A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT board messages A community check-up for a healthier future

BARBARA JONES CATHERINE CAMPBELL Board President – Huronia Board Chair – United Way Community Foundation Simcoe Muskoka On behalf of the Huronia As a community-building Community Foundation and catalyst that strives for a deep its Board of Directors, I am understanding of the people and pleased to present Simcoe communities across our region, Muskoka’s VitalSigns® – United Way Simcoe Muskoka A Community of Support. The report highlights values the opportunity to partner once again with Who We Are, Arts & Culture, Health & Well-being, Huronia Community Foundation to publish a second Housing & Homelessness, Poverty, Community local VitalSigns® report. Safety and Getting Around in our region. The development of this community report involved VitalSigns® is a national program, led by local more than 30 local organizations contributing community foundations and coordinated by oversight, expertise, data and/or input. On behalf of Community Foundations of Canada, that leverages the project team, I extend my sincere appreciation local knowledge to measure the vitality of our for the time and effort of everyone involved. We communities and support action toward improving also send special thanks to those who also provided our collective quality of life. financial sponsorships – they are listed on the back One of the strategic initiatives of Huronia cover of this report. Community Foundation is to be a Champion Our first VitalSigns® was a powerful tool for for Issues that Matter. We are proud to partner highlighting local research and trends; sparking with United Way Simcoe Muskoka to produce conversations, strengthening engagement and the 2016 VitalSigns® report. We know that the informing funding decisions. Having learned from report will start conversations and identify trends that initial experience, we look forward to employing encouraging us to act on local priorities; and trust this research to increase the support of our regional that it will become a vital part of planning your communities and residents. Your ongoing feedback organization’s work to build better communities (via www.SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca) is welcome across Simcoe Muskoka. and appreciated.

Simcoe Muskoka’s VitalSigns® Project Team

Steering Committee Barrie Police Services + Chigamik Community Health Centre + City of Barrie + Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud + County of Simcoe + District of Muskoka + Huronia Community Foundation + Muskoka Pride + North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network + Ontario Provincial Police + Simcoe County District School Board + Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit + Town of Midland + Town of Penetanguishene + United Way Simcoe Muskoka + YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Data participants (in addition to Steering Committee members) Barrie Pride + Barrie Public Library + Canadian Hearing Society + Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County + Community Connections + CNIB + David Busby Street Centre + Fierté Simcoe Pride + Georgian College + Gilbert Centre + Helping Hands Orillia + Independent Living Services of Simcoe County & Area + Information Orillia + John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka + Midland Police Service + Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board + South Simcoe Police Service CONTENTS methodology

Simcoe Muskoka’s APPROACH 1 Board Messages ® VitalSigns report is Our research began with intended to be a community ® 1 Simcoe Muskoka’s the national VitalSigns snapshot of our regional database of the Community ® VitalSigns Project Team quality of life and our Foundations of Canada. The community vitality. This specially requested datasets 2 Research Methodology year we had a broad range and publicly available of community members data were both taken into 3+4 Who we are: Muskoka and organizations who consideration. From there, contributed their time, skills our data participants 5+6 Who we are: Simcoe County and expertise to this project. assisted in collecting data. The report begins with a 7+8 Arts & Culture Whenever possible, snapshot of our two larger combined data for Simcoe regional communities 9+10 Health & Well-being Muskoka were used. Given of Muskoka and Simcoe the unique and distinct County, and then leads into 11+12 Housing & Homelessness characteristics of Muskoka the six reporting domains and Simcoe County, we 13+14 Poverty for 2016. separated the data for Our goal is to help particular indicators. In 15+16 Community Safety communities make cross- addition to the Who We Are sector connections between sections, you will also find 17+18 Getting Around issues and trends that are this separated data in the highlighted for our region, Housing & Homelessness Back Across Simcoe Muskoka and to build community and Poverty sections. capacity through shared Most of the datasets were knowledge for improved large enough to allow decision-making. us to compare two time periods (often 2011 and THE PROCESS 2015). Adjustments in the The VitalSigns® project comparative years were team is comprised of made where information VitalSigns® is a community check-up conducted representatives from 35 was unavailable. Numbers by community foundations across Canada that different organizations who were rounded to the nearest measures the vitality of our communities and provided insight, guidance, whole for all infographics. identifies significant trends in a range of areas recommendations and The analysis was mainly critical to quality of life. VitalSigns® is coordinated research to ensure this statistical, with some nationally by Community Foundations of Canada report is a simple yet data- content analysis of existing and with special thanks to the Toronto Foundation rich and highly useful tool. reports, presentations, for developing and sharing the VitalSigns® concept A research consultant was websites, or media stories. For more information, visit: hired to ensure all data The full source www.VitalSignsCanada.ca collected was relevant document is available and accurate. The VitalSigns® trademark is used with permission for download at www. from Community Foundations of Canada. SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca. PHOTO ESSAY The photos in this report are part of the Visibly Unseen exhibition, a joint artistic project designed to share an intimate glimpse into the lives of individuals who are as unique as their journey.

Continued on page 5 WHO WE ARE

Focus on Muskoka Natural beauty abounds; so do economic challenges

Muskoka, spanning 3,816 km2, is recognized average. Muskoka recently had the highest growth as one of Canada’s premier four-season rate in Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support vacation and tourism destinations. The District Program cases in Ontario, with caseloads higher Municipality of Muskoka forms the upper-tier than the provincial average. Youth experience government, working closely with six lower-tier particular economic challenges, representing a municipalities including three towns and three signifi cant percentage of Ontario Works recipients. townships, each with its own vibrant and unique Muskoka must also adapt to serve an aging community; and two First Nations reserves. population, with the proportion of seniors (65+) In contrast to the tremendous beauty that expected to increase substantially by 2041. draws visitors and cottagers each year, Despite the challenges facing Muskoka, several Muskoka’s permanent residents face unique programs have been developed to serve signifi cant demographic and economic and meet the needs of the vulnerable population. challenges. Twelve per cent of its residents The resiliency of its residents continues to shine live in poverty, and the average employment through as new partnerships are formed to meet income is 17 per cent lower than the provincial the challenges of today and into the future.

3 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca Generations COMMUNITY PULSE

Muskoka In the works… 2011 2015 The Nest is a not-for- Population profit family resource 61,095 62,737 centre in Bracebridge (705-640-6378) and YOUTH (15-24) 11% 11% Gravenhurst (705- 22% 24% 640-0224), with a ADULTS (25-64) Huntsville location SENIOR (65+) 2011 2015 being planned. It sells low-cost baby supplies and gently muskoka used clothing, toys % of Muskoka’s population and equipment for 41 income children (0-19 yrs). is 55 and over. By 2041, It connects families that population is expected to to each other and increase to 50%. community supports. 67% of Muskoka’s economic base is How you population diversity supported by tourists, can help • Support the 7% of the population are immigrants second-home owners, and retirees. !MPACT Café in • 5% of the immigrant population arrived Gravenhurst that, in between 2006-2011 turn, supports the MEDIAN after-tax nutritional, social • 53% of the immigrant population arrived and employment before 1971 household income levels needs of Muskoka’s most vulnerable 2% of the population are of visible minority One Person 2+ Person citizens compared to 26% in Ontario Household Household $24,935 $65,009 • Donate to the 84% of the population are of European Gateway Program, ethnic origin a home-ownership program for families 2% of the population is Francophone MEDIAN after-tax household income levels in need 3% of the population identified as Aboriginal • Volunteer or sign up • 68% First Nation (North American Indian) 2006 88% of for the Fresh Food Basket Program • 28% Métis Provincial average. that’s available in eight communities • 4% Inuk (Inuit), & Aboriginal identities 2015 83% of across Muskoka not included elsewhere Provincial average.

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 4 VISIBLY UNSEEN The intention of this visual art project is to encourage the community to be interested in listening, interested in searching and in fi nding value in another person’s story by getting to know their neighbours.

Continued on page 7 WHO WE ARE

Focus on Simcoe County Realizing access in a large urban/rural geography

Simcoe County, covering 4,840 km2, has a in the urban core areas in Simcoe County, population of more than 468,088 residents requiring rural residents to travel outside their across two First Nation reserves, two cities, own communities to access them. This can pose seven towns and nine townships. The county’s signifi cant challenges to equitable service delivery. 2 average population density is 91 people/ km , Simcoe County is an area of signifi cant population 2 but it reaches as high as 1,753 people/ km in growth. From 2001 to 2011, the population 2 the City of Barrie, and as low as 22 people/ km increased by 18.3 per cent, outpacing the in the Townships of Ramara and Severn. provincial’s growth of 12.6 per cent over the Just over half of the population (57 per cent) same period. The Greater Golden Horseshoe’s resides in an urban core. The remaining 43 Growth Plan forecasts Simcoe County’s population per cent of rural residents are dispersed over will grow by 50 per cent from 2011 to 2031. Of 80 per cent of Simcoe County’s land area. particular note is the substantial growth expected Many health and social services, education, within the 60+ age cohort. and employment opportunities are located

5 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca Generations COMMUNITY PULSE simcoe In the works… county 2011 2015 Current inter- municipal transit Population 458,930 468,088 links across Simcoe County are: Barrie– YOUTH (15-24) 14% 13% Angus–CFB Borden; 15% 17% Collingwood–Wasaga ADULTS (25-64) Beach; Collingwood– SENIOR (65+) 2011 2015 Blue Mountains; and Midland– Penetanguishene. County of Simcoe is of Simcoe’s population is 55 and over. By 2041, looking at additional

simcoe county % 31 that population is expected to increase to 41%. inter-municipal transit links through its transit study, with fares, transit routes, population diversity income and scheduling options. 12% of the population are immigrants MEDIAN after-tax • 7% of the immigrant population arrived household income levels How you between 2006-2011 can help One Person 2+ Person Household Household • Attend & speak • 45% of the immigrant population arrived up at local public before 1971 $29,742 $69,732 engagement 5% of the population are of visible minority sessions compared to 26% in Ontario MEDIAN after-tax • Volunteer and 80% of the population are of European household income levels make a difference ethnic origin. in someone’s life • Learn about local 3% of the population is Francophone First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations 4% of the population identified as Aboriginal Less than $20,000 $50,000 Greater than $20,000 to $49,999 to $99,999 $99,999 and cultures • 51% First Nations (North American 10% 30% 41% 19% • Know where to Indian) single identity direct new Canadians • 47% Métis single identity for support: www.simcoe.ca/sclip • 3% Inuk (Inuit) single identity, Multiple 25% of the labour • Prepare meals Aboriginal identities, Aboriginal identities force in Simcoe works with local ingredients not included elsewhere. in Sales & Service.

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 6 PHOTO PARTNERSHIP Made possible through the support of the Douglas Utting Foundation, this photographic exhibit is a creative partnership between the David Busby Street Centre and Georgian College. ARTS & Continued on page 9 CULTURE

Focus on Fierté Simcoe County’s LGBT pride group is now bilingual

Fierté Simcoe Pride (FSP) is a growing a bilingual festival guide, and producing bilingual organization that celebrated its fi fth annual events. The organization worked with Trans-identifi ed festival from July 27 to August 6, 2016. The community members to host Simcoe County’s fi rst festival drew more than 1,000 people from Trans Pride March in Orillia on August 4, 2016. Simcoe County, throughout Ontario, and Since being founded in 2012, it has developed active international attendees. FSP coordinates relationships with more than 60 partners, including community events throughout the year that local municipalities, non-profi t organizations, post- attract more than 2,500 attendees. secondary institutions and businesses. FSP is a FSP recognizes 22 communities within Simcoe member of Fierté Canada Pride and InterPride, where County, including two First Nations reserves it serves on an International LGBT Human Rights and Canadian Forces Base Borden. Committee. This year, FSP received an Arts, Culture & FSP strives to create inclusion for everyone. Heritage Grant from the County of Simcoe to support This year, FSP became a bilingual organization its annual festival celebrating local diversity. – launching a French website, publishing

7 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca Arts & COMMUNITY Culture PULSE libraries community arts In the works… Seniors Making ART (SMART) – for the Number of Artists/Artisans last two years, low- There are 24 in Simcoe Muskoka cost introductory classes introduced libraries in clay, drawing, Simcoe County. DESCRIPTION 2011 2015 printmaking, watercolour and Painters, sculptors 241 329 There are 12 & other visual artists acrylic painting to seniors at Midland’s libraries in Artisans & craftspersons 187 110 registered charity Muskoka. TOTAL 428 439 Quest Art School + Gallery. The goal of the well-received Simcoe County % of the employment SMART program is to in arts, culture, improve well-being 60 and promote an total circulations entertainment and recreation in Simcoe active lifestyle. Total circulation of library material Muskoka, is seasonal 2012 - 111,735 2013 - 155,533 and part-time. How you can help Visual Audio Large Type • Apply for Muskoka’s 67% cultural events Pay It Forward 57% grant of up to $2,500 3 Pride FESTIVALS 25 farmers’ markets to build a stronger 30 Museums 16 Culture & heritage clubs/ community associations 15 Historical societies/ • Form a Dragon Boat team to 22% 22% associations 66 festivals/events – support a local 17% 16% including 3 Pow Wows organization • Visit Sainte-Marie Pride EVENTS Among the Hurons 2012 2013 to learn about 17th 11,000 PARTICIPATED IN MUSKOKA century European 67% of total & Native culture circulation was PRIDE, BARRIE PRIDE, AND FIERTÉ SIMCOE PRIDE EVENTS IN 2016 • Attend a concert/ for e-media play to support your Burl’s Creek WayHome music festival local theatre and Total wireless hits 2012 43,830 music groups Total wireless hits 2013 87,589 ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 2015: 35,000 / 2016: 40,000

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 8 STUDENT PERSPECTIVE Georgian College students in the School of Design and Visual Arts got behind the lens to shine a light on the issues of poverty and homelessness and the real people affected by them.

Continued on page 11 Health & well-being

Focus on Mental Health Supports and services are ramping up across the region

In 2015, affordable walk-in counselling Ontario’s four-ministry partnership recently rolled sessions for individuals, couples and families out its Moving on Mental Health framework and became available in Bracebridge through announced the local agencies taking the lead to Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County improve access to service, and to build awareness through new funding from North Simcoe and capacity within communities: Muskoka’s Hands Muskoka’s Local Health Integration Network (TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca), and New Path Youth (NSM LHIN). The NSM LHIN also supports and Family Counselling Services of Simcoe County. clinics in Barrie, Collingwood, Midland and Since 2007, the number of days that area children Barrie. United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) and youth have spent in the region’s hospitals with funds additional clinic hours in Barrie, as well mental health issues has tripled. Royal Victoria as the clinics in Alliston and Bradford. Regional Health Centre is planning a new inpatient With UWSM support, Canadian Mental Health unit for children and youth with outpatient and crisis Association expanded its youth mental support, to minimize the need to travel to Toronto. health workshops, and individual and group counselling into South Simcoe and Orillia.

9 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca Health & COMMUNITY Well-being PULSE

community health SUBSTANCE ABUSE In the works… The new Student OVERALL HEALTH 2011 ALCOHOL USE simcoe muskoka Nutrition Program 2014 ontario Guidelines 2016 help simcoe muskoka (12+ years) 2013-2014 schools/communities provide nutritious 1 60% 55% 22% 16% meals and snacks to 91% children and youth to 2 92% In 2013/2014, 22% of Simcoe Muskoka support learning and 75% healthy development. 3 70% population ages 19+ reported engaging Learn more at www. 60% in heavy drinking. 4 63% children.gov.on.ca. In 2015, nearly half of Simcoe Muskoka students 61% 5 56% (grades 7-12) report drinking alcohol. Rate of cocaine/crack (8%) and hallucinogens, How you 1- Perceived health, very good or excellent PCP or LSD (9%) use in persons 19+ is can help 2- Life satisfaction, satisfied or very satisfied signifi cantly higher than Ontario rate. • Volunteer to drive 3- Perceived mental health, very good a senior to an or excellent appointment or to 4- Body Mass Index (18+), overweight or obese mental health buy groceries 5- Physical activity during leisuretime, • Ensure your moderately active or active 51% LGBT youth are business is legally verbally harassed accessible - www. health care LGBT youth experience anxiety, ontario.ca/page/ 33% depression and self-harm accessibility-laws ER WAIT TIMES (hrs) 2014-15 lgbt youth do not have • Join your local 42% parental/family acceptance school’s Eat Well to Excel team to provide kids with Mental Illness healthy meals & ONTARIO 3 hrs Hospitalization snacks – www. /100,000 2013 eatwelltoexcel.ca NORTH SIMCOE • Support your MUSKOKA LHIN 3 hrs 647 local food system: farmers’ markets, Note: Number for South Simcoe not reported. 443 food box or non- profi t food co-ops

% OF POPULATION (12+) Number of people WHO HAS A REGULAR DOCTOR 2011 2014 Simcoe Muskoka 94% 94% Ontario 91% 93% ontario simcoe muskoka

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 10 POWERFUL PICTURES After two decades of struggling with fi nancial constraints, prejudice and obscurity, the Visibly Unseen exhibit helped the David Busby Street Centre be seen as a vital and life-giving organ of the community. HOUSING Continued on page 13 & homelessness

Focus on Affordable Housing: Simcoe Muskoka Year 2 - Housing and Homelessness Plan 2014-2024

Both Muskoka and Simcoe County are in Year and 26 new units. Another 60 rent supplements 2 of 10-year plans to embrace Ontario’s Long- and 20 new units are to be available in 2016. Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS) goal In Simcoe County, a cross-sector partnership that “every person has an affordable, suitable has been engaged through a combination of and adequate home to provide the foundation municipal deputations and focus groups, as well to secure employment, raise a family and build as monthly meetings of the Affordable Housing strong communities.” Advisory Committee. New municipally-funded The Muskoka Homelessness Sharing Table, rent subsidy and secondary suite programs were meeting about four times/year, gathers a introduced that build on the successes of federal/ broad range of community individuals and provincial funding. In 2014/15, 207 affordable units organizations to discuss and develop “made were created, and 112 households received home in Muskoka” initiatives and approaches. repairs/accessibility modifi cations. In 2015, the Muskoka Affordable Housing See www.SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca for details. Initiative Program (MAHIP) generated 110 rent supplements, 10 retirement home fee assistance

11 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca Housing & COMMUNITY Homelessness PULSE Shelter usage Shelter usage In the works… Orillia’s Building muskoka Simcoe county Hope shelter project gains support: www. 3 shelters in muskoka 12 shelters in simcoe county orillialighthouse.ca. Simcoe County expects Emergency shelter Emergency shelter capacity 200+ new affordable capacity in muskoka in Simcoe County units in 2016. Browse Muskoka emergency beds Affordable Housing 25 BEDS 86 BEDS Domestic transitional/ Violence Shelters Initiatives Program short term supports at www. 30 BEDS 104 BEDS emergency housing units homeless shelters muskoka.on.ca. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 (Search: MAHIP) 50 BEDS out of the cold shelters Simcoe County 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 How you 20,000 Homes can help Reason for Shelter Use/2015 • Collect/donate surveys Campaign 292 completed socks, hats, gloves Eviction - 33% & scarves to shelters experience Chronic Homelessness - 18% • Attend a local 43% Homelessness Transient - 17% housing symposium Other - 30% • Take advantage of second suite & Self-identifi ed as Unknown - 2% Aboriginal or having rent supplement 22% Aboriginal ancestry incentives offered by local government to Number of individuals 2013 2015 provide an affordable age of participants (yrs) who useD EMERGENCY shelter 2561 2199 housing option • Sign up for the emergency shelter use Homeless Hub newsletter to learn demographics 2015 more – www. 17% 48% 30% 5% homelesshub.ca 16-24 25-49 50-64 65+ 58% ... were male • Know your rights 42% ... were female (Residential Tenancies Act) - scored with HIGH 35% 90% ... did not have children www.mah.gov.on.ca/ acuity, recommending an Page137.aspx assessment for Housing First/ 29% ... were between the Permanent Supportive Housing ages of 16 & 24

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 12 DANGER ON THE STREETS Homeless women are 10 times more likely to die prematurely than women with homes. A fi fth of homeless women were sexually assaulted or raped in the past year. More than half have mental health challenges (SCATEH, 2011).

Continued on page 15 poverty

Focus on David Busby Street Centre “Helping others help themselves” – and others

Driven by a philosophy of empowerment, helpless. It took about six months for me to David Busby Street Centre is a community get myself out of a state of crisis, and settled not-for-profi t organization working from into a basic structured routine with some a non-judgmental approach to advocate sense of stability. and improve conditions for individuals and “Within the fi rst few months of navigating families who are homeless or at risk of my way through our social service system, homelessness. I realized that there were many social and The centre welcomes 150 participants systemic issues that were complicating and each day, for 38,000 visits in a year. Once a impeding my ability to get back out of the participant, Nick Robinson is now the centre’s system. This compelled me to get directly Peer Advocate. involved within my community, and to focus “About 4 years ago I fell heavily into our on the policies and procedures that were social service system after an unforeseeable hampering my ability, as well as too many personal event rendered me homeless and others, to become self-suffi cient and self- sustaining.”

13 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca COMMUNITY Poverty PULSE social housing poverty In the works… Planning for an expansion of Ontario Simcoe Muskoka Social Spending 30% or more of Early Years Centres household total income across Muskoka Housing Wait LIst 2011 on shelter costs is underway. # OF PEOPLE 2011 Calculations for local 2015 living wage minimums 27% 29% are being released this year. Muskoka Brewery simcoe muskoka partnered with Poverty Reduction of Muskoka Planning Team simcoe muskoka (PROMPT) to become Canada’s fi rst living % of population is living wage certifi ed brewery. 11 in low income. % of children (<18yrs) How you 556 690 2482 3087 16 live in low income. can help muskoka simcoe • Invest in your child’s of seniors (65+yrs) future with a Canada % Learning Bond – % of persons/families on 3 live in low income. www.startmyresp.ca/ social housing wait list 2012 possibility of the Aboriginal • Volunteer to serve a Seniors Single Adults Families population are living meal at a local shelter in low income in 19% • Contribute your Simcoe Muskoka. experience to a 20% 58% 22% regional poverty- of the population with reduction roundtable muskoka or group activity limitations/ diffi culties are living • Attend a Bridges out 40% 35% 25% 15% of Poverty education in low income in session to understand

simcoe Simcoe Muskoka. the cultural barriers facing those working toward less was the average annual precarious situations AvG time on Wait list for social 985 Ontario Works caseload - www.ywcamuskoka. housing in muskoka 3-6 yrs in Muskoka in 2015. com/womens- programs/bridges- AvG time on wait list for social was the number of Ontario out-of-poverty 6,638 Works caseload in Simcoe housing in simcoe county 3-6 yrs County in June 2016.

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 14 COMPLEX ISSUES Street centre participants often suffer from poor health, complex mental health concerns, physical, cognitive and social challenges, as well as the devastating impact of violence and abuse.

Continued on page 17 COMMUNITY SAFETY

Focus on Community Safety Collaboration on complex individual cases reduces local risk

Collaborate Barrie, North Simcoe Situation Mental health issues, housing, poverty, violence, Table, and the Orillia Community Action Network unemployment and parenting are a few of issues (OCAN) are currently operational situation tables that are addressed. (or HUBS) that are based upon collaborative Collaborate Barrie has been in operation for risk-driven intervention – all part of the just over one year and has seen 118 cases provincial Mobilization & Engagement Model of brought to the situation table in 2015. OCAN was Community Policing initiative. Another HUB is established in Fall 2015 as one of nine original currently in development in South Simcoe. Ontario Provincial Police. These were the fi rst The goal of situation tables is to improve HUBS to get underway in the region. The program community safety and well-being by facilitating continues to develop locally. the identifi cation of rapid migration to acutely An explanatory Community Policing Wheel elevated risk. Situation tables involve the diagram is available for viewing and download at collaboration of community safety and well- www.SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca. being partners to assist people in crisis to access the resources that will help them.

15 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca Community COMMUNITY Safety PULSE

Total number of Simcoe Muskoka Non-fatal In the works… police officerS road Injury due to: Via UWSM grants, 838 Inattentive Driver John Howard 2015 Society of Simcoe 2011 - 99 2015 - 204 Muskoka offers two simcoe county = 730 muskoka = 108 Persons with no-seatbelt new programs to OPP 388 OPP 108 2011 -195 2015 - 81 support community Note: Ontario Provincial Police numbers re-engagement BPS 237 after Correctional SSPS 79 % of actual 2011 Service involvement. MPS 26 Details about incidences 11% 15% The Preventative 9% Measures Program charged % % 13 3 % (for all genders, aged auxiliary officerS: volunteer hours youth (12-17) 8 % 10 12+) and Finding 2015 barrie Employment with midland 2015 a Criminal Record Barrie Police Service 4,115 hrs orillia Program (all adults 12% 10% South Simcoe Police Service 4,888 hrs collingwood % welcome): www. % 6 South Simcoe (innisfil) 6 johnhoward.on.ca. Midland Police Service 3,740 hrs % % BRACEBRIDGE/BALA 3 % 13 Note: Number for OPP not reported. 15 HUNTSVILLE How you can help calls for service total non-criminal • Submit your tips on crimes to the 2011 2015 2011 2015 confidential Crime Barrie Police Service 58,182 62,407 89% 86% Stoppers program – 1-800-222-TIPS South Simcoe Police Service 14,291 18,047 56% 68% (8477) Midland Police Service 9,157 8,010 54% 60% • Know when to call 9-1-1 (and when NOT to): visit your local Most frequent non-criminal calls for service are for: police website • motor vehicle collisions • traffic & alarms • community service • Learn about 2-1-1 – • police assist • domestic disputes • municipal bylaw a free, 24/7 telephone helpline providing referrals to local community services In 2015, John Howard Society of Simcoe Muskoka 8,277 • Join a local police volunteer hours were given back to the community by auxiliary program individuals in the Community Service Order program.

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 16 OUTREACH SERVICES The David Busby Street Centre’s new home is on Barrie’s Mulcaster Street, but recognizes the mobility challenges of many it serves. An outreach van goes where it’s needed at night to support dozens more. getting around

Improved Transit Networks Gap-fi lling pilot projects get underway

Pilot projects in both Simcoe County routes to connect residents to the main towns of and Muskoka are among 22 community Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Huntsville one day projects to receive funding from a $2 million per week. Questions? Call 1-844-440-6387. provincial grant initiative to improve access With support from the County of Simcoe and to transportation across the province. The the Ministry of Transportation, the Community Ministry of Transportation’s goal is to support Transportation Link (CT Link) is a network of affordable and accessible transportation for community-based transportation service providers Ontarians of all ages and abilities to reach that has developed a web-based portal to pool essential services and amenities, as well as transportation resources between agencies. The the cultural and social activities offered in their CT Link’s development team includes Barrie Area communities. Native Advisory Circle, Canadian Red Cross (Simcoe Muskoka Extended Transit (The MET), in Muskoka Branch), Community Reach North Simcoe association with Hammond Transportation, and Helping Hands Orillia. is running school buses outside the daily school route to provide eight new rural

17 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca Active COMMUNITY Transportation PULSE Simcoe has Mode of transportation In the works… Bracebridge is 110 km of TransCanada Trail from home to work introducing a fully 529 km of multi-use trails (muskoka/2011) accessible transit bus with a fold-out 1,235 km of cycling trails ramp, 20 seats and Over 270 km of hiking trails 90% of two wheelchair (not including those found in workers use spaces that travels Provincial Parks) the urban core, including hospitals, 100 km of mountain biking trails a car, truck, or van, as a schools and shopping centres. Details: muskoka has driver or passenger 705-645-8444. 131 km of TransCanada Trail For community- 8% walked based volunteer Over 600 km of multi-use trails transportation 250 km of cross country ski trails less than 1% use services, call the free 24/7 helpline 2-1-1. Over 250 km of mountain public transit biking trails less than 1% use a bicycle How you Mode of transportation can help 1% use other methods • Carpool or cycle from home to work to work (Simcoe County/2011) • Get involved with the Healthy Kids Community of Challenges and 91% walk, run or bike workers use a 52% to school car, truck, or Increase in Muskoka • Leave the car van, as a driver transportation ridership at home and support local or passenger Jan-April 2015 compared transit systems to Jan-April 2014. • Commute via the 4% walked GO system or the Corridor 11 Bus 3% use public transit between Huntsville 1% use a bicycle and Barrie 1% use other methods

SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 18 Across Simcoe Muskoka People Living With Disabilities 58% 1 out of 4 adult Canadians report Five agencies in Simcoe County, having some hearing loss. Muskoka and Parry Sound 10% of Canadians identify are receiving funding from themselves as culturally Deaf, oral Ontario to promote inclusive deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. employment and improve Over 62,000 adults in Ontario have services and supports for people of the 2012 workplaces in a developmental disability. with developmental disabilities. Simcoe Muskoka had 1-19 • Simcoe Community Services employees. Most of those were Of the registered • Camphill Communities Ontario part-time or seasonal workers. CNIB clients in • Community Living Association Simcoe Muskoka of South Simcoe In 2015, programs offered at Georgian • E3 Community Services College related to health, community 69% are 66+ • Community Living Parry Sound services, engineering technology and Ontario is investing more than business had the highest enrolment 25% are 18 to 65 $310,000 through these five of first-year registrants and reflect 5% are under 17 the needs of the labour market in programs in this region. Simcoe Muskoka. 1% unknown

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