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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-07 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Mr. A. Bieronski – Chair Councillor S. Marsh, Councillor D. Schnider, Ms. J. Nicholls, Ms. L. Roberts, Ms. J. Metzger, Ms. D. Christiaen and Messrs. M. Farwell, C. Letizi, J. Pelich, D. McKlusky and W. Rahimi Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services Ms. D. Campbell, Manager of Community Resource Centres Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY 1. Ms. M. Drake, Project Manager, attended to provide an update on the City’s proposed Neighbourhood Strategy. Ms. Drake advised that following a review of the comments received during the 27 neighbourhood events, as well as facilitated sessions with several groups including this Committee, it was decided to develop a consistent brand and a hashtag (#lovemyhood) to assist with marketing and communication efforts. The Committee was advised that a community partners meeting was held in November 2015 where the 45 people in attendance were asked questions relating to the role of community partners; a second meeting with this group will be held in the near future. Ms. Drake also noted an invitation to participate in the 2015 Neighbourhood Association Summit was received. The Neighbourhood Strategy team held discussions with two groups and posed questions related to the concept of ‘neighbourhood’. Plans are underway to host a meeting for all neighbourhood associations during the month of February 2016. In response to the feedback received and as a means to provide information quickly, a document of ‘Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQs) has been developed and will be posted on the website in the near future. Ms. Drake also outlined activities which have been scheduled in advance of the community engagement process launching in April and continuing until August 2016. A Family Activity Book has been developed and will be distributed in schools. As well, an Adult Colouring Book is planned and will be featured at a March 9, 2016 event at THEMUSEUM. Social media has been used to share stories of neighbourhoods across the City and Ms. Drake commented that many areas of the city are still in need of a spokesperson. The Committee requested a listing of neighbourhoods requiring a story to be shared be circulated as information. With regard to the upcoming community engagement process, Ms. Drake reviewed the list of nine engagement principles to be utilized as part of the three streams of engagement, being: creative; conversational; and, online. In conclusion, Ms. Drake shared the list of stakeholder categories to be consulted and requested feedback on missed categories or upcoming events which could be targeted. Ms. D. Christiaen suggested attending the annual Tri-Pride event and will share contact details. SYRIAN REFUGEE SETTLEMENT – UPDATE 2. Mr. M. Hildebrand introduced Ms. A. Tanner, Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Kitchener, who will provide a briefing on the current situation of Syrian refugee resettlement in Kitchener and to outline the coordinated community response in place. He indicated that Ms. Tanner’s position relates to the City’s Emergency Plan wherein a framework exists to coordinate with area municipalities and the Region of Waterloo on matters which affect various areas. This framework is being used to coordinate efforts to receive Syrian refugees as Waterloo Region has been identified as one of six Ontario reception centres for resettlement of government assisted refugees. Ms. Tanner advised that Waterloo Region is expected to receive more than 1,000 government assisted and privately sponsored refugees over the next several months. In order to properly prepare for their arrival, local municipalities, community emergency management coordinators SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2016 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER SYRIAN REFUGEE SETTLEMENT – UPDATE (CONT’D) 2. and various settlement providers have been meeting to ensure a collaborative and coordinated approach to planning for and facilitating their arrival. A Refugee Resettlement Steering Committee has been created along with the following working groups to help coordinate the community’s response: Safety and Security; Communications; Community Emergency Management Committees and Interim Lodging Sites (ILS); International Skills and Employment; Education; Children’s Services; Health Care and Mental Health; Housing; Community Integration and Language Support; Volunteers and Donations; and, Transportation. It is anticipated that approximately 420 refugees will arrive in the Region prior to the end of February 2016 with a steady flow for the remainder of the year. Ms. Tanner advised that, in some cases, private sponsorship groups having been receiving as little as one day’s notice of their family arriving. Ms. Tanner provided an update on the activities of several of the working groups, highlighted as follows: Establishment of a centralized website to serve as a hub of information for the public (www.WRwelcomesrefugees.ca) as well as the activation of the ‘211’ number as a call centre for those wishing to obtain information via the telephone. Identification of sites to be used as ILS within Waterloo Region and the auditing of same for suitability. Note: This has been put on hold with the government’s decision to use military sites as ILS. In the interim, a reporting structure to prepare for the management of an ILS is in place, if needed. The Housing working group held a forum with realtors and property owners and has reached agreement regarding a management system for an online housing registry. Properties which have been registered are being vetted and work will commence to match refugee families in the community with offered housing options. School administrators with both boards have been provided with an online toolkit and resources to help them welcome newcomers. An information session with similar information will be held for those privately sponsoring refugees. Donations received will be matched by the K-W Community Foundation (up to $400,000). The Health Care and Mental Health working group has developed streamlined screening and intake points and is looking into language / translation support for hospitals and mental health support in schools. Issues around employment (credentials, language, etc.) are being identified. STATUS OF SUBCOMMITTEES 3. Mr. M. Hildebrand advised the work plan, as attached to the agenda, was modified slightly to provide for additional clarity regarding some items as well as the inclusion of milestones and applicable dates. He reminded members their current Committee appointment expires on November 30, 2016; therefore, everyone was requested to review their work plan commitments and consider whether the delivery of various milestones was realistic. The Committee was informed of the resignation of Ms. N. Bird. Mr. C. Letizi volunteered to take on a leadership role for the Inclusion / Belonging Grant review in place of Ms. Bird and offered to connect with her to obtain all information regarding the resources already in use. Fostering Inclusion, Participation and Belonging Ms. J. Nicholls advised the sub-committee had drafted an action plan which includes engagement of marginalized populations and providing educational opportunities for staff to allow support of various cultures and beliefs. Ms. Nicholls noted that she and Mr. W. Rahimi participated in a facilitated workshop at the Victoria Hills Community Centre to gather feedback on how to better engage various SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2016 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER STATUS OF SUBCOMMITTEES (CONT’D) 3. populations and build connections throughout the community. The Centre has had success with outreach and information was shared on ways to spread their positive experiences to other community centres. Ms. D. Campbell, Manager of Community Resource Centres, has been working with this sub- committee and commented that staff working in neighbourhoods where Syrian refugees will be located will receive training on best practices to create a welcoming environment. It is hoped this training can be scheduled within the next two months, after specific locations and training needs have been identified. Ms. Campbell is considering conducting an evaluation following the training to determine its level of effectiveness. The Committee suggested residents who have experience as an immigrant be asked to provide input on how to make the training more beneficial. Mr. M. Hildebrand inquired as to staff resourcing for this action and funding for the required training. Ms. D. Campbell will identify which staff should receive training and will also investigate a facilitator to deliver same. She will report back to the Committee on both matters and may request some funding assistance. Physical Environment and Safety With regard to actions and milestones for this sub-committee, Mr. M. Hildebrand commented that most milestones did not have dates attached to them and he questioned whether the sub- committee would be able to complete them prior to the end of the term. Mr. D. McKlusky agreed there may be too many items on the work plan to accomplish. It was suggested the sub-committee meet prior to the next full Committee meeting and agree upon a list of actions which could reasonably be completed. Mr. M. Hildebrand volunteered to schedule this meeting, the outcome of which will be tabled at the February 2016 Committee meeting. With regard to the action to host a Jane’s Walk in 2016, Ms. J. Metzger stated that meetings will shortly be scheduled for anyone interested in becoming involved with planning, promotion and co-ordination of a Jane’s Walk. Public Awareness Raising Mr. M. Farwell will compile a list of outreach and planned advertising to increase participation in City events, community centre and neighbourhood activities and City spaces through the increased use of communication and access to information, and will report at the March 3, 2016 Committee meeting. On a related matter, Mr. M. Hildebrand will follow-up regarding the proposed new full-time staff position for digital communication after the adoption of the 2016 budget. INCLUSION/BELONGING GRANT – COMMUNICATIONS PLAN 4. Mr. M. Hildebrand advised he met with Communications & Marketing Division staff to discuss their capacity to develop a communications plan for the Inclusion / Belonging Grant. He noted this request was favourably received and he is awaiting further information regarding resourcing and timelines and will bring this information back to the Committee at a future date. Mr. Hildebrand indicated that some of the Committee’s funds may need to be allocated towards costs for some aspects of the communications plan (e.g. brochures). He was also requested to provide an update on the Committee’s budget at the February meeting. COMMITTEE LOGO 5. Mr. M. Hildebrand reported back on the Committee’s previous request to have a logo developed for its use at events, on brochures and on materials related to the Inclusion / Belonging Grant. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2016 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER COMMITTEE LOGO (CONT’D) 5. Mr. Hildebrand discussed the request with the Communications & Marketing Division and advised there is a strict policy in place regarding the use of logos. As the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to Council, it may not develop / use its own logo. A suggestion was made by staff that the Committee consider using the name of the Committee in text format along with the City’s corporate logo in order to identify its participation as required. Members agreed to use text and the City logo but requested an opportunity to consider options regarding the wording to be used. Mr. Hildebrand will request several options from Communications staff and bring them forward at the next Committee meeting. ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator