Health and Safety report: 2025-09-09

Submitted by Georgia Blondon, Chair

General Community Paramedicine Program

The General Community Paramedicine Program is a branch of the Ottawa Paramedic Service that goes beyond emergency 9-1-1 response.

Community paramedics make proactive, scheduled home visits to help residents manage their health, stay safe at home, and avoid unnecessary ER visits.

Read more at 211ontario.ca

Ottawa Police report for OOE – August 1 to 20

Data.OttawaPolice.ca indicates 2 motor vehicle thefts & 2 harassment charges in OOE from Aug. 1st to Aug. 20th.

A report from CBC News says a string of distraction thefts are happening across Canada which has prompted a police warning: 

• The public should mind strangers asking for hugs or sharing sob stories after three people were arrested in thefts across Canada.

City of Ottawa Community Safety & Well-Being update

August 19th the City of Ottawa held a  virtual Community Safety & Well-Being update (outline follows). This was a 4-year review.

• Address community safety and well-being by responding to concerns around drug use, public disorder, and loitering,  with proactive, trauma-informed, and community-centered approaches.
• Improve access to health, mental well-being, and social supports by advocating for culturally appropriate, locally available, and coordinated services.
• Foster inclusive and connected neighbourhoods by creating welcoming public spaces such as benches, green areas, and safe gathering zones that support social interaction.
• Support community-led and place-based solutions by enabling resident voices in planning, decision-making, and program implementation.
• Promote “no wrong door” access by ensuring that any point of contact leads to help through seamless referrals, shared service navigation, and integrated support across health, housing, and social sectors.

Discussion questions:

1. Do the “Insights from the Community” resonate with you? Do you think anything is missing?
2. Thinking about your neighbourhood, how would you describe the current state of community safety and well-being, in addition to what has already been listed in the previous insights? (Please consider: What makes you feel safe, supported, or connected in your community? What issues or concerns make it harder to feel safe or included?)
3. Do the current Plan priorities reflect what’s important locally? Which are most urgent? Are the actions and goals in the plan helping to address those challenges?
   • Discrimination, marginalization and racism: More people feel respected, included, and treated fairly, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences.
   • Financial security and poverty reduction: More people can afford basic needs like food, housing, and transportation, with fewer living in poverty.
   • Gender-based violence and violence against women: Fewer people experience abuse or violence based on gender, and more survivors can access the support they need.
   • Housing: More people have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
   • Integrated and simpler systems: More people can find and use the services they need because systems work better together.
   • Mental well-being: More people feel mentally well and can get help when they need it, without stigma or barriers.
   • Youth Social Development: More young people are supported to grow, thrive, and participate fully in their communities because programs and services reflect their needs and strengths.