News release: October 22, 2020
Regional Council adopts Peel’s first Community Safety and Well-being Plan (2020-2024)
The Plan drives collective action towards creating a safe, inclusive and connected community where all residents thrive
Brampton, ON. (October 22, 2020)– Today, Regional Council unanimously adopted Peel’s first Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Plan. Shaped with inputs from over 400 community members, including 25 organizations representing emergency services, school boards, health and social service providers and governments, the Plan provides a roadmap for making Peel a safer and more inclusive community.
Rooted in a shared direction, the initial 4-year Plan aims to tackle the areas of family violence, mental health and addictions, and systemic discrimination. The Plan focuses on the needs of youth and families. Working towards this shared direction is a critical step in achieving meaningful change. However, success will require long-term commitment, investment, focus and continued passion from plan partners, organizations and residents.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this Community Safety and Well-being Plan. As our work shifts from planning to action, we must continue giving voice to community knowledge and experiences through a broad, inclusive effort so that, together, we will make a difference in building safe, equitable and connected communities across Peel,” said Nancy Polsinelli, Co-chair of the CSWB System Leadership Table and Commissioner of Health Services.
Earlier this year to support the CSWB Plan, Regional Council endorsed a motion for a community-developed plan to put more Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Teams on Peel streets. These teams partner a crisis worker from Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin with a specially trained Peel Regional Police officer to defuse and de-escalate 911 calls for mental health crises.
"Peel Regional Police has commenced the implementation of our Community Safety and Well-being plan as a framework for everything that we do. This Plan supports a safe and healthy society through a community-based approach to address the root causes of collective issues. The ultimate goal of the CSWB Plan is to achieve sustainable communities where there are coordinated efforts across systems to meet the needs of our communities. Collaboration at the highest level is essential to the success of the plan; it will allow us to prioritize and address developing safety and well-being issues as they arise. To sum it up, it's all about a safer community, together," said Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Co-chair of the CSWB System Leadership Table.
In the coming weeks, CSWB Plan partners will formally sign a commitment to drive the Plan forward. In November, a campaign will launch to raise awareness on family and intimate partner violence.
Through a variety of strategies including advocacy, communication, systems mapping, improved data collection, continued engagement and awareness, and cross-sector collaboration the Plan will create and sustain meaningful change.
To learn more about the Plan, visit peelregion.ca/community-safety-wellbeing-plan.
Quotes from CSWB Plan partners:
- “I have been pleased to represent the City of Brampton in the collaborative efforts of multiple partners across the Region to develop a Community Safety and Well-being Plan. Although community safety entails many aspects, we have identified the urgency of three key areas: family violence, mental health and addictions, and systemic discrimination, while recognizing that this is just the beginning. Brampton looks forward to continued collaboration as we implement the recommendations in the CSWB Plan and work towards a safer, more inclusive and connected community where all residents thrive.”
Michael Palleschi, Regional Councillor, City of Brampton
Member, Extended Leadership Table for Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan
- “As Caledon continues to grow, it is crucial that we have a plan in place that helps break down barriers and supports those most in need. By bringing all community partners to the table, the Plan will ensure that we are working together towards a common goal.”
Johanna Downey, Regional Councillor, Town of Caledon
Member, Extended Leadership Table for Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan
- “The City of Mississauga is very supportive of the CSWB Plan and as the Council representative on the team, I look forward to implementing the recommendations. Working with the team of dedicated organizations and staff for the past two years has been inspiring. This was not just an exercise but a strategy to identify and deal with the needs of our residents. I am confident that this focused approach will result in a safer and healthier community for all.”
Pat Saito, Regional Councillor, City of Mississauga
Member, Extended Leadership Table for Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan
- “Sheridan cares deeply about advancing well-being in the communities we call home. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the collaborative development efforts behind the Peel Community Safety and Well-being Plan. We’re committed to contributing our expertise, raising awareness among our students and employees, and working with our municipal partners to bring the strategies in the plan to life.”
Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor, Sheridan College
- “Sheridan is proud to support Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan as a long contributor to Peel’s social and economic well-being through our education mandate. By sharing our institutional strengths in research, innovation, creative problem solving -- and our faculty expertise in equity, social justice, health promotion and community safety – we’re eager to deepen our collaboration with community partners to advance the resilience and well-being of the Peel community, which we’re proud to call home.”
Dr. Michael O’Leary, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies
- “Supported and empowered families, responsive services, meaningful opportunities for children and youth, and the elimination of systemic discrimination - these are all critical ingredients for a healthy and inclusive community. We are honoured to work alongside the over 25 community organizations in the creation of Peel’s first Community Safety and Well-being Plan and we remain committed to collective action. Together, we are here to help.”
Rav Bains, CEO of Peel Children’s Aid
- “CMHA Peel Dufferin is extremely proud of the new Community Safety and Well-being Plan and we believe that this is a real opportunity to tackle some of the biggest issues in mental health through collaboration with partners from across the spectrum of health and social services. The focus on mental health as one of the priorities emphasizes the work that we all need to keep doing to accomplish mental health for all.”
David Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin
- “Caledon is a growing and innovative community with evolving demands and an increasing population. By being a part of the Community Safety and Well-being Plan development process, Caledon OPP is showing its commitment and investment in our community’s safety, today and in the future. Working together with our various partners in health care, education, social services, and with local community groups enhances the safety of all residents within Peel.”
Staff Sergeant Marcus Sanderson, Operations Manager, Caledon OPP
- “We are pleased to be a part of the Community and Safety Well Being CSWB Plan. This plan provides us with the opportunity to come together as a community to address some of the most pressing issues in Peel. We look forward to working with Regional Council, community partners, and the people of Peel to make our community a safer more supportive place where families can thrive.”
Sharon Mayne Devine, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin
Plan development participants:
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Media contact
Anas Ansari
Communications Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 416-846-1586
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
