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EDITORIAL: Bylaw funds make sense

Additional bylaw compliance staff in Vernon will assist the homeless and the community at large
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The City of Vernon is increasing resources because of homelessness in Vernon. (morning star file photo)

With financial times remaining tight, there will be some residents who question additional money being pumped into city staff.

However, the $81,480 isn’t simply bloating the bureaucracy further but addressing a significant social issue in the community.

With the extra bucks, the time for seasonal bylaw compliance officers is being extended to cover from April 19 to November, largely as a recognition that the street population doesn’t disappear when the weather gets cold. They are increasingly a presence 12 months a year.

Obviously the bylaw officers will be there to monitor unacceptable activities and deal with those situations as needed. This is necessary as security is an ongoing concern for residents and businesses, particularly downtown and in the parks.

But more importantly, Vernon’s bylaw officers increasingly work with service agencies to reach out to our homeless and disadvantaged. They make sure that individuals are aware of the resources available locally while providing them with the respect all of us deserve.

Vernon has become a provincial leader in how community agencies and enforcement authorities have united in response to the homeless and opioid crisis, and city council and administration deserve credit for ensuring sufficient resources are available.

Every dollar counts, especially when it comes from taxes, but it’s money well spent if we can make a positive difference in someone’s life.