(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Crime Problem

P.A. & North Battleford meeting with other cities to find solutions to increasing crime and homeless problems

Jun 9, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Four cities in Western Canada are planning on meeting to try and find solutions to the increasing crime rates and homeless problem.

Representatives from communities across the country met in Regina last week for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference to discuss different issues.

Crime was top of mind for many, specifically for Prince Albert, North Battleford, Thompson, Man., and Prince George, B.C.

P.A. Mayor Greg Dionne told paNOW the four cities met in Regina and have agreed to meet again.

“We’re just going to share experiences that we’re having, what we’re doing about it, what they’re doing about it, and see if there’s a best practice… a better way to do it.”

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For several years, these communities have been deemed as some of the most dangerous due to high crime rates.

Maclean’s Magazine has ranked each inside the top 20 across the country multiple times with North Battleford, Thompson, and P.A. each being listed in the top 4 multiple times.

Dionne explained he’s never seen crime this bad in the city he’s called home for 35 years, adding this statement can be said by a lot of people in different communities.

A date and location still haven’t been chosen for the meeting.

As for solutions, there’s no easy and short-term fix.

One of the talking points during the upcoming meeting is expected to be mental health.

An idea that was circulated at last week’s meeting was advocating together for more funding and support from the federal government.

“If we represent ourselves as three provinces, we may have a bigger clout,” added Dionne.

He also expressed support for the federal NDP’s plan to lower prices for affordable housing. The party’s leader Jagmeet Singh spoke in Regina that their working with the federal liberals to practically cut rent in half. This will help people off the street and potentially stop someone from doing something illegal, like stealing food, in order to survive.

Moving forward, Dionne noted the city plans on meeting with different non-profits and organizations that look after affordable housing.

“We’re going to help them apply (for funding), we’ll give them free land and we’ll work hard on getting more houses built.”

In the meantime, people living in P.A. may notice many police vehicles roaming the streets.

This is the latest step by the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) to help ease concerns from residents, specifically after there were multiple murders within one day.

“We’re doing more car checks, knocking on doors, we’re chasing down the gang bangers, we’re investigating all the crimes,” added Dionne.

He understands some may be nervous seeing all the vehicles, though they will be there to ensure the public that they’re safe.

Not every officer roaming the streets right now is a member of PAPS. Officers from different detachments like the RCMP are lending a helping hand.

Dionne added the extra officers aren’t just here to help the public.

“We’re worried about our staff burning out because a lot of them have been working overtime.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow