On January 22, the Government of Canada announced the investment of $1.1 million in our city through the Building Safer Communities Fund. Over the next two years we'll be engaging with residents and community partners and exploring how to ensure our community remains a safe place for youth.
This project will play a crucial role in preventing youth violence through the development of community education, training to address bullying in public spaces and throughout the community and a pilot project with Rocky View high schools to provide support for vulnerable youth.
With a third of Airdrie's population under the age of 20, this will contribute to making Airdrie an even safer, more welcoming and inclusive city for families.
The two project initiatives are focused on youth aged 14 - 18 but will youth outside of that age range will also benefit from the outcomes.
View the Building Safer Communities Fund Project Overview (PDF)
Initiative one will provide Airdrie youth-serving organizations and City Administration with the opportunity to learn and be trained in an evidence-based framework called Positive Behavioural Intervention and Supports (PBIS).
We are increasing community education, knowledge, awareness, and the application of preventative practices that aim to improve youth’s social/emotional skills, strengthen the development of healthy relationships, and reduce bullying behaviours.
Initiative two will aim to provide wrap-around supports through contracted staff dedicated to the initiative, for youth who are at risk of participating in behaviours such as gun violence and gang activity. Staff will support youth by coordinating community supports, where available, and providing services directly.
Ensuring our most vulnerable youth are receiving support through a holistic approach will include aligning community partners such as the RCMP, schools, health care teams and the City.