Community Safety Plan

Community Safety Plan

Started: March 19, 2025
Target: January 16, 2026

Overview

Malahat Nation is developing a Community Safety Plan in partnership with Firelight Consulting to help create a safer, healthier, and more connected community. This plan will reflect the voices, values, and priorities of Malahat community members. Over the past few years, community members and staff have identified important safety concerns. These include the need for more support around mental health and substance use, safer public spaces, and clearer pathways to resolve conflict. This project will help build on programs already in place, as well as provide a path forward based on emerging and ongoing concerns. The plan will bring together existing policies, plans, and supports under one coordinated framework, provide clear steps for action across departments and areas of need, ensure Malahat values and knowledge are at the heart of all safety planning, and help guide future decisions about safety, wellness, housing, and community supports.

Project Contacts

Carmen Pavlov

carmen.pavlov@malahatnation.com

Project Timeline

  • Phase 3: Final Reporting

    Completed

    Ongoing - Ongoing

    Based on the findings from Phase 2 (engagements) and the document review in Phase 1, the Firelight project team will prepare a draft CSP that is culturally-informed and links directly with the Nation’s strategic documents. In addition, the CSP will clearly address the priorities identified in conversations with community and staff, including (but not limited to): - Identifying gaps in Malahat’s current safety infrastructure, policies, and programming, and providing recommendations to address gaps; - Providing recommendations for addressing lateral violence, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and public disturbances, etc.; - Generating recommendations for training and supporting staff who work with community, especially those who also live in community. A final version of the CSP will be created following review.

  • Phase 1: Building the Foundation

    Completed

    Feb 2025 - May 2025

    Project launch, document review and gap analysis. Firelight will undertake a review of all relevant documents provided by the Nation including Comprehensive Community Plan, Land Use Plan, Malahat Nation Strategic Plans, the Malahat Emergency Plan, community bylaws/band council resolutions, as well as any internal policies and procedures related to staff and community safety. The Gap Analysis Report will look to evaluate the alignment of the Nation’s current policies, procedures, and plans with safety goals and priorities. This analysis will identify areas where existing policies and procedures effectively address staff and community safety and where gaps or inconsistencies remain. The findings will support the development of actionable recommendations to strengthen policies, enhance safety outcomes, and guide the development of engagement tools for the next phase of the project.

  • Phase 2: Community and Staff Engagement

    Completed

    Jun 2025 - Sep 2025

    Engagement plan created. Engagements include: - Focus groups (youth, leadership, Chief and Council, staff) - Community dinner and dialogue session - 1:1 meetings - Community survey

Project Documents

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