Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)

Recognizing Diversity

Learning the history and developing an understanding of the different cultures and diversity in our community helps us become aware, rethink any assumptions, creates allyship and fosters a sense of connection with each other.

To help us get to know each other better, the Municipality of Kincardine will be highlighting different cultures, days of significance / remembrance and celebrations of our diverse community throughout the year. See the list here.

Ring My Bell Campaign

The Ring my Bell Project is to help make businesses easier to access.

Customers can ring the bell when they:

Need help entering a business e.g., have a walker, stroller, or mobility issues
Would like the ramp out (for stores with ramps)

Doorbells are to be placed at the front entrance. A poster has been provided to alert your customers that they can “ring your bell” for assistance.

Doorbells have been provided by the Kincardine Canadian Tire and the Municipality of Kincardine.

Should you have questions, or to request a door bell, contact info@kincardine.ca.

What we heard report: Input to inform the development of the IDEA Strategy

What is the “What We Heard Report”?

To develop the IDEA Strategy, we need input from the community on the most pressing issues. And specifically we need to hear from groups that experience inequities in order to understand the barriers and challenges faced, in order for the Municipality to implement the most relevant actions to improve inclusion, diversity equity and access.

The “What we heard” report is a summary of the feedback that emerged from community consultations that were held to inform the development of the IDEA Strategy for the Municipality of Kincardine.

It is important to note that not all input will have corresponding actions in the future IDEA Strategy. This input will be prioritized based on several factors/criteria yet to be determined. This will happen in the next phase of IDEA Strategy development.

Afro-Centric Art Installation by Phillip Saunders

A mural dedicated to inspiring Black Canadians has been completed at the Davidson Centre track and field shed. It's dynamic, colourful, and celebrates Black Canadian heritage, history and continued contributions.

Who's on the mural?

Portia White: A contralto known for becoming the first black Canadian concert singer to achieve international acclaim.
Oscar Peterson: Eight time Grammy award winning legendary jazz pianist.
Dr. Eugenia Duodu: CEO of Visions of Science network for learning, who is committed to empowering low income communities through the STEM program.
Andre De Grasse: Canadian sprinter, 7-time Olympic medalist and now gold medalist in the 200 m.

Why do we need an Afrocentric mural? Click here to read more.

We all want a community where residents and visitors feel safe, respected, and comfortable in being themselves and expressing all aspects of their identifies. We want a community where each and every person feels accepted, connected, free of barriers and has a real sense of belonging. So if we all want this inclusive community, why are there comments against the creation of a mural that will depict one segment of our community – Black and Racialized communities?

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that an inclusive community is not experienced by all people who live in or visit our community. But we are not alone in this. Racism is an issue that is happening across Ontario, Canada and the world.

Changing society and eliminating racism from our culture and our systems is uncomfortable messy work but if we push through the discomfort the change we are all seeking can happen.

IDEA Action Plan

Municipal services touch the lives of every resident and visitor. Addressing social inequities means services can address the needs of all citizens and improve the well-being of the community.

The Municipality of Kincardine is committed to developing actions to improve inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA).

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Lens

Our community is becoming more and more diverse and so are the needs and aspirations of its residents and visitors. For this reason, we need to incorporate this reality into how we communicate, engage, plan and deliver services so we can remain relevant, meaningful and effective. To help us apply equity and inclusion to our work, we can ask some practical questions to improve IDEA.

Resource: Questions to ask yourself to work towards equity and inclusion

Contact Us

The Municipality of Kincardine
1475 Concession 5, R.R.
#5, Kincardine, ON N2Z 2X6
Phone: 519-396-3468
F.: 519-396-8288

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