ROQ Joins Provincial Community Safety, Well-being Pilot Project
Provincial Community Safety, Well-being Pilot Project
The Region of Queens (RoQ) Municipality is one of three Nova Scotia communities named to participate in a Community Safety and Well-Being Initiative.
The RoQ will be joined by the Town of New Glasgow and the Municipality of East Hants, in partnership with the Halifax Regional Municipality and will be harmonized with the municipalities’ official plans.
The stated goal of the project is “to help develop the provincial strategy and the three municipal plans.” The province has contracted a Halifax land-use consulting (Upland Planning and Design Studio), partnered with a B.C. social planning and community development firm (Urban Matters).
In a news release from the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Minister Dave Ritcey said, “By focusing on prevention and early action, we can help build a stronger, more resilient Nova Scotia.” NS Attorney General Scott Armstrong, in the same news release, said, “By focusing on local priorities, we can strengthen collaboration, reduce barriers and help ensure people feel safe, supported and included in communities across the province.” Public Safety Canada contributed $550,000.00 towards the project. The stated goal of the pilot project is “about working together to prevent harm and crime by connecting people with the supports they need.”
An advisory committee comprised of government and community partners will be established, serving two-year terms. Members of the committee will be announced later.
RoQ Mayor Scott Christian explained, “Residents of Queens County identified the need for a community safety and well-being plan during our strategic planning process in 2025. Council views it as a necessity for our residents and communities. We are profoundly excited to be selected as one of the three pilot municipalities for this project. and we very much look forward to the outcomes and positive impacts this program will make in our community.”
The provincial news release said that the initiative arose from recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission, calling for more community engagement in matters of safety. The Commission’s final report was released March 30, 2023. The report, entitled “Turning the Tide Together” (https://masscasualtycommission.ca/final-report/), included recommendations for increased community involvement in safety and well-being as well as calls for changes to RCMP oversight, processes and culture.
The Mass Casualty Commission was formed following a mass casualty of 22 people in Portapique, Wentworth and Debert in April 2020. It was, at the time, the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history.