Have Your Say: Shape the future of the Barons-Eureka-Warner region

By Nerissa McNaughton
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community. Residents of the 16 municipalities in the Barons-Eureka-Warner (BEW) region now have a unique opportunity to influence local decision-making. A comprehensive community survey is underway, and your participation is crucial for guiding future investments and addressing key social challenges across the area.

This research study, led by the Prentice Institute, aims to gather valuable insights from the people who live here. By sharing your perspective, you help create a clearer picture of the community’s strengths, needs, and opportunities for growth. The findings will directly inform how local councils and the Barons-Eureka-Warner Family and Community Support Services (BEW-FCSS) team tackle important issues.

The primary goal of this project is to support the 16 municipalities within the BEW-FCSS region in making well-informed decisions. It’s a community needs assessment designed to pinpoint how to best invest in our towns and address pressing challenges. The survey gathers feedback on community assets, satisfaction with current services, and any gaps that require attention.

Researchers are focusing on five critical areas that impact the well-being of residents:

• Homelessness and Housing Insecurity: Understanding the scope of housing challenges and identifying solutions to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.

• Mental Health and Addictions: Assessing the availability and effectiveness of support services for mental wellness and addiction recovery.

• Employment: Examining the local job market, employment opportunities, and barriers to finding stable work.

• Family and Sexual Violence: Identifying needs and improving support systems for individuals and families affected by violence.

• Aging Well in the Community: Exploring how to better support our senior population so they can continue to live vibrant, healthy lives within their communities.

If you are a resident of the BEW region and are 18 years of age or older, you are invited to participate. The survey is available online and can be accessed from any device. To participate, by March 2026, visit https://bit.ly/bewsurvey, or access a QR code from the Village of Barnwell website (https://barnwell.ca/community-member-survey/).