Yukon government says it’s beefing up a safety action response plan in order to tackle crime in downtown Whitehorse.
“I think we’re as a community at a point where our frustration is at a tipping point collectively,” Premier Ranj Pillai told media on Tuesday about the criminal activity in the area and how its affecting residents and business owners.
“There’s been too many instances of buildings, homes, vehicles being broken into… People feel unsafe.”
According to recent statistics from the Whitehorse RCMP, property crime in the downtown core has increased.
Pillai said while issues with substance use are often linked to criminal activity, it doesn’t excuse criminal behaviour.
“We cannot focus on harm reduction for only one specific group of the population. While people who use substances are the victims of a disease, that does not give them free rein to cause harm and that cycle must be broken,” he said. “We have people stealing bikes at Whitehorse Elementary (school) at three o’clock in the afternoon, like this is ridiculous…I think everybody understands that if you are consistently breaking the law, there should be a consequence for that.”
Pillai said the government would be adding new action items to its Downtown Whitehorse safety response action plan that was released late last year in order to tackle the issue.
That includes converting a vacant government owned building directly across from the Whitehorse emergency shelter into a supportive housing program for vulnerable people.
Pillai said there are currently “congregation problems” happening outside the building. He said the program will have guest management which will control traffic going in and out of the building and help keep “predators and unwanted guests away.”
A new crime prevention grant program was also announced. The program will provide funding for businesses owners to enhance their building’s security, such as purchasing and installing security equipment.
Pillai said the program will require legislative approval.
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Pillai further noted a private security firm it funded to patrol downtown, especially along Alexander street where the shelter is located, had been “incredibly successful.” He said the patrols would now have a permanent presence in order to combat loitering, anti-social behaviour and the setup of temporary structures.
Other actions include increasing funding for the RCMP and Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN), pending legislative approval; encouraging the City of Whitehorse to sign a letter of intent to define its shared responsibilities on downtown safety; and, re-opening a warming centre at the Yukon legislative building this winter.
The government said the updated plan would also include recommendations from a coroner’s inquest that was held earlier this year into the deaths of four First Nations women that occurred at the shelter.
When asked about the government’s relationship with the RCMP, Pillai admitted he felt the they were “frustrated” dealing with the situation.
“I think that the RCMP are doing everything they possibly can, and we need a system in place that supports their work,” he said.
Pillai said it isn’t uncommon for the RCMP to put numerous resources into a call, only for the perpetrator to be released on bail shortly after.
“We’re continuing to see a revolving door. I do think that,” he said. “(There’s) a small group of individuals that are causing a tremendous amount of problems for everybody, and I think the RCMP needs the support.”
The premier was joined by Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee who said there is no “silver bullet” to tackling the issue.
“This is certainly a complex issue, it requires a combination or a balance of responses. There’s no one answer.”
