Call for action on street disorder and crime
Business improvement associations call for action to address street disorder and crime in communities across BC.
Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) is the provincial champion of strong, vibrant, and successful downtowns, main streets, and commercial districts throughout the province. The Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA), along with over 70 other communities, is a proud member of BIABC.
BIABC issued a media release calling for urgent action from all three levels of government to deal with the issues of public safety and crime that is reaching a crisis point for businesses and communities. This is a collective crisis that requires a collaborative, bi-partisan approach to these complex issues by all three levels of government.
“The increase in demand for our On-Street Services continues to grow at an alarming rate,” states DKA Executive Director, Mark Burley. “Downtown On-Call is experiencing unprecedented call volume from our Member businesses and visitors to Downtown Kelowna, and our Clean Team is constantly cleaning as the street population move from space to space.”
“Downtown On-Call is experiencing unprecedented call volume from our Member businesses and visitors to Downtown Kelowna, and our Clean Team is constantly cleaning as the street population move from space to space.”
Burley continues, “Escalating crime affects businesses via theft, break-and-enters and broken street-facing windows. Most alarming and frustrating is the rate of break-ins and incidents performed by repeat offenders.”
While issues of crime and public safety may be viewed by some as a ‘Vancouver problem’ it is increasingly prevalent in communities across BC. BIABC is seeking a seat at the table to be part of the solution. The time for action is now.
