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2 <br /> <br />Key Findings <br />City-wide Inclusion Survey <br />A city-wide survey (September–November 2024) gathered community perspectives on inclusion. <br /> <br />Key takeaways from the survey include: <br />• Welcoming Community: 62.86% rated Little Canada as excellent or good in making all feel <br />welcome <br />• Valuing and Respecting Diverse Backgrounds: 55.71% believe the Little Canada <br />community is valuing/respecting individuals from diverse backgrounds <br />• Major Themes: Language accessibility, awareness of city resources, open communication, <br />and representation in government were recurring themes <br /> <br />Individual Stakeholder Interviews <br />Seventeen individuals representing businesses, nonprofits, faith groups, and schools provided <br />these major themes: <br />• Major Themes: Language barriers, lack of awareness about available support, need for <br />improved accessibility, and broader community engagement <br /> <br />School Engagement Sessions <br />Staff led six sessions with Little Canada Elementary fifth and sixth graders in both the Dual <br />Language Immersion Program and the Neighborhood Program. Elementary students participated in <br />inclusion activities, identifying: <br />• When They Felt Included: Playing with friends, being invited to participate <br />• Barriers to Inclusion: Being ignored, not having their opinions valued <br />• City of Little Canada Event Idea: Cultural events, free public activities, sports <br />tournaments <br /> <br />Overall Themes <br />Across all engagement efforts, seven themes emerged: <br />1. Effective Communication: Importance of two-way and open communication <br />2. Access to Resources: Advertisement of available programs, and elimination of barriers <br />3. Representation: Community representation in government including languages utilized for <br />communication <br />4. Community Engagement: Opportunities for meaningful dialogue and authentic <br />connection <br />5. Inclusive Events: Programming designed for all demographics <br />6. Accessibility: Ensuring physical, mental, and economic inclusion in government <br />7. Education & Awareness: Promoting, celebrating, and understanding diverse backgrounds <br />and community members <br /> <br />Next Steps for Strategic Planning <br />The City Council will use this report to guide the 2025 Strategic Planning process, focusing on <br />actionable steps to enhance inclusion. <br /> <br />Conclusion This report serves as a baseline for continued inclusion efforts. By fostering open <br />dialogue and strategic action, Little Canada aims to become a more welcoming and inclusive <br />community for all members.