No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-01 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 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, Ms. E. Clarke, Ms. J. Nicholls and Messrs. M. Farwell, D. McKlusky and W. Rahimi Staff: Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services Ms. L. Korabo, Committee Administrator WE BELONG WATERLOO REGION 1. Mr. Cameron Dearlove, Executive Director, Bridges to Belonging (B2B) Waterloo Region, provided an overview of this community organization which supports adults with developmental disabilities and their families to plan for and build a good life within the community. B2B was established in 2010 and operates with a focus on building a community that is inclusive and provides a sense of belonging. He spoke of inclusion and belonging as being societal core values and to the differences between an inclusive community and a community where all people feel they belong. Mr. Dearlove noted that changes mandated to make facilities more accessible have helped adults with disabilities feel more included but may not have added to their sense of belonging. Mr. Dearlove introduced the ‘We Belong Waterloo Region’ community advocacy campaign (webelongwr.ca), recently launched through social media channels. The Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation provided the funds to establish the website, purchase t-shirts and launch the campaign. The campaign tells stories about belonging and encourages people to take action. He asked Committee members to consider contributing stories for the website and to also share this information throughout their networks. Mr. Dearlove shared a website video featuring many of the adults in the program. B2B supports individuals with disabilities but has invited other community organizations to participate in this campaign; several organizations (e.g. Kitchener Rangers, Neruda Arts, etc.) have agreed to partner. In addition, residents are contributing stories and are inviting / challenging others to take action to support belonging (e.g. organize street potluck). In response to a suggestion from the Committee, Mr. Hildebrand agreed to arrange for informational brochures on the Bridges to Belonging organization and the ‘We Belong Waterloo Region’ initiative to be available at community centres. In closing, Mr. Dearlove encouraged Committee members to share stories and contribute to the ‘We Belong Waterloo Region’ campaign. A question was raised about the possibility of sharing this information with neighbourhood associations in Kitchener, as some may like to become involved. It was suggested that information could be shared at the annual Neighbourhood Summit and also at the upcoming Festival of Neighbourhoods celebration. Mr. Hildebrand concurred that these two events would provide good opportunities to share campaign information and agreed to forward staff contact information to Mr. Dearlove in order to initiate a discussion. Mr. Dearlove thanked the Committee for its interest and noted the campaign is currently slated to run into the Fall, after which time it will be evaluated and a decision made on whether or not to extend / expand or conclude it. INTERNATIONAL DRUG OVERDOSE AWARENESS 2. Mr. D. McKlusky reported the International Drug Overdose Awareness event was held at City Hall on August 31, 2016, thanks to a City of Kitchener facility grant which covered the cost of the space rental. He advised that he would not be asking the Committee to provide any funds towards costs. Mr. McKlusky stated the event was very successful and was launched by Police Chief Bryan Larkin who gave a timely message on the topic of drug use. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER INTERNATIONAL DRUG OVERDOSE AWARENESS (CONT’D) 2. The Committee was advised that twelve community partners set up information tables in the City Hall Rotunda and the keynote speaker for the event was Christine Padaric who lost her son to an accidental drug overdose. In addition to the speaker and information tables, Sanguen Health Centre partnered with Region of Waterloo Public Health and had their community van in Carl Zehr Square, providing Naloxone training and additional support for anyone interested. Mr. McKlusky commented on the excellent coverage of the day by the local media and also shared that food was donated by Domino’s Pizza. Mr. McKlusky advised members that the Committee’s support was acknowledged at the event and also noted his thanks for the City of Kitchener facility grant which allowed the event to be held in the square and at City Hall. Mr. McKlusky stated that, in his opinion, the location of the event was the key to its overall success. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 3. Councillor S. Marsh reminded members that recruitment for the Committee’s next two-year term begins on September 6, 2016.She encouraged members to re-apply. ADJOURNMENT 4. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator