Image: CFJC Today / File

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: No quick fix to making the City safer

Oct 21, 2022 | 5:30 AM

DESPITE BROADENING HIS platform near the end of the campaign, Mayor-elect Reid Hamer-Jackson campaigned on two major issues – making this a safer city and making City staff accountable for their actions. Noble thoughts, but fraught with danger. In this space, only limited space to make a point.

A safe city is important. But only if it is all-encompassing. It must take into account the difference between criminals and those with addiction and mental disorders.

The Mayor-elect talks about a recovery centre outside or on the edges of the City. But unless people are forced to stay there, they can still make their way back into the city. We’ve seen some cases of that in the past few years. And we surely don’t want another Tranquille, which in essence was a prison.

Safe streets was a major issue in different cities throughout the province during the campaign. It cost many incumbents their jobs. It was a huge issue almost everywhere.

A police officer who was skilled at dealing with cases of mental issues was killed in Burnaby this week, trying to do her job. Police officers get attacked from all sides, as do other first responders and caregivers.

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Random attacks in the streets, robberies, break-ins, vandalism, graffiti, harassment, homelessness, safe injection sites, supported housing, are all segments of the same larger issue. An issue that can’t be dealt with with a quick campaign promise and a quick fix. It will take a lot of consultation with other Councillors, with other municipalities, and with senior levels of government. And while powerful language is often required, it must be used strategically or it will backfire quite quickly.

We all want to feel safe, whether it be in our own home or downtown, but it will take a group approach. The Mayor has far less power than people imagine. That is something we’ll tackle Sunday, when we talk about accountability.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.