Ottawa’s 10-Year Safety & Well-Being Plan: What It Means for Our Community

Community Safety and Well-Being Review (CSWB) 2021–2031

In 2021, the City of Ottawa adopted a 10-year Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan to improve quality of life by addressing root causes of issues like housing instability, mental health, and discrimination. Now, four years in, the City is conducting a scheduled Four-Year Review to assess progress and ensure the plan remains relevant and effective. This review is an opportunity to reflect on what’s working, identify gaps, and refine strategies based on updated data and community feedback.

The City of Ottawa is seeking your input. What safety and well-being issues matter most to you or your community?

We invite you to share your thoughts through our online survey, available until August 19, 2025.

To learn more about the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan priorities and stay informed, visit and subscribe to the Engage Ottawa page.

For questions or feedback, please contact: CSWB/SBEC@ottawa.ca

Background

Community safety and well-being is more than just policing and emergency services—it’s shaped by a complex web of factors, including housing, income, mental health, access to services, discrimination, and social inclusion.

Recognizing this complexity, the City of Ottawa, in collaboration with community partners, developed the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan for 2021 to 2031. Adopted unanimously by City Council on October 27, 2021, the plan focuses on identifying and addressing systemic risks at the community level to improve safety and quality of life for all residents.

The CSWB Plan is grounded in data and community input, and outlines seven key priority areas:

• Discrimination, Marginalization and Racism

• Financial Security and Poverty Reduction

• Gender-Based Violence and Violence Against Women

• Housing

• Integrated and Simpler Systems

• Mental Well-Being

• Youth Social Development

These priorities reflect real community needs and continue to guide city-wide strategies and investments.

The CSWB Plan supports and aligns with a range of broader City strategies, including:

• Strategic Plan 2023–2026

• Official Plan

• 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan

• Anti-Racism Strategy

• Women and Gender Equity Strategy

• Community Funding Framework

• Economic Development Strategy

  
  

Together, these plans create a shared vision for a more inclusive, supportive, and resilient Ottawa. To learn more or get involved, visit the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan – 2021 to 2031. And don't forget to share your thoughts.