Civil Municipal View Feb2023

30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 in neighboring counties. These departments are required to send their professionals through mandatory training courses. All municipalities in Ontario are also required to develop a community safety and well-being plan. Elgin County’s includes some details related to education and skills development, housing, mental health and well-being service, public safety investments and policies, and substance abuse and addiction support. This plan was developed by departmental leaders and professionals working in community health and mental health, social services, and other groups. A comprehensive paramedicine program is being launched by the county and St. Thomas with contracted partner and medical care insurance provider Medavie Blue Cross. This program will ensure seniors living in the county will have access to a variety of care services that are designed to eliminate hallway medicine, which lets seniors live in their own facilities while being supported by visiting homecare professionals. “We know that senior care and healthcare, in general, can be a challenge today and we’re committed to providing these services and hiring the (labor) needed to support our residents,” Krahn says. COVID restrictions have had a significant impact on all county residents, including the cancellation and postponement of many traditional festivals and events. But all of that is changing, with many restrictions having been lifted starting in 2022. Gonyou is looking forward to the full first year of festivals since 2019, building on the momentum from the six months of last year. She expects that these community events will draw a large number of local residents and tourists, bringing more revenue to the county’s hospitality industry. Gonyou also says the county will ramp up its marketing effort to promote county events and initiatives, thereby attracting new residents. She expects this to include digital and traditional market efforts as the county looks to make strategic, targeted investments.