Members of the panel for the forum held on Oct. 1 get settled into their seats as facilitator Tim Brodie addresses the crowd. Photo by File /The NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – Following the community safety public forum held on Oct. 1, regarding concerns in the neighbourhood around Viola’s Place and stretching into the downtown, the Town of New Glasgow has released its report titled What We heard.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIn a press release, the report is described as “summarizing the input and key themes shared by residents, businesses, and service providers.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentIt’s noted that the forum was attended by more than 250 participants.Article content“(The forum) provided an opportunity for open dialogue on issues related to homelessness, addiction, mental health, community safety, and well-being,” the release states, before listing those who participated in the panel discussion portion of the event.Article contentThe list includes New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks, New Glasgow Regional Police Chief Ryan Leil, Pictou Centre MLA Danny MacGillivray, Viola’s Place executive director Lisa Deyoung, and Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions representatives Monika Thompson and Janah Fair.Article contentIt also noted the forum was facilitated by Tim Brodie.Article content The Town of New Glasgow has released a report entitled What We Heard regarding the community safety public forum held at the start of last month. Photo by File /The NewsArticle content“The report captures the broad range of perspectives and experiences shared, highlighting both the compassion and concern expressed by the community,” the release states. “Major themes include public safety, neighbourhood and business impacts, shelter operations and location, mental health and addiction supports, and the need for coordinated provincial leadership on complex social health issues while ensuring accountable approaches in service delivery.”Article contentArticle contentDicks is quoted in the release.Article content“The level of participation and the honesty shared by residents and businesses reflected how deeply our community cares about safety and well-being,” Dicks said. “This report is an important step toward collaborative solutions that balance compassion with accountability.”Article contentThe report, available on the town’s website, outlines several next steps, including:Article content· Working with the Province of Nova Scotia and service providers to review the homeless shelter’s operations and current location.Article content· Strengthening by-law enforcement and community safety initiatives.Article content· Continuing advocacy for expanded mental health, addiction, and supportive housing services.Article content· Improving communication and transparency through ongoing public engagement.Article content
What We Heard report from Oct. 1 public forum is now available
