The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is reinforcing its efforts to enhance safety, health, and well-being for all residents through the updated Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWP). First mandated by the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, the CSWP addresses complex social issues by fostering proactive, collaborative approaches rooted in community strengths and resources.
As part of this initiative, the Municipality invited residents to share input through a survey conducted in March 2025. The survey sought to understand the needs, concerns, and priorities of Chatham-Kent residents. Over a four-week period, the survey received 350 responses, achieving a confidence level of 90% based on the population size of Chatham-Kent.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 70% of respondents reported feeling a sense of belonging in their community.
- 81.7% of respondents reported positive relationships with their neighbours.
- 65% of respondents indicated that they feel safe or very safe walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark.
- 79% believed that crime rates in their community have increased over the past four years.
- Nearly 25% of respondents identified as parents to children aged 5-12, with over half expressing concerns about allowing their children to play outside unsupervised.
- Substance use, criminal activity, mental health, physical activity, poverty, and education & employment were identified as top priorities for improving community safety and well-being.
While the survey provides valuable insights, limitations such as sample size and composition are acknowledged. The results will be combined with comprehensive data from Statistics Canada, Public Health Ontario, and local partner organizations, including the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team, Linck, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and emergency services, to inform the CSWP.
Community input is vital when working towards building a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Chatham-Kent. The completed Community Safety and Well-Being Plan is expected to be shared with the public in Summer 2025. For further information or updates, please visit www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/community-sw
-ends-
Media Contact:
Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 x 2039
ericl@chatham-kent.ca
