Yesterday, the Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter (CRCHES), which includes Councillors Bolin, Klassen, and MacDougall, conducted a business walk to reconnect with local businesses and continue the dialogue started last year. The goal was to gather updated insights on the impacts of crime, shoplifting, and mischief, and to assess how these issues have changed over time.
During the walk, the committee heard directly from business owners and managers about the challenges they face and the strategies they have implemented to improve safety. Many of the same participants from last year reported noticeable improvements.
“The message from a large majority of the same managers and owners we met with a year ago was certainly a positive one today,” said the CRCHES committee. “Issues around theft and loitering are down, response times from the RCMP and Bylaw are quicker and more efficient. Walmart commented, ‘It’s a night and day difference between last year and this year.’ No Frills continues to see improvement and has implemented additional safety policies for staff and guests.”
The committee is proud to share this positive feedback, which reflects meaningful progress in improving the safety of local businesses, their employees, and the broader community. CRCHES appreciates the RCMP and Bylaw teams for their continued commitment. The committee also encourages store owners to remain vigilant and to contact the RCMP when needed to help maintain these improvements.
CRCHES was created to better understand and respond to the impacts of homelessness on both unhoused individuals and the wider community. The insights gathered during this walk will contribute to the committee’s ongoing work to develop comprehensive and actionable solutions. Further, the committee continues to collaborate with local organizations, business leaders, and residents to refine strategies that promote community well-being.
For more information about CRCHES, visit www.fortstjohn.ca/council-response-committee-housing.