Community Services, Safety & Wellness

Goal: Improve access to mental and physical health supports

Supporting Actions:

• Liaise with the Peterborough Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee to stay informed of ongoing efforts for physician recruitment for unattached patients in the region.
• Advocate for expanded health care services including health care providers and facility upgrades (i.e. New Medical Centre).
• Support and advocate for expansion and sustainability of the Family Health Team structure in each Township.
• Advocate for a consistent transportation source for residents to access medical services in the City of Peterborough.
• Work with the relevant agencies on informative communication plans to support those struggling with mental health and/or addictions and their familial supports.
• Provide private space for residents to access internet for virtual medical appointments.
• Promote the TALK NOW Mental Health & Addictions clinic.
• Ensure no municipal barriers are in place for physical health opportunities.
• Support and encourage rural outreach for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic.
• Continued promotion of crisis line services and supports.
• Update or Adopt Master Recreation Plan to ensure a focus on physical health opportunities and programming.

Goal: Enhance community engagement and sense of connection

Supporting Actions:

• Establish or support existing community hubs that act as an access point and make it easier for residents to access the health, social, cultural, recreational, educational, and any other resources they may need in one spot.
• Launch a community education campaign on local programs and services available (i.e. 211 Ontario, Connex Ontario).
• Collaborate with community partners, user groups, and public libraries for social inclusion opportunities.
• Support, enhance, and promote community initiatives and programming for all demographics.
• Provide ongoing public engagement occasions.
• Encourage community volunteerism and participation.

Goal: Improve access to community support services and programs

Supporting Actions:

• Identify community support services and programs that are available.
• Identify areas of opportunity or improvement for services and programs.
• Improve accessibility and access to support services and programs within the community.
• Advocate for a consistent transportation source for residents to access local and surrounding amenities and social opportunities.
• Research the possibility of establishing a mechanism to distribute free personal hygiene kits for individuals in need.
• Continue to work collaboratively to build long lasting relationships with community partners and organizations.

Goal: Increase access to affordable, safe, and adequate housing

Supporting Actions:

• Work with community partners to support the vision identified in the Peterborough Housing and Homelessness Plan (2019).
• Promote supports available through Peterborough Social Services and Ontario 211.
• Advocate for diverse and innovative housing options.
• Ensure no municipal barriers are in place to support responsible growth.
• Improve service navigation.
• Promote secondary dwelling unit legislation (More Homes, More Choices Act, 2019).
• Explore opportunities to support diverse housing options (i.e. tiny homes, multi-residential units).