Overarching Message

Converging issues such as unaffordable housing, homelessness, mental health & substance use, and social disorder, are issues that our community is facing.

Municipalities play a crucial role in addressing both safety and social development issues within their jurisdictions. Community safety & social development refers to the efforts and initiatives undertaken by local government authorities or municipalities to enhance the well-being and quality of life of their residents through addressing safety and social issues, promoting inclusivity, and implementing programs and policies that contribute to the overall social progress of the community.

The specific focus and strategies of community safety & social development can vary depending on the unique needs and priorities of each community. The City has an effective volunteer Community Policing program. Through a tiered process of progressive enforcement the Bylaw Department addresses complaint-based priorities. However, the City does not deliver social programs or own/manage social and/or affordable housing. Instead, we provide an administrative role of convening, facilitating, and coordinating the social service community.

We are fortunate in Port Alberni to have a robust social safety structure that includes First Nations, non-profits, societies, and government agencies that achieve desired community safety outcomes, and we are grateful for their continued support.

Community safety & social development often encompasses a range of areas, the key components to the City of Port Alberni’s Community Safety and Social Development are:

• Community Policing and Crime Prevention
• Bylaw Services
• Community engagement for social supports
• Housing and homelessness
• Data driven approaches

Vision

A thriving and sustainable municipality that fosters a high quality of life for all residents, where the well-being of all citizens is respected; a community that is safe and clean.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to collaboratively and proactively address the needs and aspirations of our diverse community by implementing strategic initiatives that promote inclusivity, safety, respect, and social harmony.

Community Safety & Social Development Objectives

Community Policing:

• Reduce overall crime rates by implementing community policing strategies.
• Enhance collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations.
• Implement neighborhood watch programs to increase vigilance and deter criminal activities.
• Assist the community with crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).

Bylaw: 

• Enact municipal bylaws, under the regulatory authority of the Community Charter and the Local Government Act.
• Align the Bylaw Enforcement Policy with the Corporate Strategic Plan, building a community where people feel safe, welcome and proud to live.
• Achieve voluntary compliance with reasonable standards through a progressive enforcement approach involving increased public education and awareness of City regulations and the rationale for them.

Social Development:

Collaboration and Community Engagement:

• Facilitate regular forums for community input and feedback.
• Foster partnerships between local government, law enforcement, nonprofits, and businesses.
• Establish community-led committees to address specific safety and social development issues.

Health & Well-being:

• Advocate for access to affordable healthcare services and facilities.
• Convene, facilitate, and coordinate social service organizations to promote and enhance mental health & substance use programs.

Social Inclusion:

• Promote diversity and inclusivity through cultural awareness programs.
• Support networks for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
• Coordinate community events that foster social cohesion and unity.

Housing & Homelessness:

• Advocate for the increase the availability of affordable housing options for residents.
• Implement policies to manage encampments, and provide support for those at risk.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of each objective.
• Implement regular assessments to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Adjust action plans based on feedback and changing community needs.

Strategies

With a focus on gathering data, Community Safety & Social Development has initiated two needs assessment strategies:

1. Conducting an environmental scan of other community’s Community Policy and safety programs to determine what is working in their communities. This information will be used to report to Council on future community safety programs and strategies.
2. The City, in partnership with the Alberni Clayoquot Health Network and Island Health – Mental Health and Substance Use, is facilitating a gap analysis workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to identify gaps in services to address current safety & social challenges in Port Alberni.

This work along with other initiatives will inform a wider Community Action Plan in the future.

Action Plan

Coming soon