Integrated housing models for our most vulnerable are the best way to eliminate some of the social issues including homelessness in Prince George according to RCMP Superintendent Shaun Wright.
The City, BC Housing, and Northern Health are working together to provide affordable housing with health care services to improve the downtown.
The 100-unit facility is expected to be located on 1st Avenue, the site currently occupied by NR Motors.
In an interview with Vista Radio, Wright said a model like this should be successful in PG.
“That model is exactly where we need to go because just offering housing is going to be insufficient where you need to offer those supports in order to be successful.”
Wright added visibility is key when tackling crime in our city.
Prince George is just getting past a string of violent incidents involving rival groups that led to arrests.
Wright mentioned if you don’t deal with the smaller crimes right away, it can escalate to a much bigger problem
“If you allow small, insignificant events or nuisance crimes to occur without addressing them, they tend to fester and increase and then more significant crimes tends to follow. There is a lot of what I would call nuisance crimes and minor property damage and trespassing in this town.”
Earlier this year, city council approved the RCMP’s request for more patrols in the downtown core, a move Wright believes has paid off.
He added the northern capital, Kamloops, and Nanaimo all have similar issues when it comes to crime.