3. - Children’s Health and Environment Community Survey

Regional Council approved the extension of the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) contract for the operations and maintenance of the South Peel Water and Wastewater System and the commencement of negotiations for a new long-term contract with the OCWA. The contract was extended for one year at a price of $33,551,927.

Regional Council received information on the children’s health and environment community survey. Exposure to environmental health hazards can pose a health threat across the population, but children are more vulnerable. The survey assessed parent and caregiver knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding children’s health and environmental exposures.

Ongoing public education is required to encourage behaviour to reduce potentially harmful childhood exposures, including reducing indoor dust, hand washing and awareness of potential risks associated with consumer products. Peel Public Health will continue to advocate to the federal and provincial governments for proactive legislation that will prevent and minimize child exposure to environmental hazards.

For more information on Children’s Health please visit http://www.peelregion.ca/health/topics/child/children.htm

Regional Council received information on the plan to implement full day learning for four and five year olds in the Region of Peel. In November 2007, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced plans to invest in full day learning for four and five year olds. Dr. Charles Pascal was appointed Ontario’s Early Learning Advisor to advise how best to implement full day learning for this age group. Implementation of full day learning will begin September 2010. Adoption of full day learning is an opportunity to bring Ontario in line with other developed countries that have a strong commitment to the education and development of young children.

Regional Council approved the Affordable Housing Program Delivery Plan update. In August 2006 Regional Council approved the Affordable Housing Delivery Plan. To date 324 housing units have received funding, however, 141 units still need to be allocated by the program deadline in order to receive the remaining funding. Council approved, in principal, 141 units at the 185 Central Park Drive development.

For more information on affordable housing in the Region of Peel please visit www.peelregion.ca/housing/

Regional Council proclaimed December 8-12, 2008
“9-1-1 Awareness Week.” The Regional 9-1-1 emergency number service represents a partnership among the Region of Peel, the City of Mississauga, the City of Brampton, the Town of Caledon, and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in providing emergency communications service to Peel residents. In 2007, 281,520 calls received assistance through the 9-1-1 emergency number service.

9-1-1 Awareness Week activities are planned to educate the public about the appropriate use of the 9-1-1 emergency system.

For more information on 9-1-1 Services please visit www.peelregion.ca/emergncy/emerg.htm