Parkade produces debate

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffDec 13 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Coun. Jack Gilroy is accusing the Downtown Vernon Association of being alarmist over crime at the parkade. Gilroy provided council Monday with statistics that show there have been 10 reported incidents at the parkade in the past year. “When the DVA came at it a few weeks ago, there was a major problem but we’re doing well,” he said. During a recent presentation to council, DVA officials stated there is a considerable crime problem within the parkade and many people are scared to walk to their vehicles. On a trial basis, the DVA has hired two private security guards to patrol downtown, including the parkade. However, Gilroy says statistics provided to him by Community Policing indicate a different situation. From November 2005 to November 2006, there were 10 reported incidents to the RCMP regarding the parkade. Of those, three were thefts from automobiles and four were reports of suspicious individuals. There was one case of wilful damage, one stolen vehicle and one case of assistance to the general public. “Personally, I think that is very good. I wanted to let the public know that the parkade is not as dangerous as some think it is,” said Gilroy. He added that the city has also installed security cameras in the structure. “Council is trying to do everything to make downtown safe.” Also on Monday, council approved the appointment of five new bylaw enforcement officers. Part of their job will be an extra set of eyes and ears for the police downtown. Malcom Dunn, DVA president, says his organization has heard considerable safety concerns from its members. “A lot of our members don’t report incidents (to RCMP) because there’s no response to them,” he said. Since the security guards were hired, the DVA has received close to 40 e-mails and calls from people who work downtown. “They’re thanking us for providing a safe presence, especially in the parkade.” Dunn points out that Gilroy’s statistics occurred when the city had a contractor operating the parkade, but now there is just an automated ticket machine. “I’d be interested to see what happens since the attendant has gone,” he said. “Coun. Gilroy should get out and talk to downtown businesses.” The city installed an automated machine on a trial basis after the longtime parkade operator chose to end his contract.