Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Approved

On March 18, 2025, Council officially approved the anticipated Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. This 10-year Plan is the result of a collaborative process, where the voices of our diverse community have come together to shape a framework for action and change. 

"We appreciate the dedication of our community as we move forward with the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. This Plan is essential in our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone in Kenora," shared Mayor Poirier. 

Building on the incredible work already underway in our city, the Plan embodies a shared vision for everyone to live, grow, and play in harmony. Designed to deliver meaningful progress while laying the groundwork for sustainable improvements in quality of life, this Plan is a joint effort involving the City, community organizations, and residents. Its successful implementation depends on a continuous collective commitment, emphasizing that ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is a shared responsibility for all. 

Priorities and goals of the plan

To achieve Kenora's vision as a place where everyone can live, grow, and play, the Plan includes seven goals, seven interrelated priority areas, 15 recommendations, and a total of 48 actions. 

There are seven goals of the Plan: 

• To foster greater collaboration across the community enhancing engagement and maximizing resources.
• To reduce the number of children and youth who are at risk of harm to self or others.
• To enhance safety and inclusivity in the downtown core—the heart of the community—as well as in surrounding neighborhoods.
• To increase the percentage of residents in Kenora who feel welcome and a sense of belonging by 25% within five years.
• To increase the housing stock across the housing continuum by 2030.
• To reduce inter-personal violence in the Kenora community by 25% by the year 2035.
• To strengthen individual and community well-being in the areas of mental health and addictions. 

There are seven Priority Areas, which include: 

• Collaboration and Communication
• Children, Youth, and Families
• Downtown and Community Spaces
• Belonging and Engagement
• Housing along the Continuum
• Prevention of Interpersonal Violence
• Mental Health and Problematic Substance Use (including Alcohol) 

How we got here

The journey to this momentous Plan began back in 2009 when the City transitioned to the Ontario Provincial Police, sparking a community-wide assessment of safety concerns. Through public forums and dedicated efforts, residents voiced their experiences, leading to the creation of a task force focused on vital issues such as drugs, mental health, and homelessness. This initiative has evolved into the Kenora Substance Abuse and Mental Health Task Force, which has continually secured funding and adapted strategies to meet community needs. 

In December 2023, Kenora embraced the provincial mandate to develop a comprehensive 10-year Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for 2025 to 2035. This involved forming the Crime Prevention and Community Well-Being (CPCWB) Advisory Committee, a dedicated City staff position, and engaging a consultant, Christiane Sadeler from More Better Solutions, to guide the development of this Plan. The expertise of a consultant was monumental in gathering local and relevant data through a comprehensive approach. 

“Through extensive consultations and community engagement efforts, we have gathered invaluable input from residents, stakeholders, and local organizations. This Plan is the result of their shared experiences and insights, and it is a testament to the strength of our collective commitment to building a safer and more inclusive community,” expresses Darcia Curtis, Chair of Crime Prevention and Community Well-Being Committee. 

Ways for the public to get involved

The success of the Plan relies on the active participation of our community. We invite all Kenora residents to join us in shaping our future through the following opportunities:

1. Subscribe to the City’s eNewsletter, The City Compass, to informed of Plan updates and community engagement opportunities.
2. Consider joining the Crime Prevention and Community Well-Being Committee by filling out the Committee Application.

1. Read and share the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to raise awareness about how to get involved and to understand its recommendations and actions.
2. Attend a CPCWB Advisory Committee meeting or review the meeting Minutes posted on the CPCWB Advisory Committee webpage. 

Looking forward

As we celebrate this significant achievement, we look forward to the journey ahead. The Plan will serve as our foundation for ongoing improvement and engagement over the next decade. Together, we will create numerous opportunities for community collaboration, ensuring that safety and well-being are shared responsibilities. 

For more information and to download the Plan, please visit our Community Safety and Well-Being Plan page.