Port Hope has formally adopted a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity strategy, along with an anti oppression framework and EDI policy, marking what municipal leaders call an important step toward building a more welcoming, fair and effective community.
The strategy is designed to guide municipal by laws, programs and services so they better reflect the needs of residents in all their diversity. The municipality says it will help council, staff, committees and boards recognize barriers, improve accessibility and strengthen decision making over time.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky says one of the biggest goals is to make sure equity is treated as a practical tool, not an abstract concept.
Hankivsky says the strategy will help shape how staff reports are written, how council motions are considered and how budget decisions are evaluated.
She also stressed that equity is essential to improving outcomes, not only socially, but in the quality of local governance.
And she says getting decisions more right the first time can have long term benefits for taxpayers too.
The municipality says the strategy is built around core principles including intersectionality, universal design, meaningful community engagement and ongoing accountability, all aimed at ensuring Port Hope continues to grow as an inclusive and equitable place to live.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
