Neighbourhood Watch Update
6. Other Business
None
7. Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2024
8. Adjournment
Meeting Adjourned: 8:52 pm
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Memo
To: Mayor Ashe [click and insert date]
Members of Council
From: Elaine Knox
Community Safety & Well-Being Advisor
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
(Acting) Director, Community Services
(Acting) Division Head, Culture and Community Programming
Subject: Community Safety & Well-Being Advisory Committee
-2023 Year End Report & 2024 Work Plan
The Community Safety & Well-Being Advisory Committee (CSWBAC) is pleased to submit, for
Council’s information, the 2023 Committee Report and 2024 proposed Work Plan.
2023 Year End Report
In 2023, the CSWBAC was established. There was a total of three committee meetings held. The
committee contributed to the following initiatives:
•Creation and establishment of Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Draft Plan,
priorities, and action items.
•Reviewed, and participated in the creation of Phase 1 Community Consultation, inclusive of
survey questions, outreach, and marketing plan. Analyzed survey results to provide input in
edits to draft plan.
•Reviewed, provided advice, and participated in the: Recreation and Parks – 10 Year Plan,
Draft Community Safety & Well-Being Plan, Draft Corporate Strategic Plan, and the Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. Members of the CSWBAC participated in the creation of
their Terms of Reference, projected goals, and objectives for the Committee.
•Reviewed and provided endorsement of the following community safety and well-being
initiatives:
o Draft CSWB Plan
o Phase 1 Community Consultation Plan
o Highway Traffic Act Amendments, Council Resolution #195/23
o Incorporating Intimate Partner Violence in CSWB Draft Plan, Council Resolution
#235/23
o Dedicated Advocacy Resource Support (DARS) Shower Program Renewal
o Vulnerable Sector Training, provided in partnership with Christian Faith Outreach
Centre (CFOC)
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"[Click here and type date]" Page 2 of 4
"[Click here and type Subject]"
o Phase 2 Community Consultation Plan
• Reviewed and provided feedback on the 2022 Annual CSWB Report
• Advocated for updates and action items in pertinence to Neighborhood Watch initiatives.
• Participated in annual update to Council
2024 Work Plan
The CSWB Advisor has several projects and initiatives planned for 2024 which include, but are
not limited to:
• Procedure Development
o Housing Insecurity
▪ Establishing procedures for front-line staff to engage, assist, and empower
housing insecure individuals in the community.
▪ Establishing encampment procedures for City staff to respond appropriately
across departments and treat individuals with compassion, empathy, and
respect for those experiencing housing insecurity and their belongings.
o Shower Access
▪ Establishing procedures for volunteers and City staff to support.
o Wellness Checks
▪ Establishing procedures for safety and security of community wellness
checks across departments and community partners.
• Outreach and Training
o Community Safety & Well-Being Plan Awareness
▪ Providing outreach to ensure our Pickering community is aware of the CSWB
Plan, and how they can interact with our platforms and have their voices
heard during the process.
o Community training sessions
▪ Providing community training sessions for the public and City staff alike. For
example, providing public Naloxone Training, providing training on building
inclusive communities from an Anti-Oppressive Framework. Examples
include Identity (gender, race, class, religion), Phobias (homophobia,
transphobia, xenophobia), Ism’s (racism, ageism, sexism, ableism, classism)
and their intersectionality.
• Community Needs Assessment
o Establishing a community needs assessment to determine viability for alternatives
for overnight sheltering.
o In partnership with the Homelessness Subcommittee, and Pickering-serving
community organizations, investigate and assess current wrap-around services for
our vulnerable populations and advocate for necessary improvements. For example,
consideration of Social Services Access Point in Pickering.
• Traumatic Events Response Plan
o Establishing a response plan for traumatic community events, in partnership with
Durham Regional Police Services and Victim Services.
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"[Click here and type date]" Page 3 of 4
"[Click here and type Subject]"
The CSWB Advisor has ongoing planning which will be presented to the CSWBAC for
consultation:
• Finalizing CSWB Final Plan and endorsement
• Development of the 5-year CSWB Implementation Plan
• Creating 2023 CSWB Annual Report
• Planning Advisory Committee Presentations and Stakeholder Engagement. Examples
include Dedicated Advocacy Resource Support (DARS) Inc., Ajax Hub, Road Safety,
Housing & Affordability Plan presentations
• Supporting Durham Regional Police Services in Neighborhood Watch initiatives
• Creating a public education campaign around Community Safety
• Continuing to support the Region of Durham’s efforts to lead and implement the Region’s
Community Safety & Well-Being Plan*
• Collaborating with Durham Regional Police Service to promote safer communities*
• Working with various staff to prioritize safety in the design of municipal infrastructure*
• Collaborating with various staff to enhance safety through direct service and program
delivery*
* Strategic Actions identified in the City of Pickering Corporate Strategic Plan (2024 -2028)
The CSWBAC has the following projects and initiatives planned to investigate further in 2024
which include, but are not limited to:
• Forming a Homelessness Subcommittee
o The Homelessness Subcommittee (HS) will identify key priorities and coordinate
opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement and provide community
input on matters relating to Homelessness & Basic Needs. This may include the
development of related policies, supporting advocacy and communication initiatives,
and providing advice on actions for consideration to the Community Safety & Well-
Being Advisory Committee (CSWBAC).
Work of the CSWBAC also includes:
• Consult on community safety and well-being action items and proposed work plans.
• Provide feedback to staff on the development of community engagement initiatives related
to community safety and well-being.
• Act as community safety champions and look for opportunities through community
partnerships and engagement initiatives that focus on enhancing sense of belonging and
celebrating social and cultural expression.
• Review new policy and procedure documents developed to support community safety and
well-being.
• Report to Council Annually through the committee’s work plan.
[click and insert author/typist initials]
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Community Safety & Well-Being Homelessness Subcommittee
Mandate
The Homelessness Subcommittee (HS) will identify key priorities, coordinate and support
opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement, conduct research as required, and
provide input on matters relating to Homelessness & basic needs. This may include the
development of related policies, supporting advocacy and communication initiatives, and
providing advice on actions for consideration to the Community Safety & Well-Being Advisory
Committee (CSWBAC). The Subcommittee will work in co-ordination with Durham Region, other
levels of government, and community organizations to explore how best to address the needs
of the housing insecure population to include services for mental health, substance use, wrap-
around services, and the assessment of transitional/supportive housing in Pickering.
The Subcommittee is comprised of non-voting members, with final decisions of action items
presented and voted on by the CSWBAC.
Composition
The HS shall have a membership of:
•Two (2) Community Safety & Well-Being Advisory Committee (CSWBAC) members;
•Two (2) Community Stakeholders/Organizations*
•Community Safety & Well-Being Advisor;
•Division Head, Culture & Community Programming;
•Durham Region Representative, Housing Services; and
•Resident with lived experience, including service sector experience in social services,
housing, outreach, mental health, youth-at-risk, or directly impacted by homelessness.
*The Committee may invite additional representatives from social service
agencies/organizations and/or other stakeholders as required that have subject matter expertise
to share information and resources, identify service needs and provide feedback to the
Committee for their consideration.
The term of the HS will reflect the term of the CSWBAC.
The Subcommittee will appoint a Chair, to be nominated by a member of the Subcommittee and
receive a majority vote to hold the position. Duties of the Chair include soliciting agenda items
from Committee members, facilitating the meeting by identifying the order of proceedings and
speakers, interpreting, and determining questions of procedure, ensuring active participation by
all Committee members, maintaining decorum, and following up on action items with Committee
members and Staff Liaisons.
Schedule
The HS meets quarterly, on a set week and day to be determined at the first meeting.
Meetings will be planned for a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the CSWBAC meetings to allow
sufficient time to inform the CSWBAC Agenda.
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Pickering Civic Complex | One The Esplanade | Pickering, Ontario L1V 6K7
T. 905.420.4611 | F. 905.420.9685 | Toll Free 1.866.683.2760 | clerks@pickering.ca | pickering.ca
Sent by Email
December 15, 2023
The Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria
Minister of Transportation
777 Bay St,
5th Floor,
Toronto, ON M7A 1Z8
minister.mto@ontario.ca
The Honourable Paul Calandra
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
777 Bay St,
College Park, 17th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
minister.mah@ontario.ca
Subject: (Acting) Director, Community Services, Report CS 36-23
Highway Traffic Act Amendments
-Community Safety and Well-Being Committee
File: A-1400
The Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering considered the above matter at a Meeting
held on December 11, 2023 and adopted the following resolution:
A copy of Report CS 36-23 is attached for your reference.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned at
905.420.4660, extension 2019.
Yours truly,
1.That Report CS 36-23, regarding Highway Traffic Act Amendments, Community Safety
and Well-Being be received;
2.That further to the recommendation of the Community Safety and Well-Being
Committee, that Council be requested to send a letter to the Ontario Minister of
Transportation and the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing requesting an
amendment to the Highway Traffic Act s.205.1, to allow municipalities to locate a
temporary Automated Speed Enforcement system on any roadway under the
jurisdiction of the municipality, as determined by the municipality, and not restricted to
only community safety zone and school safety zones; and,
3.That the letter be copied to the local area Minister of Provincial Parliament, the
Association of Municipalities in Ontario, and all Durham Region area municipalities.
Corporate Services Department
Legislative Services
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Report CS 36-23 – Highway Traffic Act Amendments December 15, 2023
Page 2 of 2
Susan Cassel
City Clerk
Encl.
SC:am
Copy: The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP, Pickering-Uxbridge
Nicole Cooper, Director of Legislative & Information Services, Town of Ajax;
June Gallagher, Municipal Clerk, Municipality of Clarington;
Chris Harris, Clerk, Town of Whitby;
Fernando Lamanna, Clerk, Township of Brock;
Debbie Leroux, Clerk, Township of Uxbridge;
Mary Medeiros, City Clerk, City of Oshawa;
Ralph Walton Interim, City Clerk, Township of Scugog;
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO);
Chief Administrative Officer
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