Region and United Way working together on community strategy
By Bill Rea

Officials of both Peel Region and the local United Way are working on a collaborative Community Investment Strategy.

Details of that strategy were outlined for Caledon councillors at their meeting last Tuesday.

Anita Stellinga, director of community investment with United Way of Peel Region, commented that both her group and the Region provide funding for various agencies that support numerous services in the community. She added both groups have independently identified needs to conduct reviews of investment strategies, in order to spot needs in the way those services are provided, as well as gaps and trends. United Way did their review about six years ago, which resulted in a five-year plan. Stellinga said the Region is working on its first review, in collaboration with United Way.

Since the Region and United Way are doing this work together, they are able to share both the planning and costs, Stellinga observed. She added the result should be to have a funding vision that's relevant to the needs in Peel.

The Community Investment Strategy involves these two agencies, along with other sources of funding for human services, such as local municipalities, school boards, corporate contributions and those coming from individuals. As well, the money available from the federal and provincial governments is being included.

The final report on the strategy will identify funding priorities; strategies for allocating funds; opportunities for more partnership and collaboration, including externally with other stakeholders; and specific short and medium-term recommendation.

Laureen Rennie, acting manager of community services and special projects with the Region's Human Services Department, told councillors the work plan on the project included the formation of an advisory group, with two representatives from Caledon. As well, they plan to meet with key leaders in the community, and she stated one of the reasons for their deputaion to council was simply to make contact. They also plan to get in touch with local MPs and MPPs. They are also reviewing available literature, hoping to build on the documentation that already exists. As well, they are hoping to facilitate stakeholder consultations. Rennie said they are looking at holding it Feb. 20, at some central location. Details are to be announced.

The next steps will include keeping council informed of progress, seeking opportunities to participate in consultations, creating a vision or aspirations for the future and identifying themes and priority focus areas for community investment strategies, looking into what they hope to accomplish. Rennie also said they want to make sure they keep having key people involved.

"We also want to hear from you," she told councillors. "We want to hear from the residents of Caledon. We want to hear what the issues are."

Rennie added they are open to change in order to make sure they cover all the bases.

Councillors Annette Groves commented there is a tendency to focus on infrastructure, and forget about matters like human services. The services provided by these two groups help make a healthy community. She also offered congratulations on the collaborative approach, observing it's a good direction in which to be heading.

Groves added she was pleased they would be consulting MPs and MPPs, suggesting outfits like Caledon Community Services (CCS) and Meals on Wheels should be contacted too.

Rennie said CCS is already involved, and is helping set up the public consultation session.

Councillor Allan Thompson added the Caledon Seniors' Council is another group that should be involved. "They do have a really good pulse on the community," he remarked.