Thursday, June 20 1:30 pm Mount Forest & District Sports Complex

Safe Communities Wellington County’s journey formally began with the formation of the Safe Communities Leadership Table in June of In March of 2013, a designation submission was made to Parachute. This submission was accepted, leading to Wellington County’s designation as the 28 th Safe Community in Ontario and the 64 th such community in Canada. All photos in this slideshow are by Chris Piccinetti of the County of Wellington unless noted as being taken by Doug Smith of Puslinch COPS or Bob McArthur of Wellington North’s Safe Communities Committee.

“Parachute is a national, charitable organization, formed in July 2012, which unites the former organizations of Safe Communities Canada, Safe Kids Canada, SMARTRISK and ThinkFirst Canada into one strong leader in injury prevention.” Parachute is the organization certifying the Canadian Safe Communities Designation Program. On June 20, 2013, Wellington County was designated a Safe Community by Parachute.

The Mount Forest & District Sports Complex, where the ceremony took place on June 20, 2013.

MC Dinah Christie opens up the ceremony.

Co-Chair Gary Williamson thanks the people that made our designation possible.

Warden Chris White speaks on behalf of Wellington County.

OPP Inspector – Detachment Commander Scott Lawson explains the role of the OPP in community safety.

Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece recalls his experiences with farm safety.

Parachute representative Barry King explains the most common cause of death for those under 44 – preventable injury.

Co-Chair Jack Hunjan signs the formal declaration while other signatories Jennifer McCorriston of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Warden Chris White, and Parachute VP Lori Radke look on.

Parachute VP Lori Radke presents a $5,000 cheque to Co-Chairs Jack Hunjan and Gary Williamson.

Co-Chair Gary Williamson and MC Dinah Christie with Wellington County Economic Development Officer Jana Reichert.

Emergency Manager Linda Dickson and Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever with Co-Chairs Jack Hunjan and Gary Williamson.

The Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington booth in the lobby. Photo by Doug Smith.

Kelly Gee of VON shows off her booth in the Leisure Hall.

Lynn Kergan of the Canadian Red Cross Society shows off her display in the Leisure Hall.

The Puslinch C.O.P. booth in the Main Hall. Photo by Doug Smith.

Vice Chair Bob McArthur stands by the booth of Mount Forest’s Safe Communities Committee. Photo by Doug Smith.

The Minto Safe Community Committee booth in the Main Hall. Photo by Doug Smith.

A selection of Safe Communities stand-up displays, one for each municipality in the County. Photo by Doug Smith.

The injury priorities of Safe Communities Wellington County, as identified by our Priority Exercise. Photo by Doug Smith.

Kerri Mitchell and Amy Benn stand by the Guelph-Wellington EMS display. Photo by Bob McArthur.

Fire equipment at the ceremony, representing Wellington North, Guelph/Eramosa, Minto, and Mapleton. Photo by Doug Smith.

The OPP displays at the ceremony. Photo by Doug Smith.

The OPP Mounted Unit makes an appearance at the ceremony.

If you would like to become involved with Safe Communities, please visit or contact Linda Dickson by at or by phone at x3322 or