Murray Wood: Who's scary... and who's scary good?
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week, in a specia...
Regina residents can have their say about safety in the city.
On Friday, the city launched a survey asking people for input into the development of Regina’s first Community Safety & Well-being (CSWB) Plan.
“Cities across Canada are increasing their focus on community safety and well-being by recognizing that it cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the police,” Mayor Sandra Masters said in a media release. “Instead, we recognize that it is a responsibility we all share, requiring an integrated approach through social development, prevention and risk intervention.
“This is an opportunity to look closely at our community and understand how the needs of all residents are being met and where we need to focus attention to address the gaps.”
The city will base its plan on results from the survey as well as conversations over the coming months with groups including youth, seniors, women, Indigenous residents, newcomers, community service providers and residents of several Regina neighbourhoods.
The plan will try to address issues like poverty and inequality while also focusing on developing services for those dealing with mental illness, substance use challenges and homelessness.
As well, the plan will look for what the city called “more immediate interventions to prevent and reduce crime.”
“We’re looking at what currently exists and works well to support community safety and well-being, while also identifying needs and challenges,” said Diana Hawryluk, the city’s executive director of city planning and community development.
“Community engagement is very important to this process. We want to understand how residents currently perceive community safety and well-being in Regina, and to learn from their lived experiences.”
A report on the plan is to be delivered to city council by September.
