Business owners at Monday's meeting felt there's a direct relationship between the bar and trailer court in the area, and the increase in crime. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

Buckland business owners call on council to address crime

Dec 11, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Frustrated by what they described as an increase in property crime and transient activity, business owners in the Redwing area of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Buckland, are calling for help.

Andrew Strauss with Strauss Home Investments, was among a handful of concerned rate payers in attendance during Monday’s council meeting.

“It’s basically just an open door free for all right now,” he said, before noting in his own shop, he’s experienced 21 break-ins over 28 nights.

Strauss suggested hiring a security contractor, who would patrol the area and then call police when issues arise. The estimated cost to pay for such a service is $38/hr.

“We just need to create a presence,” Strauss said. “You go from seeing zero police, or very little, to a security guy driving by 12 times a night. You’ll probably look elsewhere to steal stuff.”

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Div. 2 Councillor Jason Zalewski said nothing will change until the justice system does more to stop catch-and-release. (NIgel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

While the general consensus among the business owners was that the RCMP are doing a good job and trying the best they can, there was also a feeling a lot is getting missed. Larry Foy with J & L Mechanical described how he’s been shot at and chased around his property.

“We’re alone out there,” he said.

When RM Administrator Cori Sarginson inquired who Strauss had in mind to do the job, he replied they could put it to tender. He also noted business owners are willing to split the cost, but still prefer first to get help from the RM.

“I know that the business owners would be OK with a small increase in their tax to cover this cost and I just feel the RM has an obligation to help us out with this,” he said.

Among the issues raised by the business owners was the back and forth traffic between the local bar and the nearby trailer courts, claiming this very same traffic is responsible for the break-ins.

Business owners said there’s numerous examples of derelict, boarded trailers that are being used by squatters. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

paNOW attempted to reach out to the Sunnyside trailer park for comment, but the listed number is no longer in service.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve Hurst was in attendance during Monday’s meeting but only observed and spoke afterwards with the concerned rate payers.

The RM Council has not yet made a decision on the group’s request, but several members were overheard raising concerns with respect to cost.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell