Results of the Social Wellness Framework Research

Mar 29, 2011 by lindablasetti

At the November 23, 2010 HOC Meeting Susan Laurin and Sherri Mullen presented results of the Social Wellness Framework research, recently completed by Marleen Morris and Associates. Presentation are being made to Town of Okotoks Boards and Committees and other interested parties, such as HOC, before the final report is presented to Council in February.

Sherri thanked HOC for their participation in the research with special recognition given to Al Hagan and Bonnie Chant-Kinsman who participated on the Steering Committee.

The full report is now available at www.okotoks.ca.

The Framework was guided by four principles that formed the foundation of six community values.

The four principles are:

• Sustainability – decisions today will not negatively impact the quality of life for future generations
• Engagement – connection residents feel for the community
• Integration of all systems within the community
• Diversity – welcoming involvement of all individuals and groups.

Six community values were identified:

• Personal growth – support for education, health and wellness
• Preserving the natural environment
• Sense of community – caring neighbourhoods
• Economic vitality – meaningful work
• Social Inclusion – community engagement Health and well-being
• Social wellness and sustainability was viewed from an individual and community level by looking at seven components:
  • Playing,
  • Working,
  • Learning,
  • Moving,
  • Engaging in Public Processes,
  • Living and
  • Sense of Place.

On-line surveys were designed to gain a community perspective on social wellness.

Framework for Action

The consultant made recommendations that focus on actions that will have multiple impacts across several aspects of social wellness. Following is a summary of the recommendations:

• Develop programming and make funding available to strengthen the sense of community at the neighbourhood level.
• Continue to include neighbourhood parks in the design of new communities.
• Continue the commitment to preserving and providing access to natural spaces
• Make available a wide range of after school programming for students
• Make after school programming financially accessible for all students
• Develop strategies that provide reduced costs for enrolling in multiple recreation, sport and cultural programs
• Increase programming for preschool children
• Develop a strategy to attract one or more niche business sectors to Okotoks
• Consider and further community social wellness when developing and implementing strategies to maintain a vibrant downtown core
• Consider and further community social wellness in the development and implementation of the transit feasibility study
• Monitor community housing needs and develop land use, sub-division and housing plans that will address those needs
• Address the critical gaps in health services
• Develop specific strategies and consider and further opportunities to address issues identified by youth (e.g. working, housing, engagement, transportation, and post-secondary education)
• Develop a framework and strategies to nurture multiculturalism in Okotoks.