At their meeting on July 6, 2022, the Social Services Committee endorsed Making Life Better Every Day: A Vision and Plan 2022-2032 , that will direct and guide the important work of the Community Services and Social Development (CSSD) commission over the next decade. The communities of Brantford and Brant are growing rapidly, and with that growth comes increased demand for amenities, events, and social supports. With the negative impacts of ongoing economic pressures, social division and the global pandemic still being felt, the plan comes at a time when the services provided by the commission are needed more than ever.
“The Community Services and Social Development commission provides valuable programs and services for people of all ages and life situations,” said Marlene Miranda, General Manager, Community Services and Social Development. “The needs of citizens we serve will continue to shift and evolve, and the Vision Plan provides a solid foundation from which the CSSD commission can respond to these changing needs now and in the future.”
The vision and plan was developed using the current City of Brantford Council Priorities, The County of Brant Strategic Plan 2019-2023 and more than 27 local, federal and provincial plans, all of which included extensive public and stakeholder consultation.
Making Life Better Every Day identifies three pillars that are supported by strategic priorities and intended to guide operational plans and investment decisions for the next 10 years. These pillars include Safe and Vibrant Places with the goal to build communities where people love to live, feel connected and have their basic needs met and continue to live as they age. The next pillar focuses on Healthy People and creating conditions where every resident is able to achieve the highest level of health and well-being possible. And finally, Inspired Partnerships that will harness the energy and innovation of educational institutions, nonprofits, grassroots community groups to find solutions to collective challenges, build better lives and be part of creating a prosperous, healthy and inclusive community.
Other highlights of the plan include:
- Continue working towards creating and facilitating the development of a range of available housing so residents can live in a setting most appropriate for their needs
- Promote gathering spaces for culture, sports, recreation and entertainment opportunities to support both formal and informal uses
- Promote higher levels of overall wellness, mental health and responsible substance-use in service users and in neighbourhoods of concern, working creatively with health sector partners to develop new access to pathways
- Children and youth will receive a great start in life through a mix of universal and targeted investments
- Partner with post-secondary institutions to improve knowledge creation and data-driven practices
The Making Life Better Every Day: A Vision and Plan 2022-2023 is available online to review at www.Brantford.ca/MakingLifeBetterEveryDay. While the document is intended to inform for the next 10 years, if needed, the plan will be updated as needed to take into account shifting needs of the community but continuing to focus on the essential intent of Making Life Better, Every Day.
About the Community Services and Social Development Commission (CSSD)
As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM), CSSD offers programs and services to citizens of the City of Brantford and the County of Brant. The services include homelessness prevention and response, child care services and early years, emergency financial assistance, affordable housing, and stability support which are targeted to residents in financial need and funded jointly by the City of Brantford, County of Brant and Province of Ontario. The CSSD Commission also plans and implements recreation, cultural programming, events, and social planning for residents in the City of Brantford.
