FAQs

• • An integrated approach to service delivery by working across a wide range of sectors, agencies and organizations to proactively develop and implement evidence-based strategies and programs to address local priorities related to crime and complex social issues on a sustainable basis.
  • The implementation of CSWB plans will mark a shift in focus from a reactive, response-based approach to incidents to a more proactive, holistic approach to community safety. The direct result of this shift will see a reduction in pressures on first responders, as the CSWB plan will focus on social development, prevention, risk intervention and incident response.

The Safer Ontario Act, 2018, requires that Ontario’s single-tier and regional municipalities prepare and adopt a community safety and well-being plan. All municipalities in Ontario must prepare a draft Community Safety and Well-being Plan and seek Council approval before January 1, 2021.

The Community Safety and Well-Being Plan will enhance how we collaborate with community partners, strengthen relationships and look to strengthen how we collectively coordinate services on issues related to safety and well-being.

The municipalities in Elgin are working collaboratively to develop a joint Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for the following municipalities:

• City of St. Thomas
• County of Elgin
• Town of Aylmer
• Municipality of Bayham
• Municipality of Central Elgin
• Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich
• Township of Southwold
• Township of Malahide
• Municipality of West Elgin

CSWB planning has a wide-range of positive impacts for local agencies/organizations and frontline service providers, as well as the broader community, including the general public. A few key benefits are highlighted below:

• • Enhanced communication and collaboration among sectors, agencies and organizations; 
  • Transformation of service delivery, including realignment of resources and responsibilities to better respond to priorities and needs; 
  • Increased understanding of and focus on local risks and vulnerable groups; 
  • Ensuring the appropriate services are provided to those individuals with complex needs; 
  • Increased awareness, coordination of and access to services for community members and vulnerable groups; 
  • Healthier, more productive individuals that positively contribute to the community; and 
  • Reducing the financial burden of crime on society through cost-effective approaches with significant return on investments. 

The Community Safety and Well Being plan work is being guided by the Province’s Community Safety and Well-Being Planning Framework. 

February – April 2020: Identify Risk Factors 

The Province defined risk factors as negative characteristics and/or conditions present in individuals, families, communities, or society that may increase social disorder, crime or fear of crime, or the likelihood of harm or victimization to persons or property in a community. We have used the Provincial Framework’s definition of risks, along with the Ministry’s list of risk and protective factors, to assist with the identification of risks and consulted with local stakeholder organizations to prioritize them.

April – May 2020: Engage the Community

Spring – Summer 2020: Develop the CSWB Plan

Fall 2020: Review the CSWB Plan

November – December 2020: All Councils review CSWB Plan

The implementation of CSWB plans will mark a shift in focus from a reactive, response-based approach to incidents to a more proactive, holistic approach to community safety. The direct result of this shift will see a reduction in pressures on first responders, as the CSWB plan will focus on social development, prevention, risk intervention and incident response.

A CSWB plan must include the following core information: 

• • Local priority risk factors that have been identified based on community consultations and multiple sources of data, such as Statistics Canada and local sector-specific data; 
  • Evidence-based programs and strategies to address those priority risk factors; and 
  • Measurable outcomes with associated performance measures to ensure that the strategies are effective and outcomes are being achieved.

The County of Elgin has been designated to lead a collaborative planning process with a Coordinating Committee and Advisory Committee.

Jennifer Kirkham (Mischevious Cat Productions) is the external consultant who will be working on this collaborative process.

The Coordinating Committee Members Include:

Wendell Graves, City Manager – City of St. Thomas

Mayor Joe Preston, City of St. Thomas

Councillor Steve Peters, City of St. Thomas

Chief Chris Herridge, St. Thomas Police Services

Jenny Reynaert, Chief Administrative Officer – Town of Aylmer

Mary French, Mayor – Town of Aylmer, Elgin County Councillor

Chief Zvonko Horvat – Aylmer Police Services

Julie Gonyou, Chief Administrative Officer – County of Elgin

Sally Martyn, Mayor – Central Elgin, Elgin County Councillor

Police Staff Sergeant Mike Butler, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Elgin Detachment

The Advisory Committee brings various sectors’ perspectives together to provide strategic advice and direction to the municipality on the development and implementation of the CSWB Plan. 

CSWB planning is being mandated to municipalities to ensure a proactive and integrated approach to address local crime and complex social issues on a sustainable basis. Municipalities will have a leadership role in identifying their local priority risks in the community and addressing these risks through evidence-based programs and strategies, focusing on social development, prevention and risk intervention.

It is important to remember that while the municipality is designated the lead of CSWB planning, developing and implementing a CSWB plan requires engagement from all sectors.

• • To achieve the ideal state of a sustainable community where everyone is safe, has a sense of belonging, access to services and where individuals and families are able to meet their needs for education, health care, food, housing, income, and social and cultural expression.
  • Ensure our community is better prepared for the ever-changing demands in our community.

CSWB planning supports a collaborative approach to addressing local priorities through the implementation of programs/strategies in four planning areas, including social development, prevention, risk intervention and incident response. By engaging in the CSWB planning process, communities will be able to save lives and prevent crime, victimization and suicide.

Further, by taking a holistic approach to CSWB planning it helps to ensure those in need of help receive the right response, at the right time, and by the right service provider. It will also help to improve interactions between police and vulnerable community members by enhancing frontline responses to those in crisis.

• • Insights and ideas shared by community members will inform the content of the plan and help identify any potential gaps. 
  • Input will help build the strategies and actions for the plan.