City survey probes community safety, well-being

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This article was published 30/07/2024 (663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Brandon is looking for input and feedback from Brandonites about how they perceive community safety and well-being.

Citizens are being encouraged to complete the 103-question survey that includes how they feel about walking alone in their own neighbourhood and walking alone downtown — during the day and at night.

Space is provided after several questions for people to share their thoughts about living in the Wheat City, including the accessibility and affordability of sports and recreation, green spaces, arts and cultural activities.

Additional questions are designed to gauge the person’s physical health, mental health and emotional well-being in Brandon, and if their current level of income is meeting the person’s everyday life needs.

The survey is funded by the provincial justice department in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities and is part of developing Brandon Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

This is the first step in “multiple public consultation measures,” which will include focus groups and other forms of engagement, according to a news release from the City of Brandon.

“To enhance community safety and well-being for Brandon residents, we need a comprehensive strategy that addresses issues such as poverty, inequality, mental health, substance use, and homelessness,” the release says.

“This initiative seeks to identify safety concerns within the community and develop a systematic plan to implement long-term, preventative solutions that address the underlying causes of these safety and well-being challenges.”

The information in the survey will help the city evaluate successes, identify obstacles and recognize what is not being met when it comes to community needs.

Brandonites can either complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BMVJYYZ or request a paper copy by sending an email to cswbplan@brandon.ca.

The survey takes about 30 minutes to complete with additional questions that ask, “How much would you say that local government/municipal efforts have improved the quality of life and well-being of your community in the last 3 years?”

Another question poses, “On a scale of 1 – 5, how supported do you feel by Prairie Mountain Health?”

Shannon Saltarelli, the citys community housing and wellness coordinator, said the city is looking to engage with every member of the community.

“Our aim is that everyone will feel encouraged to convey their stories to us, allowing us to develop a comprehensive plan,” Saltarelli said.

“Creating a plan together with community involvement significantly increases our likelihood of effectively tackling the unique challenges we face.”

Survey responses are accepted until Oct. 31, with results expected by the end of December. For more information about the Community Safety and Well-Being plan visit https://brandon.ca/community-safety-and-well-being-plan.

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