York Region marks success of plan to aid Newmarket Heights

One year after enactment, York Region says safety and well-being plan working well to help several regional communities

Newmarkettoday.ca
Dec. 11, 2023
Joseph Quigley

York Region is celebrating the strides of its community safety and well-being plan that has helped benefit communities like Newmarket Heights.

First approved in May 2022, the plan focuses on social development and targeted community-driven outcomes in select communities throughout York Region. The region released a progress report in November highlighting the program successes about a year in.

York Region chair and CEO Wayne Emmerson said he is proud of what the plan has been able to achieve.

“Our collective strengths are championing initiatives and driving positive change across our communities,” Emmerson said. “Together, we are building communities where every person can thrive and reach their full potential.”

The plan created action tables for several communities in York Region identified as needing help based on statistics. The Newmarket Heights table was one of these, receiving support through funding and initiatives like tenant advocacy.

The progress report said of 122 actions identified for the plan going from 2022 to 2026, 83 per cent are projected to be underway or complete by the end of the year. Actions have included community engagement, events and workshops targeted at local needs. The region has also secured $7.3 million in federal funding over four years to help implement the plan.

“The plan will continue its strategic and collaborative efforts to foster thriving, safe and caring communities,” the report said.

Other initiatives have included quick-action grants meant to enable community groups to do actionable projects to better the community. The Newmarket action table has also spent time focusing on tenant advocacy and helping residents know their rights as tenants as the Newmarket Heights area has experienced concerns regarding unfair evictions.

The province mandated the plans under the Police Services Act to help with crime prevention in the long term. The region said the plan and federal funding can help reduce underlying risk factors that lead to gun and gang prevalence in York Region.

“The impact of our work is strengthened by community connections and collaborations,” Vaughan Regional Councillor and York chair of community and health services Ginoa Rosati said. “Looking ahead, the plan will build on our successes to help inform future planning and preparations.”