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In midsized communities like Brantford, Ontario, visible indicators of social and physical disorder leave people fearful and unwilling to engage in civic life. The COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified these concerns, as housing has become more inaccessible and homelessness and visible encampments in these areas continues to increase. Municipalities like Brantford are working to respond to these concerns through strategies such as community safety and well-being plans. Still, many of these plans lack a detailed evidence-base of the actual problems, and do not fully engage those most impacted by these decisions: residents and local stakeholders.
To develop effective strategies that both incorporate and receive support from all members of the community, an evidence informed approach is required. Since 2021, our research team (comprised of Dr. Carrie Sanders, Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson, Dr. Samantha Henderson, and Dr. Camie Condon) has been collaborating with Brantford Police Services to empirically investigate crime and perceptions of safety in downtown Brantford.
In 2023, we received additional funding to host an action-oriented search conference and to conduct a city-wide safety survey.
Action-Oriented Search Conference
Following our study on Perceptions of Safety in Downtown Brantford, the research team will lead an action-oriented search conference to bring together stakeholders, disseminate research on local community safety, and develop inclusive solutions to ongoing safety concerns.
What is a Search Conference?
A search conference involves creating a shared vision, identifying opportunities and constraints to realizing that vision, and then working within those opportunities and constraints to develop action plans that promote a local governance structure to achieve that vision.
The search conference is bolstered by identifying current assets in the community, disseminating research findings on crime and safety, and capacity building for participants. Our conference will involve an appreciative inquiry process (identifying what works well in the community and what can be replicated), carousel workstations on crime and safety findings in Brantford, and an expert panel of community safety practitioners from across Canada.
Details
What will this search conference feature?
- A chance to participate in creating a vision and action plan for community safety in downtown Brantford;
- Learn about key safety and well-being concerns in Brantford from a team of Laurier researchers;
- An opportunity to hear from a panel of community safety experts from across Canada.
Who should participate?
Are you passionate about safety in downtown Brantford? Do you work and/or live in the downtown? Are you a community safety stakeholder? Then we want to hear from you!
Fact Sheets and Research Findings
Community Safety Survey Findings and Report (2025)
