Heat over crime in city gets to Sentes

Penticton city councillor points to ‘many steps’ taken to try to clean up downtown

Penticton city Coun. Judy Sentes is fed up with complaints about what is being perceived as the city’s inaction on growing crime and social issues.

“The city and council have taken significant criticism,” said Sentes on Tuesday, after city manager Peter Weeber provided council with an update on all the enforcement and action the city, its bylaws department and RCMP have taken to clean up the downtown.

“Before you throw out criticism and condemnation, be assured this city is not standing still,” said Sentes.

The city has and is taking many steps to make the town safe and inviting, she added.

“The issues we face are significant. There are no simple solutions. I hope those who have been critical that nothing is happening will make themselves aware and pay attention to what we have been doing,” said Sentes.

The city has hired private security to patrol the parks, city staff patrol beaches, there is increased bylaw enforcement until 11 p.m., added lighting throughout Main Street and in back alleys, and the city has taken a zero-tolerance approach to bad behaviour this summer, said Weeber.

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said residents should spend less time criticizing the city on social media and instead report incidents to the authorities in real time.

“We often tolerate bad behaviour or turn a blind eye, but it grows and festers to where it is today. Penticton residents will go on social media to say they saw this yesterday or a few hours ago, but (should) call police right away. See something, say something. Hopefully that sinks in,” said Jakubeit.

On Monday, BC Housing released the latest homeless statistics, putting the city’s population at 108, said Weeber, who believes that figure is lower than the actual number. BC Housing is working on providing 100 living units for Penticton’s homeless.

Sixty-two of those units are planned for a supportive housing complex that had been slated to go on Green Avenue, but the site was rejected. The city is currently working with BC Housing to find a new location.

The former Super 8 Motel, now called Compass Court, will provide the other 38 housing units.

“That’s the actual solution is housing. We can push people along, around town, but our most vulnerable need into housing,” said Weeber.