Safe communities are the first duty of local government.

It’s been said that we have become a society of enablers, but what we are enabling is causing great harm to everyone involved. Residents should be able to walk downtown, visit our parks, and operate their businesses with confidence. Those struggling with drug addiction should be given every incentive and opportunity to get the help they need, with support that encourages recovery rather than perpetuates the problem.

I will advocate a coordinated public-safety program that gives priority to locations experiencing repeated theft, threatening behaviour, open illicit drug use, and unlawful occupation of public spaces.

THE COMMITMENT

Firm on public order.

Clear on responsibilities. Dignified in how we help people regain stability.

Efficient Governance Proposal

Beautiful Community Proposal

A PRACTICAL RESPONSE

Four ways to restore confidence.

Visible response

Regular, visible bylaw enforcement and patrols at recurring problem locations, consistent enforcement of existing bylaws, and prompt removal of discarded needles, hazardous debris, and obstructions.

Clear, consistent rules

Where the City’s overnight-sheltering exception applies, its requirement to pack up temporary shelters before 9 a.m. should receive consistent follow-through. Additional rules should be put in place to ensure that the occupation of public land is a temporary antidote rather than permanent solution.

Assigned accountability

I will press for closer coordination among bylaw officers, the RCMP, and public works, with clearly assigned responsibilities and accountability for follow-through. On provincial land, I will seek written response agreements identifying which agencies must act and what powers they can use. I will respectfully demand accountability from provincial officials whose decisions shape our community, even when they live far from the consequences. Salmon Arm residents deserve clear answers and timely action.

Dignity and recovery

People struggling with addiction and homelessness should be treated with dignity and connected with available shelter, treatment, and recovery services. I will press the Province and Interior Health to provide the services needed to help people regain stability. For people experiencing homelessness who have come to Salmon Arm from other communities and wish to return, I will support exploring sponsored transportation home, coordinated with supportive family members, housing providers, or established support services.

RESULTS, NOT RHETORIC

Residents deserve public safety policies that work.

I will seek quarterly reporting on repeat incidents, cleanup response times, enforcement outcomes, and conditions at recurring problem locations, so Council can strengthen measures that work and change those that do not.

Explore the full campaign platform.

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