Since being announced in late October (2023), the Save Our Streets (SOS) coalition has grown from 30 community organizations, citizen groups, organizations and local businesses, to 59 and counting, including recently the Cranbrook Neighbourhood Network (N2).

More are also expected to join the coalition’s call for all levels of government to coordinate their efforts and put an end to the unprecedented wave of theft, property crime and street violence being seen on the streets and at places of business in communities around B.C.

The SOS website also went live Jan. 4 at SaveOurStreets.ca, containing SOS’ message to all levels of government, answers to frequently asked questions and information for others interested in joining the SOS coalition.

“We decided to join the SOS Save Our Streets coalition to join with other communities throughout B.C. in gaining the attention of governments over the desperate situation with crime and violence we are seeing in our communities,” stated Tanya Finley, Chair of the Nelson, Cranbrook and Trail N2 concerned citizens groups.

“We need a results-driven, comprehensive and intergovernmental coordinated plan that addresses many contributing issues including drug addiction, the drug trade, mental health challenges, policing, judicial reform and homelessness.”

Other members joining the coalition since the launch of SOS include: Canadian Tire BC Dealers Group; Circle K; Lordco; Trail Neighbourhood Network (N2); and a host of Lower Mainland and other B.C. city and business organizations.

“Our membership has expanded to every region of British Columbia,” said Jess Ketchum, co-founder of the Save Our Streets coalition.

“It is definitely not just a Downtown Eastside of Vancouver issue. Our message has hit a nerve as a growing number of British Columbians recognize that a different, comprehensive, and results-driven approach is required to address the escalation of crime and violence in our communities, and it must be dealt with urgently.

“Drug addictions and drug trade, mental health challenges, law enforcement, judicial reform, homelessness, are all factors. While governments have a long history of announcing policies and programs meant to respond to these issues, the desired results have not been realized. Governments have smart people, legislative control, financial resources but also, most importantly, the responsibility to generate better results.”

“In Sechelt, we are seeing crime activity at a level never seen before,” added Theressa Logan, Executive Director of the Sechelt Downtown Business Association. “We are working hard locally, but we’ve also decided to join SOS because a louder chorus of voices is harder to ignore and will demonstrate that the issues are province-wide and urgent.  We need to see results from our government leaders who are the ones able to make the necessary policy changes to address these issues.”

In addition to increasing awareness, and highlighting issues and incidents of crime, SOS is coordinating a plan to research these trends, and establish measurable results to determine whether government actions are working to make streets and communities safer or not, the coalition stated in a media release.

SOS noted retail theft and the cost of additional security for retail stores is costing B.C. families $500 annually and there is no end in sight.

British Columbians are urged to reach out to their MLAs and MPs, to demand coordinated action and keep communities safe, the coalition said.

e-KNOW file photo

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