The City of St. John’s is receiving a federal boost towards the development of a crime and violence prevention strategy.

Over $1.8 million from Ottawa’s Building Safer Communities Fund will go towards developing the prevention strategy over the next three years.

The city will collaborate with community members and stakeholders, such as the RNC, in efforts to prevent crime and address the root causes.

The committee will look to develop their plan by data collection, comparing and analyzing anti-crime measures across Canada, public engagement, and a public awareness campaign.

The city is looking to include various groups on the committee, including people of colour, gender-diverse people, newcomers, those with experience in mental health and addictions, young people, and those with lived experience.

Council will discuss the plans for the committee during their regular meeting this afternoon.