The Town of Innisfil’s Building Safer Communities project is a multi-year (2023-2026) crime and violence prevention initiative that aims to proactively build a safer community by addressing the underlying social conditions that give rise to crime and supporting our children, youth, and young adults.
BSCF Support
The project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF). The Town of Innisfil’s project includes:
- Public Education and Awareness
- Recreation, Wellness, and Leadership Opportunities for Children and Youth
- Community Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives
Public Education and Awareness
We're working with the South Simcoe Police Service and community partners to provide public education and raise awareness about issues related to community safety and well-being.
2024 Crime Prevention Week
We're hosting several events and programs in recognition of Crime Prevention Week (November 4 to 8).
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Building Safer Communities: Gangs, Human Trafficking, and the Role of Social Media – November 4 |
In this public workshop, delivered by the Ontario Gang Investigators Association, participants will learn about:
There will also be short presentations about the local context from South Simcoe Police Service and members of the Town of Innisfil’s Building Safer Communities project team. This session is recommended for people supporting and working with youth and families in Innisfil. Light morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. |
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Vibe Check: Relationship Edition at Teen Nights – November 4 |
Is your vibe with friends and partners on point? Check the health of your relationships and learn how to keep things positive, respectful, and real at this Teen Night with special guests from YouthCALL. Youth in Grades 7-12 only. |
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Real2Reel Film Festival: Traffick on 401 – November 5 |
Join us for the screening of "Traffick on 401", a powerful documentary shedding light on human trafficking along Ontario's highways. This 30-minute film is followed by a panel discussion featuring experts from Victims Services Simcoe County, My Friend’s House, and South Simcoe Police Service, who will dive deeper into the issue and share insights on how our community can help prevent trafficking. Tickets are $5. This event is offered as part of United Way Simcoe Muskoka's Real2Reel Film Festival. |
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Community Care & Safety Fair – November 6 |
Stop by to connect with organizations supporting community safety and well-being and learn about local crime prevention efforts to help keep our growing community safe. Partners include the Town of Innisfil's Health & Wellness and By-law Enforcement teams, South Simcoe Police Service, Innisfil YMCA, John Howard Society of Simcoe/Muskoka, CFS Counselling + Well-Being / YouthCALL, and more. |
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Sus or Not Trivia at Teen Nights – November 6 |
Think you know what's sus and what's not? Test your knowledge with fun trivia, win prizes and see if you can outsmart your friends at this Teen Night. Youth in Grades 7-12 only. |
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Free Open Swim at Innisfil YMCA – November 6 |
Innisfil residents can drop in for a free, all-ages swim. Residents 18+ must sign in using photo ID. |
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Introduction to Youth Justice Programs and Using Restorative Practices in Youth Work – November 7 |
In this virtual session led by the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe/Muskoka, participants will learn more about youth justice programs in South Simcoe, restorative justice, and how restorative principles can be applied to youth work. This session is recommended for people supporting and working with youth and families in South Simcoe. |
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Neighbours Helping Neighbours: Youth Kitchen Safety with Innisfil Fire – November 7 |
Register for Youth Neighbours Helping Neighbours In this special Neighbours Helping Neighbours program, youth ages 11-18 will team up with local firefighters to prepare meals for the Troy Scott Community Fridges in Innisfil while learning essential fire safety tips. Registration required. |
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First Responders Pizza Party at Teen Nights – November 8 |
Join us for an evening of pizza, fun, and games with our local heroes! At the First Responders Pizza Party, teens will get the chance to hang out with police officers, firefighters, by-law officers and paramedics over some delicious slices. Ask questions, hear stories, and learn about crime prevention, safety tips, and what it takes to pursue a career in emergency services. Don't miss out on this unique chance to meet the people who keep our community safe at this Teen Night. Youth in Grades 7-12 only. |
Recreation, Wellness, and Leadership Opportunities
The Building Safer Communities project is funding a variety of opportunities for children and youth, including:
- Teen Nights – Free, drop-in programs that provide youth in Grades 7 to 12 with safe, welcoming, and dedicated spaces to gather, connect, and have fun.
- Innisfil Mobile Youth Centre (MYC) – New MYC events for teens were piloted in July and August of 2024.
- Programs and Activities for Youth – The Town of Innisfil and the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library are offering new programs and activities to help youth develop life and relationship skills, hobbies and interests, and a sense of community. The ideaLAB & Library is also partnering with community members and organizations to offer dedicated programs, activities, and events for racialized and marginalized youth. Visit the Town's online Youth Hub for more information.
- Healthy Relationships Program – We're funding a community-based violence prevention program to equip youth with skills to engage in healthy relationships and manage situations with conflict.
- Speak Your Mind Youth Mental Health Summit – This annual event aims to normalize mental health and wellness by providing Innisfil youth in Grades 8 to 12 with mental health education.
- Family Education and Relationship Building – The Town and the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library are facilitating education and relationship building opportunities for children and their parents/guardians to promote the development of children and youth’s developmental assets, and positive, nurturing parent-child relationships. Check out our Family Wellness Nights and the Library's MakeIT Family program.
- Youth Connex Committee (YCC) – This committee is made up of Innisfil students in Grades 8 to 12. The YCC will receive additional resources to plan youth-led activities and events in Innisfil, like the Youth Skate Night and Fresh Air Flicks Teen Movie Night in 2024.
- YouthCALL Service Link – This collaborative project, led by CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, provides service navigation support via phone, text, and drop-in to youth (ages 12 to 25) living in South Simcoe. YouthCALL is supported by the Canadian Mental Health Association of York and South Simcoe, CONTACT Community Services, Gilbert Centre, New Path, and Youth Haven. BSCF funds will bring YouthCALL's Community Service Navigators to Innisfil more regularly. To access a Community Service Navigator, call/text 705-790-2338, or visit YouthCALL at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library's Lakeshore Branch on Thursday afternoons.
Community Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives
We're creating new opportunities to work with residents, community groups, non-profit organizations, school boards, and local businesses to meet the needs of Innisfil's children, youth, and families.
The Innisfil Child, Youth, and Family Wellness Coalition is a pilot initiative of the Building Safer Communities project. The Coalition will promote teamwork across various sectors to enhance the well-being of Innisfil residents and contribute to community violence prevention efforts.