ROTHENBURGER: Why is violence rising more in some small towns than others?

We must all hope these incidents aren’t a trend but there’s no doubt small towns are less secure now than when violence seemed like something that happened only in big cities.

Both in Canada and the U.S., violent crime is rising in small towns to the point that some studies say big cities are actually safer.

Why is this happening? Some blame it on the pandemic, others on the economy, others on isolation, still others on a lack of social services.

What’s baffling, though, is the comparisons between communities.

While the StatsCan crime severity index, including violent crime, has risen substantially for Merritt over the past few years, it’s very similar to Osoyoos, a town with very different demographics and economy.

And while the CSI has risen in Chase, it’s holding steady in places like Summerland and Armstrong, and has actually dropped in Langley township.

Maybe there are lessons we can take from small towns that are doing well.

Meanwhile, the experts insist Canada’s crime rate is, overall, low and that we live in a safe country. But it’s hard to take comfort from that when gunshots are echoing in your hometown.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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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.

by Mel Rothenburger

ROTHENBURGER: Why is violence rising more in some small towns than others?

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