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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2010-09-14SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p. m. Present: Ms. K. Kwiatkowski, Chair Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Ms. L. Booth, Ms. T. Beaulne, Ms. D. Ahluwalia, Ms. S. Franzen and Messrs. B. Pegg, P. Doherty and D. Pellerin. Staff: L. Palubeski, Manager of Program and Resource Services J. Metzger, Crime Prevention Council L. Korabo, Committee Administrator DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE Mr. D. Pellerin provided a brief update on economic development projects as of August 2010 and also commented on arts and culture priorities as reported to the Downtown Advisory Committee (DAC). Topics included: employment lands; 2011-2014 economic development strategies; Downtown Strategic Plan; and, the Kitchener Public Library expansion. In addition, he advised that DAC has reviewed ideas for the Civic Centre development. Three design charettes were held to brainstorm ideas for the park area to be developed on top of the underground parking garage. No final design has yet been selected. Ms. J. Metzger asked if CPTED principles were being used for the Civic Centre project design and it was confirmed that CPTED is part of the City's site plan development /approval process for all new development and has become an integral part of the planning process. Ms. L. Palubeski advised that she will follow-up with staff to determine if there is an opportunity for this Committee to become involved with the Downtown Strategic Plan. CANADIAN CENTRE FOR DISABILITY STUDIES - LIVABLE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES RESEARCH PROJECT Ms. T. Beaulne provided background information regarding the Canadian Centre for Disability Studies (CCDS) development of a comprehensive knowledge-based framework to address the needs of Canadians with long-term disabilities who are aging. She advised that the Social Planning Council of K-W has been partnered with the CCDS for 2'/2 years and was a participant in Phase 1 of the research study, conducted in the City of Waterloo and the Township of Woolwich. Phase 1 used test tools provided by the CCDS to determine how livable Waterloo and Woolwich are for adults /seniors with disabilities as they proceed through the aging process. Ms. Beaulne advised that Phase 2 will build on information in hand and will expand to six working groups in Ontario from the current two, one of which will focus on our community. Ms. Nancy Cherry, Project Coordinator, Livable and Inclusive Communities Research Project, distributed a project overview and invited the Committee's participation in the Kitchener working group as part of Phase 2. Participation could involve appointing a representative to be a member and bring information back to the Committee or individuals could participate on the working group as community members if there is personal interest. Ms. Cherry advised that this phase of the project will focus on the planning processes that contribute to the development of livable and inclusive communities for adults and seniors with disabilities. Members of the working group will be asked to provide input into tool development and testing that could be implemented locally. The process will involve exploring challenges and limitations of current local planning practices; identifying key issues at the local level; and seeking more responsive planning aimed at people aging with disabilities. It is unknown at this time if this Project will affect change; however, it is hoped that Phase 2 will teach participants to be better able to plan collaboratively for the livability and inclusivity of this segment of the population. In addition, participants will gain an increased network of contacts within the community and acquire new information that may be useful in their own areas of influence. In closing, Ms. Cherry outlined the time commitment required for participation. Ms. D. Ahluwalia asked if the Project was looking for participants representing the diverse community and it was noted that the perspective of members representing different areas SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CANADIAN CENTRE FOR DISABILITY STUDIES - LIVABLE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES RESEARCH PROJECT (CONT'D) would be welcomed. Ms. Beaulne commented that it was hoped a balanced group of representatives would be engaged that would support enough discussion to determine where the Project's efforts would be the most effective and what tools would be of the most benefit. Ms. K. Kwiatkowski suggested that members take some time to think about whether or not it would be valuable to appoint a member to participate in this working group. This matter will be further discussed at the Committee's October meeting. She noted that individuals could contact the SPC directly and put their name forward at any time. 3. MUNICIPAL ELECTION PROJECT -CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL Ms. J. Metzger advised that during the 2006 Municipal Election, the Crime Prevention Council (CPC) produced a series of short videos on the topic of crime prevention. The videos were produced in CD form with the cover incorporating a list of components that aid in effective crime prevention. This initial project evolved into an education campaign with members of the CPC attending before area municipal councils and giving information presentations. Planning is underway again for a similar endeavour related to the 2010 Municipal Election. A task force is driving this project and has created questions to be posed to all municipal candidates. The resulting responses on matters related to community crime prevention and community safety will be made available to the public and the media. Some of the questions will be included in candidate debates being broadcast on Rogers TV over the coming weeks. The Committee was asked if it saw a role that it could play in the development of this Project and it was pointed out that the Committee is advisory in nature to Council and staff only and should not participate in an official capacity in this Project. Individual members of the Committee were encouraged to participate if they had a personal interest. A suggestion was made that the Committee could review the questions being posed as an education tool for learning more about what the CPC does in the community. In addition, a link to the CPC's website will be provided to members. 4. COMMITTEE PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL Members were advised that each Advisory Committee is required to make a presentation to Council summarizing their work during the current term. This presentation will be made at the November 8th Community Services Committee meeting. Ms. K. Kwiatkowski and Ms. L. Palubeski will put together the presentation but input from members is welcomed. This item will be put on the October agenda for discussion. Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that the presentation by the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) included a series of items /recommendations to carry forward to the next appointed ACAC. He commented that this was a good idea from a continuity perspective and suggested that this Committee look at including this type of information in their presentation. 5. NEW BUSINESS Ms. L. Korabo advised that the term of the current Committee is ending on November 30, 2010. Members who are interested in applying for re-appointment are asked to complete an application form and submit it prior to the October 1St deadline. Ms. L. Palubeski provided an update on the recently held 911 Tournament; however, advised that the amount of monies raised has not been finalized. She also advised that another golf tournament run by staff chose the Youth Grants Program as its beneficiary and provided a $3000. contribution from that tournament. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p. m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator