In an effort to be a more inclusive and welcoming community, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury has launched a Diversity and Inclusiveness Action Plan which was endorsed by councillors in the Committee of the Whole Meeting at Tuesday night's council meeting.
"It is a template to be more inclusive as a town," explained Mayor Rob Keffer.
The plan will act as a guide for the town for their anti-racism resolution, a commitment to taking on a leadership role to end racism and discrimination, which council adopted on Sept. 1, 2020.
"After June demonstrations from the death of George Floyd there was an awakening in our community, and across the world about racial inequality and diversity and inclusiveness," said Mayor Keffer.
The Mayor's Anti Racism Advisory Panel includes Keffer, Chief Administrative Officer for the town Geoff McKnight, Coun. Raj Sandhu and representatives from the BWG Diversity Action Group, iLead Youth Centre, Bradford Women's+ Group, and UPlift Black.
A youth advisory group has also been put together consisting of Black and racialized youth from local high schools.
"We realize we have a way to go," said the mayor, "some of these young people do feel they aren't respected and are being singled out. It is heartbreaking some of the stories we have heard as a panel."
Coun. Sandhu said although conversations about racism can be uncomfortable and hard, they need to happen.
"There shouldn't be a single resident that they feel they didn't accomplish something because of their colour or religion," he said, "unfortunately that is happening and I think we have to change how we're looking at it."
Coun. Sandhu said the plan is a "good start" but that it is a working document, that needs to evolve.
Coun. Jonathan Scott said he was pleased to see it being brought forward to council, and commended how it is being driven by members of the community.
He said there needs to be a strong focus on disaggregated data.
"We want to make sure we are looking at things and its data-driven," he said.
The plan consists of three action items including Workplace Culture, Delivery of Programs and Services, Advocacy within the Community with 21 action items attachedd to each.
There is still a Leisure Centre Equity & Inclusiveness Review to be added once completed, with the full plan expected to be completed in early 2021.
Once completed, the plan will be shared on the town's website and social media channels with an invitation for the community to provide feedback.
Councillors voted to endorse the plan. It will come back to council in January with comments from the public for final consideration.
