A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT board messages CONTENTS methodology

A community check-up for a healthier future Simcoe Muskoka’s APPROACH 1 Board Messages VitalSigns® report is BARBARA JONES CATHERINE CAMPBELL Our research began with intended to be a community ® Board President – Huronia Board Chair – United Way 1 S imcoe Muskoka’s the national VitalSigns snapshot of our regional database of the Community Community Foundation Simcoe Muskoka ® VitalSigns Project Team quality of life and our Foundations of Canada. The On behalf of the Huronia As a community-building community vitality. This specially requested datasets Community Foundation and catalyst that strives for a deep 2 Research Methodology year we had a broad range and publicly available its Board of Directors, I am understanding of the people and of community members data were both taken into pleased to present Simcoe communities across our region, 3+4 Who we are: Muskoka and organizations who consideration. From there, ® Muskoka’s VitalSigns – United Way Simcoe Muskoka contributed their time, skills our data participants A Community of Support. The report highlights values the opportunity to partner once again with 5+6 Who we are: and expertise to this project. assisted in collecting data. Who We Are, Arts & Culture, Health & Well-being, Huronia Community Foundation to publish a second The report begins with a Whenever possible, Housing & Homelessness, Poverty, Community local VitalSigns® report. 7+8 Arts & Culture snapshot of our two larger combined data for Simcoe Safety and Getting Around in our region. regional communities The development of this community report involved 9+10 Health & Well-being Muskoka were used. Given VitalSigns® is a national program, led by local more than 30 local organizations contributing of Muskoka and Simcoe the unique and distinct County, and then leads into community foundations and coordinated by oversight, expertise, data and/or input. On behalf of 11+12 Housing & Homelessness characteristics of Muskoka Community Foundations of Canada, that leverages the project team, I extend my sincere appreciation the six reporting domains and Simcoe County, we local knowledge to measure the vitality of our for the time and effort of everyone involved. We 13+14 Poverty for 2016. separated the data for communities and support action toward improving also send special thanks to those who also provided Our goal is to help particular indicators. In our collective quality of life. financial sponsorships – they are listed on the back 15+16 Community Safety communities make cross- addition to the Who We Are One of the strategic initiatives of Huronia cover of this report. sector connections between sections, you will also find Community Foundation is to be a Champion Our first VitalSigns® was a powerful tool for 17+18 Getting Around issues and trends that are this separated data in the highlighted for our region, for Issues that Matter. We are proud to partner highlighting local research and trends; sparking Housing & Homelessness Back Across Simcoe Muskoka and to build community and Poverty sections. with United Way Simcoe Muskoka to produce conversations, strengthening engagement and capacity through shared Most of the datasets were the 2016 VitalSigns® report. We know that the informing funding decisions. Having learned from knowledge for improved large enough to allow report will start conversations and identify trends that initial experience, we look forward to employing decision-making. us to compare two time encouraging us to act on local priorities; and trust this research to increase the support of our regional periods (often 2011 and that it will become a vital part of planning your communities and residents. Your ongoing feedback THE PROCESS 2015). Adjustments in the organization’s work to build better communities (via www.SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca) is welcome ® comparative years were across Simcoe Muskoka. and appreciated. The VitalSigns project team is comprised of made where information VitalSigns® is a community check-up conducted representatives from 35 was unavailable. Numbers Simcoe Muskoka’s VitalSigns® Project Team 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. Steering Committee Police Services + Chigamik Community Health Centre + City of Barrie + Conseil scolaire identifies significant trends in a range of areas recommendations and The analysis was mainly de district catholique Centre-Sud + County of Simcoe + District of Muskoka + Huronia Community Foundation critical to quality of life. VitalSigns® is coordinated research to ensure this statistical, with some + Muskoka Pride + North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network + Provincial Police + Simcoe nationally by Community Foundations of Canada report is a simple yet data- County District School Board + Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit + Town of Midland + Town of Penetanguishene content analysis of existing + United Way Simcoe Muskoka + YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and with special thanks to the Foundation rich and highly useful tool. reports, presentations, for developing and sharing the VitalSigns® concept A research consultant was websites, or media stories. Data participants (in addition to Steering Committee members) Barrie Pride + Barrie Public Library + Canadian hired to ensure all data Hearing Society + Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County + Community Connections + CNIB + David Busby For more information, visit: The full source collected was relevant Street Centre + Fierté + Georgian College + Gilbert Centre + Helping Hands + Independent www.VitalSignsCanada.ca document is available and accurate. Living Services of Simcoe County & Area + Information Orillia + John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka The VitalSigns® trademark is used with permission for download at www. + Midland Police Service + Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board + South Simcoe Police Service from Community Foundations of Canada. SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca. Generations COMMUNITY PULSE

PHOTO Muskoka In the works… ESSAY 2011 2015 The Nest is a not-for- Population profi t family resource The photos in this report 61,095 62,737 centre in Bracebridge are part of the Visibly (705-640-6378) and Unseen exhibition, a joint YOUTH (15-24) 11% 11% Gravenhurst (705- artistic project designed 22% 24% 640-0224), with a to share an intimate ADULTS (25-64) Huntsville location glimpse into the lives of SENIOR (65+) 2011 2015 being planned. It individuals who are as sells low-cost baby unique as their journey. supplies and gently muskoka Continued on page 5 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 population diversity economic base is How you WHO WE ARE 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 Focus on Muskoka • 53% of the immigrant population arrived and employment before 1971 household income levels Natural beauty abounds; so do economic challenges needs of Muskoka’s most vulnerable 2% of the population are of visible minority One Person 2+ Person Household Household citizens Muskoka, spanning 3,816 km2, is recognized average. Muskoka recently had the highest growth compared to 26% in Ontario as one of Canada’s premier four-season rate in Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support $24,935 $65,009 • Donate to the of the population are of European vacation and tourism destinations. The District Program cases in Ontario, with caseloads higher 84% Gateway Program, Municipality of Muskoka forms the upper-tier than the provincial average. Youth experience ethnic origin a home-ownership program for families government, working closely with six lower-tier particular economic challenges, representing a 2% of the population is Francophone MEDIAN after-tax municipalities including three towns and three signifi cant percentage of Ontario Works recipients. household income levels in need townships, each with its own vibrant and unique Muskoka must also adapt to serve an aging 3% of the population identifi ed as Aboriginal • Volunteer or sign up community; and two reserves. population, with the proportion of seniors (65+) for the Fresh Food expected to increase substantially by 2041. • 68% First Nation (North American Indian) 2006 88% of In contrast to the tremendous beauty that Basket Program draws visitors and cottagers each year, Despite the challenges facing Muskoka, several • 28% Métis Provincial average. that’s available in Muskoka’s permanent residents face unique programs have been developed to serve eight communities • 4% Inuk (Inuit), & Aboriginal identities signifi cant demographic and economic and meet the needs of the vulnerable population. 2015 83% of across Muskoka challenges. Twelve per cent of its residents The resiliency of its residents continues to shine not included elsewhere Provincial average. 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 SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 4 Generations COMMUNITY PULSE

VISIBLY simcoe In the works… UNSEEN county 2011 2015 Current inter- municipal transit The intention of this visual Population 458,930 468,088 links across Simcoe art project is to encourage County are: Barrie– the community to be YOUTH (15-24) 14% 13% Angus–CFB Borden; interested in listening, 15% 17% Collingwood–Wasaga interested in searching and ADULTS (25-64) Beach; Collingwood– in fi nding value in another SENIOR (65+) 2011 2015 Blue Mountains; person’s story by getting to and Midland– know their neighbours. Penetanguishene. Continued on page 7 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. WHO WE ARE 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 Focus on Simcoe County engagement 5% of the population are of visible minority sessions Realizing access in a large urban/rural geography compared to 26% in Ontario MEDIAN after-tax • Volunteer and 80% of the population are of European household income levels make a difference Simcoe County, covering 4,840 km2, has a in the urban core areas in Simcoe County, ethnic origin. in someone’s life population of more than 468,088 residents requiring rural residents to travel outside their • Learn about local across two First Nation reserves, two cities, own communities to access them. This can pose 3% of the population is Francophone First Nations, Métis seven towns and nine townships. The county’s signifi cant challenges to equitable service delivery. 2 and Inuit populations average population density is 91 people/ km , Simcoe County is an area of signifi cant population 4% of the population identifi ed as Aboriginal Less than $20,000 $50,000 Greater than 2 $20,000 to $49,999 to $99,999 $99,999 and cultures but it reaches as high as 1,753 people/ km in growth. From 2001 to 2011, the population the City of Barrie, and as low as 22 people/ km2 • 51% First Nations (North American % % % % • Know where to increased by 18.3 per cent, outpacing the Indian) single identity 10 30 41 19 in the Townships of and Severn. provincial’s growth of 12.6 per cent over the direct new Canadians Just over half of the population (57 per cent) same period. The Greater Golden Horseshoe’s • 47% Métis single identity for support: resides in an urban core. The remaining 43 Growth Plan forecasts Simcoe County’s population www.simcoe.ca/sclip per cent of rural residents are dispersed over will grow by 50 per cent from 2011 to 2031. Of • 3% Inuk (Inuit) single identity, Multiple 25% of the labour • Prepare meals 80 per cent of Simcoe County’s land area. particular note is the substantial growth expected Aboriginal identities, Aboriginal identities force in Simcoe works with local ingredients Many health and social services, education, within the 60+ age cohort. not included elsewhere. and employment opportunities are located in Sales & Service.

5 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 6 Arts & COMMUNITY Culture PULSE PHOTO libraries community arts In the works… PARTNERSHIP Seniors Making ART (SMART) – for the Made possible through Number of Artists/Artisans last two years, low- the support of the Douglas There are 24 in Simcoe Muskoka cost introductory Utting Foundation, this classes introduced photographic exhibit is libraries in clay, drawing, a creative partnership Simcoe County. DESCRIPTION 2011 2015 printmaking, between the David Painters, sculptors watercolour and Busby Street Centre and 241 329 There are 12 & other visual artists acrylic painting to Georgian College. seniors at Midland’s libraries in Artisans & craftspersons 187 110 Continued on page 9 registered charity Muskoka. TOTAL 428 439 Quest Art School + Gallery. The goal of the well-received ARTS & 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. CULTURE 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 Focus on Fierté 3 Pride FESTIVALS 25 farmers’ markets to build a stronger Simcoe County’s LGBT pride group is now bilingual 30 Museums 16 Culture & heritage clubs/ community associations 15 Historical societies/ • Form a Dragon Fierté Simcoe Pride (FSP) is a growing a bilingual festival guide, and producing bilingual Boat team to organization that celebrated its fi fth annual events. The organization worked with Trans-identifi ed 22% 22% associations 66 festivals/events – support a local 17% 16% festival from July 27 to August 6, 2016. The community members to host Simcoe County’s fi rst including 3 Pow Wows organization festival drew more than 1,000 people from Trans Pride March in Orillia on August 4, 2016. • Visit Sainte-Marie Simcoe County, throughout Ontario, and Since being founded in 2012, it has developed active Pride EVENTS Among the Hurons international attendees. FSP coordinates relationships with more than 60 partners, including 2012 2013 to learn about 17th community events throughout the year that local municipalities, non-profi t organizations, post- PARTICIPATED IN MUSKOKA century European attract more than 2,500 attendees. 11,000 secondary institutions and businesses. FSP is a 67% of total & Native culture FSP recognizes 22 communities within Simcoe member of Fierté Canada Pride and InterPride, where PRIDE, BARRIE PRIDE, AND FIERTÉ circulation was • Attend a concert/ County, including two First Nations reserves it serves on an International LGBT Human Rights SIMCOE PRIDE EVENTS IN 2016 and Canadian Forces Base Borden. Committee. This year, FSP received an Arts, Culture & for e-media play to support your Heritage Grant from the County of Simcoe to support local theatre and FSP strives to create inclusion for everyone. Burl’s Creek WayHome music festival music groups This year, FSP became a bilingual organization its annual festival celebrating local diversity. Total wireless hits 2012 43,830 – launching a French website, publishing Total wireless hits 2013 87,589 ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 2015: 35,000 / 2016: 40,000

7 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 8 Health & COMMUNITY Well-being PULSE

STUDENT community health SUBSTANCE ABUSE In the works… PERSPECTIVE The new Student Georgian College students 2011 simcoe muskoka Nutrition Program OVERALL HEALTH ALCOHOL USE ontario in the School of Design 2014 Guidelines 2016 help simcoe muskoka (12+ years) and Visual Arts got behind 2013-2014 schools/communities provide nutritious the lens to shine a light on 1 60% the issues of poverty and 55% 22% 16% meals and snacks to homelessness and the real 91% children and youth to 2 92% people affected by them. In 2013/2014, 22% of Simcoe Muskoka support learning and 75% healthy development. 3 70% population ages 19+ reported engaging Continued on page 11 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 Health 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 & well-being 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 Focus on Mental Health • Join your local ER WAIT TIMES (hrs) 2014-15 lgbt youth do not have 42% parental/family acceptance school’s Eat Well Supports and services are ramping up across the region to Excel team to provide kids with In 2015, affordable walk-in counselling Ontario’s four-ministry partnership recently rolled Mental Illness healthy meals & ONTARIO 3 hrs sessions for individuals, couples and families out its Moving on Mental Health framework and Hospitalization snacks – www. became available in Bracebridge through announced the local agencies taking the lead to eatwelltoexcel.ca Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County improve access to service, and to build awareness /100,000 2013 through new funding from North Simcoe and capacity within communities: Muskoka’s Hands NORTH SIMCOE • Support your Muskoka’s Local Health Integration Network (TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca), and New Path Youth MUSKOKA LHIN 3 hrs 647 local food system: (NSM LHIN). The NSM LHIN also supports and Family Counselling Services of Simcoe County. farmers’ markets, Note: Number for South Simcoe not reported. clinics in Barrie, Collingwood, Midland and Since 2007, the number of days that area children 443 food box or non- Barrie. United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) and youth have spent in the region’s hospitals with profi t food co-ops funds additional clinic hours in Barrie, as well % OF POPULATION (12+) Number of people mental health issues has tripled. Royal Victoria WHO HAS A REGULAR DOCTOR as the clinics in 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 2011 2014 Association expanded its youth mental support, to minimize the need to travel to Toronto. health workshops, and individual and group Simcoe Muskoka 94% 94% counselling into South Simcoe and Orillia. Ontario 91% 93% ontario simcoe muskoka

9 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 10 Housing & COMMUNITY Homelessness PULSE POWERFUL Shelter usage Shelter usage In the works… PICTURES Orillia’s Building muskoka Simcoe county Hope shelter project After two decades of gains support: www. struggling with fi nancial orillialighthouse.ca. constraints, prejudice 3 shelters in muskoka 12 shelters in simcoe county and obscurity, the Visibly Simcoe County expects Unseen exhibit helped Emergency shelter Emergency shelter capacity 200+ new affordable the David Busby Street capacity in muskoka in Simcoe County units in 2016. Centre be seen as a vital Browse Muskoka and life-giving organ of emergency beds Affordable Housing 25 BEDS 86 BEDS Domestic the community. transitional/ Violence Shelters Initiatives Program Continued on page 13 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 HOUSING 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 & homelessness 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 & Focus on Affordable Housing: Simcoe Muskoka Self-identifi ed as Unknown - 2% Aboriginal or having rent supplement Year 2 - Housing and Homelessness Plan 2014-2024 22% Aboriginal ancestry incentives offered by local government to Number of individuals 2013 2015 Both Muskoka and Simcoe County are in Year and 26 new units. Another 60 rent supplements provide an affordable age of participants (yrs) who useD EMERGENCY shelter 2561 2199 2 of 10-year plans to embrace Ontario’s Long- and 20 new units are to be available in 2016. housing option Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS) goal In Simcoe County, a cross-sector partnership • Sign up for the that “every person has an affordable, suitable has been engaged through a combination of emergency shelter use Homeless Hub and adequate home to provide the foundation municipal deputations and focus groups, as well newsletter to learn to secure employment, raise a family and build as monthly meetings of the Affordable Housing demographics 2015 more – www. strong communities.” Advisory Committee. New municipally-funded 17% 48% 30% 5% homelesshub.ca The Muskoka Homelessness Sharing Table, rent subsidy and secondary suite programs were 16-24 25-49 50-64 65+ . . . 58% were male • Know your rights meeting about four times/year, gathers a introduced that build on the successes of federal/ (Residential broad range of community individuals and provincial funding. In 2014/15, 207 affordable units 42% . . . were female Tenancies Act) - organizations to discuss and develop “made were created, and 112 households received home scored with HIGH 35% 90% . . . did not have children www.mah.gov.on.ca/ in Muskoka” initiatives and approaches. repairs/accessibility modifi cations. acuity, recommending an Page137.aspx In 2015, the Muskoka Affordable Housing See www.SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca for details. assessment for Housing First/ 29% . . . were between the Initiative Program (MAHIP) generated 110 rent Permanent Supportive Housing ages of 16 & 24 supplements, 10 retirement home fee assistance

11 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 12 COMMUNITY Poverty PULSE DANGER ON social housing poverty In the works… THE STREETS Planning for an expansion of Ontario Homeless women are 10 Simcoe Muskoka Social Spending 30% or more of Early Years Centres times more likely to die household total income across Muskoka prematurely than women Housing Wait LIst 2011 is underway. with homes. A fi fth of on shelter costs homeless women were # OF PEOPLE 2011 Calculations for local sexually assaulted or raped 2015 living wage minimums in the past year. More than 27% 29% are being released this half have mental health year. Muskoka Brewery challenges (SCATEH, 2011). simcoe muskoka partnered with Poverty Reduction of Muskoka Continued on page 15 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 poverty 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 Focus on David Busby Street Centre Seniors Single Adults Families population are living meal at a local shelter in low income in “Helping others help themselves” – and others 19% • Contribute your Simcoe Muskoka. experience to a regional poverty- Driven by a philosophy of empowerment, helpless. It took about six months for me to 20% 58% 22% of the population with reduction roundtable David Busby Street Centre is a community get myself out of a state of crisis, and settled muskoka or group not-for-profi t organization working from into a basic structured routine with some activity limitations/ diffi culties are living • Attend a Bridges out a non-judgmental approach to advocate sense of stability. 40% 35% 25% 15% of Poverty education in low income in and improve conditions for individuals and “Within the fi rst few months of navigating session to understand

simcoe Simcoe Muskoka. families who are homeless or at risk of my way through our social service system, the cultural barriers homelessness. I realized that there were many social and facing those The centre welcomes 150 participants systemic issues that were complicating and working toward less each day, for 38,000 visits in a year. Once a impeding my ability to get back out of the was the average annual precarious situations participant, Nick Robinson is now the centre’s system. This compelled me to get directly AvG time on Wait list for social 985 Ontario Works caseload - www.ywcamuskoka. Peer Advocate. involved within my community, and to focus housing in muskoka 3-6 yrs in Muskoka in 2015. com/womens- on the policies and procedures that were programs/bridges- “About 4 years ago I fell heavily into our AvG time on wait list for social was the number of Ontario out-of-poverty social service system after an unforeseeable hampering my ability, as well as too many 6,638 Works caseload in Simcoe others, to become self-suffi cient and self- personal event rendered me homeless and housing in simcoe county 3-6 yrs County in June 2016. sustaining.”

13 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 14 Community COMMUNITY Safety PULSE

COMPLEX Total number of Simcoe Muskoka Non-fatal In the works… ISSUES police officerS road Injury due to: Via UWSM grants, 838 Inattentive Driver John Howard Street centre participants 2015 Society of Simcoe often suffer from poor 2011 - 99 2015 - 204 Muskoka offers two health, complex mental simcoe county = 730 muskoka = 108 Persons with no-seatbelt new programs to health concerns, physical, 2011 -195 2015 - 81 support community cognitive and social OPP 388 OPP 108 Note: Ontario Provincial Police numbers re-engagement challenges, as well as BPS 237 after Correctional the devastating impact of SSPS 79 Service involvement. violence and abuse. % of actual 2011 MPS 26 Details about Continued on page 17 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 % 10% 4,888 hrs collingwood 12 South Simcoe Police Service 6% welcome): www. South Simcoe () 6% 3,740 hrs % johnhoward.on.ca. Midland Police Service 3 13% BRACEBRIDGE/BALA 15% COMMUNITY SAFETY Note: Number for OPP not reported. HUNTSVILLE How you can help calls for service total non-criminal • Submit your tips on crimes to the 2011 2015 2011 2015 Focus on Community Safety confi dential Crime Barrie Police Service 58,182 62,407 89% 86% Stoppers program Collaboration on complex individual cases reduces local risk – 1-800-222-TIPS South Simcoe Police Service 14,291 18,047 56% 68% (8477) Collaborate Barrie, North Simcoe Situation Mental health issues, housing, poverty, violence, Midland Police Service 9,157 8,010 54% 60% Table, and the Orillia Community Action Network unemployment and parenting are a few of issues • Know when to call (OCAN) are currently operational situation tables that are addressed. 9-1-1 (and when NOT to): visit your local (or HUBS) that are based upon collaborative Collaborate Barrie has been in operation for Most frequent non-criminal calls for service are for: police website 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 • motor vehicle collisions • traffic & alarms • community service • Learn about 2-1-1 – Community Policing initiative. Another HUB is established in Fall 2015 as one of nine original • police assist • domestic disputes • municipal bylaw a free, 24/7 telephone currently in development in South Simcoe. Ontario Provincial Police. These were the fi rst helpline providing The goal of situation tables is to improve HUBS to get underway in the region. The program referrals to local community safety and well-being by facilitating continues to develop locally. community services the identifi cation of rapid migration to acutely An explanatory Community Policing Wheel In 2015, John Howard Society of Simcoe Muskoka 8,277 • Join a local police elevated risk. Situation tables involve the diagram is available for viewing and download at volunteer hours were given back to the community by auxiliary program collaboration of community safety and well- www.SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca. being partners to assist people in crisis to individuals in the Community Service Order program. access the resources that will help them.

15 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca // SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT 16 Active COMMUNITY Transportation PULSE OUTREACH Simcoe has Mode of transportation In the works… SERVICES Bracebridge is 110 km of TransCanada Trail from home to work introducing a fully The David Busby Street 529 km of multi-use trails (muskoka/2011) accessible transit Centre’s new home is bus with a fold-out 1,235 km of cycling trails on Barrie’s Mulcaster ramp, 20 seats and Street, but recognizes Over 270 km of hiking trails 90% of two wheelchair the mobility challenges (not including those found in spaces that travels of many it serves. An workers use Provincial Parks) the urban core, outreach van goes where including hospitals, 100 km of mountain biking trails a car, truck, it’s needed at night to or van, as a schools and shopping support dozens more. 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 getting around How you a bicycle Mode of transportation can help 1% use other methods • Carpool or cycle from home to work to work (Simcoe County/2011) • Get involved Improved Transit Networks with the Healthy Kids Community Gap-fi lling pilot projects get underway of Challenges and 91% walk, run or bike Pilot projects in both Simcoe County routes to connect residents to the main towns of workers use a 52% to school and Muskoka are among 22 community Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Huntsville one day Increase in Muskoka • Leave the car projects to receive funding from a $2 million per week. Questions? Call 1-844-440-6387. car, truck, or at home and provincial grant initiative to improve access With support from the County of Simcoe and van, as a driver transportation ridership to transportation across the province. The support local the Ministry of Transportation, the Community or passenger Jan-April 2015 compared transit systems Ministry of Transportation’s goal is to support Transportation Link (CT Link) is a network of affordable and accessible transportation for to Jan-April 2014. • Commute via the community-based transportation service providers 4% walked Ontarians of all ages and abilities to reach that has developed a web-based portal to pool GO system or the essential services and amenities, as well as transportation resources between agencies. The Corridor 11 Bus the cultural and social activities offered in their CT Link’s development team includes Barrie Area 3% use public transit between Huntsville communities. Native Advisory Circle, Canadian Red Cross (Simcoe and Barrie Muskoka Extended Transit (The MET), in Muskoka Branch), Community Reach North Simcoe 1% use a bicycle association with Hammond Transportation, and Helping Hands Orillia. is running school buses outside the daily 1% use other methods school route to provide eight new rural

17 SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S VITALSIGNS® REPORT // SimcoeMuskokaVitalSigns.ca 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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