The Safe Community Initiative (SCI) is moving forward after discovering five major needs in Winkler.

The group recently completed a survey of Winkler community members as part of a mission to promote collaboration between service providers and identify where people are falling through the cracks.

Out of the results, five needs rose to the top.

"These five areas are interconnected," SCI Steering Committee Member Terry Dueck says. "They're not isolated issues, to focus on one doesn't mean you neglect the others. If people are struggling with mental health... and you provide healthy alternatives like recreation opportunities that are going to make a difference in multiple avenues of our lives."

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says it's gratifying to see the dream come together.

"The community fully understands you can't police a community into submission," he says. "You need programs and activities in order to address issues before they become police issues."

Central Station Community Centre in Winkler took the lead on the Safe Community Initiative

Harder says the next step is for participating partners to contribute personnel and funds to the project.

The City itself has already allocated $40,000 to the Safe Community Initiative in 2017. The hiring of a Community Safety Officer will also be part of the proactive approach to creating a safer city.

1. Mental Health

While many of the issues may not come as a surprise, Dueck explains the survey revealed a greater need for teen mental health programs, as well as couples counselling.

"We're recommending more dialogue be done with mental health providers," Dueck says.

2. Accessibility and awareness around local resources

Dueck notes even service providers don't necessarily know all the resources available in the community.

"Unfortunately the process of accessing the right help can be confusing even for those who know how to work the system," he says.

Steps are currently being made to increase collaboration at Central Station Community Centre.

The first official day in the new space for the food cupboard was March 1

"And we feel we're making progress," he says, as the Winkler Food Cupboard recently moved in with Central Station with hopes people receiving groceries may look into the programs available next door.

"We're in an exciting time for Central Station."

3. Recreation opportunities

Dueck notes recreation is key in alleviating stress, building self-esteem and provide healthy alternatives for teens.

The upcoming $44 Meridian Exhibition Centre also has plans for an indoor pool in later phases, a recreation option many mentioned in the survey.

Phase three would include an indoor pool

4. Concerns over alcohol and drug related crimes and abuse

While results for preventative strategies are harder to quantify, Dueck notes teens in a supported environment often avoid drug abuse.

Next steps include increasing communication, both speaking and listening to teens while offering more recreation and art options.

However, the lack of a crisis treatment centre was also noted in the survey.

5. Public transportation

Access to transportation continues to create challenges for families, especially during the long winter months.

A handi-van service at the Buhler Active Living Centre is currently in the works, which Dueck notes will help address the need.

Summary:

Moving forward, Dueck says to see the vision of the Safe Community Initiative and its goal of greater collaboration hinges on a paid staff person, and a formal structure of accountability and support.

"Where we can move beyond talking around a boardroom table... to yes we're going to do something," Dueck says. "And someone needs to pull that together."

Dueck also thanked City Council for their continued support, and vision for the project.