Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness strategy

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Consultation has concluded

Guided by principles of reconciliation, equity, and inclusion the project will center the voices of those with lived and living experience, through extensive public engagement. Through collaborative action, the Strategy will aim to provide everyone in the Central Okanagan a real and fair chance to succeed with improved policies, practices and resources.

Get involved

The COPAWS Draft Strategy is now available

The Draft Strategy has been completed and is now available for feedback!

This Strategy encompasses the input of over 800 residents who participated by providing their insight. The ideas for action were formed from this input, and show a desire for an equitable, inclusive Central Okanagan where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

There are over 40 ideas for action in this report, along with a blueprint for building on the amazing work that people and organizations across the Central Okanagan have already been doing.

The Draft Strategy includes ideas for:

  • Working together through Collective Action
  • Reconciliation
  • Meeting basic needs of residents
  • Building inclusion and belonging
  • Focusing on Prevention

The Strategy highlights the importance of working together with clear purpose using the Collective Action model.

Why a Regional Strategy?

Experiences of poverty are never isolated incidences. They are the result of systems and programs designed by communities. Poverty is not isolated to a geographic area. Changes in the opportunities available and systems of support in one area influence movement of people, either drawing people in for new opportunities or encouraging them to move away for better quality of life. Taking a regional approach is part of making sure that poverty reduction happens in an equitable way that addresses needs of diverse community members.

Thank you for your input!

Thank you to all residents who provided their input in the community forum and survey. Your stories, feedback and ideas are truly appreciated and have helped the Project Team develop a vision and identify actions for the strategy.

What we've done so far...

What We Heard

A summary of what we heard about the planned Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy is now available! Thank you to all residents who provided their feedback through the community survey and virtual forum.

Thank you for sharing your reflections on this report. The survey is now closed.

Community survey

Over 700 residents participated in the development of the Strategy by completing the Community Survey. The survey closed March 7 and encouraged individuals to share their stories, experiences and thoughts on how to best address critical needs in the region and help people out of poverty.

Note: To reduce question redundancy and better understand residents’ needs, this survey also included questions relating to the RDCO’s Regional Housing Strategy (RHS).

Community forum

A free, virtual Community Forum was held Wednesday, March 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Community Forums are a way for residents of the Central Okanagan to gather and learn about the strategy and provide their insight into what is challenging, what solutions might be, and a vision for what poverty reduction could look like in the RDCO.

Some things to know about poverty and wellness

One in six children and 15 per cent of the total population in the Central Okanagan continue to live in poverty. This social and economic inequality continues to worsen as our population rapidly grows. Growing economic and social inequality is a significant threat to the long-term wellbeing, quality of life, and success for all of our community members in the region.

Guided by principles of reconciliation, equity, and inclusion the project will center the voices of those with lived and living experience, through extensive public engagement. Through collaborative action, the Strategy will aim to provide everyone in the Central Okanagan a real and fair chance to succeed with improved policies, practices and resources.

Get involved

The COPAWS Draft Strategy is now available

The Draft Strategy has been completed and is now available for feedback!

This Strategy encompasses the input of over 800 residents who participated by providing their insight. The ideas for action were formed from this input, and show a desire for an equitable, inclusive Central Okanagan where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

There are over 40 ideas for action in this report, along with a blueprint for building on the amazing work that people and organizations across the Central Okanagan have already been doing.

The Draft Strategy includes ideas for:

  • Working together through Collective Action
  • Reconciliation
  • Meeting basic needs of residents
  • Building inclusion and belonging
  • Focusing on Prevention

The Strategy highlights the importance of working together with clear purpose using the Collective Action model.

Why a Regional Strategy?

Experiences of poverty are never isolated incidences. They are the result of systems and programs designed by communities. Poverty is not isolated to a geographic area. Changes in the opportunities available and systems of support in one area influence movement of people, either drawing people in for new opportunities or encouraging them to move away for better quality of life. Taking a regional approach is part of making sure that poverty reduction happens in an equitable way that addresses needs of diverse community members.

Thank you for your input!

Thank you to all residents who provided their input in the community forum and survey. Your stories, feedback and ideas are truly appreciated and have helped the Project Team develop a vision and identify actions for the strategy.

What we've done so far...

What We Heard

A summary of what we heard about the planned Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy is now available! Thank you to all residents who provided their feedback through the community survey and virtual forum.

Thank you for sharing your reflections on this report. The survey is now closed.

Community survey

Over 700 residents participated in the development of the Strategy by completing the Community Survey. The survey closed March 7 and encouraged individuals to share their stories, experiences and thoughts on how to best address critical needs in the region and help people out of poverty.

Note: To reduce question redundancy and better understand residents’ needs, this survey also included questions relating to the RDCO’s Regional Housing Strategy (RHS).

Community forum

A free, virtual Community Forum was held Wednesday, March 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Community Forums are a way for residents of the Central Okanagan to gather and learn about the strategy and provide their insight into what is challenging, what solutions might be, and a vision for what poverty reduction could look like in the RDCO.

Some things to know about poverty and wellness

One in six children and 15 per cent of the total population in the Central Okanagan continue to live in poverty. This social and economic inequality continues to worsen as our population rapidly grows. Growing economic and social inequality is a significant threat to the long-term wellbeing, quality of life, and success for all of our community members in the region.