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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2007-06-19SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES June 19, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Chair M. Haverla, M. Hogg, P. Ji-Taylor, T. Beaulne, and N. Cybulski. T. Bender, P Doherty and Ms. S. Franzen were in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: Ms. S. Adams, Director of Community and Corporate Planning Mr. M. Hildebrand, Interim Director of Community Programs & Services Ms. A. Grafstein L. Korabo, Committee Administrator 1. STREET GANG VIOLENCE Det. Mike Tonin, Waterloo Regional Police Services, gave a presentation on street gang violence within Waterloo Region. He advised that his role is to monitor street gangs within the Region; there is one other officer assigned at this time. At present, they monitor approximately 1,100 individuals in various gangs. Statistics indicate that only about 20% of gang-related incidents are reported. Det. Tonin noted that there are different types of gangs: • Youth - 3 or more kids, not considered part of criminal element; • Street - 3 or more people, organized, using a common name or symbol, form allegiances, demonstrate a pattern of criminal activity including fear and intimidation as defined under the Criminal Code of Canada; • Outlaw Motorcycle -Hell's Angels, more hands off; • Hate -Similar to street gangs but members can be involved in more than one type of hate gang; and, • Terrorists -Exist to raise funds for a cause (e.g. Tamil Tigers). The presentation covered the following topics: • Identification criteria for gang members; • Why kids turn to gangs; • Where do gangs recruit; • Initiation rituals; and, • Indicators of membership. As background information, Det. Tonin provided a brief history on traditional gangs which began in Illinois in the 1920's. Today's gangs are modeled after the original two; People Nation and Folk Nation. People Nation gangs use 5-point symbols and wear their clothing to the left whereas Folk Nation gangs use 6-point symbols and wear their clothing to the right. Some of the local gangs are: Stingers; Blood; Crips; and, Kings. In addition to wearing distinctive clothing, members also have tattoos that identify their gang and use hand symbols to let one another know of their affiliation. Det. Tonin noted that there has not been much success in getting members to leave gangs voluntarily as fear of retribution is high. He stressed the need for an `exiting program' which could help members wishing to leave do so successfully and help them become functional members of society. Councillor B. Vrbanovic thanked Det. Tonin for an informative presentation and asked what things he could identify as being necessary to help deal with the issue of gangs locally. Det. Tonin advised that the main thrust should be education -getting the message out to the community that there are gangs in the area. In addition, getting the anti-gang message out to children as young as Grade 6, and finally, an exiting program to assist any member wishing to leave a gang. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES June 19, 2007 -17- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. PREVENTATIVE SERVICES -KITCHENER MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCATION As Mr. P. Doherty had left the meeting, copies' of the informational work book entitled "Speak Out!" were distributed to members. This workbook is produced by Hockey Canada and outlines how minor hockey organizations are addressing the issue of violence in their sport. 3. "CREATING A CULTURE OF SAFETY IN KITCHENER" Ms. S. Adams advised that the planning group organizing the conference entitled "Creating a Culture of Safety in Kitchener" has been hard at work. The purpose of the conference was two fold: to address the issue of the perception of safety in the downtown; and, to bolster community safety and security across the city. The planning group has met three times and is comprised of a varied membership which offers a good cross-section of feedback and input. The two-day conference will be held September 20 - 21, 2007, and attendance will be by invitation only. All affected stakeholders in the community will be invited to send representation and it is hoped that attendees with different ages and backgrounds will provide a fair representation of our community. It was noted that a funding shortfall has been identified by organizers and Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that this funding will be provided from the Corporate Plan account. 4. 2007 WORKPLAN Mr. M. Haverla distributed copies of the Committee's draft workplan for 2007-2008, commenting that the working group is presenting today to obtain feedback from the members and, ultimately, approval to move forward. However as time for discussion was no longer available, Mr. Haverla asked if the Committee could schedule a special meeting during the summer break to continue discussions on the workplan thereby not stalling the progress made to date. Councillor B. Vrbanovic agreed that this was possible but noted that a quorum of members would be required to attend. He directed that the Committee Administrator canvass the membership regarding availability during the summer and then discuss options with him. In anticipation of a possible summer meeting, members were asked to review the information distributed today and consider any input they would be prepared to give. It was noted that some of the action items in the workplan were very broad statements that may need refining to more detailed timelines. It was suggested that established sub-committees could continue meeting in the interim. 5. REPRESENTIVE -OLDER ADULTS STRATEGY SEARCH CONFERENCE Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that the Community Programs and Services Division of the Community Services Department has started work on developing a strategy looking into the future needs of a changing adult demographic. He noted that all Advisory Committees are being asked to partner in this initiative by providing input. The facilitated session will be held on June 26, 2007. Ms. T. Beaulne offered to represent the Committee. 6. NEW BUSINESS Mr. M. Hildebrand provided a brief update on a report concerning graffiti he recently presented to the Community Services Committee. Staff is working on developing a new strategy in its continued fight against graffiti, particularly in the Downtown. He noted that at some point in the future he maybe coming back to this Committee and requesting discussion on preventative methods. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES June 19, 2007 -1 $- CITY OF KITCHENER Linda Korabo