Council's Response Committee meets with RCMP

Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter (CRCHES) is actively collaborating with community partners to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to address homelessness in Fort St. John.

The Committee, comprising Councillors Bolin, Klassen, and MacDougall, recently met with Staff Sergeant Watson and Sergeant Croll, two experienced RCMP officers who are long-term community residents. These officers bring a wealth of local knowledge and dedication to Fort St. John. Sergeant Croll liaises with organizations such as the Salvation Army Supportive Housing Community Advisory Committee, the Fort St. John Community Advisory Council – Good Neighbourhood Group and the City of Fort St. John – Building Safer Communities Group, focussing on community safety and educating local groups and businesses on strategies to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.

During a recent meeting, the Committee reviewed RCMP data from January to October 2024. This data revealed that homelessness-related incidents accounted for a low percentage of total RCMP case files. To provide further context, the Fort St. John RCMP evaluated the calls of service related to 10 unhoused individuals who have had the most police contact. There were 257 RCMP calls of service associated with those specific individuals compared to the total 10,520 RCMP case files during this period. During this same time, there were 73 RCMP calls of service related to unhoused encampments. While the link between homelessness and community safety remains a concern, this relatively small percentage underscores the need to address homelessness as part of a broader, comprehensive strategy to enhance community well-being.

The Committee emphasizes the importance of community involvement in supporting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness. If you have concerns or require assistance related to community safety, please contact the Fort St. John RCMP detachment. For non-emergencies during business hours, call 250-787-8100. For after-hours assistance or emergencies, dial 911.

CRCHES will continue to hold monthly meetings with community partners, service providers, and other organizations to develop actionable solutions that address homelessness and its impacts on Fort St. John. As this important work advances, updates and progress will be shared with the community.

About Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter (CRCHES):
The City of Fort St. John recognizes the growing challenges associated with homelessness and its impacts on the unhoused population and the broader community. In response, Council established the Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter (CRCHES) to assess these impacts, engage with stakeholders, and develop comprehensive solutions. The Committee aims to understand and address the effects of homelessness on the community, engage with community partners to gather diverse insights, and develop actionable strategies to enhance the well-being of all community members.