Social services survey aims to help prioritize Uxbridge needs

Submitted by Regional Councillor Bruce Garrod

The Uxbridge Community Survey is a project I initiated to determine Uxbridge residents’ awareness of Durham Region-provided social services. These services include family counselling, housing services, supports for individuals with mental health and addiction challenges, child-care programs and more. Given that not all services can be provided in all eight regional municipalities, another goal of the survey is to better understanding what services residents would prefer to see available locally.

These services are provided through a combination of modalities including Regional staff and partners such as Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation and North House.

Regional Social services is the second largest operating-budget item (next to DRPS). Because nearly 60 per cent of residential property taxes are collected on behalf of Durham Region, it’s critical that residents provide input to what social services should be prioritized. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the investment in social services benefits the greatest number of Uxbridge residents.

To date, nearly 200 survey responses have been received. It is available online directly from the main page of uxbridge.ca. Paper copies are available at both libraries, town hall, the seniors’ centre and local pharmacies. The survey closes October 21. The results of the survey will be made publicly available.