Downtown Disorder in British Columbia: Prince George Brewery Closure Sparks Urgent Calls for Action
A wave of concern is sweeping across British Columbia as communities grapple with rising downtown disorder. In Prince George, CrossRoads Brewing, a popular downtown brewery, announced it will not rebuild after a devastating arson incident until significant improvements are made to the neighborhood's safety. This announcement has intensified calls for action from local leaders and business owners who say the current situation is unsustainable.
The Crisis in Prince George
Owners of CrossRoads Brewing, Daryl Leiski and Cindy Zurowski, expressed their frustration in a letter to city council, stating, "We are under siege." They emphasized the need for immediate and decisive action to restore a sense of safety in the downtown core, without which they cannot rebuild. Their concerns echo those of other businesses and residents in Prince George and across B.C.
"We cannot continue to put our employees, our families, our community and our businesses at risk. We need action – real, urgent, decisive action. Give us back our streets. Give us back our sense of safety. Without it, businesses like ours cannot survive, let alone rebuild." - Daryl Leiski and Cindy Zurowski, CrossRoads Brewing
Province-Wide Struggles with Public Safety
The situation in Prince George is not unique. Other communities in British Columbia are facing similar challenges. Examples include private security hired in Smithers, a near declaration of a state of emergency in Williams Lake, and a controversial proposal in Nanaimo to build a fence around city hall. These measures reflect the desperation of local leaders trying to address complex social issues contributing to public disorder.
- Smithers: Hired private security guards to patrol downtown streets.
- Williams Lake: Nearly declared a state of local emergency due to public disorder.
- Nanaimo: Proposed an iron fence to separate city hall from the "congregations" of people.
Mayoral Calls for Bail Reform and Increased Support
Prince George Mayor Simon Yu is advocating for immediate bail reform and a better triage system for people in need. He believes addressing the root causes of the issues is crucial for preventing future problems. Yu, along with other B.C. mayors, will be taking this message to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) meetings in Victoria.
Michelle Sakamoto, a nightclub owner in downtown Prince George, described the ongoing vandalism and safety concerns, emphasizing the feeling of hopelessness. Her business, like CrossRoads, has suffered significant damage. "It just feels hopeless," she said, highlighting the challenges faced by businesses in the area.
Mayors in the Okanagan region are also calling for bail reform, highlighting the impact of repeat offenders on their communities. They cited statistics showing that a small number of individuals are responsible for a disproportionate number of police files. They also are calling for investments in crown prosecutors and mandatory compassionate care for those who pose a danger to themselves or others.
Focus on Root Causes and Long-Term Solutions
Amelia Merrick of the advocacy group Together We Stand agrees with the need for change but emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes rather than solely focusing on solving existing problems. She advocates for significant investment in mental health, detox, and wrap-around services, arguing that unhoused people are often victims of crime and disorder, rather than just perpetrators. She stresses the need for person-centered programs and responses, with input from those most affected.
| Issue | Proposed Solutions |
|---|---|
| Repeat Offenders | Bail Reform, Increased Crown Prosecutors |
| Homelessness and Addiction | Mental Health Support, Detox Services, Permanent Housing |
| Downtown Disorder | Community-Based Programs, Person-Centered Approach |
The situation in Prince George and other B.C. communities is a complex crisis. There is a growing call for coordinated and comprehensive solutions involving all levels of government and community organizations. The safety and well-being of residents and businesses depend on it.
