Safety, Health & Wellness

Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini has a critically-needed emergency preparedness & response mandate.

Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini has identified a need to build a culture of emergency preparedness within our community. The effects of COVID 19 have been devastating for our community. Emergency and Disaster Mitigation and Prevention is crucial – our first step has been building up capacity in our community to support each other with response in the event of a Transportation or Environmental Disaster.

The KMM Emergency Preparedness initiative focuses on building a culture of readiness within the community. It highlights the distribution of custom emergency survival kits to all families, free first aid and CPR courses, and the importance of having a personal emergency plan. This endeavour is supported by grants from Emergency Management Ontario and the Community Foundation for Lennox & Addington, aiming to enhance community resilience and safety.

For more information, visit KMM Emergency Preparedness.

Safety First on the Wàwàtesì.

“Safety First: Wàwàtesì” is dedicated to promoting the safe and respectful use of the Hastings Heritage Trail. It provides comprehensive guidelines and educational resources for various trail users, including hikers, cyclists, ATV riders, and snowmobilers. The site emphasizes the importance of adhering to local regulations, trail etiquette, and environmental preservation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Additionally, it offers practical tips on obtaining necessary permits, preparing for different weather conditions, and understanding legal requirements. This initiative aims to foster a culture of safety and sustainability on the trail, benefiting both the users and the surrounding environment.

For more videos & important safety information, visit Safety First: Wàwàtesì.

Emergency Preparedness & Response – a KMM Research Series Whitepaper

Data from the Canadian Disaster Database indicates that disasters in Ontario are increasing both in frequency and severity. On our territory we have very severe Winter weather patterns and extreme cold for approximately six months of the year, which brings many circumstances that can be fatal for our residents.

In rural communities we have limited resources and we are separated from these resources by large geographic distances. Having a preparedness plan in place helps residents stock up on essential items, reducing the strain on local resources and ensuring everyone has access to what they need when emergencies happen.

We are actively funding our Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan through Emergency Management Ontario & EMO Community Grants. Additional funding is provided by the Community Services Recovery Fund through the Community Foundation for Lennox & Addington.

Cycling PSA / Road Safety Community Partnership Campaign

‘Cycling PSA Road Safety Community Partnership Campaign’ explores the critical need for enhanced cyclist safety and the promotion of cycling as a viable mode of transportation in Ontario. The impetus for this research stems from the growing popularity of cycling and concerns over cyclist safety, particularly in rural areas like North Hastings, where infrastructure improvements have led to an increase in cycling activities.

KMM’s research highlights the development of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign aimed at educating the public about Ontario’s cycling laws and safety practices. This campaign is part of KMM’s broader efforts to promote active transportation, enhance public safety, and support sustainable infrastructure development. The campaign is informed by consultations with various stakeholders, including the Ontario Cycling Association, the Town of Bancroft, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and Indigenous Tourism Ontario.

Key areas of focus for the PSA campaign include promoting cycling awareness, improving safety on roadways and trails, and fostering behavioral shifts among road users. KMM emphasizes the importance of partnerships with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) to improve cycling infrastructure, such as installing solar lighting, bike racks, and safety signage at key locations like Eagles Nest Park and the Heritage Trail in Bancroft.

The research also underscores the economic potential of cycling tourism, noting that enhanced cycling infrastructure can attract high-spending visitors and support local economies. KMM aims to position North Hastings as a premier cycling destination by creating safe, accessible, and inviting trails that cater to a diverse range of cyclists, including families, older adults, and individuals with mobility issues.

Furthermore, the paper addresses the broader benefits of cycling, such as reducing healthcare costs, improving air quality, and promoting healthier lifestyles. KMM’s initiative is aligned with Ontario’s goals for cleaner, safer roads and a healthier population. The research also highlights the need for inclusivity in digital campaign materials, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

KMM’s commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives and promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples is a central theme in the campaign. By fostering collaboration and mutual understanding, KMM aims to advance Truth and Reconciliation while promoting safer and more sustainable transportation options for all Ontarians.

Overall, the research presents a comprehensive strategy for enhancing cycling safety, promoting active transportation, and supporting sustainable community development in Ontario, positioning KMM as a leader in transportation initiatives and public safety advocacy.

Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Population Density & Housing

The “Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Population Density & Housing in the Town of Bancroft” report highlights significant disparities in housing and population demographics. The Indigenous population in Bancroft, which constitutes 13.4% of the town’s residents, faces unique challenges compared to the provincial and national averages. This higher concentration underscores the need for targeted funding and resources to address these challenges effectively.

Indigenous households in Bancroft experience a higher financial burden, with 70% spending over 30% of their income on shelter costs. In contrast, only 21.14% of Non-Indigenous households face similar costs. This disparity points to significant issues in housing affordability and financial stability for Indigenous residents. Additionally, the rental rate among Indigenous households is notably higher at 50%, compared to 31.21% for Non-Indigenous households.

The report also highlights the core housing needs, which encompass affordability, suitability, and adequacy. Although the percentage of Indigenous households in core housing need in Bancroft (16.7%) is lower than the provincial average (24.9%), there remain significant challenges related to outdated housing infrastructure and the need for modernization and renovations to meet current standards.

To address these issues, the report suggests several action steps:

1. Invest in Sustainable Housing Solutions: Prioritize funding programs for renovations and retrofits to improve energy efficiency and resilience.
2. Promote Green Building Practices: Collaborate with local governments and stakeholders to adopt sustainable building standards and practices.
3. Increase Affordable Housing Supply: Focus on increasing the availability of affordable housing units for Indigenous renters.
4. Enhance Housing Infrastructure: Upgrade existing housing to ensure suitability and adequacy for all residents.
5. Support Income and Financial Assistance Programs: Provide targeted financial support and training for Indigenous households to address affordability issues and promote employment in skilled trades for housing projects.

These measures aim to create a more equitable, sustainable, and energy-efficient housing environment for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous residents in Bancroft, fostering positive health and well-being outcomes for the community.

KMM investigates the aging residential homes and construction sector in North Hastings.

This research investigates the aging residential homes and construction sector forecast for North Hastings in 2024, highlighting significant issues and opportunities within the region. The data indicates a high demand for construction, renovation, and repair services in areas like Bancroft, where a substantial percentage of households spend over 30% of their income on housing and repairs, and many homes are mortgage-dependent.

Key findings include a mismatch between the available workforce and market demand. For instance, in Bancroft, while there are 180 individuals in construction trades, 1,720 people did not work in 2020. Similar disparities are found in other regions like Faraday and Wollaston. This suggests a significant potential workforce that could address housing and infrastructure issues if provided with the right skills and opportunities.

The research emphasizes the critical need for targeted skilled trades training strategies. These strategies should focus on apprenticeship models in high-demand regions, ensuring a steady supply of skilled tradespeople. The report also notes the importance of retraining and reskilling programs to align laborers’ skills with regional demands, particularly in construction and green building technologies.

The report outlines core housing needs and repair affordability issues in North Hastings, where regions like Bancroft and Hastings Highlands have notable populations facing housing challenges. The research highlights that innovative Algonquin stewardship, combined with targeted assistance, can leverage the potential workforce to address critical infrastructure and housing issues.

The report calls for investment in training programs aligned with green building technologies, energy-efficient construction methods, and renewable energy installations. Such investment would not only address regional housing challenges but also contribute significantly to national climate goals and foster sustainable economic growth.

This research underscores the importance of public-private partnerships, subsidized training programs, and targeted funding for infrastructure projects to transform under-utilized labor into a skilled workforce, ultimately reducing unemployment, improving housing conditions, and boosting economic growth in North Hastings.

Contact our Safety, Health & Wellness Portfolio.

Please contact us at health@kijichomanito.com.