Via www.DiscoverEstevan.com
Written by: Larissa McEwen
At a recent council meeting, members addressed the Estevan Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (ECSW) as well as the upcoming Courage and Community Dinner.
The ECSW Plan, developed through collaboration with more than 20 agencies and the Ministry of Policing and Public Corrections’ Community Safety and Well-Being Branch, was finalized in 2024 after starting development in 2023. The report provides valuable insights and strategies to enhance community safety and wellness.
Although included in the agenda for information purposes, Councillor Shelly Veroba moved to table its presentation to a later date. The goal is to have the full committee that contributed to the report present it together, underscoring their collective commitment to its implementation. The committee also hopes to align the report’s initiatives with the city’s strategic plan to ensure long-term integration into local governance.
Council members expressed support for the motion, acknowledging the agencies’ effort and dedication. They also noted that the report is already available for review by those interested in its content.
“We committed to stand behind this report and move forward with the Community Safety and Wellness Plan,” Veroba said. “To do this report justice, I believe it’s important to have our entire committee here to present it to council. This report includes a lot of great initiatives and valuable information. Our hardworking group of about 10 members meets monthly to ensure its success.”
The meeting also highlighted the Courage and Community Dinner, an event organized by the same committee behind the CSW Report. Scheduled for January 20 to coincide with “Blue Monday,” often referred to as the saddest day of the year, the dinner aims to uplift spirits and raise awareness about mental health and wellness.
A motion was introduced and approved for the council to purchase a $300 table at the dinner, covering seating for eight people. The purchase also supports individuals who may not otherwise afford to attend. Any unused seats will be redistributed to ensure full participation.
The event will feature a keynote address by mental wellness advocate Brock Siroski, who will inspire attendees and highlight available resources for those facing mental health challenges.
With nearly 300 tickets already sold, the dinner is close to being a sellout. The council’s unanimous support for the motion reaffirms its commitment to promoting community mental wellness initiatives.
