By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Chatham-Kent has been chosen to participate in the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities’ (CCFSC) Project UPSTREAM.
It’s only one of two Ontario municipalities – the other is Timmins – selected to participate in a two-year pilot project aimed at building safer communities. The project will bring organizations together in a bid to prevent violence, hate and social polarization.
Project UPSTEAM stands for Upskilling Prevention by Strengthening Readiness, Engagement and Multisectorality.
According to Erin DeMars, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue community safety and well-being co-ordinator, the program will examine ways to prevent – rather than respond – to crises.
DeMars said Chatham-Kent joined the non-profit agency in the summer, saw the pilot project was taking place and decided to go for it with the support of Fire Chief Chris Case and Chatham-Kent Police Service Chief Kirk Earley.
“I consulted with Chief Case and Chief Earley and we decided to throw our hat in the ring,” DeMars said.
Project UPSTREAM, involving 10 Canadian cities and municipalities, brings together a host of agencies revolving around community justice, trauma, strong cities and the prevention of extremist violence, DeMars said, adding it will kick off with a community safety needs and risks assessment. After that report is compiled, which is expected next spring, Chatham-Kent will be partnered with two of the organizations to best address issues the data uncovers.
“This is a really interesting opportunity to have some resources towards the prevention of violent extremism,” DeMars said. Along with CCFSC, the partner group includes the Canadian Practitioners Network for the Prevention of Extremist Violence; The Centre for Trauma-informed Practices; Community Justice Initiatives; Muflehun; Strong Cities Network; and YouTurn.
The project directly supports Chatham-Kent’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan, which focuses on public safety, youth and family wellness, and building a strong sense of community belonging.
The municipality will share updates on this project through the Community Safety & Well-Being Let’s Talk page at https://www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/community-sw.
