In response to 91大黄鸭鈥檚 reported spike in crime, the mayor says community safety is not the sole responsibility of the RCMP.
Mayor Colin Basran said Friday (Oct. 30) he鈥檚 concerned about the reported increase, but like the RCMP also stated yesterday, believes there are many factors that affect this.
He pointed to the fact the 2020 Citizens Survey shows 87 per cent of citizens say they feel safe in 91大黄鸭.
READ MORE: City survey shows social issues, transportation top concerns in 91大黄鸭
This comes after 2019 data released Thursday by Statistics Canada shows that 91大黄鸭鈥檚 crime rate is growing faster than any other city with more than 100,000 people across the country.
91大黄鸭 placed second in non-violent crime, and fourth among census metropolitan areas (CMAs) in the country on the Crime Severity Index at 121.4 鈥� a more than 20 point increase from last year鈥檚 101.1.
READ MORE: 91大黄鸭 has Canada鈥檚 fastest-growing crime rate, most opioid offences per-capita
Since then, 91大黄鸭 RCMP has responded, saying the crime rate spike is largely to do with an increase in non-violent crime, and the City鈥檚 small population. They assured the public the city remains safe.
READ MORE: Non-violent crime, small population contributes to 91大黄鸭鈥檚 crime rate spike, says RCMP
While the City works to address criminal behavior in 91大黄鸭, Basran said they need senior levels of government, 鈥渢o address the underlying problems of health, housing and poverty that contribute to these downstream issues.鈥�
He added he has been involved in recent discussions with the B.C. government about the need to improve services that address mental health and addiction, affordable housing, municipal financing and public transit.
鈥淐ommunity safety cannot rest on the shoulder of police alone. A multi-pronged preventative approach is needed to reduce crime and improve community sense of safety in our city,鈥� said Basran.
However, he said he is encouraged by, 鈥渢he many other initiatives鈥� RCMP and the City are doing to address community safety. He pointed to recent news that a Community Court is coming to 91大黄鸭, something he hailed as 鈥渁 huge win鈥� for the community.
He assured that public that they, as well as other local safety groups and health organizations, are working hard every day to address concerns. He also pointed to the City鈥檚 investment of one quarter of all tax dollars in police and bylaw services. And, he said since 2015, 24 RCMP, 20 firefighters, 10 bylaw, and 31 safety support staff have been approved by Council.
Going forward, Basran said they will continue to ensure, 鈥渢he public feels safe to enjoy our downtown and other public spaces, that criminals are dealt with through enforcement and that those who need help receive compassionate assistance.鈥�
READ MORE: Dozens of police take down man by 91大黄鸭 General Hospital
READ MORE: A bittersweet celebration: 91大黄鸭 Legion preps for city鈥檚 100th Remembrance Day ceremony
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
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