Homeless issues (including shelters and supportive housing), mental health assistance and prolific offenders topped the list of issues to be addressed in 2021, the Safety & Security Advisory Committee identified during a recent strategic planning exercise.
Blake Laven, the City’s Director of Development Services, led the brainstorming session during the Dec. 7, 2020 committee meeting.
Each participant was asked to discuss their top three safety topics they hope to see addressed in 2021. Starting with Committee chair, Matt Taylor, the group went around the circle (virtually), with each member raising their key points. The topics identified included:
- How to deal with the community’s ‘prolific offender group’
- Housing issues
- Find a suitable location for a long-term/permanent emergency shelter as well as a long-term/permanent winter shelter.
- Define different types and criteria of supports for each type of housing (expectations for Penticton).
- Supportive housing as a response to safety / security issues.
- Educate the public on a “Housing First” approach and barrier-free housing.
- More mental health assistance and housing support for those in need.
- Audit / impacts of housing that has been built past few years.
- Organize an audit with community stakeholders and assess what issues businesses and families are facing related to their proximity to low-income housing.
- Educate the public about safety and security reporting.
- Explore the history and future of a Community Block Watch program.
- Education and support campaigns for domestic abuse and intimate partner violence.
- South Okanagan Treatment Centre – City as lobby effort.
- Education campaign on homelessness and addictions, with a “people first” approach.
- Symposium with regional leaders on safety and security issues: Bring in subject matter experts / regional partners.
- Penticton Channel / Skaha Beach: improve safety (parking issues, rescues).
- Toxic drug supply – data / education.
- Traffic safety / intersections.
Council received the minutes during the Jan. 19, 2021 council meeting. These ideas will be included in the committee’s agenda for the year to allow for ongoing discussions.
About the Safety and Security Advisory Committee
The Safety and Security Advisory Committee is made up of nine voting members appointed by City Council for a term ending Dec. 31, 2022. The current committee members include Matt Taylor, Deirdre Riley, Aaryn Secker, Adam Power, Cheryl Watts, Daryl Clarke, Susan Brown, Lynn Allin and Nicolette Rodriguez.
The Council liaisons include Mayor John Vassilaki, Councillor Jake Kimberley and Councillor Katie Robinson.
The committee’s mandate is to make recommendations to Council on all matters referred to them, including providing recommendation on public safety and crime prevention initiatives. They recommend actions, education and marketing initiatives that promote increased public awareness and participation in public safety in the community.
If you’re interested in learning more about applying to become a committee member, visit our Join a Council Committee page. To read more updates from behind the scenes, go to Committee Updates.