8) Who is responsible for developing a CSWB plan?
- As per the PSA, the responsibility to prepare and adopt a CSWB plan applies to:
- Single-tier municipalities;
- Lower-tier municipalities in the County of Oxford and in counties; and
- Regional municipalities, other than the County of Oxford.
First Nations communities are also being encouraged to undertake the CSWB planning process but are not required to do so by the legislation.
In the case of regional municipalities, the obligation to prepare and adopt a CSWB plan applies to the regional municipality, not the lower-tier municipalities within the region. Further, the lower-tier municipalities are not required to formally adopt the regional plan (i.e., by resolution from their municipal council).
However, there is nothing that prohibits any of the lower-tier municipalities within a region from developing and adopting their own CSWB plan, if they choose, but it would be outside the legislative requirements outlined in the PSA.
In addition, while lower-tier municipalities within counties are responsible for the development of a CSWB plan, under the legislation municipalities have the discretion and flexibility to create joint plans with other municipalities and First Nation band councils. This may be particularly beneficial for counties, where services are often shared across jurisdictions and to increase capacity by leveraging resources through the development of a county-wide plan.
9) Why did the Government of Ontario mandate CSWB planning to the municipality?
CSWB planning was mandated to municipalities to ensure a proactive and integrated approach to address local crime and complex social issues on a sustainable basis. It is important that municipalities have a leadership role in identifying their local priority risks in the community and addressing these risks through evidence-based programs and strategies, focusing on social development, prevention and risk intervention.
Please remember that even though the municipality has been designated the lead of CSWB planning, developing and implementing a CSWB plan requires engagement from all sectors.
10) If a band council decides to prepare a CSWB plan, do they have to follow all the steps outlined in legislation (e.g., establish an advisory committee, conduct engagement sessions, publish, etc.)?
First Nations communities are encouraged to follow the process outlined in legislation regarding CSWB planning but are not required to do so.
11) Can municipalities create joint plans?
Yes, municipalities can create a joint plan with other municipalities and/or First Nation band councils. The same planning process must be followed when municipalities are developing a joint plan.