September 26, 2022

Healthy Communities Conference to focus on sustainable communities

Leith Deacon, associate professor in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design & Rural Development

Participants of the Healthy Communities Conference in Owen Sound will be looking to the future as this year’s event focuses on the theme of 'Fostering Sustainable Communities in Grey-Bruce.'

Leith Deacon, associate professor in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design & Rural Development, will be the keynote speaker at the conference, set for Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

Deacon — whose research examines concepts around sustainability, governance and resiliency — will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has been experienced by residents of Ontario’s small and rural communities and the need for legislators to “rural-proof” policies and programs going forward to ensure they are inclusive and reflect the realities that residents experience.

The conference will also feature sessions by Georgian College’s Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation. The sessions will aim to support individuals and organizations in building flourishing communities and economies, including in Grey-Bruce.

“We are thrilled to be returning to our first in-person Healthy Communities Conference since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This conference provides an opportunity for community leaders, representatives of organizations, community members and others to gather to discuss how to build and foster sustainable communities — an important conversation as we emerge from the pandemic and look towards the future,” says Grey Bruce Health Unit Board of Health Chair Sue Paterson.

Jason Weppler, Program Manager at the Grey Bruce Health Unit and co-chair of the Grey Bruce Healthy Communities Partnership sub-committee that’s organizing the single-day conference, says participants will focus on the social aspects of sustainability and discuss topics such as what is a sustainable community, how does your organization contribute, what have we learned and how do we move forward?

The conference will begin with registration and breakfast, catered by Fresh Roots, from 8:15 to 8:45 am and wrap up at 4 pm. Along with the opening keynote talk, the conference agenda includes plenary, interactive and break-out sessions and opportunities for knowledge exchange throughout the day.

For the breakout sessions, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will discuss three community-led initiatives — the Supportive Outreach Service (SOS), Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Hub and Home Takeover pilot project — while Deacon will answer questions and allow participants to take a deeper dive into the topic of his keynote address. The South East Grey Community Health Centre will also discuss why community governance is essential to sustainable healthcare.

Registration is open until midnight on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. Tickets are $50 plus HST, with the cost including a hot lunch and refreshments.

The planning committee has taken steps to ensure the event is welcoming and safe for all.

Individuals and organizations who register will be given the option to buy additional tickets, which will be donated to community members who would like to participate in the conference but find the cost to be a barrier.

Given the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks will be available at the event for those who wish to wear one, but masking will be optional.

To register for the conference and for more information, including details on the complimentary tickets, visit the Healthy Communities Conference webpage. The conference agenda is also available on the webpage. Please email Erin Meneray at e.meneray@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca if you require additional information.

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