Image Credit: Can. Press / File

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Survival of people vs survival of business

Aug 12, 2022 | 6:00 AM

THE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL of the fittest is taking on a new look these days.

The most vulnerable in our society have become even more vulnerable. At the same time, businesses are trying to stay afloat amid labour shortages, high costs and supply chain issues.

This week, another issue was thrown into the mix when a report came down showing places like Vancouver getting a bad reputation because travellers were suggesting it was becoming unsafe and thus less of an attraction.

At the same time, the fire department issued an order to remove the tent cities on the downtown East Side over fire concerns. A legitimate concern, but the timing seems a bit ironic considering that some of the travel reporting firms like Tripadvisor are suggesting visitors might want to avoid that area, along with Chinatown and Gastown.

The clout of those travel sites on tourism is huge. Along with all the gang violence, why would you risk it?

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Other cities popular with tourists face the same thing. The self-described Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville, Tennessee, announced Wednesday it will now be a felony offence to camp in a tent on public land. That has huge implications, including fines, loss of voting rights and perhaps prison.

And to add insult to injury, these people are being removed with nowhere to go. In Vancouver, 400 people have been moved but don’t know where they’re moving. The city says it’s the province’s responsibility, the province says it can’t provide housing for that many people on such short notice.

Businesses will be happy over the immediate opportunity to clean up a long-standing eyesore, but who will operate stores in those spots? And the homeless get another kick in the teeth while trying to stay alive.

I take no side in this matter, except to point out what a sad state of affairs this is – two groups trying to keep their heads above water with no solution in sight.

I sympathize with the businessmen here in Kamloops who have put forth valid concerns about repeated crime, vandalism, graffiti and broken windows, much of it caused by the homeless population.

But we also have to find ways of dealing with the perpetrators whether it be criminal charges for some, treatment centres for others, or simply some outreach workers to counsel and comfort those in need.

I wish there were easy answers, but there are not. It will take some very special leaders on both sides to make something happen. I don’t see any sign of anyone approaching who fits that bill.

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.