The Town of Hay River has developed a ten-year Healthy Community Strategy that aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The strategy outlines five key goals focused on building a healthier community. The Hay River community aims to use the ten-year healthy community strategy from 2024 to 2034. This strategy will address challenges and build on strengths to help all residents reach their full potential, no matter their background.
The Healthy Community Strategy was developed by the town’s Healthy Community Committee, which includes representatives from municipal and territorial governments, Indigenous governments, the RCMP, local schools, and community organizations. The committee worked with Yellowknife planning firm PlanIt North to create the strategy, which aims to improve health and wellness activities and foster collaboration among governments, NGOs, and community members.
After months of planning and research, the 30-page document was released to the public in the week of September 16. Once approved, the plan will focus on following five overarching goals, many of which align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action:
Goal #1: Community Organizations and Governments Collaborate Effectively
Objective 1.1 focuses on improving communication and collaboration within the Healthy Community Committee. Objective 1.2 aims to strengthen relationships between the Town of Hay River and local Indigenous governments.
Goal #2: Hay River Residents Are Healthy and Safe
Objective 2.1 focuses on improving communication and collaboration for addiction prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Objective 2.2 supports those experiencing addiction by helping them access care that reduces harm and promotes recovery. Objective 2.3 strengthens crime enforcement efforts and connects offenders to programs that encourage accountability and rehabilitation. Objective 2.4 aims to improve safety and opportunities for children and youth.
Goal #3: Hay River Has Safe, Diverse, Affordable, and Resilient Housing
Objective 3.1 aims to increase the housing supply to ensure it is available and affordable, with programs that address homelessness and housing instability. Objective 3.2 focuses on supporting homes, businesses, and community infrastructure to become more resilient to climate change.
Goal #4: Children, Youth, and Adults Access Healthy Recreation and Learning
Objective 4.1 aims to increase the diversity and accessibility of recreation opportunities, including arts and sports. Objective 4.2 focuses on improving education outcomes for all age groups.
Goal #5: Hay River is a Vibrant, Beautiful Community with a Healthy Economy
Objective 5.1 focuses on improving transportation within the community and region. Objective 5.2 aims to make Hay River an attractive place to live and do business. Objective 5.3 seeks to develop plans that incentivize businesses and reduce barriers to growth.
The plan includes various ways to improve community health and wellness, such as policies, partnerships, research, training, human resources, capacity building, infrastructure, funding, and programs and services. It also considers the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The document identifies drug and alcohol addiction as a major challenge in Hay River, where residents face barriers to accessing harm reduction, detox, treatment, and aftercare services. It also highlights the town’s housing shortage as an issue. However, the strategy points to Hay River’s strengths, including a strong culture of volunteerism, vibrant sports and recreation, and economic development opportunities.
The town has developed this strategy in response to the national increase in challenges related to mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, and the impacts of inflation and labour shortages.
Source: Cabin Radio