New Task Force coming to downtown

Dec 2, 2019 | 10:55 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A new task force was the ultimate conclusion of a lengthy special meeting of Council. That group, however it looks, will be tasked with helping to find solutions to some of the issued raised during the meeting.

One by one, business people and representatives from different downtown social agencies came forward to share their stories about experiences in not only the downtown but other neighbourhoods in the community. And they came with ideas.

Daniel Gallant spoke about his past experiences with drugs, addiction and homelessness. He has come out of that bad place to become a lawyer currently working in the downtown of Prince George. He noted the “very unfortunate” decision by the Province to cut police funding. He suggested that if 200 businesses in the downtown pitched in $500 dollars per year, they could pay for an additional police officer dedicated to the downtown. He also “respectfully requests that Mayor and Council do something immediately to address the homeless.”

But one businessperson pointed out that they already pay enough taxes and, if the City doesn’t do something to clean up the downtown, there will be no businesses to draw taxes from.

Housing was a recurring theme throughout the evening, with some suggesting there could be an emergency shelter in place until more permanent housing could be built. That is something with City is working with Northern Health and B.C. Housing with a project on the site of NR Motors on 1st Avenue.

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Other business owners from neighbourhoods outside the downtown also spoke about the need to work with businesses when they are making decisions that affect them. As the evening wore on, many came forward, including several who had overcome addiction and homeless themselves appealing for compassion and understanding in whatever the City undertakes.

Prior to the floor opening to the public, residents heard from Northern Health as well as the RCMP, who outlined the various measures they are taking individually. Much of the information was not new. However, Northern Health’s Director of Specialized Services Shane DeMeyer, spoke of a new partnership struck with Downtown Prince George, which he called “an invaluable partnership” to highlight the issues at the fore. He also spoke of the needs facing Northern Health. For example, there are 30 beds to deal with mental health and there is generally “a half a dozen over-capacity.”

That, too, was a common theme: The need for greater services. At the end of the night, Mayor and Council each took the opportunity to thanks the speakers and note all the information will be put to good use as the City looks inward to find a solution to the crisis.

by Cheryl Jahn

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New Task Force coming to downtown

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