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EDITORIAL: Merchants must be heard

Vernon council must sit down with businesses over loitering
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It shouldn’t be surprising that some Vernon businesses are concerned about activities occurring downtown.

Obviously, there is drug use, which can spin-off into shoplifting and other crime. Prostitution does exist and of course there is also loitering. Bylaw and police officers are on the job and tackling the issue head on, but some residents have the perception that downtown and other commercial areas are not safe. That keeps them from going out and that impacts merchants’ bottom line.

The frustration has boiled over and a petition will be presented at council Monday, demanding that the city take immediate action.

However, the reality is that dealing with loitering is complex as all Canadians have freedom of mobility, and even if a red zone is created downtown, the problem will just be pushed somewhere else. In terms of homelessness, city officials and local social agencies have been extremely active in trying to manage the issue and seek solutions, such as government funding for housing.

One aspect to the petition, though, that deserves council’s attention is a task force that looks into drug use and prostitution.

Such a group could bring business owners to the table with city officials, law enforcement and social agencies in a co-operative fashion. Along with bringing the merchants’ point of view forward, it would allow the businesses to hear first hand what is already being done in the community, particularly with the homeless.

Instead of this becoming a combative situation, we would urge everyone to work together for the betterment of Vernon and all of its residents.