UBCM Tackles Crime and Homelessness Amid Growing Community Concerns

The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is currently convening in Victoria to address pressing issues related to crime, homelessness, and mental health that are impacting communities across British Columbia. This year’s agenda highlights the need for immediate action on public disorder, as local leaders grapple with the consequences of these challenges on their constituents.

Jess Ketchum, co-founder of the Save Our Streets Coalition (SOS), voiced concerns during an interview with 1130 NewsRadio, stating that municipal governments are increasingly burdened with issues such as crime, violence, and public disorder. “Many of them deal with crime, violence and public disorder that is prevalent in so many communities in B.C. This conference is going to highlight the fact that these issues are in every community throughout British Columbia,” Ketchum explained.

The resolutions under discussion at UBCM include a variety of initiatives aimed at addressing these urgent challenges. Among the key proposals are a regional approach to homelessness, continued funding for local poverty reduction initiatives, and strategies for rehabilitation and public safety. Other significant points on the agenda include urgent housing actions, addressing repeat offenders, and improving victim services program funding.

Ketchum emphasized that many of these issues are interconnected, falling under the larger umbrellas of health care, justice, and housing, which are primarily the responsibility of provincial and federal governments. He criticized both levels of government for what he perceives as neglect in ensuring public safety. “I think the province and the federal government have dropped the ball when it comes to public safety over a long period of time,” he stated.

Funding remains a critical topic, especially following the recent announcement of a $11.6 billion deficit in British Columbia, which is projected to increase to $12.6 billion next year. Despite financial constraints, Ketchum argues that increased funding is necessary to tackle the intertwined issues of addiction, mental health, and crime prevention. “We need to have easy access to detox treatment and long-term recovery,” he urged, stressing that individuals involved in criminal activity often require proper assessments to determine underlying addiction issues.

The slow pace of the justice system has also been identified as a significant barrier. Ketchum highlighted that British Columbia has the lowest arrest-to-charge rate in Canada, which has dropped by 40 percent over the past decade. This decline is largely attributed to a shortage of prosecutors, leading to unprocessed cases and diminished public trust in law enforcement. “What it means is police are more hesitant about taking charges forward if they feel like they’re not going to be acted on. What it means is the public loses faith,” he explained.

Community safety continues to be a paramount concern, with many residents expressing fears for their own safety and that of their families. “We’ve had enough. We can’t let this go any further. People’s lives are at risk,” Ketchum asserted.

In addition to financial support, SOS calls for a comprehensive plan addressing mental health and addiction, a more efficient justice system, and increased police presence, particularly in high-crime areas. The discussions at UBCM are expected to shape future policies aimed at improving public safety and community well-being.

The UBCM conference is scheduled to conclude on Friday, March 15, 2024, with local leaders and stakeholders eager to find actionable solutions to ongoing challenges affecting British Columbia’s communities.