The City of Nanaimo is getting ready to bring back its public safety committee.
Last week, the city put out a call for volunteers for the committee, which will be dedicated to helping to improve safety and security in the community. The committee will advise city council on public safety programs, policies and strategic initiatives, according to a press release.
The city hasn’t had a public safety committee since 2018, so it will start from scratch with nine voting members, including two city council representatives. The intention is for the committee to meet every other month over the next three years, coinciding with the term of the current city council.
“The safety and well-being of our city is so much more than a hot topic; there are genuine issues that need to be addressed and new concerns that arise quickly,” said Mayor Leonard Krog in a press release. “Everyone, from families at home to our vulnerable and unhoused population, need to feel safe in our community.”
The release noted that the committee will be asked to discuss and make recommendations on a range of topics, including residential and commercial business safety, public nuisance matters, graffiti and vandalism, traffic infractions and road safety, public safety and security, and fire safety.
“Members will review information provided by safety groups and agencies such as the Nanaimo RCMP, Nanaimo Fire Rescue and City of Nanaimo bylaw services and will be advocates for their work as it relates to the community, enforcement and the protection of vulnerable persons,” the release noted.
Committee members-at-large will be appointed based on their availability, experience and expertise, and won’t formally represent any particular organizations.
Anyone wishing to apply to sit on the committee should access an application on the city’s website and submit it to the legislative services department by the end of the business day Dec. 1.
READ ALSO: B.C. coalition calls for more government action on crime
READ ALSO: Neighbourhood safety audit reveals citizens’ concerns about crime