Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson wants residents to know that, despite recent social media buzz, his city is quite safe.
Simpson says rising property crime rates can be attributed to systematic poverty, increasing homelessness, the opioid crisis, and other substance abuse issues.
Though Quesnel’s calls for service are among the highest in the province on a per officer basis, Simpson says the same issues are affecting most similarly sized communities.
Mayor Simpson touted the city’s Public Safety and Policing Committee for their efforts to address the root cause of safety issues, rather than simply displace them.
While long term strategies, such as the Community Caring for People with Addictions initiative, are being developed, the Mayor also recognized the need for immediate resolutions.
As a result, the City has planned for more policing and bylaw resources in their 2019 budget.
