Guelph, Ont.’s Strategic Advisory Group unveils plan to address inclusiveness and safety
Global News
The plans has six priorities aimed at making the downtown more welcoming and safe for residents and visitors.
The City of Guelph, Ont., is out with an operational plan designed to make the downtown area more welcoming, and for residents and visitors feel safe.
The plan comes from the Strategic Advisory Group, a subcommittee of the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness and Community Safety.
The advisory group is made up of Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie and Shakiba Shayani, president of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce as co-chairs.
The group also consists of MP Lloyd Longfield, MPP Mike Schreiner, Chief of Police Gord Cobey, directors of front-line service agencies, and staff from the County of Wellington.
In a news release, the operational plan consists of six priorities: accelerating permanent supportive housing, expanding daytime and overnight services and facilities, enhancing safety, strengthening resilience and prevention, making changes for acute needs, and advocating for policy and system change (including funding from upper levels of government).
“We know there are individuals in our downtown and across the city who are suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness,” said Shayani.
“That’s having a negative impact on businesses and others accessing our downtown.”
Shayani added that waiting for the perfect solution isn’t an option.