A coalition dedicated to street safety for all of BC is holding a forum this coming week.
Called the Communities Driving Change forum, it aims to bring an evidence-based approach to how issues such as violence, crime, and street disorder are addressed. It’s hosted by Save Our Streets, a coalition of citizen groups and businesses focused on finding ways to stop crime and violence.
The forum will see five panel discussions on several topics, including judicial reform and resources, policing reform and resources, addictions and mental illnesses continuum of care, and the role of housing.
The coalition says experts and keynote speakers will be addressing these issues at the forum.
“They will join with community and business representatives from throughout B.C., as well as elected officials from all levels of government to discuss solutions to these serious community and societal issues,” said the coalition.
They say the speakers include BC leader of the Conservative Party John Rustad, City of Nanaimo mayor Leonard Krog, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services Terry Yung, and Associate Vice President of BC Housing Heidi Hartman.
They hope through this event, people can set aside their differences to make solutions for these ongoing issues.
The forum takes place at the Wosk Center for Dialogue in Vancouver, running from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on January 23.
