- Klein, Director of Strategic Initiatives and K. Wianecki, Planning Solutions Inc. provided a presentation regarding the Community Strategic Plan. Highlights of the presentation included:
- the importance of a Community Strategic Plan;
- an overview of tasks completed in phase one and two of the Community Strategic Plan;
- the mission and core values;
- an overview of the engagement strategy and a summary of participation rates and demographics;
- key themes identified by community engagement participants that informed the vision statement;
- feedback regarding Pillar 1, which focusses on the safety, health, and inclusivity of Whitby's nieghbourhoods;
- feedback regarding Pillar 2, which focusses on a connected and resilient natural and built environment;
- feedback regarding Pillar 3, which focusses on an innovative and competitive economy;
- feedback regarding Pillar 4, which focusses on an accountable and responsive municipal government;
- an overview of the proposed Community Strategic Plan;
- proposed annual reporting on the progress of the Strategic Pillars and Actions to ensure transparency and accountability;
- an overview of the 62 action items identified in the Community Strategic Plan, including budgetary considerations and the impact on work plans; and,
- next steps in the Community Strategic Plan, including public launch in June 2023 and continued reporting on progress.
Discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding the efforts of the project steering committee, the effective community engagement strategy, and achievements to date.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council, Staff, and K. Wianecki regarding:
- addressing concerns regarding community safety;
- strategies for measuring the progress and success of Action Items relating to economic development;
- justification for attracting a new hotel and convention centre;
- metrics that inform proposed government outreach programs and engagement strategies focused on marginalized communities;
- the effective engagement strategy;
- whether ensuring that commercial vacancy rates remain below 5% is an achievable measure of progress;
- clarification regarding the goal of implementing 20% of the action items identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan as part of the Community Strategic Plan;
- addressing concerns regarding homelessness; and,
- effective consultation with the community, Members of Council, staff, and other stakeholders.