Safe & Well Oxford is an initiative launched by municipalities across Oxford County, including The Townships of Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, Zorra and Southwest Oxford, together with the Town of Ingersoll, the Town of Tillsonburg, and the City of Woodstock. The project aims to understand the complex issues facing urban and rural communities more than ever, in particular those that put a strain on healthcare and social systems, protective services, and overall community health and well-being.

As part of the Police Services Act, municipalities are required to develop and adopt a Community Safety & Well-being Plan by 2021 that addresses priority community risks with proactive, integrated strategies.

Working in partnership with an advisory committee with representation from police and local service providers in health / mental health, education, community and social services, and children and youth services, the municipalities will create a plan to improve the overall well-being of their communities and enhance the lives of residents.

The unprecedented situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to plan for and protect the health, resiliency and vitality of community and economic systems.

“Our hope for this plan is to help create safer, healthier and more vibrant communities across Oxford, which is more important today than ever before” says Mayor David Mayberry “That’s why we want to hear from our local community members. It’s important that our residents participate and share their insights so we can understand their concerns and hopes for their local community and the county overall, in particular as we work together to deal with the challenges of COVID-19.”

From September to December 2020, residents from Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, Tillsonburg, Woodstock, Zorra and South-West Oxford are invited to participate through a survey.

Residents from municipalities across Oxford can take the short survey and learn more at: safewelloxford.ca.

Safe and Well Oxford is led by a coordinating committee of Clerks in partnership with an advisory committee with representatives from across Oxford municipalities, including police and emergency services, health care, social services and community groups, working together to develop and adopt a Community Safety & Well-being Plan.