For many, recreation and sports activities provide friendships, purpose, and meaning. They also provide significant economic, social and health benefits to our region. Recreation and sports are essential contributors to the economy and they add to the prosperity of Niagara by attracting visitors through sport tourism and hosted regional, provincial, national and international events. Participation in sports builds leadership skills, facilitates social inclusion and develops a sense of belonging, teamwork, and community spirit. The Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario states that “Everyone has the right to quality, accessible and inclusive recreation and parks services in their communities – services that are essential for the health of Ontarians, the quality of life in our communities and the sustainability of our environment” (Charter, 2009). Engagement in formal and informal indoor and outdoor sports and recreation makes Niagara a healthier, more active place to live.

What we are doing well…

The economic impact of hosted events in Niagara was estimated at over $17 million in 2009, and the estimate has risen substantially since then.Over 250 community sports organizations (CSOs), and thousands of volunteer citizens deliver sports and recreation programs to an estimated 100,000 children, youth, adults and seniors in Niagara. Local CSOs host over 150 small to medium size sporting events annually for tournaments, competitions and multi-sport events.

The Niagara Parks Commission and private clubs provide beautiful golf courses. Local associations, municipal recreation departments, and the YMCA of Niagara facilitate and develop a variety of indoor and outdoor programs for participants of all ages. These are offered in facilities and community venues across Niagara, utilizing local and professional leadership contributions. Niagara’s school boards, Brock University, Niagara College and private clubs offer fitness programs, activities and sports, recreation and leisure facilities.

By working together, we can improve recreation and sports in Niagara

Historically, many of Niagara’s sports and recreation clubs and organizations have developed separately. Strategic efforts for coordination, shared funding, access and joint hiring and training could strengthen delivery and further development. Increased understanding of the powerful potential of sport as an economic engine could lead to even greater planning, and positive benefits for Niagara’s economy. Supportive links for event hosting between local sports and recreation organizations and the tourism sector could benefit both groups. Increased efforts to enable citizen access and inclusion in sport and recreation would assist everyone, regardless of age, finances, gender or circumstances to be able to participate fully in what their community has to offer. Organizations’ increased use of planning/sharing tools such as the League Toolkit and an event inventory would help them to be more effective in administrative planning as well as raising public awareness and access.

Emerging Activity

• Some shared awareness and coordination is occurring through the establishment of the Niagara Sport Commission and the development of some community projects.
• Use of the League Toolkit in many organizations helps volunteer groups in planning and administration.
• ProKid, Jump Start and other subsidies help reduce barriers to access for those who are disadvantaged.
• Toronto’s successful bid to host the 2015 PAN AM Games will see the rowing competition hosted in St. Catharines, and the canoeing, kayaking, and long-distance swimming in Welland.
• This is the first time recreation and sports are included as a sector in the Living in Niagara Report.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Measure, acknowledge and nurture the economic impact of this sector on Niagara, including the volunteer leadership and contributions.
2. Encourage more formal partnerships between this sector and leaders in tourism to capture opportunities for economic impact in Niagara.
3. Develop intersectoral cooperation to plan together for big projects to benefit Niagara.
4. Increase access to recreation and sports for all ages, including for family-shared types of recreation.
5. Create a planning framework to bring all principals in the sector together to answer key questions, such as: What are we doing? How are we doing? Are there enough opportunities, for whom and where? What are we doing to increase access and opportunities, and is it working?
6. Increase civic engagement by developing and facilitating leadership skills and capacity for all ages, through recreation and sports.

Niagara is strengthened when a new child, a new graduate or a new immigrant becomes part of our community. Our region’s vitality, inclusiveness and future sustainability depends on how we welcome these citizens, help them to get established and include them and their contributions. The presence of child care and supports for children and their parents or caregivers is a measure of the success of a region in giving children a healthy start in life.

What we are doing well…

Newborns in Niagara and their families benefit from supports provided by Niagara Region Public Health, Niagara Early Years programs, and public and private day care facilities. Refugees and immigrants coming across the border into Canada at the Fort Erie Peace Bridge point of entry are met by the Peace Bridge Newcomers’ Center and Canada Border Services. While most of these people travel on to larger urban centers in Ontario and Canada, others establish temporary or permanent residency in Niagara. New graduates from secondary schools, colleges, trades and apprenticeship programs and universities can access employment search supports and service learning opportunities as they seek rewarding work to establish an adult life in Niagara.

By working together, we can improve the experiences of those getting started in Niagara as a child, a young adult, or an immigrant

Continuing to build a community that is friendly and accessible for all ages and backgrounds will increase everyone’s sense of belonging, boost productivity levels, and utilize citizens’ diverse assets. Niagara could actively involve parents in understanding their critical role in actualizing the areas identified by the Early Years Niagara Planning Council, to help ensure that children are learning, healthy and safe; and families are strong, stable and connected. Immigrants and their families could best make a rich contribution to our communities, schools and places of work, if we develop a more proactive approach to welcoming and valuing their talents and skills. Ongoing attention should be paid to coordination, effectiveness and timeliness of efforts to recognize immigrants’ prior credentials, to offer language training, settlement services and education. A stronger future for Niagara would result from attracting and retaining youth and young adults through innovative opportunities for education and employment. Identifying optimal ways to integrate and utilize the assets and potential of youth, young adults and seniors would increase quality of life for all of Niagara.

Emerging Activity

• The Children’s Charter Enacted report shows evidence that the Charter has guided positive changes in the way children’s services are delivered. This shows that as a community we consider our children and youth to be one of the most important assets to invest in for everyone’s future.
• There is a growing sense that creating a culture and climate that supports starting up in Niagara will attract new people, engage youth and young graduates to feel they are part of Niagara’s future. It will also encourage new businesses and enterprises to innovate in Niagara.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Continue to describe the impact of the Niagara Children’s Charter on the lives of children, families, agencies and the community.
2. Create a forum that includes researchers, community members and academics, along with public policy experts to identify opportunities to leverage our Niagara-specific data on immigration, specifically as it relates to the social and economic health of the Niagara Region.
3. Actively involve and inform parents about their critical role in actualizing the areas identified by the Early Years Niagara Planning Council to ensure that: children are learning, healthy and safe; and families are strong, stable and connected.
4. Create an intersectoral strategy for, and dedicate resources to attracting and retaining youth through innovative employment and leadership opportunities.

Community capacity building is enhanced by the strong bonds and networks that connect its people, so that they are able to mobilize around issues and take constructive action together. Social capital is a community asset evidenced through citizens’ expression of civic responsibility, generosity and trust. People who engage in political, recreational and charitable activities or give generously of their time, talents, leadership, energy and money are strengthening their community. Whether citizens participate at the local or regional level, their involvement benefits both their community and themselves as individuals. When citizens take part and are included in planning, processes and solution-building, trust and a sense of community belonging result.

What we are doing well…

Throughout Niagara, there are many community, cultural, family and friendship networks as well as opportunities to engage in societal decision-making and voting processes. Mentoring initiatives are evolving that both enrich young people seeking experience and skills, and value older adults’ wisdom and expertise. Niagara’s seniors contribute significant volunteer hours in a variety of areas. Several local municipalities across Niagara have engaged younger citizens by creating mayors’ youth advisory councils. Secondary school graduation diploma requirements for community service hours and service learning initiatives at Niagara College and Brock University provide opportunities for young people to learn about and feel a part of Niagara. Niagara residents report a higher sense of belonging to their community than is reported for Ontario or Canada. While decreasing voter turnout across Canada is a major concern, Niagara turnout rates are slightly higher than that for other regions. In the 2011 provincial election, Niagara had a 52.4 percent voter turnout rate, compared to the provincial average of 48 percent. Information Niagara coordinates Niagara Volunteer Connections, a web-based volunteer recruitment database supported by community groups and agencies. The Regional Association of Volunteer Administrators provides online links to volunteer opportunities on behalf of volunteer coordinators from more than 30 Niagara not-for-profit agencies.

By working together, we can improve belonging, volunteering, giving and leadership in Niagara

It is a community challenge to continuously create a culture of civic participation, charitable giving, voluntarism, engagement and leadership for all ages. This is especially true during times of economic uncertainty. Niagara residents have many competing priorities for their time, energy and financial giving. Time and transportation have been identified as barriers to volunteering. Many of the elderly population in Niagara are well and they serve as volunteers. Many of this age group also require increased services, friendly visits, meals and home care themselves. Our elected representation at all levels of government is predominantly male. While many throughout Niagara are making efforts to facilitate civic engagement, the citizenry may not be fully aware of those efforts and not know how to be engaged.

Emerging Activity

• The Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative is engaging citizens in applying World Health Organization age-friendly principles to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for Niagara citizens of all ages.
• Leadership Niagara was launched in 2007 to identify, nurture and grow future leaders throughout the region. As of June 2011, 90 people had graduated from the program, and 16 community projects were completed. The Leadership Niagara teamwork experience has evolved to be closely linked to Niagara’s voluntary sector, with project suggestions provided by local agencies and organizations.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Continue to develop a Niagara-wide culture of involving citizens in civic engagement, and encouraging people to take action on the suggestions for each of the sectors outlined in Living in Niagara – 2011, as well as those identified by the Sustainable Niagara plan.
2. Acknowledge and measure non-paid, not-for profit work and its impact on Niagara’s individuals, organizations and the economy.

Investing in economic development and reduction of poverty in a region is a wise strategy to help individuals, companies and families to prosper. Mobilizing assets, while effectively identifying and addressing needs will strengthen approaches to enhancing region-wide prosperity. The gap between the rich and poor is widening and deepening in many Canadian communities, including Niagara. Inequities and poverty are evident, with related negative impact for all citizens – significant costs in terms of human lives, unrealized potential, and loss of real dollars in the economy. The level of poverty, child poverty, low income, unemployment and homelessness in a region affects the health and well-being of individuals, families, businesses, government, and society as a whole. Niagara cannot afford the underutilization and non-inclusion of citizen assets that result from poverty. Collaborative efforts to ameliorate poverty involve changes in policy as well as initiatives to address inequities, adequate income levels, and increased employment opportunities.

What we are doing well…

Following the 2007 release of the report: “A Legacy of Poverty? Addressing Cycles of Poverty and the Impact on Child Health in Niagara Region”, the Region of Niagara began investing $1.5 million annually to help those living in poverty. Beginning in 2008, 55 different agencies were funded to deliver 136 projects. Goals of the Niagara Prosperity Initiative Advisory Committee include: dispelling the myths about living in poverty; improving collaboration and actions in poverty reduction efforts by all stakeholders; and engaging and including all individuals in the community. Shelters, food banks and services throughout the region are dedicated to supporting those in need. Niagara Region’s Community and Social Services Department offers financial assistance, Ontario Works benefits, and subsidized housing and day care. Groups have been established to focus on issues of homelessness and the integration of new immigrants into the region. Work is underway to provide a Niagara perspective on the Ontario Partnership Project finding, that the ‘for social profit’ sector is a $50 billion driver in Ontario’s economy.

By working together, we can improve economic prosperity in Niagara

The gap between high and low income earners in Niagara is steadily growing. We have little to cheer about when a large percent of Niagara’s children and families live below the poverty line, and struggle to have necessities of shelter and food. The statistics are made up of real people in our midst who face daily barriers to keeping their housing, finding work, raising families and eating well. There are several areas across our region where levels of unemployment, low income and poverty are higher than average. A closer look reveals that within these areas, there is inequity in the way populations experience housing, health, education, income and unemployment. To make our region robust, inclusive, sustainable and liveable for everyone, it is important to address the underlying issues that contribute to poverty. Strengthening the sustainability of core human services and their inter-connective links will be an important step. Efforts to strategically address Niagara-wide economic issues will improve prosperity for all.

Emerging Activity

• A unique Niagara Neighbourhood Mapping tool has been developed and used to measure the impact of neighbourhood action initiatives.
• Work is underway to better coordinate, integrate and strengthen regional economic development strategies.
• Awareness is building that effective economic development in Niagara needs to recognize linkages between, and magnify strengths of both private enterprise and the ‘for social profit’ sector.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Adopt an action plan that recognizes that poverty is complex and its amelioration requires a system of approaches, both at the macro (regional) level and micro (neighbourhood) level.
2. Focus on policy change and infrastructure improvements to ensure a living income above the poverty line for people receiving social assistance. Align this safety net with current realities of labour market and work trends.
3. Base community-wide dynamic planning on tracking and analysis of the 100 indicators of poverty as identified in the report “A Legacy of Poverty? Addressing Cycles of Poverty and the Impact on Child Health in Niagara Region“.
4. Stabilize commitments to child care and core human services for people living in poverty in Niagara.
5. Structure government response to poverty reduction on the basis of prevailing evidence, community involvement and ideas.
6. Link economic growth and development strategies to community assets such as: adequate, safe and affordable housing, quality employment, access to health care services, education, and transportation.
7. Develop ways to include the perspectives and utilize the talents and contributions of those living in poverty.
8. Extend entrepreneurial and innovative thinking to human services planning and delivery.
9. Develop new leadership approaches and innovative ideas for prosperity development in Niagara.
10. Support initiatives to build linkages between private enterprise and the ‘for social profit’ sector.

Having quality opportunities to work, contribute and earn a living wage is important to the health and wellbeing of a family, an individual and a community. The sustainability of a community is reliant on the employment of its citizens and the utilization of their talents and human capital in creative and purposeful work.

What we are doing well…

The Niagara Workforce Planning Board (NWPB) brings together those concerned with labour force planning and employment in Niagara to look at labour opportunities, trends, growth areas, skills, educational demands and employer needs. Many organizations are dedicated to assisting clients with employment and language training. The Niagara Immigrant Employment Council (NIEC) and the Niagara Immigrant Connections Initiative (NICI) were established to enhance the integration of the skills of immigrants in Niagara. There is evidence of collaborative planning to work on employment and labour force strategies for Niagara. While jobs are decreasing in some sectors, they are increasing in others. Traditionally, Niagara’s economy was anchored on a small number of large manufacturers employing large workforces. Manufacturing is changing, with a number of new small and medium-sized enterprises generating jobs. The diversification of Niagara’s economy is a trend that is in-step with national and global directions.

By working together, we can improve work and employment in Niagara

Niagara would be strengthened by effective, innovative, coordinated and collaborative economic and employment strategies at the local and regional levels. Labour needs in the tourism and service sectors have increased. Diversified manufacturing and business enterprise sectors could be further strengthened. Recognizing credentials and integrating talents of our educated immigrant population into appropriate labour areas is still an issue requiring attention. Attracting increased numbers of educated youth to Niagara, to work and build their businesses, careers and families would be an investment in our future. The employment and earnings of single parents, youth, immigrants, artists, persons with disabilities and the Aboriginal population still lag behind that of the general population in the region.

Emerging Activity

• A new regional approach to strengthening economic development for Niagara is being established, with preferred models being explored.
• A number of initiatives are engaging youth and capturing their ideas for Niagara’s workforce future.
• Employment initiatives are being targeted to older workers (age 55 to 64) affected by industry transitions.
• An innovative business incubation hub is in place at ngen-niagara.com, to help build an interactive digital media cluster in the Niagara region.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Support the work of economic development partners to attract employers with sustainable employment, and quality job opportunities for Niagara.
2. Advocate for government policies and resources that promote economic prosperity.
3. Support creation of a culture that helps youth to develop entrepreneurial skills, creativity and innovation.
4. In collaboration with adult literacy partners, undertake and resource a comprehensive and collaborative regional and area mapping of current literacy rates and issues and set new targets for Niagara-wide action.
5. Measure and describe the not-for-profit sector of Niagara’s workforce in terms of its economic impact.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity (adapted from World Health Organization, 1948 to include spiritual). The health of a population is influenced by the overall health of its citizens as well as the social, political and economic determinants of health, including employment, education, income, and housing. Accessible, appropriate and timely care across the lifespan includes: health promotion, disease and risk prevention, health education, primary health care, complementary health care, acute care, treatment and rehabilitation to assist citizens to maintain or restore their health and well being. Palliative care, hospice care and compassionate care for terminal illness, and providing dignity and comfort for the dying are essential. Primary health care principles are important in Niagara; they include: accessibility; public participation; health promotion; appropriate skills and technology; and inter-sectoral cooperation.

What we are doing well…

Niagara has four Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Nurse Practitioners are being engaged across the region. Many specific health services across the continuum of care are available throughout Niagara. The Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and other groups are engaged in health planning. In 2008, the new Niagara campus of McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine placed medical students and residents in hospitals and care centers across the region; the first 19 graduated in 2010. Brock University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, as well as Canada’s first Bachelor of Public Health program. Niagara College offers practical nursing, dental health, personal support worker and paramedic programs.

By working together, we can improve health and wellness in Niagara

The health care system in Niagara includes a continuum of health promotion, disease prevention, primary care, treatment, rehabilitation, hospital care, complementary care, palliative and hospice care. A focus on public health priorities and the Healthy Living Niagara community recommendations to reduce obesity, cardiovascular disease and chronic health conditions will help to create a healthier population and reduce the need for hospital services. Attracting health care professionals with the skills required for Niagara’s population is a priority. Reducing wait times for some diagnostic services, cancer care and surgeries is also important. It is essential that we develop, strengthen, and coordinate mental health services in Niagara.

Emerging Activity

• The construction of a new acute care facility is being completed in St. Catharines by the Niagara Health System (NHS) for 2012.
• Niagara Public Health has many programs and launched The Health Story of Niagara in 2009, with updates provided as new data is available.
• In 2011, Niagara College opened the doors to its new Applied Health Institute on the Welland Campus.
• Brock is completing a new Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Complex.
• Mental health and wellness for citizens of all ages is identified as an area needing intersectoral coordination.
• In 2011, additional funding was approved for mental health services for children and youth in Niagara.
• In 2011, Healthy Living Niagara engaged the community in identifying 5 priorities for health promotion and policy development for reduction of rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and chronic health conditions.
• An evidence-based approach is being used by the Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition to update their regional strategy to minimize the burden of suicides in Niagara.
• Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), nurses and mental health workers have formed a mobile crisis response unit, COAST Niagara, coordinated by Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara, with a focus on adults with serious mental illness, substance abuse and the homeless.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Raise public awareness of the role of our Community Health Centres and the primary health care services in Niagara. This approach would make better use of skills and resources throughout the entire health services delivery continuum, including hospitals and emergency services.
2. Engage the community of Niagara in the development of strategies to enhance public trust and confidence in our region’s health care system and its leadership.
3. Strengthen the links between services across all sectors that affect the health of the elderly.
4. Continue to develop intersectoral collaboration among mental health organizations and service providers in Niagara.
5. Encourage inclusion of mental health anti-stigma principles in planning across all human service areas in Niagara.
6. Support the evidence-based planning approach of the Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Every Niagara resident should be able to live, work and play in safe environments. Citizens can fully participate in a community and enjoy their lives when they feel safe and secure in their homes, neighbourhoods, cars, public places or workplaces. Motor vehicle collisions are one of the main causes of preventable injury. Incidents and rates of crime in an area can affect our personal feelings and perceptions of safety and security. Crime is often rooted in poverty and the social and economic conditions of an area.

What we are doing well…

In 2007, the Think and Drive community initiative was launched. This, in combination with increased traffic violation enforcement initiatives by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), has significantly reduced fatal and life-threatening traffic accidents.Niagara continues to have low violent and property crime rates, compared to similar communities in the province. In 2003, Niagara had one of the highest per capita accident fatality rates in the province.

Niagara’s Emergency Management Services (fire, police and ambulance) are working together for public safety, and to develop integrated systems for emergency response. The public rates their trust in Niagara police officers favourably.

By working together, we can improve safety and security in Niagara

While awareness of domestic violence against women and its effects on children has increased, interventions could be more focused if we had a better understanding of the impact on children, families and the broader community. Distracted driving is a new area to be addressed. Working with our youth and positively engaging them in our community helps to prevent them from entering the justice system and increases opportunities for them to develop as contributing citizens. Addressing the roots of poverty will have a positive impact on crime, safety and security in Niagara.

Emerging Activity

• Although crime rates have decreased, the length of investigations of individual crimes has increased, resulting in the need for more sophisticated police services.
• In 2008, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) formed a specialized domestic violence unit.
• In 2008, the Niagara Region Domestic Violence Report Card was launched, led by the Coalition to End Violence Against Women.
• The School Resource Officer (SRO) program of the NRPS has been noted as a success, with more officers added, for a total of 4.
• COAST Niagara (Community Outreach and Support Team) is a partnership between Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara, Distress Centre Niagara, Niagara Health System, and NRPS – that serves as a regional, mobile and urgent response team comprised of a police officer, mental health workers, nurses and social workers trained in psychiatric crisis response. COAST Niagara will focus on adults with serious mental illness, substance abuse and the homeless; individuals in crisis will be linked to appropriate community services.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Continue to expand the community policing program and intensify efforts to engage the public, youth and other sectors as partners and leaders in initiatives for community safety.
2. Continue to develop the relationships and jurisdictional connections that are clear and well linked in emergency management.
3. Continue to support the work of community groups and agencies involved in reducing domestic violence, by ensuring there is a Niagara-wide system of accessible services and safe shelters.
4. Continue to develop partnered effective public awareness strategies and campaigns regarding key safety and security issues (eg. Think and Drive).
5. Support the work of the Niagara Prosperity Initiative in addressing the roots of poverty in our community.

Affordable housing can help people break the cycle of poverty.Safe and affordable housing is fundamental for individuals and families striving to build a strong future for themselves and their communities. It provides the foundation families need to raise children and pursue education, jobs and wellness.

To afford housing is to be able to afford rent or mortgage payments, electricity, water, heating, maintenance and repairs. Appropriate housing has to take the seasons into account: to have a safe place in Niagara’s cold winters and hot summers. Citizens’ access to necessary supports and resources for living improves when they have housing close to transportation, churches, schools and health care. A sustainable building industry with growing trends in housing starts is considered an indicator of a healthy economy and job opportunities.

What we are doing well…

A variety of housing, including subsidized and privately-owned homes, is available in Niagara. Compared to other areas in Canada, house prices and rents are lower; interest rates are also low. The rate of home ownership in Niagara is the second-highest in Ontario, and is increasing, especially for townhouses and condominiums (built or converted). With the assistance of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, 181 Niagara households have purchased their own home through the Welcome Home Niagara initiative. The provincial government’s Aging at Home Strategy supports seniors to live in their own home, and the Community Care Access Centre in Niagara coordinates care options, such as Supportive Housing.

By working together, we can improve housing and shelter in Niagara

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) rental affordability index for Niagara indicates that 50% of renters spend more than 30% of their gross income on rent. In 2010, utilities became subject to the provincial portion of the HST, resulting in more renters in Niagara paying greater than 10% of their income on utilities, leading to significant ‘fuel poverty’. Compared to the provincial average of 17.7%, Niagara has seen a 30.6% increase in the number of households going on the wait list for affordable housing. This is attributed in part to improved planning for citizens at risk of homelessness, the sharp rise in cost of utilities and the economic downturn. The waiting time can range from 2.25 to 8.75 years, resulting in some citizens living in substandard housing, and struggling to buy food. Although these statistics reflect our recent past, Niagara Regional Housing is implementing a strong plan for increasing affordable housing. As a community we need to be aware of how individuals’ access to adequate housing affects all of us.

Emerging Activity

• New regulations and standards have been adopted for landowners and property owners regarding property repairs, maintenance, health and building code expectations.
• Many of the recent strategies to reduce the risk of homelessness – The RAFT (Resource Association for Teens), Youth Reconnect and the Niagara Regional Supported Transitional Housing programs – are working and homelessness is trending downward.
• Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) is overseeing the development of over $38 million of new affordable housing communities in various stages of development, with an emphasis on accessibility and energy-efficiency. This includes 133 new affordable housing units for low-income seniors and families as well as persons with disabilities.
• Services such as the Wellness Supportive Living Program, a joint venture between Ontario March of Dimes, Seniors Community Services (Niagara Region), Community Support Services Niagara and Niagara Regional Housing are developing, to assist seniors and others to be able to stay at home with minimum support.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Support the gains that have been made in addressing youth homelessness through creation of a Niagara-wide, focused sustainability plan.
2. Develop specialized and sustainable strategies to assist unique populations with shelter and housing needs. This includes low-income seniors, individuals, families, and those at high risk of homelessness.
3. Expand and resource supported housing arrangements for seniors, and persons with disabilities and/or mental health challenges (those not requiring 24 hour supervision).
4. Develop cross-sectoral collaboration that emphasizes the value of seniors aging in their own homes.
5. Create Niagara-wide cross-sectoral linkages between initiatives to assist women requiring housing because of poverty and/or domestic violence, poverty reduction action plans, and the four pillars of the Niagara Early Years Planning Council Strategy: families are strong, stable and connected; children are healthy; children are learning; and children are safe.

Evidence of support for early learning for children and youth, as well as lifelong learning for all ages is a measure of a region’s success and the health of its citizens. Learning for employment, living together and quality of life strengthens all of us. Work, creativity, prosperity and health are all linked to education and literacy. Continual building of a strong learning community with a capacity for knowledge exchange and generation in Niagara will help our citizens to have the skills and creativity to deal with change, to work in the new economy and innovate together.

What we are doing well…

Niagara is well-served by its many schools, learning institutions and organizations that offer literacy services, education, skills development, professional development, and English as a Second Language (ESL). There are many learning opportunities for both residents and those who come to our region for an education. Brock University, Niagara College, the District School Board of Niagara, the Niagara Catholic School Board, the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud and the Conseil scolaire public de district Centre-Ouest contribute to our investment in the education of children, youth and adults. While Niagara rates are comparable or higher than Ontario for high school completion and trades certificates, significantly fewer people in Niagara complete a university education. Access to the internet from home, work and libraries is increasing. Niagara school boards are making great strides in the performance of our students on the provincial EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office) tests.

By working together, we can improve learning and education in Niagara

Increased post-secondary completion rates, and support for literacy levels across the region will assist our citizens to be educated, employed, to earn a living wage and to be able to function safely and well in society. Access to the internet is at an all time high in Canada. While Niagara citizens’ internet access from home, work and libraries is increasing, we are still slightly behind compared to other parts of the nation. Educating for the skills of a new economy is a challenge that must be met by Niagara.

Emerging Activity

• The Niagara Children’s Charter Enacted reports on Niagara’s positive steps to shape education and services for children.
• The Early Development Instrument (EDI), through Niagara’s neighbourhood mapping, has identified areas that are strong, and ones that are suppressed.
• Full-day kindergarten is being implemented across Niagara and may have positive impacts on children, families, employment levels and the economy.
• The Early Years Niagara Planning Council is overseeing planning and strategic directions for improving the lives of children in Niagara.

Suggested Action Steps

that emerged from the data, and discussions with community expert opinion leaders:

1. Continue to support educational organizations and the community to increase post-secondary completion rates in Niagara.
2. Support work being done to facilitate accessible pathways across education streams, institutions (college to university; university to college) and programs.
3. Maintain the advances made in our school systems in testing and EQAO achievement results.
4. In collaboration with adult literacy partners, undertake and resource a comprehensive and collaborative regional and area mapping of current literacy rates and issues and set new targets for Niagara-wide action.
5. Continue to embrace full-day kindergarten as part of a broader transition toward a comprehensive early learning and childcare system to meet the needs of Niagara families and children.
6. Describe and analyze the impact of full-day kindergarten on children; families; employment; and Niagara’s economy.
7. Support the approaches and actions outlined in the four pillars of the Niagara Early Years Planning Council strategy: families are strong, stable and connected; children are healthy; children are learning; and children are safe.
8. Explore The Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets Model across sectors, to prepare youth to create their own healthy future.