A small city in British Columbia’s Central Interior is grappling with public safety and crime concerns, prompting a proposal to invoke the Emergency and Disaster Management Act. The city of Williams Lake has struggled to provide support services for its residents, leading councillor Scott Nelson to call for emergency measures.
Key Incidents Prompting the Proposal
Councillor Nelson cited specific incidents that prompted his proposal, including:
- Thefts
- Assaults on the public
- Open drug use
- Fires in the downtown core
- Public indecency
- Intoxication
- Vandalism
He also expressed concern about homeless camps becoming increasingly dangerous. "Theft is rampant," Nelson said during a council meeting. "People are throwing needles into yards where children live near Hamilton Inn."
Concerns from Other Councillors
Other councillors expressed concern about invoking a state of emergency due to potential negative impacts on tourism and economic development in Williams Lake. They worry it could harm local businesses.
Councillor Katie Anderson stated, "We have people who are struggling with addiction. We need to find ways to help them get treatment rather than putting them into involuntary care."
Council’s Decision
The council voted unanimously in favor of exploring options under Section 9(2) of BC’s Emergency Program Act. Staff will investigate what measures can be taken under provincial regulations following this vote. The outcome will determine whether Williams Lake declares a local state of emergency or takes other steps to address its public safety issues.
Mayor’s Perspective
Mayor Walt Cobb emphasized the need for more resources from the government. "We need more funding for mental health services and we need more funding for housing," he stated during an interview. Cobb acknowledged the hesitance some may feel about declaring an emergency but believes it would allow the city access to additional resources they desperately need.
Broader Context
The situation in Williams Lake highlights ongoing issues with homelessness across Canada as cities struggle with rising crime rates and inadequate support services for those struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
In Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighborhood alone, there were over 1 million reported crimes between January 2020 and December 2022, according to data from Statistics Canada.
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