The City of Abbotsford, in partnership with a number of community agencies, is committed to building a child and youth friendly community.
According the Statistics Canada (2006 Census), Abbotsford has 33,980 children from birth to age 19. Additionally, as reported by Fraser Health in 2007, the child dependency ratio in Abbotsford (the ratio of children aged 0-17 to adults aged 18-64) is 38%, the highest in the Fraser Health region.
Community Planning staff, in collaboration with the Abbotsford Social Development Advisory Committee and community partners, are assessing the child and youth friendliness of Abbotsford and developing strategies to make Abbotsford more child and youth friendly.
Highlights:
- Community Mapping Workshops
In collaboration with the University of the Fraser Valley, community mapping workshops were conducted with middle school students in Abbotsford in February 2008.
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Cities for Children and Youth
On March 11, 2008 representatives from middle schools and several community groups in Abbotsford were given the opportunity to present classmates concerns and dreams for Abbotsford to Mayor, Council and other community leaders. Nearly 200 children participated in this event and approximately 25 children shared their ideas of how to make Abbotsford more child and youth friendly directly with Council.
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In November 2009, the City of Abbotsford and community partners adopted a child and youth friendly statement of intention. The statement was a result of the Child and Youth Friendly strategy developed through funding from UBCM, and more than 200 individuals and organizations participated in the creation of the strategy.
Priorities:
- To review City policies such as the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Development Permit Guidelines, and recommend changes to reflect child and youth friendly practices and design guidelines.
- To promote child and youth friendly practices to the community through the Child and Youth Friendly Abbotsford Community Strategy and action plan.
Child and Youth Friendly Resources:
For more information please contact Amy Anaka, Planner at 604-864-5614 or Cherie Enns, Planning Consultant at 604-851-4184.