Community Services, Safety & Wellness

1.1    Expand Community Based and Mobile Health Services

Support and advocate for the expansion of community-based clinics, mobile
health teams, and pop-up health services, with a particular focus on rural and
underserved areas. Mobile health teams can deliver care directly to residents
who face transportation, mobility, or financial barriers. This approach enhances
access for rural populations, older adults, and low-income residents, while
helping to reduce demand on emergency departments and acute-care
services.

1.2    Strengthen Partnerships with Local Health and Social Service Providers

Strengthen and formalize collaborative partnerships among local hospitals,
primary care providers, mental health and addictions agencies, Indigenous
organizations, and non-profit service providers. Improved coordination of care
and the development of shared service pathways will enable residents to
navigate the system more efficiently, reduce duplication, and enhance overall
service delivery. This integrated approach supports a seamless continuum of
care and leads to improved outcomes through shared resources, knowledge,
and expertise.

1.3    Advocate for Workforce Recruitment and Retention

Collaborate with provincial and local partners to attract and retain healthcare
professionals, including family physicians, mental health clinicians, and
addictions specialists. Efforts will focus on addressing persistent workforce
shortages and ensuring residents have consistent, timely access to high-
quality care. Strengthening the healthcare workforce is essential to improving
long-term system capacity and maintaining sustainable service delivery.

2.1    Increased Investment in Affordable and Supportive Housing

Prioritize capital investments, land contributions, and planning support for non-
profit, co-operative, and supportive housing providers. This includes leveraging
County and municipally owned lands for affordable housing development and
maximizing opportunities through provincial and federal funding programs.
These actions will help increase the supply of affordable housing for low- and
moderate-income households, seniors, and individuals requiring additional
supports.

2.2    Use Planning and Zoning Tools to Enable a Greater Range of Housing Options

Encourage municipalities to update Official Plans and zoning by-laws to
support gentle density, including secondary suites, duplexes, triplexes, and
small-scale apartment buildings. This shall enable a broader range of housing
forms increases choice without relying solely on large-scale developments and
supports a more diverse and attainable housing supply at a lower per-unit cost.

2.3    Incentivize Affordable Housing Through the Development Process

Promote the use of incentives such as development charge reductions,
Community Improvement Plans financial incentives, expedited approvals in
accordance with relevant legislation, and tax abatements for projects that
incorporate affordable or purpose-built rental units. These measures can
improve project feasibility by offsetting lower revenue associated with non-
market units, making it more viable and attractive for developers to include
affordable and rental housing within new developments.

3.1    Enhance Rural Transportation Access

Support the development and expansion of flexible and accessible rural
transportation options, including fixed and on-demand transit, community
transportation programs, and partnerships with local service providers.
Improving rural mobility will help reduce barriers related to distance and
isolation, enabling residents to access healthcare, employment, education, and
essential services. Strengthening rural transportation networks promotes
equity, social inclusion, and overall community well-being by ensuring that all
residents, regardless of location, can remain connected and engaged.

3.2    Improve Connectivity and Service Access in Underserved Areas

Enhance transportation options for residents in underserved and rural areas by
strengthening connections between local transit services, regional routes, and
essential destinations. This includes supporting accessible, coordinated
transportation systems that improve access to healthcare, employment,
education, and social services. By addressing service gaps and improving
connectivity, the County and lower-tier municipalities can reduce isolation,
promote equity, and ensure that all residents are able to access the supports
they need to maintain their safety and well-being.

3.3    Improve Safety and Accessibility for All Users

Implement measures such as traffic calming, enhanced pedestrian crossings,
improved lighting, clear signage, routine winter maintenance, and accessible
design standards to strengthen the safety and usability of active transportation
networks. These improvements will foster more inclusive environments that
encourage use by older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, and those
who may be new or less confident in using active transportation options.

4.1    Improve Sustainability and Resilience Across the Country

Promote sustainable practices and enhance community resilience by
integrating environmental considerations into planning, infrastructure, and
service delivery. This includes supporting climate adaptation initiatives,
strengthening local food systems, and investing in resilient infrastructure that
can withstand environmental and economic challenges. By prioritizing
sustainability, the Region can protect natural resources, reduce long-term
risks, and support the health, safety, and well-being of current and future
residents.

4.2    Strengthen Emergency Preparedness and Climate Resilience

Enhance community preparedness for climate-related emergencies such as
extreme weather events, flooding, and heatwaves by strengthening emergency
response plans, public education, and inter-agency coordination. Building
resilience through proactive planning helps reduce risks to public safety,
protects vulnerable populations, and ensures a coordinated response during
emergencies.

4.3    Increase Public Awareness and Community Engagement

Promote education and community engagement initiatives related to climate
change and sustainability. Encouraging residents to adopt sustainable
practices and participate in local initiatives that foster a sense of shared
responsibility and supports long-term behavioural change that contributes to a
safer, healthier community.

5.1    Expand Aging in Place and Home Support Services

Support the expansion of programs and services that enable older adults to
remain safely and independently in their homes. This includes transportation
services, meal programs, coordinated home care, and community-based
supports. Enhancing access to these services promotes aging in place,
improves quality of life, and reduces reliance on institutional care, while
supporting the independence, safety, and overall well-being of older residents.

5.2    Promote Social Inclusion, Connection and Age-Friendly Communities

Invest in community programs, recreational opportunities, lifelong learning
initiatives, intergenerational activities, and culturally inclusive programming to
strengthen social participation across all age groups. Continued advancement
of Age-Friendly Community planning further supports inclusive and accessible
environments for older adults. Enhancing opportunities for social connection
helps reduce isolation, improve mental health, and contributes to the
development of vibrant, inclusive, and connected communities.

5.3    Enhance Access to Transportation for Older Adults

Improve transportation options that are accessible, affordable, and responsive
to the needs of older adults. This includes supporting specialized transit,
volunteer driver programs, and flexible rural transportation services. Improved
mobility enables older adults to access healthcare, social opportunities, and
essential services, reducing isolation and supporting independence.