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). BSCF contributions support new and incremental activities targeting children (6-11), youth (12-17), and young adults (18-26).
The Town of Innisfil’s project includes:
- Recreation, Wellness, and Leadership Opportunities for Children and Youth
- Innisfil Child, Youth, and Family Wellness Coalition
- Public Education and Awareness
Recreation, Wellness, and Leadership Opportunities
The Building Safer Communities project is funding a variety of opportunities for children and youth.
| Teen Nights |
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Teen Nights are free, drop-in programs that provide youth in Grades 7 to 12 with safe, welcoming, and dedicated spaces to gather, connect, and have fun. The Teen Night spaces will have structured and unstructured activities available, including music, games, crafts, movie nights, snacks, and more. Teen Nights are launching at Morgan Russell Memorial Arena & Community Centre, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, and the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library's Lakeshore Branch in April 2024. |
| Mobile Youth Centre |
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The Innisfil Mobile Youth Centre (MYC) tours through the community during the summer months providing an opportunity for kids to be active, play some games, and meet new friends! We're piloting an expansion of the MYC in 2024 to expand service and introduce new activities. |
| Programs and Activities for Youth |
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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 new online Youth Hub for more information. |
| Healthy Relationships Program |
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We are 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 |
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The Town’s annual Speak Your Mind Youth Mental Health Summit aims to normalize mental health and wellness by providing Innisfil youth in Grades 8 to 12 with mental health education. In 2024, the Summit will return with a focus on healthy relationships. |
| Family Education and Relationship Building |
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The Town and the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library are facilitating education and relationship building opportunities for children and their parents and guardians. Programs and activities will 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 |
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The Town’s Youth Connex Committee (YCC) is made up of Innisfil residents in Grades 8 to 12. The YCC promotes youth initiatives, programs, and insight to enhance the quality of life, health, and well-being of Innisfil youth. The YCC will receive additional resources and support to plan youth-led activities and events in Innisfil, like the Youth Skate Night held on February 20, 2024. |
| YouthCALL Service Link |
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YouthCALL Service Link is a collaborative project, led by CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, that 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 (967 Innisfil Beach Road) on Thursday afternoons. |
Innisfil Child, Youth, and Family Wellness Coalition
The Innisfil Child, Youth, and Family Wellness Coalition is a pilot initiative of the Building Safer Communities project that will start in 2024. Stay tuned for more information.
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.
Building Safer Communities: Understanding Street Gangs, Youth Violence, and the Role of Social Media
In this public workshop, delivered by the Ontario Gang Investigators Association (ONGIA), participants will learn about street gangs, gang trends in Innisfil, human trafficking, how social media is used to facilitate violence and victimization among young people, and tips for how to recognize, respond, and support young people who encounter these situations. The workshop will be followed by a panel discussion with the presenters, the South Simcoe Police Service, and the Building Safer Communities project team.
- Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Banquet Hall, Morgan Russell Memorial Arena & Community Centre (1354 Killarney Beach Road)
This workshop is recommended for people supporting and working with youth and families in Innisfil.
Please register for this free workshop.
Building Safer Communities: Understanding Violence and Digital Safety for Youth and Caregivers
Knowledge is power! Youth and parents are invited to attend this public workshop delivered by the Ontario Gang Investigators Association (ONGIA). Attendees will learn about the dangers of social media, including how street gangs are using social media apps to lure and groom young people, and important information on how to notice red flags and stay safe online and in the community.
- Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
- Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Community Room, Innisfil ideaLAB & Library's Lakeshore Branch (967 Innisfil Beach Road)
This workshop is recommended for youth ages 12+ and their parents/guardians/caregivers.
Please register for this free community workshop.