Let's Talk Community Safety Open House goes Thursday
July 5, 2023
On Thursday, July 6, from 4 until 7 pm, the City of Fort St. John will host a Let’s Talk Community Safety Open House / Tradeshow with various community partners at the Festival Plaza (9523 – 100 Street). Confirmed community partners include Northern Health, Fort St. John RCMP, Fort St. John Salvation Army, Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce, Urban Systems / Urban Matters, and a representative for MLA Dan Davies.
This is an opportunity to work together to establish and identify potential initiatives, specific to Fort St. John, to address these challenges long-term through the joint efforts of local, provincial, and federal governments, service providers, business owners, and residents.
In addition to advocating to higher levels of government to address concerns in their areas of responsibility, the City of Fort St. John is looking for feedback on implementing several initiatives, including Housing First and Situation Table programs. These two programs have been established in other communities across Canada to address homelessness and provide support services to vulnerable people.
Earlier this year, local business owners attended a Council meeting to express their concerns regarding community safety. This prompted Council to direct City staff to host engagement opportunities to actively involve local businesses, residents, and community partners in addressing these challenges.
Although calls for service for the Fort St. John RCMP have decreased from 9,877 in 2018 to 8,507 in 2022, there has been a decrease in the overall feeling of safety in the community. Multiple factors could contribute to this, but we can develop practical solutions to promote community safety by harnessing the collective expertise, experiences, and perspectives of local businesses, residents, and community partners.
For those unable to make it, a survey will be available following the Open House / Tradeshow for those wishing to provide their input. Learn more at https://letstalk.fortstjohn.ca/engage/community-safety.
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