The Town of Hay River is in the process of finalizing a new healthy community strategy that aims to address many of the most important issues facing residents. It will do so, in part, by adhering to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.

"The town of Hay River itself wanted to recognize the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, and how the municipal government can move forward through reconciliation with our Indigenous peoples," said Glenn Smith, the community's senior administrative officer (SAO). "So the plan has ties to a lot of those calls to action and that identifies the initiatives that the town will undertake over the years to come."

Hay River's 10-year Healthy Community Strategy was developed by developed by the town's Healthy Community Committee, which is composed of representatives from the municipal government, territorial government departments, Indigenous governments, the , local schools, community organizations, and more. The committee collaborated with Yellowknife planning firm PlanIt North on the project. 

The strategy aims to improve the community's health and wellness activities, and encourage collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations, and community members. 

After months of planning and research, the strategy was laid out in a 30-page document that was released to the public on the week of Sept. 16.

It will be brought before local council for final approval on the week of Sept. 23. 

If the plan is approved, it will pursue five overarching goals, which mirror many of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action including:

- Community organizations and governments collaborate effectively.

- Hay River residents are healthy and safe

- Hay River has safe, diverse, affordable and resilient housing

- Children, youth, and adults access healthy recreation and learning

- Hay River is a vibrant, beautiful community with a healthy economy

All of the goals are important, according to Smith, but achieving the first will allow the others to be met more easily.

"One of the first big priorities is bringing these agencies, organizations, and businesses together to improve collaboration and communication," he said. "The more communication there is, the more potential there is to unravel and work together towards fixing problems."

Other issues the strategy aims to address include curbing addiction, improving recovery programs, diversifying recreation programming, increasing the availability of quality housing, and strengthening the economy, Smith said. 

"We have a current council that's taken these issues and opportunities very seriously," he added. "That's been proven through the establishment of the [healthy community] committee and the funding of this program."

Achieving the goals outlined in the new Healthy Community Strategy will depend on the continued commitment of the people involved. However, Smith is optimistic that those goals can be realized, and that the future is bright for Hay River.

"I'm quite optimistic," he said. "I think the motivation and ultimately the need is there. I mean, we really have no choice with some of these issues. It's follow and execute the plan or become stagnant."