Downtown distressed by crime and drugs

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - May 11, 2008

Ongoing security concerns have downtown Vernon merchants ringing alarm bells. During a special meeting Friday, Downtown Vernon Association directors told city council there continues to be problems with crime and drugs, including discarded needles. “We are exposing people and families to huge risks,” said Mary-Jo O’Keefe, president. “A child could pick up a needle and that’s a scary thing.” Other merchants are finding condoms laying around. “It does impact our business when that’s the day-to-day reality,” said O’Keefe. Much of the discussion revolved around the shift from the DVA paying for the Commissionaires conducting street patrols to the city hiring more bylaw enforcement officers. “They are not helping people walk to work. They are seen as aggressive officers who hand out (parking) tickets,” said O’Keefe. “Yes, we have to enforce parking but they have to be seen as being friendly and conciliatory to some degree.” Clint Kanester, the city’s bylaw enforcement manager, explained that only one officer is dedicated to writing parking tickets. “Those other officers are mandated to do other duties,” he said, adding that two employees start at 7 a.m. and they immediately check the parkade and alleys for problems.

“Our officers will also walk the downtown core at 4 p.m.” Some DVA directors claimed that there is a lack of communication between them and bylaw enforcement officers and that regular foot patrols by the RCMP stopped over winter. Staff Sgt. Cam Percy, with the RCMP, says fewer patrols occurred over winter because of resource issues. “We have now instituted our foot patrol program, and as of the May long-weekend, they will do additional patrols Friday and Saturday nights.” O’Keefe acknowledged that the RCMP is short manpower so she suggested that there may be a need to hire the Commissionaires for patrols again. Mayor Wayne Lippert says he is pleased with the security improvements that have been made downtown in the past year, but admits that more can be done. “Bylaw enforcement officers should be working more as ambassadors and they should have more contact with the businesses,” he said. Lippert added that there is a need for improved communications with the DVA. “My door is open and don’t be afraid to come and see me. This council is listening and will listen to you.”