Background
By working together, we can establish tailored initiatives specific to Fort St. John, addressing these challenges long-term.
During the April 24, 2023 Regular Council Meeting, local business owners expressed their concerns regarding community safety. This prompted Council to direct City staff to host engagement opportunities to actively involve local businesses, residents, and community partners in addressing these challenges.
Although calls for service for the Fort St. John RCMP have decreased from 9,877 in 2018 to 8,507 in 2022, there has been a decrease in the overall feeling of safety in the community. Multiple factors could contribute to this, but we can develop practical solutions to promote community safety by harnessing the collective expertise, experiences, and perspectives of local businesses, residents, and community partners.
Improving community safety requires a joint effort from local, provincial, and federal governments, service providers, business owners, and residents. By working together, we can establish tailored initiatives specific to Fort St. John, addressing these challenges long-term.
Council’s objective is to foster collaboration among participants and partners, aiming to address the concerns raised and ensure the implementation of adequate measures to enhance safety throughout the community. This webpage will provide regular updates and reports, informing you about the process and progress.
Ultimately, Council’s proactive response to the concerns expressed by local business owners, residents, and community partners demonstrates the City’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its community. By working collaboratively, we strive to create a safer environment for everyone.
Visit the “Get Involved” tab to learn about upcoming engagement opportunities.
Latest News
Let’s Talk Community Safety Update!
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Let’s Talk Community Safety Open House and Tradeshow last week!
We’d also like to thank our Community Partners (Northern Health, Fort St. John RCMP, Urban Matters CCC, Fort St. John Salvation Army, Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce, and MLA Dan Davies) for attending.
Together, we can work to establish and identify potential initiatives, specific to Fort St. John, to address Community Safety challenges long-term through the joint efforts of local, provincial, and federal governments, service providers, business owners, and residents.
To continue the conversation, we’ve launched the Let’s Talk Community Safety survey, available at: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7430065/Lets-Talk-Community-Safety
Let’s Talk Community Safety Open House goes Thursday
On Thursday, July 6, from 4 until 7 pm, the City of Fort St. John will host a Let’s Talk Community Safety Open House / Tradeshow with various community partners at the Festival Plaza (9523 – 100 Street). Confirmed community partners include Northern Health, Fort St. John RCMP, Fort St. John Salvation Army, Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce, Urban Systems / Urban Matters, and a representative for MLA Dan Davies.
This is an opportunity to work together to establish and identify potential initiatives, specific to Fort St. John, to address these challenges long-term through the joint efforts of local, provincial, and federal governments, service providers, business owners, and residents.
In addition to advocating to higher levels of government to address concerns in their areas of responsibility, the City of Fort St. John is looking for feedback on implementing several initiatives, including Housing First and Situation Table programs. These two programs have been established in other communities across Canada to address homelessness and provide support services to vulnerable people.
Earlier this year, local business owners attended a Council meeting to express their concerns regarding community safety. This prompted Council to direct City staff to host engagement opportunities to actively involve local businesses, residents, and community partners in addressing these challenges.
Although calls for service for the Fort St. John RCMP have decreased from 9,877 in 2018 to 8,507 in 2022, there has been a decrease in the overall feeling of safety in the community. Multiple factors could contribute to this, but we can develop practical solutions to promote community safety by harnessing the collective expertise, experiences, and perspectives of local businesses, residents, and community partners.
For those unable to make it, a survey will be available following the Open House / Tradeshow for those wishing to provide their input. Learn more at https://letstalk.fortstjohn.ca/engage/community-safety.
Get Invoved
Current Opportunities
Resident & Business Survey – Available Now
Click the “Survey” tab or visit https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7430065/Lets-Talk-Community-Safety to provide your input through the Let’s Talk Community Safety survey.
Past Opportunities
Canada Day Booth – Saturday, July 1 | 11 am – 4 pm
Check out the City’s booth at the Canada Day celebrations in Centennial Park to learn more about the challenges and provide your input!
Open House & Tradeshow – Thursday, July 6 | 4 – 7 pm | Festival Plaza
Join the City and community partners to learn about programs and activities that are either underway or have the potential to implement. There will be opportunities for collaborative idea generation between residents, businesses, and organizations.
