The Town is developing a Poverty Reduction Action Plan and is calling on residents to get involved.

According to the Town’s Poverty Reduction Strategy released in 2021, one in seven residents struggles to maintain a basic living. Reducing poverty is a key pillar in the Town’s developmental goals. Work began in 2014 and encompassed a six-month study on poverty and homelessness in Stony Plain. Key priorities and action steps were identified in 2017 and the first impact report detailing progress and goals for the future was released in 2020. Work is now underway to update and refocus the community plan and create a Stony Plain Poverty Action Plan.

“Poverty affects all of us, and it will take all of us to build a stronger community where no one struggles to meet their basic needs,” says Community Development Officer Sharida Csillag. “The Town’s plan to end poverty will continue to grow as we develop a greater sense of our community’s needs, the best practices to meeting these needs, and align our approaches with federal, provincial, and regional strategies.”

Upcoming virtual sessions will be hosted to garner feedback from the community and brainstorm ideas for an updated approach to poverty alleviation. Each session will explore a guiding principle outlined in the Stony Plain Poverty Reduction Strategy:

  • November 22, 2PM-4PM – Dignity: Income, Housing, Food, Transportation, Childcare, and Medical
  • November 25, 4PM-6PM – Opportunities: Vulnerable People, Reconciliation, Life Quality, and Connection
  • November 30, 4PM-6PM – Resilience: Early Childhood, Education, and Health

“No one should ever have to go without basic needs. Establishing a Poverty Reduction Action Plan will be a major milestone in our community’s journey to reduce poverty and ensure all our residents have the opportunity to lead healthy, vibrant lives,” says Mayor William Choy. “I encourage residents to get involved in the planning process. Supporting our neighbours and working together to create a more resilient community has never been more important.”

Community members can register for each session by submitting an online form. To learn more about poverty reduction in Stony Plain, visit the Town website.