The Peel Community Benefits Network (PCBN) was born from an initiative of the Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy Committee (PPRSC), which is co-chaired by the Region of Peel and United Way Greater Toronto.
Our mandate is to:
Ensure that residents benefit from the economic opportunities that large infrastructure projects, like the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT), will bring to the community
Actively engage stakeholders from business and non-profit organizations, the community, school boards, labour unions, etc. to create inclusive Community Benefit frameworks
Through this engagement, we have developed a strong network that is committed to contributing and supporting a Community Benefits framework. Some of our members are:
And we are still growing!
Since the start of this initiative, we have developed working groups that are:
active in informing and engaging the community of the economic opportunities of the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HuLRT) project
building a network of stakeholders that can assist with developing a community benefits framework for the HuLRT.
dedicated to assisting and supporting the winning bidder in fulfilling their obligations outlined in the CBA
ABOUT COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENTS (CBAs)
Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) are a strategic tool used in the process of building community wealth. CBAs support communities by creating jobs and training opportunities, supporting social enterprise activity and advocating for other community amenities like parks, green spaces, etc. They offer an opportunity to engage youths, newcomers, and historically disadvantaged and equity seeking populations, in a range of quality job opportunities as part of a large infrastructure investment.
In 2015, The Province of Ontario enshrined Community Benefits into legislation with the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act (IJPA), becoming the first Canadian jurisdiction to pass legislation to enable consideration of community benefits in infrastructure planning and investment. The purpose of this Act is to establish mechanisms that support job creation and training opportunities, economic growth and protection of the environment, and incorporate design excellence into infrastructure planning.
From this legislation, in November 2017, the Ministry of Infrastructure has developed their: Building Better Lives: Ontario’s Long-term Infrastructure Plan (LTIP) which highlights Community Benefits as “one way for the government to pursue multiple policy goals, including poverty reduction, employment and training, especially for under-represented groups, and support of small business.”
There is a considerable amount of expectation from the provincial government that
*Projectco’s bidding on large infrastructure projects will include community benefits in their proposals.
*ProjectCo: companies that submit a proposal or respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP)
The Peel Community Benefits Network envisions Peel as an inclusive, thriving region in which all residents have equitable opportunities to contribute to building healthy communities and a prospering economy.
MISSION
The Peel Community Benefits Network is committed to ensuring that a skilled workforce is ready and available for the completion of infrastructure projects by tapping into the capacity of Peel’s diverse communities.
