Our Mission

The Strategy

The Thompson Wellness and Community Safety Strategy was created with the input of over 20 different community organizations, including government, Indigenous organizations, education, healthcare, social services and law enforcement. The plan brings together Thompson’s agencies and resources together to create a complete approach towards improving safety and a sense of community in Thompson, and create results that are greater than the sum of their parts.

The strategy approaches safety and community in Thompson from several angles, from directly addressing issues around alcohol and youth crime, to the underlying causes that enable them to exist, like our sense of community, our identity, our built environment. The approaches are broken down into six main areas, and every area has a dedicated subcommittee to direct action and progress:

• Integrated Alcohol Management - Integrating planning, services, and support for people struggling with alcohol addiction in order to reduce or eliminating gaps in the transition from addiction to long-term recovery.

• Demand on Police Resources - Reducing police intervention surrounding non-criminal and low-risk social issues, such as intoxicated people, mental health checks, etc. Creating non-judicial interventions helps ensure vulnerable people get compassionate care and opportunities for recovery, while police can focus on serious criminal matters like violence and trafficking.

• Community Inclusion, Systemic Inequities and Racism - Removing barriers and creating opportunities for community participation, creating stronger understanding among our community’s neighbours, visitors, and newcomers.

• Housing and Homelessness - Improving housing security through a housing-first approach to homelessness, encouraging the development of affordable housing and transitional housing.

• Youth-involved Crime and Harm - Reducing youth participation in crime, both as victims, perpetrators, and witnesses through programs that enrich families and create a sense of purpose and belonging.

• Built Environment & Social Infrastructure - Creating safe opportunities for social connection through public spaces that encourage positive interaction and building relationships among community members.

The strategy builds on initiatives that already exist in Thompson, identifying their strengths, the resources they need to operate at their best, and how programs can work together to close gaps and maximize their impact.

You can read the full plan here.

The Advisory Committee

The Community Wellness and Safety Advisory Committee (CWSAC) strives to improve public safety and community in Thompson by breaking down barriers between organizations, engaging our residents, and building on community success.

CWSAC recognizes that community safety is affected by a broad spectrum of social forces. Our team reflects that diversity of expertise, including government, education, healthcare, social services, and of course, law enforcement.

The members of CWSAC are senior-level leaders with the authority to make decisions and take direct action within their organization to make things happen. This reduces barriers created by reports and approvals within each organization.

Over 20 organizations are a part of CWSAC, including:

• Marymound

• Northern Regional Health Authority

• City of Thompson

• Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre

• Thompson Crisis Centre

• Addictions Foundation of Manitoba

• Michif Child and Family Services

• Canadian Mental Health Association

• RCMP

• YWCA Thompson

• MacDonald Youth Services

• Thompson Chamber of Commerce

• University College of the North

• University of Manitoba Faculty of Social Work

• Manitoba Justice

• Manitoba Probation

• Awasis Agency

• Streetreach North

• Keewatin Tribal Council - Jordan's Principle

• School District of Mystery Lake

• Men Are Part Of The Solution

• Manitoba Police Commissioner

The Committee is chaired by:

Dee Chaboyer

Executive Director, Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre

Christopher Hastie

Acting Inspector, Thompson RCMP

Sonya Wiseman

Acting Public Safety Manager, City of Thompson

Anthony McInnis

City Manager, Ex-Officio, Liaison to Mayor and Council