Respect Check

The City of Oshawa is committed to creating and promoting a safe, healthy, respectful and welcoming environment where there is respect for others and responsibility for all actions.

What is Respect Check

Respect Check is a code of conduct policy that enforces a set of expectations to address inappropriate behaviours, violence and vandalism that negatively affects the experience of individuals or creates unsafe conditions. View the Respect Check Code of Conduct Policy.

The policy identifies how these behaviours will be addressed when it occurs within a City facility in association with any service, program, or event provided by or associated with the City.‬

Respect Check pledge

• Enjoy the Oshawa facilities and programs in your community. Think of the opportunities and benefits they provide.
• Respect the dignity and spirit of all people, including children, youth, adults and staff.
• Treat all people in our programs and facilities fairly and equitably.
• Create supportive, positive experiences to build confidence, develop and improve skills, and have fun.
• Do not take part in or tolerate behaviour that frightens, embarrasses, demoralizes or negatively affects the self-esteem of any of the people in our programs and facilities.
• Promote and encourage positive behaviours to reduce the likelihood of violence in our programs and facilities.
• Do not tolerate abusive or disrespectful language or actions by anyone.
• Respect public property and the property of others.
• Set a positive example for others.

Responsibilities

City staff: 

Their primary concern is the safety of members of the public, employees, and volunteers. Staff will promote a positive, safe and supportive environment at our facilities, parks and trails.

Patrons:

Those who visit or take part in a program, service or event are to be respectful of the rights of others, use appropriate language and respect the dignity and spirit of all people.

Organizations and user groups:

Those who use City facilities, parks and trails are responsible for applying the Respect Check policy to their programs to champion ethical conduct, foster healthy and active lifestyles and create a safe and welcoming environment.

Staff and patrons who observe inappropriate behaviour and activities are to report it as soon as possible upon witnessing the behaviour.