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Building Strong and Safe CommunitiesThe City of Salinas, California launched a comprehensive, multisectoralplan to prevent violence, which was seen as contributing tothe deterioration of families and communities. The plan included the mayor, grass roots activists, localbusinesses, the faith community, and major city and countyleaders from various sectors, including law enforcement andhealth. Initiatives include literacy, youth employment and parentalparticipation in schools. The library was one example of a nontraditionalpartner. Multiple partners such as land use andtransportation planners, businesses, and schools were involvedin the healthy eating and active living approaches. About $10 million in grants were allocated to local projects andgroups. Salinas has seen a decrease in violence rates and localresidents noted improved perceptions of safety since launchingthis plan.The City of Gatineau’s Youth Commission has several initiatives thatengage youth, for example: A fund “Manque pas ta chance” to support individual youth orgroups of young people to undertake a project, for example tocreate a theatrical or dance performance, or renovate their youthassociation headquarters. In partnership a with a non-governmental organization, localpolice and the public works department a Graffiti Walls projecthas built graffiti walls in parks.Recognizing the Diverse Interests of CommunitiesCricket is one of the fastest growing sports in Toronto and is playedin more than 100 countries across the world. Toronto Parks Forestryand Recreation created the Toronto Cricket programs - OperationCricket, Thackeray Park Cricket Ground, and Cricket cross the Pond– to engage communities through the sport of cricket. The programs: offer a safe and welcoming environment for children, youth andadults to learn about cricket and experience the sport provide opportunities to connect with other players, families andteams bridge the generation gap between seniors and youth in thecommunity transformed a barren property into a vibrant green spaceAs noted previously, physical environments such as air pollution, trafficpatterns, street design, and housing stocks can influence the health ofresidents. Access to and quality of neighbourhood services and amenitiessuch as stores offering healthy food options, recreational opportunities,and health and social services can also influence health.The level of violence, safety, and social cohesiveness of a neighbourhoodcan influence health and well-being in numerous ways. UnsafeHealthy Toronto by Design | Toronto Public Health, October 201115