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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2006-02-07 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: D. Schnarr, Co-Chair Councillor B. Vrbanovic, S. Bergstra, P. Doherty, S. Fohring, M. Harris, C. Schneider, A. Bender, L. Franzen. Staff: C. Sadeler, Interim Director, Community Programs & Services L. Korabo, Committee Administrator 1. FOREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTRE SAFETY AUDIT / SURVEY Mr. D. Schnarr advised that he had been involved with the Forest Heights Community Centre Safety Audit / Survey and that a two-pronged approach was decided upon in order to identify concerns in a pro-active manner. The first component was circulation of a safety audit to staff and users of the Forest Heights Community Centre; the second, the conducting of safety audits of the facility and site. With regard to the safety survey, Mr. Schnarr advised that surveys were distributed to volunteers, instructors, staff and users of the Centre. These surveys asked questions surrounding the user's feelings of safety while using the Centre. Two hundred surveys were distributed during December via the front desk and at a community Registration Day. Thirty surveys were returned (15% response rate). Mr. Schnarr summarized the results as follows: · 30% had no concerns; · 25% had concerns regarding teenagers hanging around on the site (eg. playground equipment); · 11 % had concerns regarding outdoor lighting levels and the entrance to the Centre; · the balance were miscellaneous 'one off' issues. User concerns regarding lighting related mostly to the parking lot as it is lit with 'low level' luminaires. It was noted that positive comments had been received regarding the overall design of the building and its maintenance. Two site safety audits have already been completed with one more scheduled. The audits looked at general impressions of the Centre when entering, as well as lighting and signage. A problem has been identified regarding general sight lines within the building as the office is located in such a manner that staff cannot see the parking lot area. Issues were also identified regarding isolation and entrapment areas within the building and potential escape routes. Mr. Schnarr will compile all of the statistics from the safety audits and survey for presentation to the Committee, with recommendations for consideration. 2. UPDATE - 'BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE' Ms. J. Porter and Ms. J. Meyer, Outreach Workers, provided an update on the 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place' program. Ms. Porter gave a brief background of the program and a summary of the outreach work she and Ms. Meyer perform with street level sex trade workers. Ms. Porter advised that they act as advocates for the workers and also liaise with social agencies which are available to provide a variety of assistance measures. They also provide harm reduction supplies as required. In addition, agency referrals are provided and meetings are conducted with staff within these agencies to provide whatever benefit is needed by the sex trade workers. Ms. Porter stated that their defined goal is to determine what these women want and assist them in obtaining it. It is hoped that sustained funding will be available for this program in the future and that a diversion program could also be established. The program has been successful as it has been observed that more workers are now referring 'new' workers to the Outreach program and SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2006 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. UPDATE - 'BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE' (CONT'D) agencies are also making more referrals. In response to a question from Mr. S. Bergstra, Ms. Porter advised that statistics are kept on the distribution of harm reduction supplies as well as on who is being referred to whom and by whom. In the past, funding has been received from the Federal government and it was noted that the Region of Waterloo is also applying to various agencies for additional monies for the program. Several members of the Committee commended the efforts of the Outreach Workers and the 'Between a Rock and Hard Place' program. Mr. C. Schneider asked if an increase in the number of workers has been noticed and Ms. Porter noted that the women are becoming more visible on the street; however, this should not be translated into increased prostitution activity. This is a reflection of the fact women who would otherwise be operating from crack houses are now on the street and therefore, more visible to the public. Ms. Porter commented that over the past year, she and Ms. Meyer have met many more women as they have been able to establish more lasting relationships and connections. At this point, the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned due to an emergency situation within City Hall. Linda Korabo Committee Administrator