Mayors in British Columbia are coming together in Victoria on Wednesday to address the pressing issues of street disorder and public safety. The coalition of municipal leaders, including representatives from Prince George, Victoria, Nanaimo, Port Coquitlam, Sechelt, Kelowna, and the Save Our Streets Coalition, will gather outside the B.C. Legislature building to voice their concerns.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog expressed his worries about the escalating street disorder problem, noting that despite significant investments in housing, there have not been noticeable improvements. He emphasized the complexity of the issue and called for increased funding for housing and mental health supports, both areas under the jurisdiction of the provincial government.
The call for more resources comes at a challenging time, with British Columbia recently announcing an $11.6 billion deficit that is expected to worsen in the upcoming year. Despite the financial constraints, Krog emphasized the urgent need for action to address public safety concerns before they escalate further.
Krog highlighted the significant financial burden placed on municipalities due to the lack of progress in addressing street disorder, with funds being allocated to extra policing, community safety officers, and other related expenses without seeing tangible results. He underscored the need for swift action to enhance security and safety for the community.
The mayor also raised concerns about the ongoing opioid crisis, linking it to the broader issues of mental health and housing inadequacies. He pointed out the growing severity of street disorder and emphasized the need for immediate investments to address the root causes of these challenges.
Reflecting on the consequences of a previous homeless encampment closure in Nanaimo, Krog emphasized that the situation has not improved and highlighted the increasing number of individuals facing housing insecurity and related issues in the city.
Krog proposed resolutions aimed at addressing these pressing challenges, including the establishment of secure care beds, expansion of supportive housing options, and enhancing training for those providing care to vulnerable populations. He stressed the need for both the provincial and federal governments to acknowledge the depth of the issues and take substantive actions to address them.
While refraining from setting a specific timeline, Krog emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged the government to heed the public’s demand for solutions. He graded the provincial government’s handling of public safety matters as a ‘C,’ indicating room for improvement in addressing the critical issues facing communities across British Columbia.