Smithers town council is taking steps to ease residents’ concerns about the loitering going on at Bovill Square.
Mayor Taylor Bachrach says he, along with Councillor Frank Wray, met with the Salvation Army, Broadway Place Shelter and Positive Living North
He adds the RCMP also attended the meeting to discuss their role.
“We did receive some assurance from the RCMP that they know what is going on and the people involved and they are actively working to make the situation better, ” he says. “That is good to hear. The RCMP in our community do a good job. We are going to stay in touch and if there are steps the town can take, we are open to that.”
Bachrach says they didn’t come up with a quick-fix solution but the town wants to work with social services to address the underlying issues.
He says he knows this a frustrating situation but is asking residents to be understanding and compassionate for their neighbours that are dealing with mental issues or addiction.