Finding a solution for drunken behavior around Bovill square downtown is now the task of Smithers staff after last night’s council meeting.
Mayor Taylor Bachrach says it’s been a problem for a long time, and a solution isn’t simple.
“Lately, we’ve heard a lot from businesses and we’re aware of this petition going around,” a petition with over 32 signatures calling for the moving of the homeless shelter in town. Council has no power, and shut down any idea, for moving the shelter. But,”there’s an expectation that council show some leadership and do something,” says Bachrach.
Councillor Frank Wray disagreed with putting the task on town staff’s plate, seeing as there hasn’t been a solution in his eight years of council.
“Unless we hear a radical new idea, staffs just going to rehash this conversation,” says Wray. He’s worried the problem will just get moved around town, finding a safe place for drunkard behavior he says is illegal, and shouldn’t be condoned. Wray agrees something should be done, but what?
Staff will look for solutions, communicate with service providers and get back to council with some ideas.
Councillor Gladys Atrill is weary of ‘relocating them with a heavy hand,’ but supports staff seeking solutions.
Councillor Bill Goodacre pointed out,”why aren’t those people more important to us?” He says this is a task council can achieve, and find a way to fit people, that may be struggling, into our society.