Mr. Leo Gil is joined by Ms. Mary Birch to deliver the Windsor Essex Regional Community Safety and Well-Being Plan presentation as appended to the Agenda. Rob Maisonville, CAO for the County of Essex, sends his regrets as he is unable to attend this meeting. The intent of the presentation is to provide an update to the Members on the current status of the Windsor Essex Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (Plan).
Mr. Gil provides an overview of the legislative requirements and framework to prepare and adopt a Plan. He notes that the deadline for completing the Plan has been extended due to COVID-19, a date yet to be determined by the Province. The Plan is developed in collaboration with regional municipalities and includes appendices for each municipality. A regional approach has been taken to reduce duplicating advisory committees which could include the same representatives of the municipalities. The Plan provides an integrated approach to service delivery planning that involves multi-sector partnerships to proactively enhance, or develop strategies, to address local priorities related to crime and complex social issues.
Mr. Gil highlights key project updates and the current status of the project. He outlines the online public consultations approach with various key dates for public engagement in the remainder of 2020 to April 2021.
The Mayor opens the floor for questions.
A suggestion is made to have the virtual Town Hall meetings available at night to allow opportunity for all residents to participate. Mr. Gil comments that they are targeting the meeting time for the afternoon. He notes the online survey as another opportunity for residents to engage in feedback as it will be available for a week duration.
A suggestion is made to have each municipality host a session for public feedback on the Plan.
In response to an inquiry on the Police Services Board participation, Mr. Gil explains OPP Inspector, Glen Miller, is a part of the leadership team developing the Plan.
A Member recommends that the Plan have mechanisms for continuous feedback towards improvement. Mr. Gil explains the Plan will be a living document that is intended to be adaptable and support future strategies.