Council Adopts Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Strategy with Anti‑Oppression Framework and Policy

For Immediate Release
Friday, March 20, 2026 – Port Hope, ON

The Municipality of Port Hope is pleased to announce that Council has formally adopted its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) Strategy with an Anti‑Oppression Framework and EDI Policy. This marks an important milestone in the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community.

The newly adopted Strategy, Framework, and Policy together provide a foundational roadmap to guide municipal By-laws, programs, and services to ensure they are designed and delivered in ways that support fairness, remove barriers and recognize the diverse experiences of all Port Hope residents.

Developed through research, consultation with an EDI specialist, community insight and promising practices from across Ontario and Canada, the Strategy provides guiding principles for the Municipality’s approach to embedding equity considerations into its operations. It supports Council, staff, committees and boards in recognizing and responding to the needs of residents in all their diversity. The Policy provides direction to all levels of the organization regarding their roles and responsibilities in upholding EDI principles and implementing the approved Strategy and Anti‑Oppression Framework.

Key elements of the Strategy and Policy include:

• A focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and anti‑oppression as core components of municipal decision‑making and service delivery.
• 11 Foundational Steps designed to build internal capacity, improve accessibility, and integrate equity considerations across policies, programs, and reports.
• Core principles, such as intersectionality, universal design, meaningful community engagement and ongoing accountability, to ensure inclusive practices are reflected throughout municipal work.
• Practical guiding questions to help staff and decision‑makers assess how proposed initiatives may impact different groups within the community.
• A process by which EDI concerns about existing By-laws and services can be identified and addressed

Collectively, these efforts support a community where all people, particularly those who have historically faced barriers, can access services and feel represented.

“Building an inclusive community is not a one‑time action, it is a long-term commitment,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “By adopting this Strategy and Policy, we are taking an important step toward ensuring every resident of Port Hope feels seen, heard and valued. This work strengthens our Municipality today and helps us build a more equitable and profitable future for generations to come.”

The Municipality recognizes that meaningful inclusion requires ongoing learning and collaboration. As Port Hope continues to grow and diversify, the adoption of this Strategy represents a significant step toward ensuring that all residents can participate fully in municipal programs, services and local opportunities. For more information about the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Strategy with an Anti‑Oppression Framework and EDI Policy, please visit our website.

2026-03-20