**** NS Gov Release
Community Safety, Well-Being Initiative Getting Started in Nova Scotia Municipalities --------------------------------------------------------- The Province is launching an initiative that takes a co-ordinated, community-oriented approach to public safety – one that will help prevent harm and crime by addressing the root causes.
Working with partners across Nova Scotia, the Province is developing a Community Safety and Well-Being Initiative that will guide collective efforts to build safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
The Province is also developing tools and resources to help municipalities build their own community safety and well-being plans, tailored to local needs and priorities. Three municipalities will pilot these plans as part of the initiative.
Public Safety Canada is supporting this work with $550,000 from its Guns and Gangs Violence Action Fund.
“Building safer communities takes more than responding to problems after they happen. This initiative is about working together to prevent harm and crime by connecting people with the supports they need,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Scott Armstrong. “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.”
Community safety and well-being means people are safe and feel safe, experience a sense of belonging, and have equitable access to supports such as education, healthcare, food, housing, income, policing and social and cultural opportunities.
The three pilot municipalities are the Town of New Glasgow, the Region of Queens Municipality and the Municipality of East Hants, in partnership with the Halifax Regional Municipality. Their experience will help shape the provincial strategy and ensure it reflects the realities of communities across the province, including rural and remote areas.
A provincial advisory committee is being established to guide development of the strategy and support the three municipalities throughout the process.
This initiative responds to a recommendation from the Mass Casualty Commission to move beyond reactive, siloed responses to crime and harm and toward co-ordinated efforts focused on prevention.
Quotes: “Nova Scotians deserve to feel safe where they live – and just as importantly, to feel supported and connected. That takes a shared plan and everyone pulling in the same direction. This new initiative is how we get there. By focusing on prevention and early action, we can help build a stronger, more resilient Nova Scotia.” — Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
“The best way to keep Nova Scotian communities safe is to stop crime and violence before it starts. We are strengthening community safety through stronger criminal laws and making critical investments in front-line enforcement and upstream prevention, like the community safety and well-being project. This important initiative will help better address the root causes of crime, respond to emerging threats and protect victims. It also supports the Mass Casualty Commission’s recommendation for co-ordinated efforts focused on prevention.” — Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Public Safety
“The challenges affecting community safety are increasingly complex and extend beyond the traditional role of police. Community safety and well-being planning allows us to focus on prevention, early intervention and the conditions that contribute to harm. Community safety is a shared responsibility that requires police, health, housing, social services, community organizations and residents to work together. This pilot will help New Glasgow strengthen those partnerships and build a more co-ordinated approach to keeping our community safe and well.” — Nancy Dicks, Mayor, Town of New Glasgow
“East Hants is pleased to be one of the municipalities chosen to take part in this important community safety and well-being project. We look forward to working together to better understand the needs in our community and find opportunities to strengthen supports and improve outcomes for residents. In collaboration with the Province and our community partners, we will develop a plan that reflects the needs of East Hants and helps make our community safer, healthier and stronger.” — Eleanor Roulston, Warden, Municipality of East Hants
“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.” — Scott Christian, Mayor, Region of Queens Municipality
“Keeping residents safe is one of our most important responsibilities. Strong communities invest in prevention, bring the right partners to the table and address problems before they become crises. We’re working with the Province, East Hants and our community partners through this pilot to help develop a practical approach that strengthens community safety, mental health outcomes and housing security.” — Andy Fillmore, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
Quick Facts: - Upland Planning and Design Studio, in partnership with Urban Matters, has been hired to help develop the provincial strategy and the three municipal plans - the three municipalities were selected to participate through an expression of interest - advisory committee members serve two-year terms and include representatives from government and community partners; a list of committee members will be available in the weeks ahead
Additional Resources: Community Safety and Well Being Initiative: https://speakupland.ca/nova-scotia-cswb-framework
