Smart on Crime: Making the connection between community safety and community vitality in Waterloo Region
Our new strategic plan – Smart on Crime 2015-2018 – is now available!
In 2015 we consulted with nearly 1,500 people in Waterloo Region, including the Friends of Crime Prevention, through telephone and online surveys and focus groups to help us navigate our road ahead. Thanks to all of you who participated.
What we heard was a resounding general understanding of root causes of crime. We are encouraged by the idea that the community understands why crime happens and how it can be prevented. This translates into many local actions that will contribute to community safety and vitality. The full data is captured in the report “Root Causes of Crime in Waterloo Region Consultation Report” available on our website.
Over the next four years, the Crime Prevention Council will focus its efforts in three key areas:
- Youth
- Neighbourhoods
- Building the momentum for Smart on Crime
We hope to do this work alongside our Friends of Crime Prevention and many other individuals and community partners.
Details of the plan are available online at www.smartoncrime.ca.
Regarding your focus on Neighbourhoods,
Do you have any information or research on what our community considers a “neighbourhood”, how our community defines neighbourhoods in general; why do neighbourhoods matter; and social vs physical neighbourhood needs.
I’m involved with the Social Development Centre Community group who are exploring this. Any information sharing would be appreciated, thanks.
Hi Maureen – this is a big, big question with not one simple direct answer. I will try to dig a few things up for you. On a side note, these are exactly the kind of questions the City of Kitchener is struggling to understand as part of their Neighbourhood Strategy development. The engagement phase will start in May and they should have a draft strategy by the end of the year. For more information, read here and check out their frequently asked questions… You will see that everyone defines neighbourhood differently!
Back to you soon, Maureen.
~Juanita